MERRILLVILLE, Ind., April 6, 2012 -- Scott Blalock, the general manager of the JW Marriott Indianapolis, has been recognized by Marriott International for his work in the hotel's opening year.

Blalock was named both the GM of the Year for the Americas by Marriott International and the Global GM of the Year for the JW Marriott brand within a few days of each other.

"It is an honor to receive this recognition on behalf of our hotel," Blalock said. "Our results come from a team effort, and I'm still amazed at what we have done together."

The hotel, which opened in February 2011, offers more than 1,000 guest rooms in a 33-story tower, and more than 100,000 square feet of onsite function space. The hotel is connected by a skybridge to the Indiana Convention Center and has three, onsite, distinctive dining options, a full-service Starbucks, a state-of-the-art fitness center, an indoor pool and a multi-million dollar public art plaza.

The hotel has also been recognized by the America's Lodging Investment Summit as the "Development of the Year" for 2011, received Marriott International's "Full Service Opening of the Year" and was named as one of Fox News' Top 10 New Hotels.

"Scott continues to be recognized as a leader both within White Lodging and Marriott International," said Jon Peck, chief operating officer full service. "His commitment to the hotel is unparalleled and his ability to lead associates toward their common goal of being the best in the business is a real talent."

White Lodging Services Corporation - was established in 1985 and is headquartered in Merrillville, Ind. White Lodging is a fully integrated hotel ownership, development and operations company – a recognized leader that has defined and cultivated the ability to achieve consistent, sustainable growth among mid-to large-scale hotels across the country. Its current portfolio consists of more than 158 hotels in 20 states and encompasses representation of the following leading brands: Preferred Hotels, Marriott International, Inc., Hilton Worldwide, Hyatt Global, Starwood Hotels and Resorts, InterContinental Hotel Group and Carlson Hotels Worldwide.

For more information about White Lodging, please visit www.whitelodging.com.