Silver Spring, MD (September 9, 2002) - Worldwide lodging franchisor Choice Hotels International (NYSE:CHH) and Cassandra Gaines, multi-cultural director for convention and tourism in Muskogee, OK, will present a seminar on minority hotel ownership on Thursday, November 7, 2002, at Choice`s corporate training facility in Silver Spring, MD.
The full day seminar, which is offered at no cost to attendees, will outline the success strategies and profitability potential inherent in hotel franchising. An emphasis will be placed on opportunities that exist for African American, Native American and Hispanic developers, traditionally underrepresented groups, with particular focus on Choice`s recently-launched minority incentive plan for franchise sales.
“Although these minorities are well represented throughout hospitality operations and management, very few are owners,” said Gaines. “This seminar introduces these communities to the tremendous entrepreneurial opportunities that exist in the lodging industry.” Said Ron Burgett, vice president, franchise sales for Choice, “Cassandra Gaines is well-known throughout the tourism industries for her insight into cultural and diversity issues. We`re delighted to work with her in spreading the good word about franchising opportunities to African American, Hispanic and Native American developers.”
Although registration for the seminar is free, space is limited. To register, contact Maria D`Ambrosio at Choice, (301) 592-6258; or Gaines at (918) 682-8051.
Earlier this summer, Choice launched a minority incentive plan that provides up to $200,000 per hotel for development of its Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Clarion, Sleep Inn or MainStay Suites brand hotels and up to $50,000 for development of its Econo Lodge or Rodeway Inn brand hotels to qualified African American, Hispanic and Native American developers.
Choice Hotels International is one of the world`s largest lodging franchisors, marketing more than 5,000 hotels open or under development in 46 countries under the Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Clarion, Sleep Inn, Econo Lodge, MainStay Suites and Rodeway Inn brand names. For more information on Choice, visit the company`s web site at www.choicehotels.com.
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