| MEMPHIS, Jan. 3, 2000 � The International Society of Hospitality
Consultants (ISHC) has selected Mike Leven, president and CEO of U.S. Franchise
Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq: USFS) as the recipient of the 1999 �ISHC Pioneer
Award� for his trend-setting work in hotel franchising. The Society
annually recognizes an individual or organization that has advanced the
hospitality industry by making an outstanding contribution, achievement
or improvement.
 Judith
L. Singer, chairman of ISHC, who will present the award at the UCLA Hospitality
Conference on January 20 in Los Angeles, commented, �Mike Leven is the
country�s consummate franchise pro and no one has done more for this significant
part of the hospitality industry. His company�s fair franchise agreement
is fast becoming the model for the license agreement of the future, and
in the long run, will benefit developers, investors, operators and guests
alike.�
Added Ron Lustig, president of ISHC, �Leven�s continuing leadership,
dedication and creativity directed to the lodging industry is laudable.
He is a role model who is there when the industry needs you, which is reflective
of his enthusiastic participation in industry and community affairs, and
advancement of the industry through such organizations as AAHOA.�
According to Leven, �I will be proud to accept this award on behalf
of U.S. Franchise Systems, whose goal has been to work in harmony with
franchisees to build good faith and good relationships� and our franchise
agreement reflects that philosophy. The system has a lot to offer,
and done the right way � the fair and honorable way � we can all benefit.�
Memphis-based ISHC was founded in 1989 as a not-for-profit organization
to recognize the need for competent, unbiased advice, professional guidance
and sound judgement on hospitality issues. The Society strives to
enhance the quality of consulting services to the hospitality industry
and provides members with training sessions and the opportunity to exchange
views and share ideas with peers. Members are leading international
professional consultants (25% reside outside the U.S.) who offer expertise
to hotels, restaurants and other travel-related businesses.
Leven, a 39-year veteran of the lodging industry, was formerly president
and COO of Holiday Inn Worldwide and Days Inn of America. Atlanta-based
U.S. Franchise Systems was formed in 1995 by Leven and Neal Aronson, former
principal of Odyssey Partners, a New York investment firm, with a customer-oriented,
quick-response culture that has enabled it to grow faster than any other
new franchise company in the industry. USFS franchises the Microtel
Inn & Suites, Hawthorn Suites and Best Inns & Suites brands. |
