Warrenton, Virginia, January 28, 2004

AIRLIE CONFERENCE TO FOCUS ON "GREEN LODGING"

Airlie Foundation and Conference Center announced today that it will serve as a cosponsor of a unique "Greening the Hospitality Industry" Conference that will bring together leading experts to explore initiatives designed to balance profitability needs with a commitment to protect the environment and also highlight Airlie's own environmental program.

The conference, which will be held at Airlie Center, February 4th and 5th, 2004, is organized by the Virginia Housing and the Environment Network in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Energy, Environmental Protection Agency, Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, and a group of public and private sponsors. The program is focused on educating hospitality industry professionals on ways to "green" their property, implementing sustainable business practices that attract new clients and enhance revenues as well as benefit the environment.

"Airlie Center supports a limited number of events each year and is proud to be involved in this event, not only as a sponsor, but as a participant," said Kevin T. Carter, Airlie General Manager. Mr. Carter noted that Airlie has recently been environmentally certified by the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and will be featured on day two of the conference. A special tour will highlight Airlie's recycling and pollution prevention programs, organic culinary garden and other efforts towards greening the property: which includes a plan in progress to:

• convert the entire facility to compact fluorescent lighting
• purchase and use only recycled content paper products
• prohibit the use of toxic products such as oil based paints, and harmful detergents and cleaners

Airlie Center has been a member of the DEQ's Environmental Lodging Program since 2001. In 2003 the Center formalized its environmental policy and received a grant from the DEQ for a Green Seal evaluation, as part of an overall process to be environmentally certified by both organizations. This December Airlie was the first conference center in Virginia to receive E2 environmental certification from the DEQ. In 2004 the Center anticipates achieving both E3 certification through the DEQ and Green Seal certification (Green Seal is a private, not for profit, certification organization headquartered in Washington, DC).

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Airlie Foundation and Conference Center
6809 Airlie Road,
Warrenton,
Virginia 20187
Phone: 800 288-9573
Fax: 540-341-3207