Phoenix, Ariz., October 27, 1997 - Don L. Seaton, recently elected chairman of the Best Western Board of Directors, and president and CEO of Seven Seas Equities. Inc., has been named Florida Hotelier of the Year. The prestigious award deemed "a truly valued honor and a highlight of my career," by Seaton, was bestowed in recognition of his many professional and personal accomplishments.
A second generation hotelier, Seaton has played an instrumental role in directing the world's leading lodging brand for the past six years. Just this month, after five years of service including contributions as vice-chair, he moves to the helm of the Best Western Board of Directors. In this his ongoing capacity as the organization's guiding force, Seaton has moved the hotel giant into new arenas including the creation and implementation of modern brand identity images, an enlarged global expansion focus, the development of a formalized strategic planning process that includes an annually updated "living document," and the introduction of a Global Quality Assurance program concentrating on the aesthetic and cleanliness standards of hotels carrying the brand's flag.
A resident of Clearwater Beach, Seaton is a member of the Florida Hotel & Motel Association board of directors and the Pinellas County Tourism Development Council. He is the majority owner of the Best Western Sea Wake Inn, a 110-unit hotel, and the 109-unit Best Western Sea Stone Resort, both in Clearwater Beach. Additionally, Seaton operates the Best Western Crystal River Resort, which boasts 96-units, in Crystal River, Florida. Locally, Seaton's civic leadership involvements include presidential terms for the Pinellas Suncoast Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Clearwater Chamber of Commerce.
Seaton holds the coveted Certified Hotel Administrator designation from the Educational Institute of the American Hotel & Motel Association.
Best Western International, Inc., is a membership-driven organization
that has supported hoteliers with a variety of services to ensure competitive
pricing, quality accommodations and consistent dedication to guest satisfaction
for 51 years. Best Western International is the world's largest lodging
brand with more than 3,700 independently owned and operated hotels in 75
countries and territories throughout North America, South America, Europe,
Asia, Africa, the Middle East and the South Pacific.