January 28th, 2011 by TRT Blog

Often, the work that is done by companies is reactionary. If a competing brand in your industry does something that proves to be profitable, or is caught doing something they shouldn’t have, everyone around them will tend to react. That could be by taking steps to either duplicate what has proven to be effective, or putting plans in place to prevent less beneficial news which could surround them.

This proves true with businesses and sustainability as well. Once companies in various sectors noticed that positive press and increased business came with announcing environmentally friendly plans, everyone made their move to jump on the bandwagon. We don’t have any problem with this at all. It’s important that trends which improve ways of life are adopted by as many companies as possible.

It’s when reactionary implementation becomes proactive planning that signifies that not only is a trend a good business decision, but a necessary one to remain relevant with whatever type of customer base you work with. Businesses of all types, including software, retail, food services and hospitality are all looking towards 2011 with green in their eyes, and that’s not just for money.

Recently, a blog we favor, greenbiz.com asked varying companies how sustainability will change for them in 2011. These were some of our favorites:

-       Jim Hanna, director of environmental impact, Starbucks: “…In 2011, our goal is to further integrate expertise and sustainable practices into individual business units and performance measurements. “

-       Bill Morrissey, vice president of environmental sustainability, The Clorox Company: “We’re looking to accelerate our sustainability efforts now that eco is an explicit part of our corporate strategy.”

-       Hannah Jones, vice president of sustainable business and innovation, Nike: “We don’t see a lot of things changing as much as we want to elevate, scale and amplify the work we are already undertaking”

We’re excited that a fresh year means new ideas and progress towards sustainability. We hope and expect that many other recognizable and powerful companies will continue to be leaders in the sustainability field as more companies will need guidance creating and ensuring their environmental protection plans grow.

bad examples, businesses, Sustainability

January 25th, 2011 by TRT Blog

For this month’s Beneath the Surface, we’re traveling to the oasis known as La Jolla. Located in Southern California, just 15 minutes from downtown San Diego, La Jolla directly translates to “the jewel”. While beautiful beaches, fine restaurants, gorgeous hotels, and intriguing art galleries are all captivating, they pale in comparison to the backdrop enjoyed at the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines hotel situated right next to the Pacific Ocean. With spectacular panoramic views of the Torrey Pines Golf Course, home of the 2008 U.S. Open, and the Pacific Ocean in the horizon, the Hilton is one destination you don’t want to miss out on.

Each guestroom is equipped with a private balcony, patio, or terrace with magnificent views in every direction. With all of the activities and events La Jolla has to offer – the annual Farmers Insurance Open on the PGA Tour at Torrey Pines Golf Course is taking place January 24^th-30^th – guests are sure to spend more time outdoors than in. But, once they arrive to their room, they will have the satisfaction of knowing they are staying in an environmentally conscious hotel that has the guests’ best interest at heart.

As the PGA event drew closer, the Hilton Torrey Pines needed to prepare for the arrival of its guests. Facing a tight deadline, our crew arrived at the property and needed to effectively and diligently restore the Hilton’s TV chests, one in each of its 394 rooms, back to new. To borrow golf terminology, we ‘aced’ it.

On top of our work bringing new life to the existing furniture, The Refinishing Touch has taken the initiative to see just how environmentally conscious the Hilton Torrey Pines hotel really is. According to the carbon footprint calculator, located on The Refinishing Touch website, the Hilton Torrey Pines hotel has made a significant impact reducing emissions of CO2 into the atmosphere. By replacing its existing furniture and purchasing new, the Hilton Torrey Pines emitted only 4.89 tons of CO2, compared to the 493.76 tons of CO2 that would’ve been emitted had they purchased new furniture, a 99% reduction! Any company can find out how well it’s doing preserving the eco system. Simply visit www.therefinishingtouch.com, and locate the Carbon Footprint Calculator on the left hand side.

Whether you are visiting La Jolla to shop, enjoy the breathtaking views, or catch a glimpse of your favorite golfer, it is sure to be a good time had by all. If you’re ever in the area and happen to be staying at the Hilton, take a moment to sit back and enjoy knowing that your room has received ‘The Refinishing Touch’.

Hilton Torrey Pines, hospitality, Operational Update

January 21st, 2011 by TRT Blog

Many know about the need to recycle paper and plastic products. Educating consumers about the need and benefits of recycling has helped encourage manufacturers to increase creation of recycled materials and goods. With a continued commitment we hope to see 100% of our paper and plastic goods recycled in our future.

