�We feel strongly that Gwinnett is the place to build,� states Ray Ashman, Vice President of Operations for KBL Investments.  �There are so many positive things happening in the area, and the business climate here continues to be upbeat.  It just makes good business sense for us to continue to build and invest in Gwinnett County.�

KBL Investments opened its first hotel, Camden Suites, in Snellville, Georgia in 1997.  Its second property, also under the Camden Suites flag, opened in 1999 in Duluth, Georgia.

�The key to success of both hotels for us has been the careful choice of location and thorough knowledge of the hotel industry,� noted Steve Sherrill, President and CEO.  �We chose this location for the new La Quinta because it is a growing market � close to office buildings, retail and restaurants.  Plus, the new Discover Mills, with its attractive shopping and entertainment complex, is right down the road from us.�

KBL President Steve Sherrill�s wide contacts and knowledge of local real estate, and Vice President Ray Ashman�s extensive background in the hotel industry, have proven to be a winning combination.  The La Quinta Inn represents a new direction for the growing KBL hotel operations.

�We developed the Camden Suites prototype ourselves, which we felt we needed to do in order to provide the best possible product for travelers looking for a hotel geared toward longer stays, with nice rooms, great atmosphere, all the comforts of home, at reasonable rates,� explains Ray Ashman.  �We will continue to build and develop Camden Suites, but we also wanted to expand our market to the more frequent business traveler, who needs a hotel for shorter durations, but wants more upscale amenities.  La Quinta Inn is already a recognized and respected brand in this market, and exactly the right product for us.�

La Quinta Inn Duluth is scheduled to open in December 2002.  �We are already fielding calls from people interested in staying there,� comments Ashman.  �We expect to be near capacity soon after opening.�

Construction plans are also under development for a third Camden Suites, in Florida, with opening scheduled for Summer 2003.