The new collections, Colour Scheme and Urban Tones, are the first to feature OutStand Technology which includes Microban protection; Dal-Tile Corp. has been awarded the exclusive rights in North America to manufacture tiles with Microban technology

Daltile LogoDallas, NovemMohawk Corporate Logober 24, 2009 – Dal-Tile Corp., the largest U.S. manufacturer and distributor of ceramic tile and natural stone, has launched its new OutStand TechnologyTM, a patent-pending glaze technique that provides tile with unparalleled surface wear and stain resistance while infusing the tile with Microban® antimicrobial product protection, which provides a layer of protection from stain- and odor- causing bacteria that won’t wash off or wear away. Dal-Tile Corp. has been awarded the exclusive rights in North America to manufacture tiles with Microban technology.

Additionally, tiles made with OutStand Technology contain some of the highest pre- and post-consumer recycled material contents (RMC) in the industry, which may help building and remodeling projects achieve credits and/or points in a variety of green building programs, such as LEED.

As part of the launch, Dal-Tile Corp. has unveiled two new product collections under the Daltile and American Olean brands that are the first to be manufactured with OutStand Technology: Daltile’s Colour Scheme and American Olean’s Urban Tones. The new collections are American-made and contain more than 60% RMC, including post-consumer recycled glass.

“Our objective is to manufacture the most innovative and sustainable products in the marketplace today,” said Lori Kirk-Rolley, senior marketing director for Dal-Tile Corp. “Our Color Scheme and Urban Tones’ product collections contain more than 60% pre-consumer recycled materials content, more than any other glazed porcelain tile in the industry, and are scratch- and stain- resistant, and features Microban® antimicrobial protection.”

During the manufacturing process, OutStand Technology’s patent pending glaze technique creates a crystalline-shield-like protection, which results in superior surface wear resistance. This protection will last the life of the tile, never needing to be reapplied and making the tiles perfect for heavy commercial applications. Tiles with OutStand Technology also have a high wet coefficient of friction, and are frost and chemical resistant.

One of the key ingredients in Dal-Tile Corp.’s new OutStand Technology is Microban protection. On an unprotected surface, bacteria can double in number every 20 minutes. Microban protection works continuously to keep tile surfaces cleaner for longer by inhibiting the growth of stain- and odor- causing bacteria. Additionally, unlike other antimicrobial agents on the market, Microban technology doesn’t require UV light to be effective. It won’t wash off or wear away, giving the tile an added level of durable, long lasting protection.

“Microban protection  makes the Colour Scheme and Urban Tones collections a great fit for use in education, healthcare, hospitality and other high traffic environments where protection against odor and stain causing bacteria  is a concern,” said Kirk-Rolley.

Additionally, depending on the building site, Colour Scheme and Urban Tones may help projects earn additional points in some green certifications for materials transportation, because they are manufactured in Dal-Tile Corp.’s state-of-the-art plant in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Also, since some government-funded projects or contracts mandate the use of American-made products, Colour Scheme and Urban Tones field tiles meet that requirement.

The new Colour Scheme and Urban Tones collections have been certified by the Porcelain Tile Certification Agency (PTCA). Some foreign imports entering the market today claim to be porcelain tile, but do not actually meet the U.S. standards for porcelain, putting those who specify tile at risk of choosing an inferior product for their projects. PTCA protects them by guaranteeing the products specified are, in fact, porcelain tiles.

New Product Introductions:

Daltile’s Colour Scheme – Glazed Porcelain Floor Tile

Colour Scheme is a glazed porcelain floor tile that pairs a sleek, contemporary look with the high-performance and eco-friendly benefits of OutStand Technology, which includes Microban Technology.

The new collection is available in a wide color palette, including 12 solid colors (Arctic White, Black, Urban Putty, Biscuit, Uptown Taupe, Desert Gray, Suede Gray, Galaxy, Cityline Kohl, Artisan Brown, Garden Spot and Luminary Gold) and 11 “salt and pepper” colors (Arctic White Speckle, Black Speckle, Urban Putty Speckle, Uptown Taupe Speckle, Desert Gray Speckle, Suede Gray Speckle, Galaxy Speckle, Cityline Kohl Speckle, Artisan Brown Speckle, Garden Spot and Luminary Gold Speckle). Colour Scheme is available in three modular field tile sizes (6″x 6″, 12″x 12″ and 18″x 18″) and is designed to coordinate with Daltile’s Keystones floor and wall mosaic tiles and Semi-gloss and Modern Dimensions wall and mosaic tile collections, as well as mosaics that feature the same colors. A full commercial trim package completes the collection and is available in all solid colors.

