The Refinishing Touch Blog

We all witnessed, and many of us participated, in what will be remembered for generations to come as a landmark election in the history of the United States.

Today our world is facing many serious problems. Currently, the most pressing and on everyone's minds is the financial crisis, however, another serious problem, with deeper and longer lasting effects, is global warming.

With Barack Obama and Joe Biden taking office in January 2009 we will hopefully begin to see a renewed focus on the environment. To date, they have outlined some ambitious plans to combat global warming. At the top of the list is the goal to reduce carbon emissions 80% by 2050. They would start reducing emissions immediately upon taking office and implement a mandate that would reduce emissions to 1990 levels by 2020.

Obama and Biden are planning to use a cap-and-trade program to reduce emissions. An overall national cap on carbon emissions would be established and companies would be given an allowance that represents a permission to emit a certain amount of carbon. A bartering system would be established allowing companies to buy and sell allowances. Companies able to reduce pollution at low cost would be able to sell extra allowances to companies facing high costs. The number of allowances would be reduced each year to coincide with the annual reduction targets.

Currently, there are three main laws in support of furniture refinishing for Federal departments and agencies they include; Pollution Prevention Act of 1990, USC Title 40 which points out the Federal Government may not purchase furniture if the Adminstrator of General Services detmines that the needs could be met by transferring excess furniture from other departments including refinished furniture and the Executive Order 13423 signed by George W. Bush to improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 3% annually through the end of 2015.

Under the new administration, they are also planning to establish national standards to ensure that less carbon intensive energy is used in our energy supply. And it will be important to see how the current laws in support of furniture refinishing are supported moving forward.

Energy conversation will be a high priority. Obama and Biden plan to make the Federal Government the leader in saving electricity by making federal buildings more energy efficient and revamping Federal Efficiency codes. Conserving existing resources and assets is truly critical. Whether the focus is on energy or recycling to decrease landfill dumping - we believe the government (on a federal and local level) and corporate America need to be accountable for utilizing existing assets.

We are looking forward to seeing focus on the environment from the new administration. Cost savings and concern for the environment to reduce carbon footprints should be a priority for everyone including; businesses, the hospitality industry and the government. If you haven't already looked at the Obama and Biden energy and environment plans take an opportunity to see their plans.

Labels: Election, Energy Efficiency, Environmentally friendly furniture, Green, Politics

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