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Joe Morrissey Named Senior Vice President of Operations |
| SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - Oct. 31, 2005 -- John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts,
LLC today announced that Lou Weckstein is stepping down as president of
the company effective October 31, 2005. Weckstein will continue to serve
John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts by staying involved with asset management
of the company's hotel portfolio. He also will be participating in speaking
engagements and making special appearances at industry-related events and
meetings. Springfield, Mo.-based John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts,
LLC is the nation's leading independent builder, developer, owner and manager
of upscale, full-service hotels, resorts and suites.
Weckstein's operational duties will be assumed by Joe Morrissey, formerly regional vice president of operations for John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts. In his new position as senior vice president of operations, Morrissey will be responsible for directing and managing all phases of hotel operations. He will report directly to Mr. John Q. Hammons, founder, chairman and chief executive officer of John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts. Mr. John Q. Hammons said, "We thank Lou for his valuable contributions to John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts. With nearly five decades of hotel industry experience, he has the unique gift for conducting profitable business operations that build brands and positively impact the bottom line. The company has truly excelled under Lou's leadership as it continues to grow, offering the finest properties and unparalleled customer service that shape the landscape of the hotel industry today." Scott Tarwater, senior vice president for John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts, said, "In the more than 20 years we have worked together, it has never ceased to amaze me how Lou has the uncanny ability to successfully propel a hotel company forward. At John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts, he has contributed to developing a collection of the best, most profitable hotels; focused on long-term growth and heightened portfolio performance; and invested in staff and technologies to assemble the highest-quality hotel management team. Lou's impact on the industry is equally impressive and rarely surpassed. Every footprint Lou has left in the hospitality field has created a successful path for others to follow." Having joined John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts in the fall of 2001, Weckstein has been responsible for overall strategic direction of the company, ensuring the highest standards continue to be met with its growing portfolio of hotels. Previously, Weckstein served as senior vice president, hotel operations at Windsor Capital Group, where he oversaw all aspects of hotel operations, including conversions, food and beverage, asset management, accounting and human resources. Prior to Windsor, Weckstein spent eight years as vice president of operations for Embassy Suites Hotels, Inc., where he played an integral role in the growth and awareness of the brand as a member of Senior Staff, Owners Executive Association, Franchise Committee and Marketing Subcommittee. Before joining Embassy Suites Hotels, Weckstein spent 12 years as vice president of operations for Ramada Inns, Inc.; 12 years as vice president of operations for Sheraton Inns, Inc.; and seven years as a hotel general manager. Weckstein also serves on several advisory boards, including Marriott Owners National Association, Kemmons Wilson School of Hospitality at the University of Memphis, Embassy Suites Hotels Owners Association Council, Michigan State University -- The School of Hospitality Business, and Northern Arizona University -- School of Hotel and Restaurant Management. As a long-time resident of Phoenix, Weckstein also has served on the board of directors of the American Cancer Society and as Trustee of the Arizona Opera Company. Weckstein received a degree in hotel and restaurant management from Michigan State University. He has been honored by MSU's The School of Hospitality Business by being inducted into the "Wall of Fame" in 2001, named "Alumni of the Year" in 2002 and recognized as "Industry Leader of the Year" in 2003. He also is certified as a hotel administrator by the American Hotel & Lodging Association's Education Institute. About John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts, LLC
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John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts, LLC
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