Three new quality initiatives will build upon the company�s already successful �Best Methods� program for performance and quality. These new programs were tested and refined at several properties before company-wide introduction.

• The Maintenance Mentor program outlines training for maintenance engineers and general managers. It provides for quarterly, monthly, weekly and daily action plans to keep the hotels looking and feeling brand new.

• The �On the Spot� awards program provides for immediate individual and team recognition for excellence in quality.

• The Perpetual Green Plan integrates all quality initiatives to help ensure exceptional guest experiences.

�We emphasize the importance of the service-profit chain, leading to increased customer retention,� he says.  �Instead of relying solely on inspections, we focus on training that increases team member productivity and satisfaction, and the creation and implementation of quality processes and continuous improvement.� Special achievements were also honored at the conference.

The Hampton-Norfolk, Va., Candlewood Suites won Candlewood�s Hotel of the Year award and its general manager, Teresa Boswell, was named General Manager of the Year. The property was singled out for extraordinary quality and customer service, earning the company�s highest quality rating. It was the first hotel to win a perfect score in Candlewood�s stringent suite inspection program.  Boswell was cited for her commitment to the community and the company. Under her leadership, the Candlewood team hosts blood drives and supports a local children�s hospital. She is instrumental in training other general managers in her region, serves on the standards committee and is known for her team motivation skills.  �We�re very proud of the commitment to quality and customer satisfaction demonstrated by all our team members day in and day out,� says Roos.

Gold Awards were also presented to properties with an exceptional rating in quality assurance and other top performance factors, including revenue and occupancy. They included (property, general manager): 

• Braintree, Mass. Stacey Certner 
• Clearwater, Fla. Jay Gregg 
• Hampton-Norfolk, Va. Teresa Boswell 
• Irvine-Spectrum, Calif. Kaleolani DeLaCruz
• Las Colinas, Texas Gigi Newbern
• Louisville, Ky. Marilyn Beatty 
• Schaumburg, Ill. Irene Eby
• Somerset, N.J. Robert Bernardo 
• Southfield, Mich. Gary Misczak
• Warren, Mich. Kristin Anton

Clearwater also was among several Gold Award winners for the fastest ramp-up to opening. 

Other Gold Award winners for fastest ramp-up included 

• Albuquerque, N.M., 
• Columbus, Ohio, and 
• Oklahoma City. 

Outstanding general managers for each of the company�s five regions were also honored:

• Teresa Boswell - Hampton-Norfolk, Va.
• Kaleolani DeLaCruz - Irvine-Spectrum, Calif.
• Irene Eby - Schaumburg, Ill.
• Gary Misczak - Southfield, Mich.
• Gigi Newbern - Las Colinas, Texas

Candlewood Chairman and CEO Jack DeBoer�who founded Residence Inn and co-founded Summerfield Suites in the 1970s and 1980s�founded Candlewood in 1995. He is recognized in the hotel industry as the creator of the extended-stay concept. There are currently 76 Candlewood Suites open coast-to-coast, with more under construction.