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Partners, LLC; Will Focus on Expansion of Graves�-Branded Hotels and Resorts |
Minneapolis (Oct. 18, 2005) -- Graves Hotels Resorts, today announced
the appointment of Joseph Gibbons as managing director and principal
of the newly formed Graves Equity Partners, LLC. In his position, Gibbons
will be responsible for advancing the expansion plans of Graves'-branded
properties and development projects through securing debt and equity financing
and maintaining quality relationships within the investment community.
Graves Hospitality Corporation, parent company of Graves Hotels Resorts,
is headquartered in Minneapolis.
Graves noted that Gibbons� expertise makes for a good fit with his company, "Joe's long history within the financial community, identifying distribution and sales opportunities, as well as expanding investment solutions across a range of financial professionals and institutions is impressive. I'm confident his knowledge and acumen will positively affect the future success of our company," added Graves. "I am inspired with Jim's vision and passion for real estate development, one that has resulted in an impressive portfolio of over 90 successful hotel, resort and high-end housing projects," said Gibbons. "I look forward to building on the company�s commitment to providing high quality and value for our guests, while continuing to generate a maximum return on investment for our current and future partners." Graves added that Gibbons will seek new growth opportunities in top urban and resort destination markets, while working on projects currently under entitlement and/or development in downtown Chicago, New York City, San Diego, and Tamarindo, Costa Rica. Gibbons broad financial industry experience includes over 23 years with a major investment management organization, Federated Investors, Inc. Most recently, Gibbons held the positions of Officer and Vice President of that company�s Broker Dealer Division. He also served in key sales and management positions with Federated in Denver and Los Angeles. Throughout his career, Gibbons' focus has been on providing investment
management solutions for broker/dealers, financial professionals, corporations
and fiduciaries. The investments consisted of equity, fixed income, money
market funds and separately managed accounts.
Also Patrick Clemons has been named corporate director of Transient Sales. In this position, Clemons is responsible for increasing market share of Graves�-branded hotels by managing negotiated rate agreements with volume accounts, retaining established relationships with existing clientele, and leveraging these associations for new business opportunities when additional Graves�-branded hotels open in the future. He reports directly to Scott Fischburg, vice president of Sales and Marketing, Graves Hotels Resorts. �To be effective in hotel industry sales, it is extremely important to understand hotel operations on a variety of levels,� said Fischburg. �Patrick�s name quickly rose to the top of our candidate list when we learned that his experience spans not only sales and marketing functions, but also front- and back-of-the-house operations in guest services, at the front desk, and in housekeeping. We�re confident he will use his well-rounded background to further the Graves� transient sales objectives at our existing and future hotels.� Clemons�s résumé boasts more than 17 years of hospitality industry experience and includes such titles director of travel management, human resources development assistant, front office manager and executive housekeeper. Most recently, Clemons was director of sales for Minneapolis-based Wirth Hotels. In this position, he managed the sales teams at the Grand Hotel in Minneapolis, the Grand Rios Hotel & Indoor Water Park in Brooklyn Center, Minn., and the Grand Lodge & Water Park of America in Bloomington, Minn. Prior to this he served as the director of corporate sales for the Grand Hotel. As part of his professional responsibilities, Clemons stays active in hospitality industry groups by serving on the Board of Directors for the North Central Corporate Travel Association, and as a member of the National Business Travel Association. He was a finalist in 2002 and 2003 for Preferred Hotels and Resorts Manager of the Year award, and directed several Total Quality Teams to gain eligibility in the Malcolm Baldridge Award. Clemons is a graduate of Southeastern College in Orlando, Fla., with a degree in Hospitality Management, and holds certificates in the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and Leadership Development courses. About Graves Hotels Resorts
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Contact:
Scott Fischburg
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