ARAMARK, a world leader in professional services, and Amerex Energy Services have introduced an innovative electric procurement product to the State of Illinois designed to assist educational institutions in managing their utility costs. Loyola University, Saint Xavier University, Rockford College and Indian Prairie School District, are the State's first consumers to contract for deregulated electric power using a Heat Rate pricing model. This unique model is designed to help customers secure lower electric rates and maintain flexibility in a volatile market.
"We are excited about the utility cost reduction opportunity afforded by the Heat Rate procurement strategy," said Mike Leone, Senior Vice President, ARAMARK Higher Education. "It increases ARAMARK's ability to offer truly customized supply and demand-side energy management strategies to educational institutions." This procurement strategy, called "Managed Heat Rate," capitalizes on deregulation, placing more control with the consumer by unbundling and separately managing the primary components that comprise the price of electricity. Amerex Energy Services has successfully unbundled the electric price components in Illinois, allowing ARAMARK to introduce this innovative approach to educational institution as a means to manage escalating utility budgets.
"These colleges, universities and school districts are innovators in the State of Illinois," said Vince Martinez, National Director, Amerex Energy Services. "They have taken the time to understand the new landscape of electric procurement and are leading the way for other institutions to benefit from electric deregulation." Heat Rate contracts can offer long-term cost savings over traditional fixed-priced contracts. They provide price stability and budget certainty, which are features particularly desired by educational institutions. "The managed approach is an excellent alternative to fixed rate pricing," said Paul Matthews, Assistant Vice President for Facilities, Saint Xavier University. "Our multi-year contract protects the integrity of our budget this year. It also provides greater price predictability in future years than we could obtain with a fixed rate agreement. We have great confidence in this product. The numbers speak for themselves."
"The Managed Heat Rate is one of the most innovative electric procurement strategies I have seen," said Bill Laird, Chief Financial Officer at Loyola University. "It truly provides us with flexibility, budget predictability and the opportunity to reduce our electric costs."
ARAMARK and Amerex began offering innovative power procurement contracts to the Higher Education industry in 2006. The companies partnered with Baylor University in Texas to secure a 10-year discounted Heat Rate contract that resulted in a unit price reduction of 35% and savings in excess of $20 million. The National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO) honored Baylor with its Innovation of the Year Award in 2007. In addition, Energy Risk magazine recognized the Baylor contract as one of the Top Deals globally in 2007.
About Amerex
Amerex Energy Services is a division of Amerex Brokers LLC. Amerex Energy Services is a national energy consultant that provides industrial, commercial and institutional clients with a wide array of sophisticated energy and energy-related financial tools designed to provide a stable platform to manage risk. Founded in 1978, Amerex is a leading over-the-counter energy brokerage offering services in electricity, natural gas, emission credits and allowances, renewable energy credits, retail energy procurement and energy data services. From its office in Houston, Amerex offers liquidity and timely execution to meet the needs of a global client network of more than 1,000 firms including thousands of traders and risk management professionals. For additional information, please visit www.amerexenergy.com. Amerex Brokers LLC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of GFI Group Inc. (Nasdaq: GFIG), a leading inter-dealer broker specializing in over-the-counter derivatives products and related securities. GFI provides brokerage services, market data and analytics software products for a range of credit, financial, equity and commodity instruments. GFI operates one of the largest OTC energy brokerage businesses in North America both directly and through its Amerex and StarSupply businesses.
About ARAMARK
ARAMARK is a leader in professional services, providing award-winning food services, facilities management, and uniform and career apparel to health care institutions, universities and school districts, stadiums and arenas, and businesses around the world. In FORTUNE magazine's 2008 list of "America's Most Admired Companies," ARAMARK was ranked number one in its industry, consistently ranking since 1998 as one of the top three most admired companies in its industry as evaluated by peers and analysts.
ARAMARK also ranked first in its industry in the 2007 FORTUNE 500 survey. ARAMARK seeks to responsibly address issues that matter to its clients, customers, employees and communities by focusing on employee advocacy, environmental stewardship, health and wellness, and community involvement. Headquartered in Philadelphia, ARAMARK has approximately 250,000 employees serving clients in 19 countries. Learn more at the company's Web site, www.aramark.com.


With all the big changes coming to CSU, many students speculate about the goals of our university.











On March 3, Rhodes College in Memphis, TN held their first Cooking Class.





With the new year came changes in the cafeteria - changes that the students have definitely noticed.

Eastern employee, Kathy VanWinkle famously shares smiles in upstairs Powell.

















