Audubon International Bestows Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort with Rare 5-Green Leaf Rating

Online, March 10, 2010 (Newswire.com) - (Lake Placid, NY) - The Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort located in Lake Placid, New York has achieved what only one other resort property in the world has achieved, a 5- Green Leaf Rating from Audubon International and the Audubon Greenleaf Eco Rating Program. The resort was recently notified of this tremendous honor after a lengthy review process. It is the only property in the United States to have achieved a 5-Green Leaf Rating. Only one other property in the world has achieved a 5-Green Leaf Rating, the Aurum Lodge in the Province of Alberta in Canada. When Audubon International first rated the Golden Arrow in 2006 they were given a 3 Green Leaf Rating. In spring of 2008 The Golden Arrow was the first resort in the United States to have achieved a 4 Green Leaf Rating. Since then The Golden Arrow has worked diligently in their quest to become a respected leader in sustainable and eco tourism.

"Our entire team has worked extremely hard to achieve the five leaf rating from Audubon International. Every member of our staff has searched diligently to find innovative, yet responsible ways that we can make the resort more sustainable while enhancing the guest's experience. We would not have been able to reach this lofty goal without the dedication and commitment of the Golden Arrow employees." said Jenn Holderied one of the owners of the Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort.

"The tourism industry is in a unique position to influence and educate a large number of people about the importance of living gently on the Earth. If even a small percentage of the guests who stay at the Golden Arrow each year return home and make one change in their daily lives, such as recycling or using reusable bags when shopping, it makes a large impact and influences others around them. Now imagine if every hotel in New York State had a green program and a percentage of their guests went home and made a small change in their lives. The effects could be tremendous. Lake Placid is one of most beautiful and unspoiled areas in the world. We feel grateful to live in this incredible environment and feel obligated to do what we can to protect it."

Based on the criteria for the Audubon Green Leaf Eco-Rating Program, a 5-Green Leaf rated hotel is a world leader and innovator of eco-efficiency and clearly demonstrates leadership in the industry on green and sustainable practices. The Audubon Green Leaf Eco-Rating Program was launched in Canada in 1998 to meet the lodging industry's desire to provide quality guest services, while minimizing their impact on the environment, and was one of the first eco-rating programs in the world for the lodging industry. Being a part of the Audubon Green Leaf Program confirms a commitment to water quality, water conservation, waste minimization, resource conservation and energy efficiency. The Audubon International rating program identifies and rewards lodging facilities that are environmental leaders throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. Properties are rated on a scale of 1-5 Green Leafs. Audubon International and Greenleaf Environmental Communications, Inc administer the program jointly.

Since beginning their Green Initiative in 2005, The Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort has been a leader with creating environmental friendly green programs, amongst hotels and resorts in
New York State and nationally. The Resort's green programs and practices have set a high standard for others in the lodging industry to follow. In 2008 they were awarded the Environmental Excellence Award from the New York State Department of Energy and Conservation and are the only hotel property to have ever won the award. In 2009 the Golden Arrow received the Good Earthkeeping Award from the New York State Hospitality and Tourism Association. In 2007 Jenn Holderied helped to initiate and form a Green Hospitality and Tourism Council for New York State, which launched in fall 2009 and is now in pilot phase. The Council will encourage and assist businesses in the tourism industry to operate using more sustainable business practices.

The Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort is located directly on the lake at 2559 Main Street in Lake Placid, New York has 166 rooms and suites along with extensive conference facilities, full service dining and bar, along with a wide range of amenities on property. For further information or reservations call 518- 523-3353, 800-582-5540 or visit the Golden Arrow's web site - www.golden-arrow.com.

"The Only Thing We Overlook is the Lake."