Press Release: U.S. Franchise Systems
February 13, 2001
ATLANTA, GA -- Microtel Inns & Suites, the all newly- constructed, budget hotel chain, has recognized its ``Hotel
of the Year,'' ``Franchisee of the Year,'' and other outstanding achievers of 2000.
According to Mike Leven, chairman and CEO of US Franchise Systems (USFS), parent company of the franchisor of the
brand, ``We pride ourselves in a unique family environment, and are proud to honor members of the Microtel family
for their particular spirit, hard work and dedication to franchising during the year.''
Hotel of the Year
The ``Hotel of the Year'' award is presented to an individual Microtel hotel that best represents and sets the
standard for the brand. The Rochester, Minn. Microtel Inn & Suites, owned by Larson Investments, was this year's
winner, having achieved an outstanding 499 (out of 500) Quality Assurance score. The property also maintains a
strong presence in the community by being active in numerous charity organizations such as the Rochester Youth
and Rochester Police Benevolence Association. With 82 guest accommodations, the hotel is located at 4210 Highway
52 North, 11 miles from the Rochester airport. General manager is Lynn Plumer. Other nominations for ``Hotel of
the Year'' included the El Paso, Texas and Green Bay, Wis. Microtel hotels.
Franchisee of the Year
``Franchisee of the Year'' went to Marian Goodman, president of Leesburg Innkeepers, LLC and owner of the Leesburg,
Fla. Microtel Inn & Suites hotel. The award -- presented to an individual or entity who has given the most
of themselves to help make the brand a success -- cited Goodman for maintaining the highest standards and averaging
``97'' on guest comment cards. The two- story, 81-room Microtel Inn & Suites is located at 9700 U.S. 441.
``Goodman is a true professional in running her hotel and supervising her staff,'' said Vinay Patel, vice president
of brand marketing for Microtel. ``She not only provides exceptional service to her customers, but is always available
to assist other franchisees.'' Steve Olson of Leisure Hotels, LLC and Thomas Larson, Larson Companies were also
nominated for ``Franchisee of the Year.''
Additional Top Achievers
Michael Luksich of the 63-room Camp Verde, Ariz. Microtel Inn & Suites, located at 504 Industrial Drive, was
named ``General Manager of the Year.'' The award is presented annually to a general manager who exceeds normal
job expectations and contributes to the overall success of the hotel. Luksich has created numerous incentive programs
at his hotel, including celebrations for National Housekeepers Week. He serves on several community boards such
as the House of Ruth, a local pregnancy crisis center, and The Potters Wheel, a home for people with mental disabilities.
He is also on the Board of Directors of the Camp Verde Chamber and previously received the Verde Valley Chamber
of Commerce Pride Day 2000 Volunteer Service Award. Additional nominations for this award included Denise Johnson
of the Tallahassee, Fla. and Lynn Plummer of the Rochester, Minn. properties.
The Staunton, Va. Microtel Inn hotel, located at 200 Frontier Rd., received the ``Community Service of the Year''
award, which cites a property that has shown unparalleled commitment to the local community.
According to Patel, ``The 58-room Staunton hotel, property and its employees have gone out of their way offering
time and energy to the surrounding community.'' The hotel has provided rooms for families in times of need, assisted
a local high school with repainting efforts, hosted a tour of the property for a local elementary school, provided
phone-bank staffing for a television fund raiser and donated room nights for a local fund raiser. Other nominations
included the Matthews, N.C. and Tallahassee, Fla. Microtel hotels.
As of Dec. 31, 2000, there were 259 Microtel hotels open or under construction worldwide. According to Lodging
Econometrics, Microtel is one of the top ranked hotel brands in the U.S. for number of projects and rooms in the
development pipeline. For reservations or a copy of the Microtel directory, call 1-888-771-7171 toll-free, or visit
Microtel online at www.microtelinn.com .
All Microtel properties are independently owned and operated.
SOURCE: U.S. Franchise Systems