Montvale, NJ (September 21, 2006) � Dolce International announced that it has added the Ashman Court Conference Center and Hotel in Midland, Michigan (formerly managed by Marriott) as the 22nd property in its portfolio of conference centers, hotels and resorts.  Dolce will officially take over management of Ashman Court on November 4th.

The change in management was the result of the owners' new vision for the conference hotel. Dolce was chosen because of the quality and diversity of the portfolio of properties, flair and innovation in food and beverage service and expertise in corporate centers.  

The Dow Chemical Company, globally headquartered in Midland, and the Bloomfield Hills, Michigan based Acquest Realty Advisors has contracted with Dolce to manage the hotel and includes a $20 million renovation plan that includes the construction of a new, comprehensive corporate leadership academy named the H. H. Dow Leadership Academy inside the hotel to be used as a year-round training facility for Dow's highest level executives.  Another highlight of the expansion is an upscale signature restaurant and European style Bistro to be enjoyed by hotel guests as well as the general public. 

"The opportunity to work with Dolce and benefit from their expertise and experience is eagerly anticipated. We are looking forward to long and satisfying relationship with them.� said David Ong, president of Acquest, a nationally recognized developer specializing in hospitality projects for institutional and private investors. 

The ultimate goal of the project is to transform Ashman Court into a world-class conference center hotel, with the ability to cater to the needs of a corporate training facility, while also serving other small to mid-size groups, and business and leisure travelers.  Dolce will also be responsible for an upgrade to all aspects of operations including accommodations, amenities and services. The hotel will remain open during the expansion. 

"We are pleased to have been selected to manage this pre-eminent conference center,� stated Andy Dolce, chairman and managing partner of Dolce International. "It is the perfect time to team up with Midland's well respected Dow Chemical Company and Acquest Realty Advisors. Dolce's leadership in the corporate learning environment will be a great asset in helping Dow to achieve their vision for Ashman Court and the community. With Midland's revitalization and thriving commercial development, Ashman Court will grow even more desirable as a meetings destination."

"There are exciting plans in the works for the Ashman Hotel. We envision a world-class conference and hotel center designed to meet the needs of a corporate leadership academy as well as cater to leisure and business travelers. With over 25 years of experience in the meetings niche of the hospitality industry, it is clear Dolce will be a great managing company going forward,� said Mike Hayes, vice president, community relations of the Dow Chemical Company.

During the transition period prior to takeover, Dolce will interview current Ashman Court employees who wish to stay on under the new management.

Just minutes from the world headquarters of both Dow Chemical and Dow Corning, the 131-room Ashman Court Conference Center and Hotel is located in the heart of central Michigan, in  downtown Midland.   Ashman Court is the area's most complete meeting and conference facility, featuring more than 14,000 square feet of dedicated meeting space, including a grand ballroom.  The conference center offers state-of-the-art audio-visual capabilities and amenities such as a full business center and high-speed Internet access. A complete soft goods renovation of all guest rooms was completed in 2004. Recreational activities at the hotel include a fitness center, indoor pool and whirlpool.  Guests can also enjoy golf, casino and tennis nearby, or take in the area's attractions including Dow Gardens and the Midland Center for the Arts.  Downtown Midland offers quaint shops, delightful eateries, and exciting community events throughout the year.  Ashman Court is located only 20 minutes from MBS International Airport. For more information or reservations, call 800-57-DOLCE or visit dolce.com  

About Dolce International:
Dolce International is a global hospitality company specializing in the meetings experience for its customers. The company has a portfolio of 22 unique properties in the United States, Canada and Europe.  Each property features a different style ranging from a historic castle, to an authentic alpine village, to a New England-style country resort, to a French chateau, to a traditional corporate learning center.  All Dolce Destinations meet the high standards of the International Association of Conference Centers (IACC).  While Dolce International specializes in the meetings niche of the hospitality industry, the company also caters to leisure travelers, individual business travelers and offers a variety of venues for events.  Headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey and Paris, France, the company has approximately 3,000 employees.    For more information, visit the web site at www.dolce.com.  

Barbara Rogers
 Director of Marketing & Public Relations 
 Phone: (201) 505-4413 
 e-mail: [email protected]