But those aren’t the only products that should be at the forefront of the recycling movement. As technology advances and older models become outdated, the need for more intelligent disposal of electronic goods is becoming more prevalent. E-waste, is proving to be just as dangerous to our environment as plastics and paper have been. Considering that a single TV contains a high level of toxic materials including lead, it must become a higher priority to properly recycle items that can, in theory, be replaced every year.

E-waste dumping routes. Image via oafrica.com

When the removal and disposal of electronics does not happen responsibly, the yearly discard of over 50 tons ends up in landfills where the innards of items from cell phones to computer monitors are slowly leaked out and damaging the environment. In some instances, ‘recycling’ is not what it seems, since scrap yards sell off material to salvagers around the world, where environmental laws are lacking or non-existent making the process no better than it would be here in the States.

Fortunately as product consumption grows, awareness does as well. The Environmental Protection Agency lists retail stores and manufacturers who participate in recycling programs. We here at The Refinishing Touch do our part as well with a nationwide EPA and OSHA compliant television recycling program. And a quick search through Google can lead to re-sell programs where companies buy your old gear and re-sell to buyers looking for discounted or refurbished models.

While far from perfect, general recycling has grown due to responsible programs and widespread education. Thankfully for e-waste, there are many more reputable programs in place and beginning around the country helping consumers in the notoriously fashionable world of electronics responsibly and effectively recycle their old TVs, computers, and phones.

e-waste, Recycling, Sustainability

January 18th, 2011 by TRT Blog

While firm data and improved sales figures are needed for hard evidence that the hospitality sector has rebounded and is growing, it shouldn’t be taken lightly that a recent survey of hoteliers expressed optimism at the outlook for 2011. According to the survey, conducted by the Knowland Group, 88% of those surveyed said they expected to see the market grow this year.   Though only four percent of hoteliers said expected to add sales positions to their companies in 2011.

The survey also revealed the hottest trend in the industry for 2010: social media.  In a sign that symbolizes our time and society, hotels are seizing the  opportunity to market directly to travelers. So the hope of becoming a social media star  beat trends such as increasing customer reward programs and even going green.  Though to us at The Refinishing Touch , these are not mutually exclusive activities – in fact these three trends are highly complementary.

With more travelers booking online, armed with home broadband, smartphones, tablets, and interactive TV, there are an undeniable wealth of opportunities for hotels to communicate.  They can be transparent and demonstrate what their brands stand for, what their properties look like, and encourage visitors to share their positive experiences with each other.  After all, many of us are more likely to believe and act on personal recommendations than from self-made claims of hotels.

Some hotel chains are embracing the sharing of online information in full-force, for example Renaissance Hotel has just launched a new online and mobile program called Navigator that brings guests online local knowledge and recommendations.   Guests are given local ideas, recommendations and insights to meet their tastes, interests and requests.

Over the next month, we’re going to be looking at some of the social media campaigns that have caught our eye, just like the Renaissance Hotel’s initiative.  There are some really interesting and engaging ideas out there.

And as hotels continue to get ‘social’ and drive visibility, enthusiasm, and revenues across the hospitality industry, we’re hopeful that four percent of new sales hires is just a thought, not the reality.

hospitality, marketing, social media

January 14th, 2011 by TRT Blog

There’s no question that adding sustainable features to your hotel property not only improves its environmental impact but provides an advantage in terms of marketing. To be able to promote your hotel as one that improves the environment – while offering the amenities of home – increases its desirability for almost any traveler. Hotels must be careful however not to scare away cost conscience travelers with high prices needed to offset the costs of creating a more sustainable hotel. The question is though, how to do that?

Recently at a Sustainable Roundtable, hosted by Cornell University, representatives from several major hotel chains discussed what it takes for profitable sustainability in the hospitality sector. It was agreed that while easy to implement approaches (switching to fluorescent bulbs, low-flow showerheads) are adopted widely, it is specific practices which are withheld from outside organizations that are stunting wide spread growth of sustainability. In order for wide spread improvement, the best green practices must be applied especially those that concern the most important factor of all: the bottom line.

Cost must still play a role, as a member of the roundtable pointed out. Ten percent of cost is usually added on to the design and construction of property, however through careful planning, seven percent is eventually reduced due to the construction savings and integrated design. Restaurants face the same dilemma. Some will adhere to recycling rules and regulations while reducing water and materials consumption eventually saving money, while others will do nothing at all and not see any cost benefits.

