May 30th, 2012 by TRT Blog

After returning from an inspirational trip to Necker Island, I cannot help but reflect on how incredible the trip truly was. It was an honor for the Karma Foundation, an executive philanthropic networking organization, and The Refinishing Touch to join so many other established and reputable individuals at Sir Richard Branson’s ‘Igniting Change’ Leadership Gathering. It was, without a doubt, a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Necker Island is an incredible getaway of serene beauty. It’s no secret as to why Sir Richard loves his private estate so much. Nestled in the British Virgin Islands, it offers breathtaking views of crystal clear water and is surrounded by a picturesque landscape. Sir Richard is an incredibly warm person and was open and accommodating to each of us as his guests – welcoming us with open arms, being the perfect tour guide, facilitating conversation, showing genuine interest in what we each did and what inspired us – as well as ensuring we all had plenty of trips around the island. I had an unbelievable time with Sir Richard, and can honestly say he is one of the most amazing people that I have ever met.

While I was impressed with Sir Richard’s private getaway, all 74 acres of it, I came away from the Leadership Gathering even more blown away by his mission and genuine care and love for others. What he and his organization, Virgin Unite, do philanthropically is significant and affects millions of people worldwide each and every year.

Virgin Unite is all about getting the right people together with the right ideas and adding entrepreneurial magic to produce results and a better world. I’m extremely honored to be among the very few who have now had the opportunity to understand and become a part of the Virgin Unite family. The Karma Foundation and The Refinishing Touch are looking forward to a return visit, and who knows, perhaps we’ll also get involved in a space adventure.

Igniting Change, Igniting Change Leadership Gathering, Karma Foundation, Mario Insenga, Necker Island, Sir Richard Branson, Virgin, Virgin Unite

May 25th, 2012 by TRT Blog

Here at The Refinishing Touch, we believe sustainability is a crucial step towards a better tomorrow and should be embraced by individuals and industries alike. So when we read a blog post yesterday and discovered that more than 36 percent of federal employees said they don’t have enough resources for sustainability programs at their agency, we were stunned.

According to the post in The Federal Times, over half of federal employees said their agency couldn’t act on sustainability efforts because focus was placed on short-term goals, rather than more rewarding, long-term objectives. In the survey conducted by LMI, a nonprofit organization that helped develop greenhouse gas reporting protocols, over half of respondents admitted that short-term tasks, such as construction and budgeting, were taking up more time than goals such as energy efficiency and sustainability.

The survey, which aimed to quantify President Obama’s executive order that requires federal agencies to reduce greenhouse gases by 28 percent by 2020, also produced these statistics:

- 34% said sustainability was fully or mostly integrated into procedures
- 51% said sustainability was only somewhat integrated
- 14% said sustainability integration was slight or non-existent
- 17% said sustainability was fully or mostly integrated into the budget process

While the survey reveals some short falls within federal agencies, we are optimistic that the statistics also prove we are headed in the right direction. Sustainability, especially in government, is not a quick-fix, but with dedication, commitment and forward-thinking, our country is sure to continue leading the way in sustainability and environmental-friendliness.

energy efficiency, federal agencies, Federal Government, greenhouse gases, LMI, President Obama, survey, Sustainability, The Federal Times

May 22nd, 2012 by TRT Blog

Last week at the first annual Technology Market Summit, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced its plans to launch an environmental technology initiative with the goal to increase American job and exports in the environmental industry.

The new Environmental Technologies Export Initiative aims to support and build upon the National Export Initiative. It will  feature a web-based portal that provides and supports U.S. environmental companies with comprehensive information including market research, scientific analysis, regulatory information as well as foreign market analysis and export infrastructure.

The summit, co-sponsored by the American University’s Center for Environmental Policy, brought together a wide-range of industries and professionals across government, education, investment and business. Attendees discussed how environmental technology and innovation could encourage economic growth, improve overall health, create jobs, and boost public and private business opportunities.

As a GSA-contracted company and a vendor to the Federal Government, we think this initiative will be a great outlet for environmentally-focused businesses across the country. The team at The Refinishing Touch believes that sustainable solutions and services should be at the forefront of our country’s economic and environmental future. We are excited to learn more about the Environmental Technologies Export Initiative and experience the benefits, first-hand, that it is sure to provide.

environmental protection agency, Environmental Technologies Export Initiative, EPA, GSA contracts, Technology Market Summit, US exports

May 18th, 2012 by TRT Blog

Last month, the University of Delaware unveiled its innovative green rooftop addition. The University’s Colburn Laboratory classrooms have now begun to reap the benefits from the first phase of the building’s environmentally-friendly green roof, with the help of public-private grants and donations.

Due to the Colburn Lab’s aging 1960s one-story structure, the building was notoriously over-heated. The 600 engineering students who frequent the building’s classrooms, regularly experienced temperatures of upwards of 86 degrees. This was primarily blamed on the heat transfer from southern exposure, large panels of glass windows and a flat roof.

