Guest blogger Kem Wilson Jr. describes why he mentors and his conviction about the need for adults to pass along their wisdom to those who will “take your place.” Read the post here.

The Memphis Society of Entrepreneurs will honor Spence Wilson as a 'Master.' This story in the March 3, 2010 edition of the Commercial Appeal has the details.

hotelnewsnow.com covers the February 11, 2010 meeting between 20 senior hotel industry officials to discuss the state of the industry. Read the article here.

Check out "Holiday Inn Rising: The $1 billion relaunch plan is working and getting people excited to stay again with one of the world’s most iconic brands" by hotelinteractive.com

independent.co.uk covers Holiday Inn from the beginning through today's makeover of the brand. Click here for the story.

Convention South Magazine covers Holiday Inn's new look and our recently opened Holiday Inn & Suites Memphis Wolfchase Galleria in their December 2009 issue.

Our own Chef Edward Nowakowski has been honored as Best Food & Beverage Director from among 1,100 full service Holiday Inns!

The Memphis Commercial Appeal covers the 23rd annual Corporate Neighbor Awards breakfast at Memphis Botanic Garden, where the Kemmons Wilson Companies were honored as Top Corporate Neighbors. The full story is here.

Great speech on October 29, 2009 by Spence Wilson given to the Amdetur Conference (ARDA) in Mexico City. Download Word file of the speech here.

See the entire speech here.

Competition reminds Memphians who's keeping area hotel rooms looking sharp. See the Memphis Commercial Appeal article here.

Great article about Spence Wilson in the October 21, 2009 edition of the Memphis Commercial Appeal. Click here to read it.

Investor's Business Daily's story on Kemmons Wilson is here.

The New York Times
Memphis Commercial Appeal
Memphis Business Journal
Newsweek
hotel-online.com
traveldailynews.com
franchising.com
globest.com
hdmag.com
smartbrief.com
egruve.com
globest.com
hotelsmag.com

FedExFamilyHouse, a 24-suite facility for the families of patients undergoing extended care at Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center, broke ground on Tuesday, August 4, 2009. The Memphis Commercial Appeal has a story here.

Read the profile here (subscription required).

Don Harrill, 58, is president and chief executive officer of Orange Lake Resort, a sprawling time-share resort near Walt Disney World that recently agreed to a licensing deal with Holiday Inn. Harrill spoke with Sentinel reporter Sara K. Clarke. Click here to read article.

(MEMPHIS, TENN., FEB. 17, 2009) – Wilson Hotel Management Company Inc. (WHMC) announced that Chris Rosa has been named general manager of the Holiday Inn and Suites Memphis - Wolfchase at 2751 New Brunswick Road next to Wolfchase Galleria Mall in Memphis, Tenn.

As general manager, Rosa will be responsible for day-to-day operations of the property, which is expected to open in the second quarter of 2009. He brings more than 30 years of experience to the role, including positions as vice president of Operations for Equity Estates, general manager at the Sheraton Meadowlands, area manager of the Crowne Plaza Ravinia in Atlanta, as well as other prominent positions in the hospitality industry dating back to 1986. Under Rosa’s management, properties have been awarded Quality Excellence and Guest Loyalty Awards from IHG and the President’s Award from Wyndham Hotels for market share excellence. Rosa has also been named General Manager of the Year by Patriot American Hotels and Hotelier of the Year by the Connecticut Hospitality Association.

Rosa will be at the helm of a property that will showcase the new Holiday Inn sign, which is the seal of approval that this hotel exemplifies the standards of the $1 billion Holiday Inn brand relaunch program. First announced in 2007, the relaunch program was established to create a more contemporary brand image as part of the drive to increase quality and drive consistency across the global portfolio. The program focuses on arrival and welcome, guestroom and guest bath comfort. The global estate of more than 3,200 Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express properties is expected to be re-launched by the end of 2010.

“We are proud to be opening a Holiday Inn and Suites with the new sign and hallmarks, and Chris Rosa is the right person to lead the charge,” said Jim O’Brien, Executive Vice President for Wilson Hotel Management Company, Inc. “His extensive operations experience will be critical as we continue the legacy of Holiday Inn in its hometown of Memphis,” he continued.

The Holiday Inn and Suites at Wolfchase is owned by Wolfchase Hotel Associates, LLC and proudly managed by Wilson Hotel Management Co., Inc., a division of Kemmons Wilson, Inc., under a license agreement with a company in the InterContinental Hotels Group.

About Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts
With nearly 1,400 hotels worldwide, Holiday Inn Hotels and Resorts is the most widely recognized lodging brand in the world. In fact, Holiday Inn was one of the first international hotel brands to establish a presence in China in 1984. Holiday Inn Hotels and Resorts provides the services that business travelers need, while also offering a comfortable atmosphere where all people can relax and enjoy amenities such as restaurants and room service, swimming pools, fitness centers and comfortable lounges. The casual atmosphere and amenities such as meeting and on-site business facilities, KidSuites rooms and, Kids Eat and Stay Free programs, demonstrate the long-standing commitment of Holiday Inn Hotels and Resorts to serving travelers and have helped to establish the brand as “America’s Favorite Hotel.” For more information about Holiday Inn Hotels and Resorts or to book reservations, call 1-800-HOLIDAY or visit www.holidayinn.com.

