"The MAP program brings customized marketing support to a whole new level," explained Franchise Marketing Manager Jeff Huepper. "Not only are we providing a comprehensive manual to assist with local sales and marketing, we are evaluating every aspect of each property's efforts, making specific recommendations for improvement, and even helping to implement these suggestions if needed." 

Brand President Dan Berman described franchisee reaction to the new initiative. "Franchisees are very excited about this program because it provides them with a concrete way to rate the sales and marketing efforts at the hotel level. It also gives them the resources they need to improve them," said Berman. The MAP initiative supplements current marketing programs such as National and Regional Sales, Telemarketing and Web marketing.

The new Sales and Marketing Evaluation is a motivational teaching tool designed to measure how effectively available marketing resources are being used. The evaluations cover all aspects of marketing including

• Market Research, 
• Action Plans, 
• Sales Activities, 
• Advertising, 
• Public Relations, and 
• Customer Service. 

The comprehensive new Sales and Marketing Planner was developed in-house, spearheaded by the marketing team of Jeff Huepper, Kim Lewandowski and Collier Daily. Designed specifically for marketing extended stay hotels, the guide has a number of unique features. A new Graphics Standards CD and corresponding manual allow hotels to easily create professional-looking property-specific advertising materials at their local printer. The guide also includes sample scripts to assist with telemarketing and sales calls, as well as sample sales letters and press releases. Another section of the guide - Business Source Outlines - identifies the most commonly productive target markets for Suburban Lodge and how to approach them. The Sales and Marketing Planner contains all the information needed to plan and implement a local marketing plan from start to finish.

With 127 operating locations, including 65 company-owned Suburban Lodge hotels, and a 98% guest satisfaction rating, Suburban Lodge is the value leader in extended stay lodging. The Suburban Lodge franchising concept features low construction and operating costs, only 6-10 employees per hotel, an average guest stay of 3-4 weeks and a 18-point occupancy premium compared to the overall U.S. hotel industry in 2001.