Budgets announced: Environmental government agencies hold discussions for 2010 goals and objectives
2010 budgets have been unveiled by the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which outline goals and objectives for the upcoming fiscal year. These outline details that commit to a stronger economy with the promise of new 'green' jobs, and a better environment.
With a $38.7 billion budget, from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and an EPA budget of $10.5 million, there are varying responses to the different elements and line items within the budgets. We plan to offer some of our thoughts on specifics over the coming weeks.
At a more basic level, what about everyday sustainability within government departments? As departments of the federal government are planning spend for the coming year, do they find themselves thinking of everyday items that are within their offices, reach, and internal budgets?
From what we can see, yes. How do we know this? From the contacts within the government who we have worked with over the past three decades as well as those that we work with today, we know that there are a number of internal discussions taking place along these lines; and from feedback and interest in our analysis and findings which we published in a government-related whitepaper: "Government Employees with a Sustainable Future."
This whitepaper outlines how a more sustainable view of government furniture assets improves quality of life, cuts pollution and slashes expenditure by up to 80%. Interest has come from senators and government officials we have met both in Georgia and in D.C., as well as from a large number of government contacts that have downloaded it from our website.
As an organization that has prioritized smart spending and has modeled our business around environmentally sound practices, it's good to know that there’s a shared commitment on all levels to save money and the environment. In these economic times, everyone is struggling to meet the demands of agendas that aim to implement cut budgets with the ever important focus on green practices. There's an environmental groundswell, and it's building.
We have spoken before about budgets being cut on a multitude of levels. From hoteliers and restaurant owners to your average family, every American is focused on smart spending.
Last week, as President Obama presided over the 100th day of his presidency, the nation's attention was focused on the budget that was successfully passed through Congress.
Promising to halve the national deficit (currently standing at more than a staggering $11 Trillion) while satisfying the objectives for reformed healthcare, energy and education goals, the President's plans have been successfully laid out to begin paving the road to economic recovery.
In our economic climate it has become a necessity to have leaders and managers who are confident in their approach toward making decisions in the interest of working toward a common good. News of businesses cutting travel budgets is hitting the hospitality industry amongst others. Pulling back from superfluous spending is a precautionary measure that organizations are taking to remain in line with tighter budgets and to best ensure the financial stability being demanded by shareholders and investors.
As news of reform and positive change continues to build surrounding our government and its leaders, we need to look to industry leaders to sit down and really think through each aspect of their budgets. If plans can be made to save in place of making blanket cuts, then surely that solution would better benefit an organization in the long run.
We know as well as any one of our fellow industry players that often times, cuts that seem to be the easiest are those that most widely contribute toward the overall health of an organizational plan, perhaps just over a longer period of time. We invite and urge industry leaders to spend the time to look at the benefits of each dollar spent and how cuts will affect long term goals.
Just as we've seen our President take action, so must we. As we continue to listen for news of progress and gainful movement throughout our economy, we remain standing at the ready as providers of a sensible solution to budgetary spending.
The hospitality dilemma: Dwindling budgets, increased demands
At The Refinishing Touch we are in the enviable position of being close enough to hear the detailed needs of our clients in the hospitality industry, and being able to respond with the right solution. Our expertise has allowed us to bring sustainability and cost-saving to some of the world’s best-known brands, innovators, and historical buildings - and to do the same for government bodies and colleges.
It's impossible to ignore the current climate and its impact on the hospitality industry. The industry is reeling to meet the demands of an ever changing marketplace – hoteliers need to have realistic rates while trying to attract travelers, causing a seemingly irreconcilable conflict.
In recent weeks, many of our partners, and prospects have been saying the same thing: in the face of dwindling budgets, modernization projects seem impossible. Some have reached a point where funds have been frozen by the Board or shareholders, stopping all upgrade projects in their tracks or before they've even started.
How then are customers satisfied and budget constraints met? What exactly is the solution in a damned-if-you-do, damned-if-you-don't climate? An article in a recent issue of Hotel Interactive caught our attention. In the article, Steve Belmonte offers up a two answer response to this very issue.
On one hand, Belmonte advises that sometimes there is a need for owners and managers to take a close look at their current situation. If they have found themselves deferring necessary upgrades due to a lack of available funding, and using the downturn as an 'excuse,' then maybe they should consider repositioning themselves in the market. On the other hand, Belmonte takes the opportunity to encourage solid fiscal responsibility, with practices like competitive bidding through each level of service, until a recovery plan is in place and the business is back on track for success.
Sound advice, and we couldn't agree more. With the economic climate as it is today, every penny counts. We've been in the business of cost-effectively improving the value of in-house assets since the day we were founded in 1971.
Belmonte concludes that whatever happens, hotels need to provide a good service to customers. Travelers have expectations for the quality of services and furnishings that they will receive when they book a room.
As our clients will tell you, refinishing furniture is an affordable way for hotels to ensure customers receive the quality they expect, even in a difficult period for the industry. Happy customers share their experiences and come back. With some alternate approaches and innovation the dilemma can be resolved.