Even though everyone in the hospitality business is out to make money, if sustainability is to become the focal point everyone is talking about, it must be discussed outwardly more, not just internally. The discussion and implementation of best practices is key to driving down costs or at least finding what works best to becoming more profitable while also becoming sustainable. Until the hospitality industry realizes this, embracing green practices unfortunately may continue to be seen as a sunk cost by those who simply haven’t talked about it enough.

Business, hospitality, Sustainability

January 11th, 2011 by TRT Blog

We can all accept hotels are about sharing.  In the best hotels it’s veiled, giving each guest the feeling that they are the first to sleep in an untouched room. But now select hotels are giving guests another item to feel like it’s the first time someone has used it: workout gear.

Westin hotels recently started a program for guests to loan out free New-Balance branded workout gear. It makes sense: the frequent business traveler, when trying to pack a carry-on, may not always consider health and fitness gear, and hotels are looking to help. Any and all garments that have seen the treadmill will receive the same vigorous cleaning treatment that hotels linens and towels go through.

And that number of guests using the treadmill is quite high as well according to this Wall Street Journal article. Many chains, including the Westin, are recognizing travelers desire to bring their workouts on the road and have upped their gym’s profile with the addition of TV’s and free classes.

As you might guess, this is proving to be an effective business decision for hotels – as well as a health benefit for guests. By offering a unique program such as this, Westin is looking for a competitive edge in the upscale hospitality industry since many of its competitors don’t have the same type of program. And by offering their product to the chain, New Balance is gaining exposure and possible new customers trying their stuff for the first time.

Hotels are all about offering the best services, comfort and convenience to every guest.  And this is yet another useful service that hotels can offer – and one that many business travelers reading this may imagine they would use.  And we can’t find any excuse to say this won’t be something that will be a fixture across many hotels in the future.

gym, hospitality, rentals, sneakers, workout

January 7th, 2011 by TRT Blog

Much of the work we do goes unnoticed, but there’s certainly a great deal of satisfaction when we help improve existing furniture and get recognized for it, especially in some of the most beautiful locations around America which we’ve highlighted in previous blog posts.

Throughout our travels we have come across various members of the hospitality industry whose management decided to improve sustainability and provide a healthier environment for all around them, while upgrading the aesthetic appeal of their property. Unfortunately, not all of these projects get the recognition they deserve for making the effort to improve our surroundings.

To help acknowledge those who have demonstrated a commitment to implementing environmentally-friendly practices that reduce their carbon footprint and minimize landfill waste, The Refinishing Touch launched its Rewards Program in 2010. This program is designed to award sustainability in the hospitality industry, and we are proud to have honored over 30 recipients with awards in the program’s first year. The last quarter of 2010 alone saw 12 new recipients.

Examples of projects that earned this recognition varied. From armoire modification at the Crowne Plaza in San Antonio, TX to furniture refinishing done at a Hampton Inn in Kokomo, Indiana, we recognize the hotel and the members of its staff who are committed  to improving our environment. A continually updated list of recipients can be found on the front page of our website: www.therefinishingtouch.com.

We congratulate past winners and look forward to handing out more awards to worthy members of the hospitality industry in the near future.

awards, recognition, Sustainability

January 4th, 2011 by TRT Blog

Travelling can be costly for those who don’t properly prepare. Whether it’s for business or pleasure, everyone must take into account any fees that aren’t immediately mentioned when shopping around for plane tickets or hotels. Unfortunately, not everyone does their due diligence finding airfare, and it appears airline companies are capitalizing on this.

After the Transportation Dept. reported airline companies made $4.3 billion this year through bag checks and ticket changes, there were many who found this to be an inaccurate representation of how the monies were actually obtained. In a USA Today article, Sen. Robert Menendez of New Jersey claimed that much of the $4.3 billion reported were through fees that weren’t disclosed properly and cost flyers extra and at a time when passengers could not make adjustments.

We’ve documented how the airline industry has struggled and needs to do everything possible financially to recover and become the leader in aviation travel it once was. However, it should not come at the expense of positive business practices. There are many travelers who are only able to travel once or twice a year, and some less than that. With these discouraging tactics to line their pockets, airlines risk alienating passengers, losing business through word of mouth by spurned consumers, and ultimately hurting the industry by scaring away the “infrequent flyers”.

Transparency is necessary in all forms of business, whether it’s green practices, a manufacturing process, or all fees applied to taking a trip. Everyone should have the right to know how something is made or where their money goes. Being a commodity that is required by many does not give airlines the right to charge fees at their whim. Until they can make clear how and why every fee is charged, there may be more bad times than good in the future for airline companies.

airlines, fees, Travel