Warrenton, Virginia, February 10, 2004

AIRLIE CONFERENCE CENTER AWARDED ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION

WARRENTON, Va., February 10, 2004 -- Airlie Foundation and Conference Center has been awarded the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality's highest level of environmental recognition. Airlie Center is the first hospitality organization in Virginia to achieve this distinction, according to DEQ Outreach Coordinator Tom Griffin. Griffin said the award reflects Airlie's "demonstrated commitment" to the environment as evidenced by its wide range of environmental endeavors and pollution prevention program.

Airlie Center operates under an environmental policy that resonates a philosophy of sustainable business practices. The Center's green initiatives include:

• an environmental purchasing policy
• a comprehensive recycling program
• an organic culinary garden and compost program
• environmental training of staff
• use of recycled content paper products and non toxic paints, and cleaning products
• community seminars and workshops on topics such as seed saving and wildlife mapping
• conversion of the entire facility to energy efficient lighting

"With hundreds of acres of 'habitat' to consider here at Airlie… reducing the impact of our daily operations on the environment is not only a priority, but also greatly effects how we do business" said Kevin Carter, Airlie Center General Manager.

Airlie Center was recognized for its environmental initiatives with the DEQ's "E3" certification, before a crowded room of industry professionals gathered for the February 4th and 5th, "Greening the Hospitality Industry" Conference. The event, which kicked off its second day with an inspiring "green" tour of Airlie's facilities, was the first of its kind to bring leading advocates and professionals from the green lodging and meeting planning fields together to strategize ways to encourage the "greening" of hospitality properties and increase the demand for "green" meetings.

As the largest employer in the United States, it is no wonder the hospitality industry is reexamining its impact on the environment. Airlie Center is excited to be at the forefront of this trend. For more information about Airlie's green practices and how to plan a green meeting, please contact: Amy Harney, Programs Coordinator, 540 347-1300 ext: 252, amy@airlie.org.