NORTHBROOK, Ill., July 16, 2007 - Lane Hospitality of Northbrook,
IL - one of the nation's leading management companies - reported today
that it continued to grow its portfolio during the first half of 2007,
with the acquisition of two hotels, engagement of two management contracts,
and conversion and building of two additional hotels. With this recent
growth, the company has also added several new senior staff members to
its leadership team.
"Our momentum continues at an aggressive pace as we implement our growth
and operating strategies," said Bill DeForrest, President and CEO of Lane
Hospitality. "With outstanding associates, a high quality portfolio that
represents the top hotel brands in the industry, and our track record of
success, we plan on additional development for the remainder of this year
and into 2008."
Lane Hospitality's accomplishments during
the first half of 2007 include:
Acquisition of the Hilton hotel in Jackson, MS
This 273-room property is the area's premier hotel and has been continuously
ranked among the top Hilton hotels in the U.S. for overall
guest experience and customer service.
Acquisition of the Marriott Courtyard hotel in St. Louis, MO
With extensive renovations completed just last year, this 122-room
property is located in the heart of Town and Country, St. Louis' stylish
western suburb.
Topping Off the new Crowne Plaza prototype hotel in Wauwatosa, WI
The Topping Off ceremony for the Crowne Plaza brand's new prototype
was held outside of Milwaukee last month. The hotel is on track to
open spring 2008.
Conversion to a SpringHill Suites by Marriott in Oklahoma City,
OK
Formerly an AmeriSuites and now known as the SpringHill Suites by Marriott
Quail Springs, this 128-room hotel opened last month after an extensive
renovation.
Engagement in a management contract with a Marriott hotel in Norwalk,
CA
With a prime location on the Los Angeles and Orange County lines, this
hotel is currently in the midst of a $5 million renovation.
Engagement in a management contract with a hotel in Toledo, OH
Formerly a Wyndham, this hotel is going through a $7 million renovation
to become a Crowne Plaza and will open fall 2007.
Newly-Appointed Staff
With all the recent growth, there have been several additions to the
company's leadership team, along with the promotion of Craig Larson
to Regional Vice President. Larson, who joined the company in 1994, has
supervised such award-winning hotels as the Hampton Inn & Suites in
Newport News and the Comfort Inn in Gloucester, VA. He was also named Lane's
"GM of the Year."
Newly-appointed staff include:
Rita Fritz, General Manager, Marriott Courtyard, St. Louis,
MO Fritz has 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry. She has
served in management capacities for several St. Louis area hotels including
The Mayfair Hotel Downtown as Controller, TownePlace Suites by Marriott
in Fenton as GM, Hampton Inn at Westport as GM, and Maryville Courtyard
as Assistant GM. She was also Guest Service Manager for the St. Louis Marriott
West.
Larry Hollingsworth, General Manager, Hilton Hotel, Jackson,
MS A 34-year hospitality veteran, Hollingsworth has operated such hotels
as the Hilton Seelbach Louisville, KY, Georgian Terrace Atlanta, GA, and
Wynfrey Hotel Birmingham, AL. Most recently, he was President & CEO
of John Conti Coffee Co. of Louisville. He is a graduate of Memphis State
University and received the Dan Mangeot Memorial Fleur-de-lis tourism award.
Pierre Merhej, General Manager, Doubletree Hotel, Annapolis,
MD With 22 years of experience managing full-service hotels and F&B
operations, Merhej oversaw the Doubletree Hotel Lowell, MA, Radisson Hotel
and Plymouth Memorial Hall, Plymouth, MA, a large concert venue and ballroom
facility. He has a BS Degree in Hospitality Management and Associates Degree
in Hotel & Restaurant Management, both from Johnson & Wales University.
Bob Orr, General Manager, Hilton Hotel, Grand Rapids Airport,
MI With 15 years' hospitality experience, Orr has managed hotels throughout
Michigan on behalf of White Lodging Services (i.e., Holiday Inn Select
Grand Rapids Airport and Residence Inn Novi). He was named "GM of the Year,"
has received numerous Marriott sales and marketing awards, and was Director
of Convention Sales for the Greater Lansing Convention & Visitors Bureau.
About Lane Hospitality
Formed by the Lane family in 1986, Lane Hospitality invests in and
manages hotels for such brands as Marriott, Hilton, Intercontinental Hotels
Group, Starwood and Radisson. With regional offices located in Chicago,
IL, Houston, TX, and Newport News, VA, Lane Hospitality's focus is on the
guest. The company challenges its associates to strive for those service
deliveries that will best enhance the overall guest experience. Hotel Business
rated Lane one of the fastest growing management companies in the U.S.;
Hotels magazine selected Lane as one of the leading companies to watch
in the hotel management industry, and National Real Estate Investor ranked
Lane among the nation's top management companies. For additional information,
visit http://www.lanehospitality.com. |