|
|
Sports Legend by Missouri Sports Hall of Fame |
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (March 13, 2002) � John Q. Hammons Hotels, Inc. (AMEX:
JQH) proudly announces that Mr. John Q. Hammons is the 2002 recipient of
the esteemed Missouri Sports Legend Award, the highest level of recognition
bestowed on an individual by the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. Mr.
Hammons, founder of the nation�s leading independent builder, developer,
owner and manager of upscale full-service hotels, resorts and suites, recently
was honored at the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame�s annual Enshrinement Ceremonies
held in Springfield, Mo.
In recognition of Mr. Hammons� significant contribution to Missouri Sports, his personal career is chronicled and preserved to serve as an inspiration to all who visit the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame facility in Springfield. In addition, a bronze bust fashioned by sculptor Harry Weber of Bowling Green, Mo., depicts Mr. Hammons� likeness and is displayed along the Legends Walk located on the grounds of the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. Mr. Hammons also is featured as the subject of a painting by sports artist Dayne Dudley of Tulsa, Okla., from which a limited edition print was published. History of Mr. Hammons� Contribution to Sports In addition to his extensive contributions to the U.S. hospitality industry over the last 40 years in his role as a leading hotelier, Mr. Hammons� contributions to sports in Missouri and around the country are numerous.
The Missouri Sports Hall of Fame is operated as a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit organization. The facility is located in Springfield, Mo., and is comprised of more than 22,000 square feet of museum display space; a 117-seat auditorium; a library that houses memorabilia, photos and other items belonging to founder Mr. John Q. Hammons; and the Legends of Missouri Gifts & Collectibles Shop. The museum�s purpose is to recognize Missouri sports legends and to inspire Missouri�s sports future through a variety of displays, exhibits, interactive games and several sports functions and activities throughout the year. The Hall of Fame is open Monday � Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. For more information, contact the museum at 417-889-3100. About John Q. Hammons Hotels, Inc. Publicly traded on the American Stock Exchange (AMEX: JQH), Springfield, Mo.-based John Q. Hammons Hotels, Inc. is the nation�s leading independent builder, developer, owner and manager of upscale full-service hotels, resorts and suites including: Embassy Suites, Renaissance, Marriott, Radisson, Crowne Plaza, Residence Inn, Homewood Suites, Holiday Inn and Hampton Inn & Suites brands. With 56 hotels strategically located near demand generators, such as state capitals, universities, airports, corporate headquarters or office parks in secondary and tertiary markets, John Q. Hammons Hotels� properties are dominant in their markets. The company�s focus is capitalizing on positive operating fundamentals in the upscale, full-service sector, converting existing hotels to franchise brands and selling mature assets, while reinvesting the proceeds and reducing debt. Although John Q. Hammons Hotels is not developing new hotels, Mr. Hammons has personally developed three projects that opened in 2001. John Q. Hammons Hotels manages all of the properties developed by Mr. Hammons� private company. |
###
Scott Tarwater John Q. Hammons Hotels, Inc. 417-864-4300 [email protected] |