Color Scheme’s high recycled materials content (more than 60%), including post-consumer recycled glass, as well as domestic manufacturing location, may help building and remodeling projects achieve credits and/or points in a variety of green building programs, such as LEED.

Colour Scheme is suitable for floors, walls, backsplashes, countertops and pool lining in both residential and commercial settings, as well as exterior walls in freezing and non-freezing climates.

American Olean’s Urban Tones – Glazed Porcelain Floor Tile

Urban Tones is a stylish, modern glazed porcelain floor tile that is infused with the high-performance and eco-friendly benefits of OutStand Technology, which includes Microban Technology.

The new collection is available in a wide variety of colors, including 11 solid colors (Designer White, Black, Biscuit, Mushroom, Light Smoke, Smoky Quartz, Cappuccino, Artichoke, Bimini Blue, French Roast and Nutmeg) and nine “salt and pepper” colors (Designer White, Black, Biscuit, Mushroom, Light Smoke, Smoky Quartz, Cappuccino, French Roast and Nutmeg). Urban Tones is available in three modular field tile sizes (6″x 6″, 12″x 12″ and 18″x 18″) and is designed to coordinate with American Olean’s Urban Canvas, Bright and Matte wall tile collections, as well as mosaics of the same colors. A full commercial trim package completes the collection and is available in all solid colors.

Urban Tone’s high recycled materials content (more than 60%), including post-consumer recycled glass, as well as domestic manufacturing location, may help building and remodeling projects achieve credits and/or points in a variety of green building programs, such as LEED.

Urban Tones is suitable for floors, walls, backsplashes, countertops and pool lining in both residential and commercial settings, as well as exterior walls in freezing and non-freezing climates.

About Dal-Tile Corp.:

Dal-Tile Corp., a division of Mohawk Industries, is the largest manufacturer, distributor and marketer of ceramic tile and natural stone in North America. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, the company has more than 7,000 employees at its North American facilities and sells its products through a network of more than 250 company-owned sales service centers, independent distributors and leading home center retailers nationwide.

About Microban International, Ltd.:

Microban International, Ltd. is a global technology and marketing company dedicated to enhancing high quality consumer, industrial and medical products with branded built-in protection from microbes. Microban International licenses the Microban® global brand name, sells custom-engineered compounds, and provides a range of services, including regulatory and marketing support.  The Microban® brand promises continuous and durable antimicrobial product protection, built-in during manufacture to not wear out for the useful life of the product.  Microban International is headquartered in North Carolina with operations in North America, Europe and Asia.

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Images and samples are available upon request.

To learn more about Dal-Tile Corp.’s OutStand Technology, Colour Scheme and Urban Tones, please visit www.daltile.com/outstand.

Dal-Tile Corp. is a proud member of the U.S. Green Building Council.

Media Contact: Diana DuBois
diana@coopersmithagency.com, (214) 329-9191

Designed by TBG Partners, the new $1.5 million park and recreation destination will provide open-air gathering spaces, a comprehensive trail system, and a Veterans Memorial Plaza for west Houston residents

TBG LogoHOUSTON, November 13, 2009 – After years of local efforts to provide a new park and recreation destination for west Houston residents, phase I of the eight-acre Rick Rice Park is nearing completion and a transformation is underway. The park, an aesthetic enhancement and creative use of a stormwater detention area next to Mason Creek in the west Houston community of Katy, now offers benches, an overlook platform, a central lake and fountain surrounded by a mile-long trail, and its signature component – the Veterans Memorial Plaza, which was unofficially unveiled to the public on Veterans Day (November 11) with the raising of the military service flags for the Army, Marines, Navy, Coast Guard and Air Force, as well as the Texas and United States flags. Keys to the flagpoles were also presented to the local Military Order of Purple Heart Veterans by Interstate Municipal Utility District (Interstate MUD) officials for use in future ceremonies at the memorial.

The park is named after long-time west Houston resident Rick Rice to commemorate his dedicated efforts to enhance the area’s outdoor environments. For more than two decades, Rice has served on local planning commissions and has donated valuable time and efforts to beautify west Houston.

