CBORD Plans for a Greener User Group Conference in 2008

For Immediate Release

Ithaca, New York—The CBORD Group, Inc., is proud to announce its plans for a more environmentally friendly User Group Conference (UGC) in 2008. Efforts begun at CBORD's corporate headquarters and remote offices have paved the way for green initiatives to be carried over into the technology company's largest event of the year. The 28th annual UGC, held in Orlando, Florida, from October 10–13, 2007, was the first to bring together 700 CBORD^® clients, employees, and vendor partners. As plans for the 29th annual UGC take shape, CBORD is committed to offering a more eco-friendly conference.

This year's UGC will be held October 8–11, 2008, at the new Grand Hyatt San Antonio in San Antonio, Texas. The hotel, which opened March 25, 2008, possesses many energy- and resourcesaving features that align with CBORD's mission for a greener UGC. "Since we are a new property, we are adopting green initiatives from the very beginning," says Amanda Graves, Sales Manager, Grand Hyatt San Antonio. "The machines we have purchased to wash laundry and wash plateware are the best offered as far as water conservation. We will have recycling bins for plastic, glass, and paper throughout the hotel."

The Global Hyatt Corporation has an enterprise-wide commitment to limiting the environmental impact of its hotels, and the new Grand Hyatt San Antonio implements the company's sustainability standards. The efforts valued and employed in Hyatt hotels—including self-audits to track and reduce energy and water consumption; recycling of all universal wastes; upgrades to high-efficiency equipment; and charitable donations of mattresses, uniforms, and other operating equipment—made the Grand Hyatt San Antonio a clear choice for CBORD's 2008 UGC. "Hyatt takes environment conservation seriously and is acting to do what we can," adds Graves.

After 2007's UGC, CBORD welcomed responses and suggestions from all attendees. Among the comments was a recurring sensitivity to the environmental effects of a 700-person gathering. CBORD is pleased to announce a few examples of efforts that will be introduced at the 2008 UGC:

• Communication pieces leading up to the conference will be delivered via email when possible; if paper mailings are necessary, only recycled paper will be used. CBORD's preferred printer, Quartier Printing in Syracuse, New York, possesses an FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) COC (Chain of Custody) certification, granted by Bureau Veritas. In addition, Quartier Printing is also SFI (Sustainable Forestry Initiative) certified. Both certifications guarantee that all FSC or SFI products produced and distributed by Quartier Printing have followed an environmentally conservative path, from raw materials through processing to final product. Thomas House, Operations Manager, Quartier Printing, adds, "We are required to verify that our suppliers are FSC certified in order for us to comply with the Rain Forest Alliance rules of COC certification. We are using 100 percent renewable power (50 percent is wind power), and are in the process of getting the Greene logo license to illustrate our energy commitment. Our inks are all vegetable based, meaning that no petroleum is used in their production. Our next goal will be a zero-carbon footprint, and we are already close."
• Educational sessions' handouts will no longer be offered as paper packets. Instead, attendees may access all presentation materials online.
• For convenience's sake, reusable mugs will be offered to all attendees as an alternative to disposable to-go cups.

CBORD is committed to doing its part to lessen its environmental impact not only at its annual UGC, but year-round at each of its corporate offices as well. For a list of efforts established at CBORD headquarters and remote offices, visit www.cbord.com/about/green.

As a growing company, CBORD is conscious of its environmental effects and acknowledges it must make an effort to minimize impact whenever possible. "In the more than thirty years we've been in business, we've developed a reputation as a leader in the industries we serve for our innovative solutions and services," says Tim Tighe, President of CBORD. "But beyond our commitment to serving our customers well is our dedication to being mindful of the communities and environments in which we operate, and our determination to establish our leadership in that respect as well."

About The CBORD Group

The CBORD Group serves colleges and universities, healthcare facilities, chain restaurants, supermarkets, continuing care facilities, corporations, and a host of other market segments. CBORD's products are used in food service, catering, nutrition services, online ordering, cashless dining, campus ID card privilege control, access control, integrated security, housing services, and other institution-wide activities. The CBORD Group serves more than 6,000 clients in the U.S., Canada, Europe, South Africa, the Middle East, New Zealand, and Australia.

The CBORD Group was founded in 1975. Today it employs more than 475 professionals. To learn more about CBORD, visit us at www.cbord.com.

“From the time of the original installation of CBORD at Eastern Kentucky University, we have had nothing but a positive experience.”

— Kenna Middleton, Dir. of Univ. Housing
Eastern Kentucky University