These unfortunate and uncomfortable learning conditions sparked the imagination of two University engineering professors, who teamed with a landscape design professor to explore their options. The professor think-tank developed a plan for a green, growing roof, with multiple proposed benefits:

- Reducing indoor heat by an estimated six degrees or more thanks to four-inch deep rooftop planters
- Improving nearby water quality by collecting storm water runoff
- Teaching students green engineering solutions in a living classroom
- Improving air quality and reducing operating costs of existing HVAC system

Following a year of planning, generous help from the local community and Girl Scouts, plus a $60,000 cash injection, over 1,200 square feet of roof space have already been covered with two-foot by two-foot movable planters.

“The Colburn lab green roof exemplifies what happens when several groups work together and follow through on a good idea. Simple in design and big in impact, these useful and beautiful plantings are a great addition to Colburn Lab,” said Robin W. Morgan, Dean of the University’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

By June, the University expects to have completed the project, with 2,600 square feet of the roof dedicated to green planters, and the remaining area occupied by recycled rubber access paths, safety railings and mechanical equipment.

For more information about the University of Delaware’s green roof project, read the entire story here.

Colburn Laboratory, environmentally friendly, Girl Scouts, HVAC system, Robin W. Morgan, rooftop garden, University of Delaware

May 15th, 2012 by TRT Blog

Here at The Refinishing Touch, we love attending events. Each event presents a unique and much-valued opportunity to connect with our community including existing customers, business partners and prospective buyers. And, as always, we’re excited to share the benefits of refinishing, fiscally responsible furniture asset management, and cost-effective sustainable practices.

This week The Refinishing Touch team is attending the GSA Training and Expo 2012, which is being held through Thursday at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas. The event is central to federal, state and local government employees, military members and other key government agency stakeholders that are involved in procurement decisions – it’s also a key event in The Refinishing Touch’s calendar!

The GSA is the federal government’s preferred source for quality commercial products and services, and its annual event gives so much to attendees and vendors—as it’s the GSA’s signature training, networking and showcase event. From valuable networking opportunities to thorough three-day training programs, hands-on demonstrations, showcasing of new techniques, the event offers something for everyone involved in government procurement.

We’re proud to be consistent and regular contributors to the event. Each year we are given the opportunity to showcase and discuss the environmental and budget savings reaped through refinishing, upholstery, remanufacturing and furniture asset management.

As part of the GSA’s commitment to a zero carbon footprint, the GSA Training and Expo has been executed as a sustainable event, so as well as sharing some photos from this week’s event, we’ll be highlighting some of the sustainable practices that are being practiced on-site, and also posting a few thoughts on our host city, beautiful San Antonio. Watch this space for more updates!

We’ll also be tweeting from the event, so don’t forget to follow us on Twitter @refinishtouch.

If you’re attending the event, come by and see us at Booth 3753. We look forward to seeing everyone there!

cost-effective, Federal Government, furniture asset management, Government, GSA Training and Expo 2012, military, refinishing, remanufacturing, San Antonio, sustainable practices, Texas, upholstery

May 11th, 2012 by TRT Blog

Growing numbers of businesses and individuals are now taking significant steps to become leaner and greener by reducing their carbon footprints. But few institutions are working as hard as our higher education colleges to maximize efficiencies and invest in sustainability, despite tighter budgets dictated by the continuing economic turmoil.

A recent article in the Huffington Post highlighted five ways in which colleges are shrinking their carbon footprints and implementing sustainable practices. These actions for change were identified as: adopting solar powered trash cans that automatically compress trash, maximizing the efforts of maintenance crews; adopting alternate energy sources such as biofuels made of oat hulls or biogas from manure; going ‘trayless’ at dining centers to reduce food waste; composting any organic food that is still wasted; and rolling out tough rules and green governing policies across campuses to maintain recycling programs and ethical procurement.

At The Refinishing Touch we have been supporting universities and colleges in their sustainability efforts for over 35 years, helping them lower their carbon footprints and slash their budgets by up to 80 percent through environmentally-friendly on campus furniture refinishing and reupholstery services.

To date we have run successful refinishing and carbon reduction projects at more than 50 universities and colleges across 24 states, and we look forward to further educational projects throughout 2012 and beyond. By saving perfectly good furniture and décor from landfill, we directly help education institutes and their students to promote reuse over rebuy, maximize all their carbon reduction efforts, and demonstrate the impact of good sustainable practices.

carbon footprint, colleges, education, furniture refinishing, Huffington Post, refinishing, universities and refinishing

May 8th, 2012 by TRT Blog

Last month the U.S. Army announced the opening of its new laboratory in Warren, Michigan, dedicated to energy saving and fuel-efficient research. The facility, named the Ground Systems Power and Energy Laboratory, will simulate the world’s harshest weather conditions—from desert heat to extreme cold—to develop more energy efficient Army vehicles. The facility will conduct research on everything from electrical systems to fuel cells and air filters. Spanning an area of 32,000-square-feet, it houses eight laboratory sites.

