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2012 Virginia Green Travel Star Awards
 Winners of Virginia Green's second annual awards were announced on October 25 in conjunction with the VA-1 Tourism Summit at the Richmond Marriott. The winners are:
Green Programs of the Year:
The Greater Richmond Convention Center
Cooper Vineyards, Louisa
Most Innovative Green Projects:
Go Green With Wolftrap! Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing
Arts,Vienna
Rainkeepers. Science Museum of Virginia, Richmond
Green Supplier of the Year:
Signs By Tomorrow, Richmond
Virginia Green also recognized 17 Virginia Green Travel Leaders. Award summaries for all of the recognized applicants now are available. |
Virginia State Parks Improves Its Recycling
Virginia's State Parks has long been an organization focused on conservation, and it certainly excels in many other green practices. However, recycling has historically been difficult due to various logistical issues. But now, through a generous grant from  Dominion Virginia Power and Keep Virginia Beautiful, all 35 state parks are receiving new recycling carts. Virginia Green has worked with State Parks over the past year to improve their recycling programs, and all of the parks are now registered Virginia Green Attractions. Learn More. |
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Richmond Folk Festival was a Virginia Green Showcase!
More than 200,000 music lovers attended the Richmond Folk Festival, and all of them were exposed to Virginia Green! Green practices included great recycling efforts, cigarette litter prevention, water pigs, shuttles, valet parking for bikes, vendor outreach and involvement, and lots of green signage. The signage included 8+ Virginia Green Event banners and an exhibit booth at the front entrance of the festival, shared jointly by Virginia Green and Keep Virginia Beautiful. |
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Virginia Green Supplier Feature:
Moisture Reduction By RD Fresh Results in Big Cost Savings for Virginia Green Participants!
RD Fresh is the company name for an innovative product that uses the mineral zeolite to reduce moisture content in commercial refrigerators. As a result, the shelf-life of food is increased dramatically and  cooling needs are significantly reduced as well .
Patrick Ehemann is the chef at The Jefferson in Richmond, which has been a Virginia Green participant for over 4 years. Local RD Fresh rep Deck Hankins convinced Chef Patrick to try the product in his walk-in cooler; and the results have been dramatic. The removal of moisture immediately resulted in a significant temperature drop, allo wing them to raise the cooler's set point. Chef Patrick then noticed a dramatic increase in food shelf life. As a result, he is now expecting to reduce his food budget by 1-3% due to reduced spoilage.  For more information on RD Fresh contact Deck Hankins at 757-812-4909. RD Fresh is a registered member of the Virginia Green Suppliers Network. |
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Look for Members-Only Deals & Discounts from the VGSN
The Virginia Green Suppliers Network is our directory of companies that provide green products and services for Virginia's tourism industry. They are now offering deals and discounts only for Virginia Green participants. Check out the latest offers! |
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Virginia Green Advisory Committee is Coming to See You in 2013
This year we are planning to bring the Virginia Green Advisory Committee meetings to every region of the state. We'll be partnering with our regional partners and encouraging all participants to attend a series of Virginia Green workshops that will incorporate hands-on training and assistance, recruit new members, and seek to get your input on how to improve the program. Additionally, we will offer on-site technical assistance visits in conjunction with our visit to your region. Please email Tom Griffin if you're interested in hosting a meeting or to schedule a technical assistance visit. |
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Coming Soon: Updating Your Virginia Green Profile & Contact Information
Starting January 2013, we will begin a process to "re-certify" all Virginia Green participants. The main goal is to reconfirm that your facility is still active in the program and to assure that your contact information has not changed. Additionally, we will be encouraging you to "add to" the green practices listed on your own Virginia Green profile. |
