POCONO MOUNTAINS, Pa. -- The Pocono Mountains Vacation Bureau, Inc. announces The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort has become smoke-free as of Nov. 1.

Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort, a member of the Pocono Mountains: Discover Golf’s Great Destination Secret – a coalition of properties which include an excellent mix of modern and classical designs, has become the first entirely smoke-free resort in the four-county region. The Pocono Mountains are home to golf courses designed by legendary architects Donald Ross, Jack Nicklaus and A.W. Tillinghast – creator of Shawnee.

“We’re proud to make this proactive move to a smoke-free resort,” says General Manager Rob Howell. “The well-being and overall satisfaction of our guests is foremost in this action and we feel the health benefits will be far-reaching.”

With most of the Shawnee already smoke-free, much of the work will be focused on the resort’s third floor – home to many of the existing smoking rooms. The Inn’s staff will use special ionizing machines to clear the rooms of any remaining smoke particles in the air.

“This move by Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort is indicative of what’s happening throughout the Pocono Mountains destination,” says Robert Uguccioni, executive director of the Pocono Mountains Vacation Bureau, Inc. “We’re very pleased with the direction Shawnee has taken and see similarly progressive actions within the entire golf co-op and its members’ overall enhancements and reinvention.”

The move also means that all public areas inside the Inn will become smoke-free as well. These areas include the lobby, lounge, meeting rooms, banquet rooms and Charlie’s Place Restaurant and Bar.

“Despite this exciting change, the Shawnee Inn continues to welcome guests who smoke, but simply requests that they do so only on the south side of the veranda off the main level,” Howell adds. “This decision to rid the Inn of smoke was a tough one to make, but was ultimately made with the goal of creating a more eco-friendly environment. It protects not only the smokers, but also shields our loyal guests and employees from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke.”

As a complement to the new smoke-free policy, the Shawnee Inn has also developed an employee “Smoking Cessation Program”. This seven-week course is run through the Monroe Branch of the Penn State Cooperative Extension and is being put in place to encourage employees who desire to quit smoking. On top of a healthier lifestyle, all employees who participate in the program will receive many great incentives to help them reach their goal.

Smoking cigarettes is considered a voluntary decision and employees are allowed two smoke breaks per eight-hour shift. With this movement toward a healthier environment, the Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort is hopeful that Pennsylvania will soon join the several other smoke-free states in the United States. In the meantime, the resort will remain committed to positively affecting the lives and habits of its guests, employees and all others who wish to enjoy the new Shawnee vision and experience.

For more information on the non-smoking changes, call 800.742.9633, ext. 1405 or visit www.shawneeinn.com.
For more information on the other golf courses, resorts, stay-and-play packages and additional Pocono Mountains activities, visit www.poconosgolf.com.

About the “Pocono Mountains: Discover Golf’s Great Destination Secret”

The Pocono Mountains has long been known to avid travelers and mountain aficionados for its lush, relaxing family friendly ambiance and romantic setting, as well as its fall foliage, winter skiing, spring-summer outdoor recreation options and natural beauty. Numerous lakes, parks and other environmental wonderlands are found throughout the four-county Pocono Mountains region.

Discerning golfers are well aware that the Pocono Mountains are home to golf courses designed by renowned architects such as Donald Ross and A.W. Tillinghast. Pocono Mountains golf properties and value-laden golf packages are available on www.poconosgolf.com, which allows players to conveniently obtain desired tee times and enjoy majestic mountain-view scenery, the area’s natural splendor, year-round amenities and unequaled value and variety.

Attributes of the golf-and-resort properties and destination include:
* Home to hundreds of golf holes at numerous clubs, many located close to one another:
* Two NASCAR races held annually each spring-summer
* Golden Era of Golf Architecture period designs strongly represented by legendary designers Donald Ross and A.W. Tillinghast
* Golf, lodging and resort accommodations at all price points, from luxury to value
* Hiking, biking, camping, spas, horseback riding, boating, fishing, hunting and many other activities
* Attractions, festivals and other special events
* Meeting and conference facilities
* Great food at a wide array of eating establishments and resort restaurants
* Bed & breakfasts, country inns and resorts
* Antique shops, outlet malls and other unique shopping venues

CONTACT:
Dan Shepherd, Buffalo Communications
703-891-3320, dshepherd@billycaspergolf.com

Rob Thomas, Buffalo Communications
214-701-1153, rthomas@billycaspergolf.com