CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Ecolab Inc. (NYSE: ECL) raised more than $128,000 for the National
Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) at a silent
auction during the 10th Annual Ecolab Chairman's Reception.
More than 800 foodservice operators and guests attended the event, which
is held during the National Restaurant Association (NRA) Restaurant,
Hotel-Motel Show in Chicago.
The contributions will support NRAEF's ProStart® program,
including scholarships for students seeking professions in the
restaurant and foodservice industry.
Over the last 10 years, Ecolab has raised more than $1.2 million for
NRAEF and its ProStart program through this event. ProStart is a
nationwide, two-year high school program that unites the classroom and
industry to develop the best and brightest talent into tomorrow's
restaurant and foodservice leaders.
"Every year, we are honored that so many industry leaders join us for
this special event and show their support for the valuable educational
and training programs the NRAEF provides," said Douglas M. Baker, Jr.,
chairman and CEO, Ecolab. "Effective education and training are critical
to the long-term success of our industry, and we are proud to support
the NRAEF and the dynamic workforce they are developing for the
restaurant and foodservice industry."
Baker presented Xavier Teixido, chair of the NRAEF Board of Trustees,
with the $128,750 donation on behalf of Ecolab.
"We are committed to developing the next generation of leaders that our
industry needs, and are very grateful to Ecolab for their continued
support of the NRAEF and ProStart," said Lynette McKee, executive
director, NRAEF. "On behalf of the 90,000 high school students served by
ProStart, thank you to Ecolab and the industry leadership for their
contribution to help feed dreams and build futures."
About NRAEF
The restaurant and foodservice industry's reach
is extensive — nearly half of all food dollars in the U.S. are spent at
restaurants. The industry is projected to employ 14.3 million by 2022,
and fostering an educated workforce is vital to support the industry's
growth. The NRAEF advances the prosperity of the restaurant industry by
developing a stronger workforce and building the next generation of
industry leaders. The Foundation's educational initiatives provide
culinary, management, food safety and employability skills training to
millions of Americans, building a pipeline of industry talent.
About Ecolab
With 2011 pro forma sales of $11 billion and
more than 40,000 employees, Ecolab Inc. (NYSE: ECL) is the global leader
in water, hygiene and energy technologies and services that provide and
protect clean water, safe food, abundant energy and healthy
environments. Ecolab delivers comprehensive programs and services to the
food, energy, healthcare, industrial and hospitality markets in more
than 160 countries. For more Ecolab news and information, visit www.ecolab.com.
(ECL-C)
Ecolab Inc.
Roman Blahoski
651-293-4385
MediaRelations@Ecolab.com
www.ecolab.com
Source: Ecolab Inc.
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