Microtel is the newest partner of the new Southern Conference Corporate Partner Program unveiled last Fall.  Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.  With its first sports sponsorship, Microtel has an opportunity to create brand awareness and exposure among a key audience to match its demographics.  

As a Corporate Partner, Microtel will receive exclusive category rights, promotional marketing opportunities and rights to the Southern Conference name and logo.  The company also will have presence at all 18 men�s and women�s conference championship events and receive radio, television, Internet and print media, including exposure on each of the 12 campuses.

The Southern Conference has approximately 500,000 students, alumni and faculty.  Commented Vinay Patel, vice president of brand marketing for Microtel Inns & Suites, �We are honored to have the opportunity to be aligned with the Southern Conference.  This partnership will introduce students, alumni and sports aficionados alike to the value, consistency, comfort and safety of one of the country�s best low-cost lodging chains.� Patel also pointed to the fact that Microtel, while a national chain, enjoys a large concentration of hotels in regions that schools in the Southern Conference serve.

�We feel great about our new relationship with Microtel Inns & Suites,� said Southern Conference Commissioner Alfred White.  �This unique partnership will allow us to add value to our students, alumni and campuses, and we look forward to helping Microtel reach its audience effectively.  We are excited about the possibilities ahead, and pleased they decided to join the Southern Conference.�

Commented Executive Vice President Kevin Bryant, who oversees national sales from Host Communications� Atlanta office, �Microtel is a recognizable brand in the South and we know this new relationship will create numerous opportunities and benefits for both the Conference and for Microtel.  We believe there are innovative and unlimited opportunities for Microtel to leverage its name through the Southern Conference partnership.  It�s an excellent fit and we look forward to a long-term relationship with them.� Lexington, Ky.-based Host Communications, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Bull Run Corporation (Nasdaq: BULL), is an affinity, sports and lifestyle marketing and management company which also represents the Big 12, Southeastern, Metro Atlantic Athletic and Midwestern Collegiate Conferences.  Host Communications also has contractual media/marketing rights at 11 institutions including Florida State University, the University of Texas, the University of Tennessee, Boston College, the University of Notre Dame, and the University of Kentucky.

Microtel Inns & Suites is one of the fastest growing all-new construction brands in the lodging industry, and according to Lodging Econometrics, one of the top hotel brands in U.S. for numbers of projects and rooms in the development pipeline.  When Microtel was acquired by U.S. Franchise Systems (Nasdaq: USFS), parent company of the franchisor of the brand, in October 1995, there were 22 hotels open or in development.  As of Oct. 15, 2000, there were more than 250 hotels open or under construction.  For reservations or a copy of the Microtel directory, call 1-888-771-7171 toll-free or visit www.microtelinn.com. 
 

The Southern Conference is a NCAA Division I intercollegiate athletics conference that includes 12 institutions in five southeastern states.  Members include  Appalachian State,  College of Charleston,  The Citadel,  Davidson,  East Tennessee State,  Furman,  Georgia Southern,  UNC Greensboro,  Chattanooga,  Virginia Military Institute,  Western Carolina and  Wofford.