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  INNCOM Helps HEI Hotels & Resorts Manage
Energy, Improve Profitability

Leading hotel group is big on energy programs that deliver a three-year ROI; HEI hails INNCOM�s e4 solution and its after-the-sale service and support
.

NIANTIC, CT � JANUARY 2, 2008�HEI Hotels & Resorts, a rapidly growing hotel ownership and operating company, has invested more than $4 million in an aggressive energy conservation program designed to improve profitability across its 29 hotels. Of that investment, $1.2 million has been spent replacing existing HVAC control systems with the e4 Smart Digital Thermostat from INNCOM international inc. 

Approximately 3,600 of HEI�s 7,900 guestrooms will be equipped with INNCOM�s e4 energy-management system by the end of 2007. As a result, the company expects to add $400,000 to the bottom line this year, with a return on the total INNCOM investment achieved in less than three years. Lighting upgrades, window film installations, new boiler controls and variable-frequency-drive upgrades are also part of HEI�s energy-savings program.

�INNCOM was one of three hotel thermostat suppliers we considered for this aspect of our energy initiative,� said Bob Holesko, HEI VP of Facilities. �As an approved vendor for Marriott, Starwood and Hilton brands, a lot of the homework on INNCOM�s e4 Smart Digital Thermostat already was done for us. We then talked with several hotels using each of the three solutions we were considering, and by far INNCOM received the most favorable feedback. Primarily, anyone working with INNCOM said that in addition to providing a superior product that delivered immediate results, the after-the-sale support was phenomenal. Today, I can honestly say I agree with those hoteliers 100 percent. INNCOM�s support is outstanding.�

The INNCOM�s e4 Smart Digital Thermostat is designed to control virtually any fan coil unit or packaged terminal air conditioner (PTAC) found in hotel guestrooms. It comes standard with an illuminated Digital Display, selectable Fahrenheit / Celsius control, one-touch temperature selection, and off / auto, fan and display buttons. Property-programmable parameters and precision DDC temperature control make it a cost-cutting tool and guest-service amenity. Additional features include five relays, optional onboard infrared (IR) transceiver and passive infrared occupancy sensor (PIR).

When coupled with INNCOM�s wireless magnetic door switch, the e4 becomes the brain of a low-cost, highly effective guestroom energy management system. When connected to INNCOM�s network with a pair of low-voltage wires, an even more powerful centrally controlled energy-management system is created. Additionally, the e4 is readily expandable to include functionality such as humidity control, outside temperature display, minibar access reporting, occupancy reporting to housekeeping, and automatic control of lights and drapes.

�Everyone at HEI believes strongly in the benefits of a well-run energy management system � from the top executive team on down,� Holesko said. �Ted Darnall, our chief operating officer, and Glenn Tuckman, our senior VP of operations and asset management, are big energy-conservation advocates � especially if the system delivers a three-year or less payback. 

�We�d like to thank INNCOM�s Matt Fagan, VP Sales, Northeast Region for his outstanding efforts in working with HEI,� he added. �The installation process and after-the-sale service is outstanding. Our energy-conservation program is on track, thanks in large part to INNCOM and Matt�s support. The actual savings are meeting or beating our projections. Likewise, the outstanding service that INNCOM provides has exceeded our expectations.�

Rick Quirino, INNCOM president, said he is proud that HEI Hotels & Resorts has become a valued INNCOM customer. He also is proud of INNCOM�s support and installation teams for going the extra mile and providing immediate and resolute service to their customers � the same type of service that today�s guests expect and demand from hotels.

 �We take great satisfaction in knowing our EMS products are the best in the industry and that they are key in helping so many of our customers see immediate revenues delivered their bottom lines in such a short amount of time,� Quirino said. �It�s also gratifying to build a relationship with an industry leader like HEI who understands and appreciates what differentiates INNCOM from other vendors is not just our technology, but our people and the services we work hard to deliver.�

About INNCOM international inc. 
Founded in 1986, INNCOM develops, manufactures, and markets advanced guestroom control systems for the global lodging industry. The company�s product line ranges from programmable digital thermostats to fully integrated energy management and communication systems. All INNCOM products are designed to enhance guest comfort, safety and satisfaction while increasing bottom line profits for property owners. INNCOM systems are installed in more than 450,000 guestrooms in many of the most prestigious hotels in 26 countries. For more information, visit www.inncom.com.

About HEI Hotels & Resorts
HEI Hotels & Resorts, headquartered in Norwalk, Conn., is a leading hospitality investment firm that acquires, develops, owns and operates full-service, upper upscale and luxury hotels and resorts throughout the United States under such well-known brand names as Marriott, Sheraton, Westin, Embassy Suites, and Hilton. For more information about HEI, visit the company�s website, www.heihotels.com


 
Contact:

Barb Worcester 
PRPRO
 440.930.5770
[email protected]

John Tavares
INNCOM
 860.739.4468 x1144
[email protected]

www.inncom.com


Also See INNCOM international inc. Ranked No. 33 in Deloitte's Technology Fast 50 Program / November 2007
INNCOM Takes Home Kenneth F. Hine �Best of Show� Award at IH/M&RS for ecoMODE / November 2007
INNCOM Creates New Opportunity for Hotels to Reach Environmentally Aware Guests/ October 2007
INNCOM Creates New Opportunity for Hotels To Reach Environmentally Aware Guests / June 2007
Technology Going Back to the Basics; a Hotel Room Interactive Doorbell; Minimizes Guests� Privacy & Service Complaints / June 2001
INNCOM and eRoomSystems Technologies, Inc. Team Up to Provide Enhanced Range of Solutions for Guestroom and Hotel Energy Management / April 2001 
Stanfield Hospitality Develops Strategic Technologist Review; A First of a Kind Service Aimed at the Travel Industry and ItsTechnology Suppliers' Profitability / May 2001 


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