Ecolab Inc. announced today that it raised $125,000 for the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) at their 2007 Chairman's Reception and Silent Auction on May 20. Ecolab is a longtime supporter of the NRAEF, contributing nearly $1 million over the past five years.

The Ecolab Chairman's Reception and Silent Auction, held annually during the National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show, was attended by more than 800 industry representatives. Donations for the auction included cruises, resort and restaurant packages, sports memorabilia, culinary education and equipment and other valuable items. The check was presented to the NRAEF by Douglas M. Baker, Jr., chairman, president and chief executive officer and Michael A. Hickey, senior vice president, global business development, both of Ecolab.

"Education plays a fundamental role in sustaining the vitality and long-term health of our industry," said Baker. "We are thrilled to continue our long-standing support of the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, particularly because its mission fosters a talented, dynamic workforce. This donation also reflects our ongoing commitment to the people in our industry and the communities we serve."

The NRAEF provides high school seniors, college undergraduate students and educators with scholarships to pursue an education related to the restaurant and foodservice industry. The scholarships are presented to select qualified applicants who have been accepted into collegiate restaurant or foodservice management programs.

"As the nation's largest private sector employer, the restaurant and foodservice industry is the cornerstone of the American economy and relies on a highly qualified, skilled workforce," said Mary Adolf, president and chief operating officer of the NRAEF. "We are very grateful for the continued commitment by Ecolab to the NRAEF's education initiatives, as it directly assists the future leaders of our industry achieve the education they will need for success."

With sales of $5 billion, 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 NRAEF

The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) is a not-for-profit organization 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 the NRAEF, visit www.nraef.org.

(ECL-C)