MONTGOMERY, Ala., and SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (March 27, 2006) � John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts, LLC proudly announces that Carolyn Smith, a 10-year lead cook veteran of the Embassy Suites® Hotel Montgomery, is the recipient of the company�s prestigious �Associate of the Year� award.  Smith was awarded $5,000 cash and an additional week of vacation in conjunction with the honor.  The property is operated by Springfield, Mo.-based John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts, LLC, the nation�s leading independent builder, developer, owner and manager of upscale, full-service hotels, resorts and suites. 

Smith was selected from among nominated candidates from 63 properties and 8,079 associates that comprise the John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts portfolio.  She was recognized for being an exemplary and highly regarded role model and a caring and compassionate individual.  These qualities have earned Carolyn additional industry honors.  The International Hotel & Restaurant Association of Alabama named her a finalist for the Hospitality Employee of the Year, Hilton® Hotels awarded her �Hilton�s Spirit of Embassy Suites� award, and she has been chosen as a John Q. Hammons �Associate of the Month� five times. 

According to Bob Gutkowski, general manager of the Embassy Suites Hotel Montgomery, Smith truly lives the �exceptional performance� credo of John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts.  �The constant drive to produce, lead, show initiative and demonstrate perseverance in a demanding kitchen separates Carolyn from the rest of the pack,� Gutkowski said.   

Gutkowski shared the following story that captures the spirit of Smith�s passion for hospitality.  �Carolyn takes great pride in her community. She was the first one from our staff to voluntarily make meals for Katrina victims.  Also, as a member of the staff�s Care Committee, she arranged for the hotel to deliver boxed lunches to those in local shelters.  Her leadership and willingness allowed the hotel to accomplish this benevolent endeavor,� Gutkowski said. 

About John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts, LLC 
Springfield, Mo.-based John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts, LLC is the nation�s leading independent builder, developer, owner and manager of upscale, full-service hotels, resorts and suites, including:  Embassy Suites Hotels, Renaissance, Marriott, Radisson, Residence Inn, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Holiday Inn and Courtyard by Marriott brands.  With 63 hotels strategically located near demand generators, such as state capitals, universities, airports, corporate headquarters or office parks in secondary and tertiary markets, John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts� properties are dominant in their markets.  Over the course of his impressive career in the hotel business, Mr. Hammons has developed 165 hotels.  

Scott Tarwater 
John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts, LLC
(417) 873-3591
[email protected]