This impending completion of the project’s first phase is the result of significant efforts and close cooperation between the Harris County Flood Control District, Harris County Precinct 3 Commissioner Steve Radack, the Interstate MUD and TBG Partners, the landscape architecture and site planning firm responsible for the park and trail systems’ design.

“We are extremely pleased with our partnership with TBG Partners and the work they have done for the district and west Houston,” said Barry J. Kaplan, president of Interstate MUD. “The Interstate MUD board is very excited to provide an amenity like this for our residents, and we know that it will be a jewel and an asset for the community for years to come.”

The park is also a notable achievement for local collaboration and progressive financing mechanisms. In 2003, Texas voters passed Proposition 4, allowing the Texas State Legislature to authorize certain districts to issue bonds for the development and maintenance of recreational facilities, ultimately leading to the creation of parks and amenities like Rick Rice Park.

“The unveiling of Rick Rice Park in west Houston’s Interstate MUD represents a grand accomplishment in developing and maintaining a valued regional amenity through bond financing, all without raising taxes,” added Kaplan.

Since the Interstate MUD is primarily a commercial district that generates a large part of its tax revenue from transactions occurring within its jurisdiction, initial construction costs were funded entirely through sales taxes. Current and future development and financing will be derived from the sale of bonds. Because bond rates are low and the district has cut its tax rate for five consecutive years, tax rates will continue to decline even as Rick Rice Park continues to be developed as a recreational amenity for the region.

Phase II of the project will add landscaped trails and sidewalks along both sides of Mason Creek. The trails and sidewalks will be part of a regional trail network, connecting Rick Rice Park to other regional destinations including, ultimately, George Bush Park. Other planned developments include a pedestrian bridge over the creek, connecting Rick Rice Park to the Harris County Precinct 2 trail system. The bridge will be lit at night and will serve as a visual and functional asset, featuring an inviting plaza space with a wall of trees to screen commercial activities immediately to the north.

ABOUT TBG PARTNERS

As one of the top landscape architecture and planning firms in the Southwest, TBG Partners designs mixed-use and residential communities, corporate campuses, civic buildings, resorts, healthcare and educational facilities, city parks and historic sites. With a strong commitment to the advancement of sustainable design principles, TBG encourages its employees to become LEED Accredited Professionals and its clients to utilize green building practices for their projects. Established in 1987, TBG has offices in Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio. For more information, please visit www.tbg-inc.com

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Media Contact: Claire Bloxom
claire@coopersmithagency.com, (214) 329-9191

Turner LogoHOUSTON, November 4, 2009 – Turner’s Houston office has been selected by the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston to construct the 18,000-square-foot Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, located on a 20-acre property at Highway 290 and Fairbanks North Houston Road in northwest Houston. Upon completion in May 2010, the church will be able to accommodate more than 1200 worshipers. Houston-based Jackson & Ryan Architects has been selected as the project architect.

The church exterior will consist of king-sized brick and a cast-iron trim, and will be topped off with three copper shingle spires at the entry towers. The interior finishes will include vaulted ceilings with acoustical soundproofing, glass-fiber reinforced gypsum columns, marble stone and stained red oak wood trim.

Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church was established in 1994 and currently has more than 850 families. It is part of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, the largest Catholic Archdiocese in the state of Texas and the 11th largest in the United States.

About Turner

Turner is the leading general builder in the U.S., ranking first or second in all major segments of the building construction field. During 2008, Turner completed $10.7 billion of construction. Turner is the only builder offering clients a nationwide network of offices across the U.S. Founded in 1902, Turner Construction Company is a subsidiary of the Turner Corporation located in Dallas, TX. For more information, visit Turner’s Web site at http://www.turnerconstruction.com.

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Media Contact: Claire Bloxom
claire@coopersmithagency.com, (214) 329-9191

26-year hotel industry veteran to help Prism increase Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) and net operating income (NOI) at its properties nationwide

Prism LogoDallas, November 4, 2009 – Dallas-based hotel management firm Prism Hotels & Resorts has named David Martin senior vice president of operations. Martin, a 26-year industry veteran, most recently headed the hotel and franchised operations for Wyndham Hotel and Resorts. He has also served as vice president of operations at Kimpton.

“David is a high impact leader who, in these current distressed times, has the ideal experience and skills to move our hotels up the RevPAR ladder and increase NOI,” said Steve Van, Prism Hotels & Resorts’ president and CEO.

