Local dignitaries are expected to attend the reception, as well as executives from The Dow Chemical Company, Acquest Realty Advisors and Dolce International. Midland-based Dow, and Acquest Realty Advisors of Bloomfield Hills, Mich., collaborator with Dow at Ashman Court, contracted with Dolce to manage the hotel and oversee a $20 million renovation and expansion.  The project will include construction of the H.H. Dow Leadership Academy Executive Training Center, plus an upscale restaurant and European style Bistro that can be enjoyed by hotel guests, as well as the Midland community. 

Tonight's welcome reception will showcase culinary arts by Dolce's top chefs from the East Coast, the Southwest and Western Europe. Guests will enjoy Dolce's various regional cuisines, fine wines and champagnes, and live entertainment throughout the night. 

"I am excited about this facility, partly because our top executives from around the world will come here for some of the most advanced business and leadership training available anywhere, � says Andrew N. Liveris, Dow chairman and chief executive officer. "In addition,  the planned renovations, coupled with Dolce's solid reputation, will help attract the attention of many people and businesses throughout Michigan who will want to hold meetings and events here,  further strengthening the vitality of this region.�

The Ashman Court Hotel and Conference Center is the 23rd property in Dolce's portfolio of conference centers, hotels and resorts. Dolce will also be responsible for an upgrade to all aspects of operations, including accommodations, amenities and services. The hotel will remain open during the expansion.

"We look forward to making Dow's vision for the hotel a reality,� stated Andy Dolce, chairman and managing partner of Dolce International. "With two public eateries, including an upscale restaurant in the works, a corporate leadership academy and a top-notch hotel, Ashman Court will add a significant piece to Midland's thriving commercial development.� 

About Dolce International

Dolce International is a global hospitality company specializing in the meetings experience for its customers. The company has a portfolio of 23 unique properties in the United States, Canada and Europe.  Each property features a different style ranging from a historic castle, to an authentic alpine village, to a New England-style country resort, to a French chateau, to a traditional corporate learning center.  All Dolce Destinations meet the high standards of the International Association of Conference Centers (IACC).  While Dolce International specializes in the meetings niche of the hospitality industry, the company also caters to leisure travelers, individual business travelers and offers a variety of venues for events.  Headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey and Paris, France, the company has approximately 3,000 employees.    For more information, visit the web site at www.dolce.com. 

About Dow

Dow is a diversified chemical company that harnesses the power of science and technology to improve living daily. The Company offers a broad range of innovative products and services to customers in more than 175 countries, helping them to provide everything from fresh water, food and pharmaceuticals to paints, packaging and personal care products. Built on a commitment to its principles of sustainability, Dow has annual sales of $46 billion and employs 42,000 people worldwide. References to "Dow� or the "Company� mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted. More information about Dow can be found at www.dow.com.

Dolce International
Barbara Rogers
(201) 505-4413
[email protected]