Ecolab Raises $118,000 for the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation

CHICAGO--(Business Wire)--
Ecolab Inc. announced today that it raised more than $118,000 for
the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) at
the 2008 Chairman's Reception and 6th Annual Silent Auction on May 18.
Ecolab is one of the NRAEF's largest supporters having contributed
more than $1 million to the non-profit organization over the past six
years.

Michael Hickey, senior vice president of Global Business
Development at Ecolab, presented Linda Bacin, vice chairman of the
NRAEF, with a donation of $118,000 on behalf of Ecolab.

"We were pleased to see such an overwhelming response for the
support of our industry by hosting over 850 customers and industry
partners at this special event," Hickey said.

The event is held annually during the National Restaurant
Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show. Donations for this year's
auction included vacation packages, resort and restaurant packages,
sports memorabilia, culinary education equipment and other valuable
items.

"We are proud to continue our support of the National Restaurant
Association Educational Foundation in its mission to build a solid
foundation for the long-term vitality of our industry," added Douglas
M. Baker, Jr., Ecolab chairman, president and chief executive officer.
"This donation reflects Ecolab's ongoing commitment to the people in
our industry, and the communities in which we conduct business every
day."

The NRAEF provides high school seniors and college undergraduate
students with scholarships to pursue a restaurant and foodservice
education. The scholarships are presented to select qualified
applicants who have been accepted into an eligible restaurant and/or
foodservice management collegiate program. Since 2003, more than 150
students have been awarded scholarships as a result of Ecolab's
financial support.

"As the nation's second largest private sector employer, the
restaurant and foodservice industry is the cornerstone of the American
economy," Bacin said. "Ecolab's commitment to the NRAEF underscores
its dedication to supporting our education initiatives to help develop
a highly skilled workforce, and we are extremely appreciative of the
company's generosity."

About Ecolab Inc.

With sales of $5.5 billion and more than 14,000 sales-and-service
associates, 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
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 NRAEF

The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation
(NRAEF), a not-for-profit organization, is dedicated to fulfilling the
educational mission of the National Restaurant Association. Focusing
on three key strategies of risk management, recruitment, and
retention, the NRAEF is the premier provider of educational resources,
materials and programs which address attracting, developing and
retaining the industry's workforce. For more information on NRAEF,
visit www.nraef.org.

(ECL-C)

Ecolab Inc.
Jennifer Kirscher, 651-293-2846

Copyright Business Wire 2008