The Refinishing Touch Blog

This past Sunday, August 25th, the world said goodbye to Beijing as the 2008 Summer Olympic Games came to a close. But it didn't take long before Americans shifted focus to their own home soil.

Just a short 24 hours after the Olympic closing ceremonies, marked the opening of the Democratic National Convention in Denver, CO. Yet as the convention kicked off what promised to be one of the most focused upon Presidential elections our nation has yet to see, the politics seem to have taken a back seat to a greater, "greener" initiative.

The Democratic National Convention Committee made environmental friendliness a primary focus this year. In the planning stages of the event, figures were released estimating a total of one ton of CO2, the greenhouse gas, that was expected to be emitted into the environment for each person expected to attend the Democratic event.

The estimation of greenhouse gas for this event only is astonishing. The DNCC planned an event that would try to avoid and significantly reduce the estimated numbers. In an effort to hammer the idea home throughout the United States, the DNCC committed to carbon offset programs and measuring the overall carbon footprint of the greener event to compare it to past conventions. The hope for planning a greener event was not only to set an example for the nation and the world, but to also have this event create a legacy of sustainability for the Democratic Party.

The world is aware now of the implications that poor energy spending and irresponsible behavior can have on the environment. Among the very long list of green-smart efforts being conducted throughout the world, now stands a blue-print for others to follow. From choosing to use sustainable materials to using alternative energy methods like fluorescent, LED and solar powered lighting and making hybrid transportation available to and from all access points for the event, the DNCC has both raised and set the bar very high for others to follow.

We saw Beijing's extraordinary nod to the very same cause with their green approach to the Olympic Village. The buzz that both the Democratic Party and China received for their green efforts during recent major events has been extremely positive. This is the same kind of positive buzz that the The Refinishing Touch has been running off of over the past few decades and we're proud to see the "green-reach" extending further and further.

The common goal is here and it starts with you. Have you checked out your carbon footprint? We are proud to display our Carbon statistics, and as innovators in this movement, encourage everyone to educate themselves on their own Carbon stance. Check out Live Earth for a dose of environmental reality and calculate your carbon footprint. You will be surprised at either what a good job you are doing or how far you need to come to make some changes.

Labels: Calculate your Carbon footprint, Democratic National Convention, Green, Live Earth, Sustainability

It is crystal clear our world today is focused on one common movement- the need to think and be green. From CEOs, business managers, to chief sustainability officers, everyone has green in their sight.

However, being green is not just about recycling. It's a collection of best practices to run sustainable businesses and create eco-friendly practices that also drive and support the business.

Environmental consciousness is, now more than ever, at the forefront of better business practices within the hospitality industry. For example, a recent story in Hotel Interactive recognizes the Cheyenne Mountain Resort in Colorado Springs and its move to greener practices to serve its guests with an eco-friendly way to conduct business.

Whether you are an independent resort or an international brand, green initiatives such as these are paramount. This includes steps such as using energy efficient lighting, using 100% recycled paper products, and encouraging guests to save energy whether it's lights, electricity or laundry. These all contribute to the green goal and reduced carbon footprints.

The Cheyenne Mountain Resort recently became a member of the "Green" Hotels Association, an organization committed to promoting eco-consciousness throughout the hospitality industry. It's great to see momentum within the hospitality industry to the green movement. The commitment to change former best practices to green best practices will help the bottom line of the property and benefit the environment.

At The Refinishing Touch we not only support this movement, but have based our business practices on green since Day One. We are proud to have been innovators to a green and business-friendly solution for over 30 years, and look forward to what the next 30 years bring.

Labels: Green, Hospitality

The 2008 Presidential Election is at the forefront of every American citizen's mind, whatever their livelihood or industry. The hospitality sector is no exception.

The August 1 issue of Hotel & Motel Management gives an interesting insight into the election from an hotelier's perspective. The hospitality industry has always held a strong connection with politics: Washington D.C.'s landmark Willard Hotel is fabled to be the place where Ulysses S. Grant coined the term "lobbyist."

This connection continues with the impact of the election, which will determine US economic conditions that impact the hospitality industry including taxes, sustainability, and travel and tourism.

My thoughts on some of these aspects:

Taxes: Permanent tax cuts. If these take place, they will increase business meal deductions and spouse travel deductions. Meanwhile, tax benefits for small businesses and families will increase travel and tourism.

Sustainability: Large-scale and collective movements, whether on a national or global level, will bring the shift in attitudes needed around sustainability more than smaller-scale or isolated state or regional regulations. This is about fundamental global attitudes and the role of politicians in driving change.

Travel and Tourism: Research and development is required on a national and international level to promote tourism in the United States. Especially as stricter security requirements since 9/11 may have changed international attitudes about the United States as a destination. The US Government's support and actions, such as sponsored ads illustrating the myriad of attractions and vacations available within the United States, would help drive tourism.

Sometimes, despite high-level reviews and discussions about the future government, it can be too easy to forget the underlying initiatives, regulations and potential restrictions that impact our industry.

At this point, I hope that future politicians are hospitable to our industry - and the myriad of businesses and individuals that depend on it.

Labels: Hospitality, Lobbyist, Politics

Texas - the state of big hats and longhorns. The Refinishing Touch Green Team got a little taste of the Lone Star State last month while refinishing Garrett Creek Ranch.

