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

CHICAGO--(Business Wire)--
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 7th 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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Ecolab Inc.
Jennifer Kirscher, 651-293-2846

Copyright Business Wire 2009