While the U.S. Army and other military divisions have dedicated large amounts of time and money to decreasing environmental impact and energy use, this laboratory is the first of its kind.

Ground Systems Power and Energy Laboratory interim director, Jennifer Hitchcock, pointed to the increased armor on army vehicles as a major contributor to increased fuel use saying, “We need to find a balance between mobility and survivability.” This is especially true as fuel convoys have become increase targets for attack on the battlefield.

As a furniture refinishing and refurbishing company that has worked with the Federal Government since 1998, we understand the importance of decreasing environmental impact and we support its goals to obtain that. Sustainable initiatives, such as the new research laboratory, are steps in the right direction and we hope a greener U.S. military and Federal Government is created.

energy efficiency, Federal Government, green, Ground Systems Power and Energy, military, Sustainability, testing laboratory, US Army

May 4th, 2012 by TRT Blog

My trip down to the British Virgin Islands was interesting and lengthy, to say the least. My exciting trip began on a Delta jet and was followed by an interesting transfer onto a twin Cessna. After I finished the trip’s flights, I was escorted onto a small private speedboat, which took me along twenty miles of beautiful ocean. We passed dozens of small islands before reaching Necker itself.

When I got to the island, I was picked up in a golf cart and brought to Temple House. This is where I was greeted by Sir Richard. He offered me a class of champagne and a big, genuine, warm “Hello”.

After a welcoming and celebratory cocktail, Sir Richard invited me to come with him to the tennis courts to watch his afternoon match. As we drove down to the courts, he asked me about my background, what I did and what sports I was most interested in.

After the match, we arrived back at the main house where I met a few more ‘Igniting Change’ guests and enjoyed some wine. A little later we drove to the lodge for dinner where the event’s entire group was finally assembled. We had the chance to introduce ourselves and network—Sir Richard began the dinner with a welcoming, easy-going address.

We had a great dinner, chatting and discussing our lives with each other. The people at the table represented all walks of life from all over the world. It was a spectacular sight, especially considering these get-togethers only happen four times a year on the island.

After an engaging, entertaining night, I retired to my lodgings: a small, beautiful house made from native teak, perched on a cliff overlooking the ocean; beside it, a pond that was home to hundreds of wild flamingos, as over 200 live on this island.

It’s impossible to describe the beauty that exists on Necker Island. As I’m sure you can imagine, it is one of the most naturally beautiful places I have ever had the privilege to experience. With a group of great people and a gracious host, ‘Igniting Change’ is sure to be an event of a lifetime.

Interested in learning more about the ‘Igniting Change’ event? Keep your eye on this space as I will be posting an event roundup upon my return. You can also visit Virgin Unite for more information.

British Virgin Islands, Igniting Change, Mario Insenga, Necker Island, Sir Richard Branson, Virgin Group, Virgin Unite

May 1st, 2012 by TRT Blog

This week brings a very exciting event for The Refinishing Touch team. As we plan our 35-year celebrations of providing a valuable and necessary service to the hospitality, government, and higher education industries to ensure our environment is preserved through sustainable and environmentally-friendly practices, we are thrilled to announce that our founder and president, Mario Insenga is heading to Necker Island to attend Sir Richard Branson’s ‘Igniting Change’ Leadership Gathering from today until May 5th.

Recognized for our leadership in providing on-site furniture refinishing and environmentally-friendly asset management, The Refinishing Touch is a world leader in refinishing, remanufacturing, upholstery and armoire modification. Mario is recognized by Igniting Change for his experience as an entrepreneur, an innovator, a philanthropist and business leader, with a long-time passion for environmental sustainability.

Mario is attending ‘Igniting Change’ not only to represent The Refinishing Touch, but also to represent the Karma Foundation, an exclusive global membership organization, that Mario is a proud partner of. The Karma Foundation provides a platform for executives, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders to work together to benefit charity organizations while allowing for out-of-the-box networking and life experiences.

‘Igniting Change’ is organized by Virgin Unite, a not for profit foundation and branch of the Virgin Group. Its goal is to bring people together for meaningful discussions and idea generation to help build a better world. Through hard work and collaboration, Virgin Unite hopes to influence: “governments, businesses and the social sector work together – driving business as a force for good.” The foundation’s main focuses are supporting global leadership initiatives and developing businesses as a force for good.

It is sure to be an event to remember. Mario is looking forward to meeting all of the other discussion participants, and to represent The Refinishing Touch and the Karma Foundation. We’re all very excited – to hear about the Leadership Gathering, hear who Mario will meet, the ideas discussed and to find out what Sir Richard Branson’s home and favorite hideaway is really like! We’ll be sharing an updates here – of you have any questions or any world-changing ideas we should raise for discussion please let us know or tweet @RefinshTouch.

Igniting Change, Igniting Change Leadership Gathering, Karma Foundation, Mario Insenga, Necker Island, not for profit foundation, Richard Branson, Virgin Group, Virgin Unite