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GET A CHARGE OUT OF US: THE MERITAGE RESORT AND SPA OFFERS CHARGING STATION FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLES

National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and Napa/Solano International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Partner with The Meritage Resort To Provide Vehicle Charging Station for Guests

NAPA, Calif. (January 23, 2012) – The Meritage Resort and Spa now offers guests a Level II charging station for electric vehicles. The charging station was added in preparation for the resort’s 131,300 square foot expansion opening in spring 2012, as an additional way to provide guests with new amenities and ways to help protect the environment. The Meritage sources most of the food it serves locally, provides guests with recycling bins and uses recycled or biodegradable items whenever possible. Now, the resort offers guests and conference attendees the ability to charge their electric vehicles. In addition to the new charging station The Meritage offers guests a free nightly shuttle service to Downtown Napa area restaurants, shops and theaters.

The charging station at The Meritage Resort and Spa was donated and installed by the Northern California Chapter of National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 180.

“While attending a conference, I noticed an electric vehicle in the parking lot and figured it was most likely an employee’s,” said Greg Armstrong, business development, government and labor relations for NECA. “I learned it was actually the general manager’s vehicle, and he and I started discussing the benefits of a charging station and started to plan where it would go and when it would be installed.”

The dual unit charging station, donated by Graybar, is now installed and fully operational. The unit is available at no cost to resort guests, conference attendees and those dining at Siena. The Level II charger is compatible with all types of electric vehicles and will fully re-charge vehicle batteries within six to seven hours.

“We are thrilled that we were able to work with IBEW, NECA and Graybar to provide our guests with this unique amenity,” said Michael Palmer, general manager of The Meritage Resort and Spa. “I know this will help our guests, as well as me, who often have ‘range anxiety.’ This charging station will provide guests peace of mind, knowing they can easily reach our resort, charge their vehicle, spend the day exploring and make their trip back home.”

This donation is part of a continuing effort by the Northern California NECA Chapter and IBEW partnership to reach out to local communities and raise awareness of efforts to advance green technology, reduce energy costs and reduce our carbon footprint.

The Meritage Resort and Spa broke ground in November 2010 on its expansion project that will add 165 guest rooms and suites, giving the resort 319 rooms and more than 50,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space. In addition to its current amenities including Siena, Spa Terra, the Trinitas Cellars Tasting Room and private vineyards, the expansion will add Crush Ultra Lounge, featuring six luxury bowling lanes, a pool table, sports entertainment and a bar, Blend café, a fitness studio, a croquet lawn and new outdoor spaces for guests to gather around outdoor fireplaces and fountains. This expansion will provide guests with the ability to enjoy more of the Napa experience at the resort.

For a comprehensive listing of vehicle charging stations throughout the country visit www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/fuels/electricity_locations.html. The PlugShare application is offered free and is available for iPhone and Android devices.

The Meritage Resort

The Meritage Resort and Spa is an extraordinary Napa Valley luxury resort set within a private vineyard. The idyllic Napa Valley luxury hotel and resort is set against rolling hills of vineyards. A destination unto itself, it features Tuscan-inspired guestrooms and luxury suites, seasonal farm-to-table cuisine in Siena restaurant and wine tasting in the Estate Cave featuring Trinitas Cellars. Regain a healthful balance with curative treatments at Spa Terra – a lavish underground Napa luxury spa with steam grottos, soaking pools, treatment alcoves and tranquil walls of water. The resort boasts the most comprehensive event and meeting space in wine country. Far more than a place for expert relaxation, our unique property is an Old World escape from the ordinary. Experience The Meritage Resort and Spa – an extraordinary Napa luxury resort perfectly blending gracious hospitality, unrivaled amenities and peerless personal care. We are Napa. Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/Meritage.Resort. Follow us on Twitter: @MeritageResort. Visit us on the web: www.themeritageresort.com.

Northern California Chapter of National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Napa/Solano – Local 180

Northern California Chapter of National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) is a group of electrical contractors responsible for bringing lighting, power and communications to communities across the United States. The local chapter includes over 75 electrical contractors that employ hundreds of local community members in the office and in the field.

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Local 180, represents union electricians and partners with NECA to offer apprentice training in the electrical industry. The Napa/Solano union has over 700 men and women in its membership, meeting the skilled workforce needs of the electrical contracting industry. Many members of the IBEW have taken advanced training courses to become certified in electric vehicle charging station installation as well as other cutting edge technologies such as advanced lighting control. As such, NECA electrical contractors are poised to offer customers many options in the in sustainable and renewable energy field, which will lower utility costs and benefit the environment.

Visit us on the web: www.norcalneca.org and http://www.ibewlu180.org/.

 

 

For all press inquiries for The Meritage Resort, Siena or Spa Terra, please contact Andrew Bradley, Public Relations Specialist at abradley@augustineideas.com or 916-960-2897.