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Military service members and their families can spend a lot of time on the road. Between relocation and duties on base, the inevitable hotel stay is something many American patriots have become accustomed to. This is where TownePlace Suites by Marriott steps in. On May 5, TownePlace Suites kicked off its new military community-focused initiative with an intimate networking event and seminar as part of National Small Business Week (NSBW). During NSBW, the country recognizes the critical contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners. More than half of Americans either own or work for a small business, and they create about two out of every three new jobs in the U.S. each year. Attendees at TownePlace Suites Clinton at Joint Base Andrews (Clinton, MD) gained insight on becoming a small business or hotel owner from executives representing Marriott International, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and International Franchise Association’s VetFran program.
“We are very pleased to partner with the SBA and TownePlace Suites on this very important initiative,” said International Franchise Association president & CEO Steve Caldeira. “Programs such as this, serve as a great platform for our military members to find a career opportunity that allows them to serve in a different and meaningful role.” Barbara Carson, acting associate administrator, Office of Veterans Business Development, SBA added, “Veterans have the experience, courage and the determination to become successful entrepreneurs, and the United States is investing in them.”
The inaugural event provided key insight into the veteran-owned small business community and taught participants how to gain access to corporate supply chains. In addition, attendees had the opportunity to network with key influencers in the hotel industry while learning about the resources available to them as a member of the armed forces.
Loren Nalewanski, vice president & global brand manager of TownePlace Suites shared his enthusiasm on this new opportunity to serve those who serve the nation each day. “With a significant portion of TownePlace Suites located near military bases, our hotels are ideally designed to serve military personnel and their families for long or short term stays. We look forward to upcoming opportunities to support our heroes and share our award-winning brand with them.”
Through this pilot program, the military community can gain insight on a variety of subjects ranging from entrepreneurship to renovating a new house after relocation. Different TownePlace Suites locations will serve as the meeting space for attendees to relax, mingle and learn something new from influencers hand-selected by the TownePlace Suites brand.
About TownePlace Suites by Marriott:
TownePlace Suites by Marriott is an all-suite, extended-stay hotel brand in the moderate price range. Ranked highest in the Extended Stay category in the J.D. Power 2013 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index Study
SM, TownePlace Suites has also been #1 for mid-price extended stays in
Business Travel News' Hotel Chain Survey in 2011, 2012 and 2013. Launched in 1997, the brand currently has more than 200 locations in the United States and Canada. TownePlace Suites participates in the award-winning Marriott Rewards
® frequent travel program that allows members to earn hotel points or airline miles for every dollar spent during each stay. For more information or reservations, contact the TownePlace Suites Detroit Auburn Hills directly at 248-804-3983, call the TownePlace Suites toll-free number at 800-257-3000, visit
www.towneplacesuites.com or become a fan at
www.facebook.com/towneplacesuites.