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Delaware North Earns Prestigious Sustainability Award from the National Restaurant Association

Delaware North Companies and its environmental program, GreenPath®, took top honors at the third annual Operator Innovation Awards.

BUFFALO, N.Y. (May 20, 2014) – Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts division – through its environmental management system, GreenPath – was recently honored with the Sustainability award at the National Restaurant Association’s third annual Operator Innovation Awards.  

Delaware North Parks & Resorts was selected by a panel of expert judges for its achievements in driving advancement in the foodservice industry through GreenPath’s core values and initiatives. Delaware North accepted the award on May 17 in Chicago during the gala event for the 2014 National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show.

“Environmental stewardship is among our core values, and we are honored to accept this award from experts in the food service industry, especially in the category of sustainability,” said Delaware North Companies Principal Jerry Jacobs Jr. “Delaware North operates in unique and exciting locations, and we strive to continually prove our innovative approach to environmental issues. We have always believed that GreenPath’s comprehensive and sustainable approach ensures continual improvement, and we are proud to be recognized for our contributions.”

GreenPath initiatives recognized by National Restaurant Association include ISO 14001 registration at numerous lodging locations, the creation of a corporate Culinary Wellbeing healthy food program, implementing standards for responsible purchasing methods and partners, associate training in waste management and recycling, sustainability communication to guests, and the DiscoveryPaths education program for junior high school students, among many others.

“Delaware North Parks & Resort has taken many small steps and many large initiatives to ensure that we are acting in an environmentally responsible and sustainable manner,” said Delaware North Parks & Resorts President Rick Abramson. “With this award, we are proud to be named among the leaders in foodservice innovation.”

GreenPath was enacted in 2001 to minimize the company’s environmental impacts and protect and conserve resources in the places where Delaware North operates.

GreenPath’s stewardship platform includes five indicators – environmental management, asset protection, interpretation and education, community outreach, healthy food and healthy living. The platform assigns roles, responsibilities and best practices in all levels of the company – from dedicated leadership to individual associates – in order to meet stringent standards in waste disposal, conservation and the supply chain. It is verified through third-party audits.