Ecolab Raises $125,000 for the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation

Ecolab Inc. announced today that it raised $125,000 for the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) at the 2009 Ecolab Chairman’s Reception and 7^th Annual Silent Auction on May 17. Ecolab is one of the NRAEF’s largest supporters, having contributed more than $1 million to the non-profit organization over the last seven years.

"We are honored that so many of our customers and industry partners donated generously to this special event, despite such challenging economic times,” said Douglas M. Baker, Jr., Ecolab Chairman, President and CEO. "Education plays a fundamental role in sustaining the vitality and long-term health of our industry. We are proud to continue our support of the NRAEF, particularly because its mission fosters a talented, dynamic workforce."

The Annual Silent Auction is held during the National Restaurant Association Restaurant Hotel-Motel Show. Donations ranged from luxurious lodging and dining packages to popular sports memorabilia and culinary education opportunities. The funds will provide approximately 50 scholarships for restaurant and foodservice education students.

Baker presented Linda Bacin, Chair, NRAEF Board of Trustees, with the $125,000 donation on behalf of Ecolab.

"We are very grateful for Ecolab’s continued commitment to the NRAEF's education initiatives as we assist the future leaders of our industry in the fulfillment of their educational goals,” Bacin said. "More and more students are driven today to become part of our dynamic industry. As this interest continues to grow, so does the need to foster and provide funding for educational opportunities."

"With committed partners like Ecolab and the many donors who supported Sunday’s event, we will continue to fulfill our mission of enhancing the restaurant industry's service to the public through education, community engagement and promotion of career opportunities," said Dawn Sweeney, President and CEO of the National Restaurant Association and National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation.

About Ecolab Inc.

Ecolab Inc. (NYSE: ECL) is the global leader in cleaning, sanitizing, food safety and infection prevention products and services. Ecolab delivers comprehensive programs and services to the foodservice, food and beverage processing, healthcare, and hospitality markets in more than 160 countries. More news and information is available at www.ecolab.com.

About the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation

As the philanthropic foundation of the National Restaurant Association, the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) enhances the restaurant industry’s service to the public through education, community engagement, and promotion of career opportunities. The restaurant and foodservice industry is comprised of 945,000 restaurant and foodservice outlets and a workforce of 13 million employees, making it one of the nation’s largest employers. The NRAEF is focused on working with the Association to lead America’s restaurant industry into a new era of prosperity, prominence and participation by providing the valuable tools and resources needed to educate our current and incoming employees. For more information on the NRAEF, visit www.nraef.org. For more information about the National Restaurant Association, visit www.restaurant.org.

(ECL-C)

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