Located in Paradise, Texas, Garrett Creek felt like an escape from everyday life. The fresh air and cowhide rugs contributed to the classic dude ranch feel, and the Green Team enjoyed their visit thoroughly.

We went to Garret Creek to refinish and redress some seating in the ranch's conference center. Garret Creek understands the importance of environmentally friendly furniture, and was eager to manage its furniture more effectively and not just throw it away.

Buying new furniture every time your furniture starts wearing out isn't practical, from both an environmental and financial perspective. Disposing of furniture often involves burning it, which can release damaging chemicals. Plus the transportation and disposal processes themselves require significant amounts of energy to carry out, and in many cases the furniture will end up in landfill. In addition, if you get rid of your furniture, you need to buy new stuff to replace it. New furniture needs to be made and transported, and both of these processes add unnecessarily to the global carbon footprint. Furniture refinishing reduces these problems. A good refinishing job can make your existing furniture like new, at a fraction of the cost of buying new furniture, and with no environmental damage.

The materials we used to refinish Garret Creek Conference Center's furniture were environmentally friendly. There was no need for the ranch to dispose of the items, or spend vast amounts of money getting new furniture made and delivered. By refinishing the furniture it had, Garret Creek was able to save money and reduce its environmental impact. It really was a win-win situation.

Labels: Environmentally friendly furniture, Green, saving money

While enjoying the latest issue of Hospitality Design Magazine, I noticed a few trends.


It seems that plush fabrics, loud colors, and smooth lines are all in vogue. Granite in hotel rooms is becoming more common than in previous years, particularly lighter colored granite. Clean profiles were also consistent among guest suites, with bold pieces of art being the main focal point. Bright colors, such as bold reds and rich browns were common across all interior design content within the publication, but the most important color in interior design is green - people are concerned about the environment, and they are concerned about expense.

Here at The Refinishing Touch, we have some ideas of our own. The thing is, you don't need to run out and buy new furniture when redesigning a room - you can use what you've already got. Whether its hotel furniture, motel furniture, university dorm furniture, or casino furniture, it can be re-imagined to fit in with your design aesthetic. It's not a matter of simply touching up the furniture - a splash of paint here, a dab there isn't enough - we totally re-engineer the piece, and our techniques are specific to each individual project. The result is furniture that's not just as good as new. It pretty much is new.

Quality furniture, environmentally friendly furniture, cheaper furniture, furniture that adds value to its home - those are the trends we continue to follow.

Labels: About The Refinishing Touch, Green, Hospitality, saving money, trends

Bright lights, big city - that's Las Vegas, the city that never sleeps. However, sustainable, environmentally friendly and green are some of the last words that come to mind to describe Vegas. Until recently, that is, because that perception is now about to change.

In a recent article in USA Today, it was revealed that plans are underway to build more than 100 square feet of new construction to the standards of the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED program).

This past May, the Palazzo Resort and Hotel Casino was designated the nation's largest LEED certified building and that is not even accounted for in this recent project. Casino-resort projects around the strip are now part of this environmental program to save energy and help the environment. And it's the hope that the 40 million tourists that travel through Las Vegas will learn from these buildings.

The casino/resort/hotel industry has an opportunity to impact not only their bottom line when they begin to become eco-friendly but they can affect each guest that stays on the property by making them aware of environmental best practices. Education and changing people's perception of what it means to be green is rapidly evolving. And it begins with one step - the LEED program is making major strides to change the perception of a city that does not have the reputation of being conscious to the environment and environment responsibility. Each green initiative the hospitality industry makes - whether visible to guests or a behind the scenes decision to help impact both the bottom line and environment - has the same powerful impact in the end - a smaller carbon footprint and a cleaner environment.

Although it may seem ironic that the least likely green city will lead the pack, with a group of existing and new properties, in taking a major step to help energy efficiency, it is truly apropos. The hospitality industry in Las Vegas is in a concentrated area and is designed as a destination for both leisure and business travel. Businesses want to host conferences and events at destinations that are concerned with the environment because when they stay within properties that are environmentally friendly they feel they are also being responsible for the environment.

Some of the current energy initiatives through the LEED program in Las Vegas include:

• Energy generators to supply power back into the hotel property as well as heat water to be used for the 7,400 hotel rooms and condo units as well as the dozens of shops, restaurants and other amenities planned
  
  
• Solar panels to heat pools and water in guest rooms
  
  
• "First paperless hotel room" by providing an iMac computer in each suite loaded with information normally found in in-room brochures

Labels: casinos, Green, Hospitality

Labels: university

Gas prices and airline tickets are increasing, making Americans reluctant to travel. Hospitality Trends reports that hotel occupancy in the US is down 4.8% from last year and the revenue available per room is down 2.4% as well. Family vacations this summer have been shortened and skipped, due to the state of the economy.

There are over 300,000 hotels in the United States, the hospitality industry employs millions of Americans, whose jobs and futures could be in jeopardy, depending on the future of tourism. The hospitality industry has been one of The Refinishing Touch's main markets for over 30 years; we have many friends in the industry so we are understandably concerned for the future state of tourism.

Just last week Bill Marriott blogged some important thoughts and opinions about rising gas prices and the economy and how it relates to the tourism industry. He has a great call to action for our government; hopefully this inspires some of the change we need.

Has the slowed economy changed your summer travel plans?

Labels: Hospitality