Dept. of Tourism: Travel Green Wisconsin program growing

MEDIA CONTACT:
Danielle Johnson
608-266-0458
djohnson@travelwisconsin.com
Media Room: http://media.travelwisconsin.com

Seven New Tourism Businesses Are Travel Green Wisconsin Certified

MADISON, Wis. (Sept. 23, 2011) — Wisconsin tourism businesses are going green in creative ways as demonstrated by the Department of Tourism’s Travel Green Wisconsin program. From turning beer waste into compost to powering a concert using bicycles to using natural cleaning products on boats, businesses are adapting innovative practices to become Travel Green Wisconsin certified.

Tourism Secretary Stephanie Klett announced the certification of seven new businesses through the Travel Green Wisconsin program. The businesses join a long list of travel and hospitality properties located throughout Wisconsin that have made a commitment to continuously improving their operations to reduce their environmental impact.

“I am proud of the commitment that our 281 tourism partners have made to the Travel Green Wisconsin program,” Secretary Klett said. “In doing so, not only do they help ensure our natural resources are here for future generations to enjoy, they have also established a marketing advantage in the minds of travelers.”

The list of seven recently certified businesses follows with a highlight from their application. Their full list of green initiatives can be found at www.TravelWisconsin.com.

• Sail Door County, Sister Bay — Takes advantage of renewable energy and natural based products are used to clean the boats.
Contact: Peder Nelson, 920-495-7245; pnelson@saildoorcounty.com

• Rock the Green, Milwaukee — For the first time in U.S. concert history, all water used at the concert was processed in commercial sinks with InSinkErator and went directly to the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District. From there it will be turned into Milorganite, an organic fertilizer, instead of waste.
Contact: Lindsay Stevens Gardner, 414-755-0422; lindsay@rockthegreen.com

• Cliff Dwellers Resort, Sturgeon Bay — Utilized ENERGY STAR products and offer bicycles for alternative transportation.
Contact: Paul Waite, 920-256-0768; Pauldwaite1@gmail.com

• Lakefront Brewery, Milwaukee — Switched to a new beer bottle that uses less glass and donates spent grain to Growing Power for composting.
Contact: Chris Ranson, 414-372-8800; chris@lakefrontbrewery.com

• Lewis Station Winery, Lake Mills — Established a cork recycling program that uses corks for floors and furniture and free-cycles wine bottles for art.
Contact: Robert Lewis, 920-648-5481; rob@thewinevineyard.com

• Legendary Waters Resort & Casino, Bayfield — This is the first Travel Green Wisconsin-certified casino in the state and it uses an energy recover wheel.
Contact: Susie Peacock, 715-779-3712; s.peacock.ht@islevista.net

• Ice Age Trail Alliance, Cross Plains — Creates interpretative trail maps and garden guides that highlight conservation efforts make a concerted effort to purchase supplies and materials in local communities hosting events.
Contact: Laura Stoesz, 608-798-4453; laura@iceagetrail.org

Travel Green Wisconsin is the first of its kind in the nation and has served as a model to promote environmentally friendly practices in the tourism industry. The program is unique for its inclusion of all tourism-related businesses and organizations including but not limited to attractions, events, accommodations, outfitters, restaurants, retail, visitor centers and more. Tourism businesses interested in learning more about becoming certified can contact Travel Green Wisconsin Program Manager Shelly Allness at mallness@travelwisconsin.com or 608-261-8767.

The mission of the Wisconsin Department of Tourism is to market the state as the Midwest’s premier travel destination by executing industry leading marketing programs and establishing strategic partnerships. The Department plays a significant role in generating greater economic impact and jobs for Wisconsin. Additional traveler information can be found at: www.TravelWisconsin.com