[img:gauthier-w12-ext.jpg]SARANAC LAKE, N.Y. – Gauthier's Saranac Lake Inn in Saranac Lake, New York is the recipient of the New York State Hospitality & Tourism Association's (NYSH&TA) 2012 Good Earthkeeping award. The inn will be recognized at the Association's 2012 Stars of the Industry Gala & Awards Banquet at the Hotel Albany, an affiliate of Hilton (formerly the Crowne Plaza Albany) on Monday, March 5.

The Stars of the Industry awards program honors employees of the hotels, motels and tourism-related businesses throughout the state who best represent the quality service and spirit of the hospitality and tourism industry.

"Every year, the state's hospitality industry nominates its most outstanding properties. After reviewing all of the nominations submitted, the judges agreed that Gauthier's Saranac Lake Inn was the best of the best," said NYSH&TA President Jan Marie Chesterton. "All the winners of this year's awards are STARS in every sense of the word and shining examples of what New York State hospitality is all about."

The Good Earthkeeping award recognizes a property that has developed a culture toward integrating superior environmental management practices.

Since 2009, the Owners of Gauthier's Saranac Lake Inn – Nicole, Danny and Doug Brownell – have been committed to implementing measures at their property to help protect and sustain the environment, as well as provide exceptional experiences for their guests.

"We've made it our mission to reduce our environmental imprint," said Nicole Brownell, Director of Marketing and Owner of Gauthier's Saranac Lake Inn. "We didn't intend on being recognized for our 'green' efforts at the statewide level, but we are absolutely ecstatic that we won this year's Good Earthkeeping award. We're just trying to do our part for the environment."

"It is our natural resources; the clear water, fresh air and scenic views that make the Adirondacks a unique and special destination," said James McKenna, president of the Lake Placid-based Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism. "We congratulate the Brownell's on a well-deserved honor. They take seriously their roles as green leaders, and recognize the importance of proactive environmental responsibility in support of preserving our pristine region."

In addition to this latest award, Gauthier's achieved an Audubon Society 4 Green Leaf rating in 2010, and was listed as one of New York's top 10 Greenest Destinations in 2011. For more information about the Saranac Lake Inn, visit www.saranaclakeinn.com.

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CONTACT: Sarah Mueller, sarah@nyshta.org
John Peters, john@nyshta.org
Communications Department
(518) 465-2300