Contrary to popular belief, Barnard girls can get their money's worth on the unlimited meal plan.

Aramark has been serving up some changes to more than just the menu this school year.






The student-run international buffet will feature a Volunteer Week theme Sept. 21-24.


New electricity strategy helps ARAMARK save money and energy

UT student-run international buffet features Volunteer Week theme

Annual campaign strives to help Maine communities find school supplies

Schools make green list thanks in part to eco-conscious food programs

ARAMARK company-wide community involvement initiative on the road again

ARAMARK partners with business community to help workforce readiness



Corban University Food Services Director welcomed to the Red Hat crew





Top ARAMARK chefs vie for the Gold Medal at the 3rd annual ACE competition.

ARAMARK Higher Ed team does what it can to help after Washington, DC, Metro train crash.


ARAMARK partners with Carson-Newman College to operate the local bakery.

Twenty-four ARAMARK employees were recently awarded Jefferson Awards for community service.

ARAMARK at USF program provides young adults with job training and help finding employment.

Closed loop local food project brings greater sustainability to University of Southern Maine.

ARAMARK and FSU student group host "Dine in the Dark" event as part of global Earth Hour effort.

Vermont's Lyndon State College has recently implemented a new system of composting waste.

A May food drive organized by ARAMARK and Old Dominion extended after great success.

Displaced from Burundi by ongoing war, jobs gives refugees a step toward normalcy.

The college is partnering with ARAMARK to design and implement a comprehensive energy program.

Olin College is on track to saving nearly $1.5 million in energy costs over three years.

ARAMARK employee volunteers give facelift to Queens Community House.


Bloomsburg University of PA repackaged and distributed 12 tons of food to those in need.

University food supplier will adopt new measures to improve sustainability.

Kari Willmott was nominated for the TRiO Student's Choice Award.

USF Surf Club and ARAMARK have always had a tradition of giving back to the local community.

25 students participated in ARAMARK'S second Annual Hot Wing Eating Contest.

Julius Jackson won first place in the 8th Annual Top Chef competition hosted by ARAMARK.


Executive chef Masahiro Yamashita wins a gold medal at the ARAMARK Culinary Excellence Competition.


The new CityKids Java Café serves up sustainable food and support for at-risk kids.

Students enjoy locally grown and harvested foods in new on-campus cafe.

With $5 combo meals, students are getting a new taste of value.

Student-run restaurant offers great learning opportunity, awesome meals.

Boston Unity Dining Services helped feed over 1,250 people this holiday season.

Brandeis Greening class works with community to bring local produce to campus.

ARAMARK and local farm work to build more sustainable food system.

Over 1,300 take part in University of Rochester Local Foods Week.

University of Maine-Farmington honored for his commitment to the community.

Get to know the Director of the University of Rochester's Eastman Dining Center.

Nearly 100 employees, friend and family celebrated the day by helping the community.

Best-selling health & lifestyle author Anne M. Fletcher is speaking at campuses nationwide.

Director of ARAMARK Fleet Operations talks about how ARAMARK is greening our roadways.

Local center gets a desperately needed - and well deserved -- renovation.

Best-selling health & lifestyle author Anne M. Fletcher is speaking at campuses nationwide.

ARAMARK invests in the first fully-chartered Boys & Girls Club to operate within a homeless shelter.

ARAMARK works with campus partners to incorporate Zero Waste practices.

Top ARAMARK chefs embark on a multinational cultural journey of a lifetime.

Dedicated employees are rewarded in the 2008 THRIVE Recognition Program drawing.

The latest edition of "Meet the 'MARK" features a key player at Vassar College Dining Services.

ARAMARK's partners at the University of Florida keep up the good work.

The ARAMARK Building Community national tour makes a stop in San Francisco.

ARAMARK teams up with the Elizabeth Peabody House in Somerville, MA.

The Tennant Company helps develop an environmentally-safe light industrial scrubber.

Students try trayless dining in an effort to support environmental stewardship.

Twenty ARAMARK employees receive prestigious Jefferson Awards.

Campus partners recycle almost 12 million pounds of waste in the 2008 RecycleMania program.


ARAMARK makes a commitment to help preserve the world's oceans and fisheries.

Students find out how much food is wasted at Old Dominion University's Café 1201.

ARAMARK helps Berklee reduce its campus-wide energy use by almost 40 percent.

ARAMARK finds Energy Star options for the University of Florida.

The new science building of Muhlenberg College wins a Silver LEED Rating.
We're committed to protecting and improving the environment by weaving an essential Green Thread through every aspect of our business.
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