EAST LONGMEADOW, Mass. – Excel Dryer, Inc., was recently recognized as a double winner in the prestigious 2024 Sustainability Awards, hosted by Business Intelligence Group, which honors organizations worldwide that make sustainability a core part of their business practices.

The D|VERSE Sink System featuring the XLERATORsync® Hand Dryer was recognized as a Sustainability Product of the Year, and Excel Dryer’s Healthy Office Oasis received the Sustainability Initiative of the Year award. Excel’s ThinAir® Hand Dryer with Electrostatic HEPA (eHEPA®) Filtration was also selected as a finalist in the Sustainability Product of the Year category.

“We are thrilled with these recognitions, which are a testament to Excel' s unwavering commitment to the environment,” said Joshua Griffing, director of marketing and international sales for Excel Dryer. “We are dedicated to advancing the industry while ensuring that everything from our workplace to our products reflect our values of sustainability and wellness.”

The D|VERSE Sink System featuring the XLERATORsync Hand Dryer with eHEPA is a collaboration between commercial product designer D|13 Group and Excel Dryer. Integrating the elements of proper hand washing and drying in a cohesive 30" unit, it introduces a new level of hygiene, sustainability and aesthetic appeal that instantly transforms any commercial restroom.

Excel Dryer’s energy-efficient, sustainable and comfortable office expansion at its LEED-certified headquarters was guided by the WELL Building Standard® and rooted in the company's mission to lead through innovation. It incorporates beauty, health, wellness and sustainability—from a reception desk that limits the introduction of air pollutants to carpet fibers made from recycled fishing nets.

"Forget greenwashing—Excel Dryer puts sustainability at the heart of everything it does," said Russ Fordyce, CEO, Business Intelligence Group. "We're inspired by their dedication and excited to showcase the incredible work they're accomplishing."

Feb 17th, 2025 — Horwath HTL is pleased to welcome Jason Raimondi as the newest member of our team.

With over 20 years of hospitality leadership, training, and operational consulting experience, Jason brings a wealth of expertise in strategic development, service excellence, and leadership coaching.

Prior to joining Horwath HTL, Jason founded JOR Hospitality Solutions, a consulting firm specializing in hospitality strategy, operational change, and leadership development.

His extensive career includes executive training roles at Forbes Travel Guide, as well as leadership positions at IHG, Hilton, and The Walt Disney Company. Throughout his career, Jason has worked with some of the world’s most renowned hotel brands, helping them enhance guest service, refine operational efficiencies, and cultivate strong leadership teams.
Jason holds a Master of Arts in Management & Leadership from Webster University and has played a key role in developing training programs that drive measurable success in the hospitality industry.

His expertise in emotional intelligence, luxury service training, and strategic hospitality consulting will be instrumental in strengthening Horwath HTL’s service offerings worldwide.

John Fareed, Horwath HTL Global Chairman, expressed enthusiasm about the appointment:
"We are thrilled to have Jason join our team. His deep understanding of hospitality operations and his passion for leadership development align perfectly with our commitment to providing industry-leading advisory services.

We look forward to the impact he will make for our clients and partners around the world."

Toronto, February 6, 2025 – Foodservice sales are forecast to grow by 3.7% in the first quarter of 2025, thanks to a significant boost from the GST and HST holiday, but restaurants are still facing economic headwinds after a weak third quarter, according to Restaurants Canada’s latest Quarterly Report.

Quarterly Report at a glance:
• Restaurant, caterer and bar sales are forecast to surpass $100B in 2025, representing a 3.9% nominal increase over 2024. Adjusted for menu inflation, real sales are forecast to grow by 0.8% compared to relatively flat real sales in 2024.
• Caterers are expected to see the strongest growth in 2025 at 4.3%, followed by quick-service restaurants (4.0%), full-service restaurants (3.8%) and drinking places (1.5%).
• More than a third of Canadians (36%) are going out to eat less frequently. Gen X report the largest reduction in visits to full-service restaurants (41%), while Gen Z are most likely to cut back on quick-service restaurants (42%).
• Menu inflation continued to moderate in the last half of 2024, with November menu prices being 3.4% higher compared to November 2023.
• Restaurants Canada estimates foodservice sales could be $1.5B higher over the GST/HST holiday period than they would have been if there was no tax holiday.
• This issue of the Quarterly also starts to examine how significant changes to immigration and tariff threats will affect the restaurant industry and the economy, how foodservice businesses are responding to a rise in crime, and strategies consumers are employing to make dining out more affordable.
Quotes from Kelly Higginson, President and CEO at Restaurants Canada:
“2024 was a very difficult year for the restaurant industry, and our forecasting tells us that we are not out of the woods yet. Restaurants face significant threats, including drastic cuts to immigration amid a very tight labour market in much of the country outside of urban centres, a tariff dispute with the U.S. and continued low consumer confidence.”

“We are calling on governments to permanently remove sales taxes from restaurant meals. Early data about the GST and HST holiday give us some hope for a stronger start in 2025. Restaurants are the fourth largest employer in the country with nearly 1.2 million workers, they support local economies and initiatives in every community across Canada, and they improve the day-to-day quality of life of Canadians. Restoring food tax fairness is a win for all.”

The Fairfield Inn and Suites has opened in Gravenhurst Muskoka, just in time for the Town of Gravenhurst Winter Carnival! To celebrate, the hotel has offered an All-Inclusive Family Stay & Play Package, featuring cozy accommodations, an indoor pool, complimentary breakfast, and easy access to all the Winter Carnival fun.

Ideally located off highway 11, Gravenhurst is the gateway to Muskoka. The hotel provides easy access to local shopping, restaurants and attractions such as hiking & snowmobile trails, golf courses & more!