Martin, who reports to Van, will be responsible for the overall operations of the managed and asset managed hotels with a focus on the development of programs aimed at enhancing market share, productivity and revenue growth.

He will work closely with owners, investors and financial institutions to ensure that they have the tools, services and support needed to maximize performance in the area of operations, sales, finance and human resources.

Prior to his position at Kimpton, Martin worked as general manager for several hotel companies, including the Red Lion in Bellevue, Wash.; Hotel Systems International in San Diego; Bayview Hotels in Monterey, Calif.; R&R Hospitality International in Long Beach, Calif. and Kimpton Hotel and Restaurant Group. Martin was also past president and a member of the San Francisco Hotel Council board of directors.

About Prism Hotels & Resorts

Dallas-based Prism Hotels & Resorts is one of the fastest growing full-service hotel investment, management and development companies in the United States. The company currently manages more than 5,000 rooms for multiple owners in the 11 states and the Caribbean. For more information, please visit www.prismhotels.com.

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Media Contact: Cooper Smith
cooper@coopersmithagency.com, (214) 329-9191

$175 million green campus will be used to train and educate Deloitte employees from around the world and is expected to bring in 40,000 visitors annually

WESTLAKE, Texas, November 1, 2009 – Turner Construction has been selected to build a new state-of-the-art $130 million, 800,000-square-foot learning and leadership development center for  accounting giant Deloitte LLP in Westlake, Texas, located just west of Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport on Hillwood Properties’ Circle T Ranch Development, a 2,500-acre mixed-use, master-planned community that is home to a mix of corporate campuses, luxury residences, retail, golf courses, educational and healthcare facilities.   The resort-style campus project will be situated on 107 acres and will be a corporate-owned campus used to train and educate Deloitte’s international staff.

Turner Construction is scheduled to break ground this fall and complete the project in 2011. The campus will be constructed according to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards established by the U.S. Green Building Council.  Green considerations are a top priority for all aspects of the project, including design, materials, engineering and supplies.

The facility will have 800 guest rooms, at least two private restaurants, a ballroom, recreational facilities, business center, a fitness center, and multiple conference spaces and classrooms that will house thought leadership, networking and other educational events.

“This is a significant win for our company and a significant win for the entire DFW Metroplex,” said Matt Papenfus, vice president and regional manager for Turner’s Texas division. “The Westlake location was selected out of seven U.S. cities vying to be the home to the Deloitte training center. Not only will the facility house 100 full-time employees and create 300 to 400 jobs that will be outsourced for its operations, but it is also expected to attract as many as 40,000 guests annually – both Deloitte employees and visitors. This is truly a significant deal for the local economy, and all of us at Turner are proud to be a part of it.”

ABOUT TURNER CONSTRUCTION COMPANY

Turner is the leading general builder in the U.S., ranking first or second in all major segments of the building construction field. During 2008, Turner completed $10.4 billion of construction. Turner is the only builder offering clients a nationwide network of offices across the U.S. Founded in 1902, the firm is a subsidiary of the Turner Corporation headquartered in Dallas, Texas. For more information, visit Turner’s website at http://www.turnerconstruction.com.

ABOUT DELOITTE LLP

“Deloitte” is the brand under which tens of thousands of dedicated professionals in independent firms throughout the world collaborate to provide audit, consulting, financial advisory, risk management and tax services to selected clients. These firms are members of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, a Swiss Verein (DTT). Each member firm provides services in a particular geographic area and is subject to the laws and professional regulations of the particular country or countries in which it operates. DTT helps coordinate the activities of the member firms but does not itself provide services to clients. DTT and the member firms are separate and distinct legal entities, which cannot obligate the other entities. DTT and each DTT member firm are only liable for their own acts or omissions, and not those of each other. Each DTT member firm is structured differently in accordance with national laws, regulations, customary practice and other factors, and may secure the provision of professional services in their territories through subsidiaries, affiliates and/or other entities.

Deloitte’s professionals are unified by a collaborative culture that fosters integrity, outstanding value to markets and clients, commitment to each other and strength from cultural diversity. They enjoy an environment of continuous learning, challenging experiences and enriching career opportunities. Deloitte’s professionals are dedicated to strengthening corporate responsibility, building public trust and making a positive impact in their communities. For more information, visit www.deloitte.com

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Media Contact: Claire Bloxom
claire@coopersmithagency.com, (214) 329-9191