Cassland also has two other "Rural Gold" properties construction in Cedartown and Monroe, Ga. Buckhead America's "Rural Gold" program revolves around a 32-room and eight-suite Country Hearth prototype hotel targeted specifically at smaller, rural hospitality markets. The proprietary design and eight existing properties were acquired in September 1997. Barnesville is the third new "Rural Gold" property opened this year. 

Cassland signed an agreement earlier this year to develop up to 10 Country Hearth Inns in rural Southeast communities during the next three years. Cassland owns about 8 percent of the outstanding shares of Buckhead America. 

Azim Kassam, president of Cassland, said, "Our long association with Buckhead America and Country Hearth Inn allowed us to react quickly to this exciting new hotel product for smaller markets. We are confident in the success of our first three Georgia properties and we are actively scouting for additional locations." 

Douglas C. Collins, president and chief executive officer of Buckhead America, said, "We are pleased with the progress of the 'Rural Gold' program so far and very excited about the product's future. The hotels are designed specifically for smaller communities that have been practically ignored by the branded hospitality industry. We are talking about communities with populations between 10,000 and 25,000 people--and the market potential is huge." 

Collins added, "We've found these communities and travelers to them welcome the environment and service of a professionally managed hotel, and franchisees are attracted to its lower cost and higher profitability compared with larger road-side properties." 

Buckhead America now has 11 Country Hearth Inn "Rural Gold" properties opened, six more under construction and commitments for an additional 25 properties. 

Buckhead America is a diversified hospitality services company whose holdings include the Country Hearth Inn lodging system and 23 additional hotels owned or under long-term contract. Buckhead America common shares trade on the Nasdaq National Market System under the stock symbol "BUCK."