Throughout his 30 years of hospitality experience, Steketee has received numerous awards and honors, including Embassy Suites Hotel�s 2005 General Manager of the Year.  He also brings seasoned management and sales experience garnered from his service at hotels and hotel companies in eight states throughout the Midwest and Eastern seaboards.  The Embassy Suites Hotel Charleston Airport is operated by John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts, the nation�s leading independent builder, developer, owner and manager of upscale, full-service hotels, resorts and suites (www.jqhhotels.com).

Preceding his appointment, Steketee served as general manager for the Embassy Suites Hotel Tampa and Conference Center.  His ability to develop effective management teams and build loyal client partnerships increased the hotel�s market share and garnered prestigious performance recognition from the Embassy Suites Hotels brand.  In 2005, the hotel was ranked as the best full-service hotel based on associate satisfaction in the John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts portfolio.  Prior, Steketee held general manager positions with hotels and conference centers in St. Petersburg, Fla.; Chicago; Memphis, Tenn.; and Fort Lee, New Jersey.  He is a Michigan State University graduate and began in the hospitality industry as a director of sales and front office manager with the Holiday Inn in Lansing, Mich.

�The position of general manager requires proven leadership, extensive management experience and the ability to relate to varied environments and people on all levels,� said Mr. John Q. Hammons, founder, chairman and chief executive officer of John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts.  �Peter has a proven track record of successful leadership and a strong commitment to providing quality guest experiences.  We are confident in his abilities to advance the company�s commitment to excellence.�

Steketee�s awards and industry honors include Embassy Suites Hotels� General Manager of the Year (2005), Illinois Lodging Association�s Illinois Hotelier of the Year (2000) and numerous excellence awards for quality performance.  His civic and industry contributions have included past board leadership positions of the Chicago Convention and Visitors Bureau, Greater North Michigan Avenue Association and Hillsborough County Florida Hotel Motel Association, as well as YMCA involvement in Chicago and St. Petersburg.

�It�s a pleasure to work with a general manager of Peter�s caliber.  His seasoned sales experience, financial management and employee relations skills will greatly contribute to the success of the hotel,� said Bill Mead, regional vice president for John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts.

About the Embassy Suites Hotel Charleston Airport and Convention Center
Ideally located in North Charleston, the nine-story, 255-suite Embassy Suites Hotel Charleston Airport and Convention Center is perfect for both business and pleasure with luxurious accommodations, a lush garden atrium and 135,000 square feet of grand meeting space in the attached Charleston Area Convention Center.  The complex also features the North Charleston Performing Arts Center and Coliseum.  All hotel guests enjoy a private bedroom in every suite, living room with sofa sleeper, wet bar, refrigerator, microwave and coffeemaker.  In addition, business travelers can enjoy high-speed Internet access in each guest room, customizable voicemail, business center and complimentary USA Today delivery every weekday morning.  Each of the hotel�s suites is equipped with two color televisions and WebTV.  Travelers also are able to enjoy a nightly Manager�s Reception®, as well as a complimentary, cooked-to-order breakfast during their stay.  Additional amenities and services include free airport shuttle, laundry/valet service, sundeck, cardio fitness center, 24-hour gift shop, oversized indoor pool and whirlpool.  

Scott Tarwater
John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts
628-7757/(972) 628-7875
[email protected]
www.jqhhotels.com