�Completion of the Candlewood Hazleton project, particularly in our current challenging business environment, is a significant source of pride to our entire team,� commented Clyde Harris, President of Harris Hotel Group and American Hotel Development Partners. 

�This hotel is a testament to the power of persistence in the face of adversity,� Mr. Harris continued. �Our planning team was truly inspired when identifying this market and site � the need of the market was clear and we are pleased to serve the community.� 

Hazleton�s central location to more than 40 percent of the world�s buying power ideally positions it for major manufacturers, facilitating central production and drastically reduced shipping costs. With more than 4,500 acres of business parks, Hazleton is home to manufacturing and distribution centers for a wealth of Fortune 500 companies including General Mills, Hershey Foods, OfficeMax and Amazon.com. Committed to conscientious sustainable growth, the city of Hazleton continues to attract new business expansion. Hazleton has invested more than 1.5 billion dollars into environmental improvements including generating energy that omits no green house gases. 

The new Candlewood is essential to the area�s continued growth. Perched on a 3-acre cliff top parcel, the Candlewood Suites Hazleton commands a sweeping view of the picturesque Conyingham Valley. The property�s sleek good looks of native stone and wood, combined with a professional management team who deliver five-star guest service, is a tremendous addition to the social and economic communities of the region.

�The Candlewood hotel provides a much-needed addition to our community,� said Donna Palermo, President of Hazleton�s highly active Chamber of Commerce. 

�We are very fortunate and aren�t feeling the pinch by the economy right now. As a result, we are vibrant and growing,� continued Ms. Palermo. �All the industry here means we have many corporate travelers staying a couple of days to several weeks.�

�We�re delighted with the warm reception of the local community and region,� continued Mr. Harris in announcing the opening. �We look forward to robust numbers in the coming year. As Hazleton grows, we look forward to growing along with the city and in conjunction with our partnership with Penn State University, Hazleton. 

Companies that have recently moved manufacturing to Hazleton�s business and industrial parks include Tootsie Roll, Archer Daniels Midland, Auto Zone and Bimbo Bakeries.  Ms. Palermo attributes the area�s growth to its strategic locations within two hours of Philadelphia, Baltimore, New York and other major metropolitan areas.

Hazleton�s continued expansion is also fueling significant corporate relocation. �When people are relocating they find extend stay a perfect fit and the Candlewood is ideal for them,� said Ms. Palermo.

Primarily constructed to serve the Hazleton corporate market with an attractive extended stay property, group business is also an important driver for the Candlewood Suites Hazleton.  Leisure travelers are also a vital part of the hotel�s guest mix, serving travelers who seek to enjoy the many natural beauties and recreational offerings of the area as well as events such as races at the Pocono Raceway and regional Little League Baseball, Softball, and Hockey Tournaments. 

Guests at the Candlewood Suites Hazleton can cook meals in their fully equipped kitchens, relax in the overstuffed recliner while watching movies from the hotel�s free movie library. Business travelers work more efficiently utilizing the executive desk with two separate phone lines and free high-speed internet. The property also provides guests with a Fitness Center and free Guest Laundry. The fully stocked Candlewood Cupboard provides breakfast, lunch, dinner options, as well as sodas, snacks, and ice cream.

For more information on the Candlewood Suites Hazleton or Harris Hotel Group, please contact Gail MacKenzie at 813-476-1182 or [email protected]. 

ABOUT HARRIS HOTEL GROUP 
Harris Hotel Group is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Hotel Development Partners. Clyde Harris, President of Harris Hotel Group, has an extensive hospitality background, which includes serving as Director of Development for all Intercontinental Hotel Group (IHG) company-owned and managed hotels, responsible for overseeing the corporate-managed hotel portfolio and administering current and future management contracts.  Mr. Harris also currently serves as the President and COO of American Hotel Development Partners.  He has overseen the industry�s third largest managed portfolio, consisting of more than 300 hotels.  Mr. Harris helped IHG launch the Crowne Plaza brand in 1994 and the Staybridge Suites brand in 1998, and he worked on the acquisition of the Candlewood brand in 2004. While managing the Staybridge brand, Mr. Harris achieved an 8% RevPAR premium from company-managed hotels vs.

Sharon Lemon
 253.304.9869

American Hotel Development Partners
Alex Giannini
941.918.4300
[email protected]