Effective July 1, 2004, Terra Nova Corporate Housing  (Terra Nova) now operates Marriott ExecuStay Southern California.  Founded in 1996 by Lori Tonne, Maureen Retsek, and Liz Lynch, Terra Nova � a certified women�s business enterprise � is a leading Southern California provider of corporate housing.  Jeff Chase, vice president of marketing, became a partner this year.

Effective July 16, Marriott ExecuStay expanded to St. Louis and to the Wisconsin cities of Green Bay, Milwaukee, Appleton and Madison through its franchise agreement with Corporate Accommodations-Wisconsin.  Corporate Accommodations-Wisconsin is owned by 13-year corporate housing veteran Carl Blandford, an established corporate housing force in Eastern Wisconsin and St. Louis.

Joe Lavin, executive vice president and managing director for Marriott ExecuStay, said, �Each new franchise agreement is significant in its own right.  The combined strength of Marriott ExecuStay�s and Terra Nova�s operations has, overnight, catapulted ExecuStay into position as a major force in Southern California corporate housing. We�ve also expanded our reach into key Midwestern markets where our customers will be able to rely on delivery of a quality extended-stay lodging experience and gain the added benefit of earning Marriott Rewards® points.� 

Ms. Tonne said, �This is a perfect blending of Terra Nova�s expertise, local and regional knowledge with Marriott�s global reputation and broader range of services. Our clients are going to be especially excited about the Marriott Rewards Program.  We are happy to merge our business reputation with Marriott, a hospitality service organization that shares our commitment to customer service and comfort.�

Mr. Blandford said, �Given the recovering economy and the growing challenges for a small company to gain a competitive edge, this is an excellent time to partner with a leader in the hospitality industry.  With Marriott ExecuStay�s strong sales, marketing and Marriott Rewards program; Marriott�s global positioning; and our own devotion to the highest level of service, we look forward to a productive association, increased growth and greater customer retention.�

The contact for prospective Marriott ExecuStay franchisees is Gregory Laubach ([email protected]) at (240) 386-2335.

Marriott ExecuStay is part of Marriott International�s extended-stay lodging portfolio, which also includes Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites and Marriott Executive Apartments.  Marriott International provides fully furnished corporate apartments in over 200 locations throughout the United States, Europe, Great Britain and Asia through its Marriott ExecuStay and Marriott Executive Apartments brands. 

MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL, INC. (NYSE:MAR) is a leading lodging company with nearly 2,800 lodging properties in the United States and 69 other countries and territories. 

John Wolf
    Marriott International, Inc.
     301) 380-5718
     [email protected]