The Hampton Inn and Suites at Colonial TownPark in Lake Mary, Florida has received the 2008 Circle of Excellence award from Hampton Inns. This award is only given to the top 10% of all Hampton products!

Holiday Inn’s first timeshare resort is now available to guests for rental and timeshare ownership. Read the official announcement here.

The Memphis Commercial Appeal notes Holiday Inn University of Memphis' sixth consecutive Torchbearer Award, given by InterContinental Hotels Group for achieving the highest levels of excellence in all aspects of operations and customer satisfaction. The hotel has won the top performing award every year since it opened.

InterContinental Hotels Group is breaking into the timeshare market and at the same time reuniting its Holiday Inn business with the family that founded the brand. Read the story on FT.com here.

Read the Memphis Business Journal's report on the success of the Holiday Inn University of Memphis and Fogelman Executive Conference Center (Subscription required).

Hotel & Motel Management Magazine's annual coverage of third-party management companies includes Wilson Hotel Management Company, Inc. See here (subscription required).

The Memphis Business Journal reports on increasing graduates and enrollment at the Kemmons Wilson School of Hospitality and Resort Management at the University of Memphis.

Click here to read the article from the 11/27/07 edition of the Memphis Daily News.

On Thursday, October 25th, our very own Kemmons Wilson Jr. was on hand at Fenway Park to throw out the ceremonial first pitch prior to game two of the 2007 World Series! Click here to read more...

The Metropolitan Memphis Hotel and Lodging Association has granted $100,000 to the Kemmons Wilson School of Hospitality and Resort Management. The Memphis Business Journal covers the story here.

usatoday.com covers InterContinental Hotels Group's massive campaign to modernize the Holiday Inn chain and to restore consistency and predictability for travelers.

The Memphis Daily News covers Wilson Hotel Management Company's purchase of three acres of land off New Brunswick Road @ U.S. 64 for the new Holiday Inn Wolfchase.

The July 6, 2007 edition of the Memphis Business Journal includes an article on the variety of companies under the Kemmons Wilson Cos. umbrella. Click here to read the article (paid subscription required).

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For More Information
Contact Jim O'Brien
at 901-346-8800

HAMPTON INN & SUITES LAKE MARY AT COLONIAL TOWNPARK WINS CIRCLE OF EXCELLENCE AWARD

Memphis, TN June 11, 2007...Hilton Hotels has announced that Hampton Inn & Suites Lake Mary at Colonial TownPark has been selected to receive the "Circle of Excellence Award." The award is presented to the top 10% of properties in the Hampton system based on their outstanding delivery of product and service quality to guests.

Volunteer Memphis, an organization that develops, promotes, and supports volunteerism, has given WHMC the Spirit of Giving Award. Read more here.

See "Cycle Develops Trail of Theories" and "Give and Take?"

The Memphis Commercial Appeal reports on Wilson Hotel Management Co., Inc. and local restaurant owners who have found a way to take the burden off families staying at the Memphis Grizzlies House.

The Kemmons Wilson foundation helps 120 Memphis-area interests.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For More Information
Contact Jonathan Williams
at 731-668-6000

HOLIDAY INN JACKSON I-40 GETS NEW GENERAL MANAGER

Memphis, TN, November 27, 2006...Wilson Hotel Management Company, Inc. today announced that Jonathan Williams has been selected as General Manager for the Holiday Inn Jackson I-40 located at 541 Carriage House Drive in Jackson, TN.

As General Manager, Jonathan will direct all areas of the hotel's operations, including hotel administration, guest service, and sales and marketing.

Jonathan is an accomplished hospitality industry professional, having served in various capacities at hotel properties across the Mid South. Most recently Jonathan was General Manager at Courtyard by Marriot-Lenox Park in Memphis. He is a graduate of the University of Mississippi.

"Based on Jonathan's outstanding track-record in the hospitality industry, we are confident that he will be instrumental in ensuring the continued success of the Holiday Inn Jackson I-40," said Jim O'Brien, Executive Vice President of Wilson Hotel Management Co., Inc. "John will be a strong asset to the property."

Holiday Inn Jackson I-40 provides guests with a full complement of services and amenities, including a 5-story garden atrium, 135 oversized guest rooms and suites, Celebrations Restaurant and Lounge, indoor pool, fitness facility, and banquet services.

The hotel is proudly managed by Wilson Hotel Management Co., Inc. based in Memphis, TN (901)346-8800.

For more information
Contact Jim O'Brien
At 901-346-8800

MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES HOUSE AT ST. JUDE CHILDREN'S RESEARCH HOSPITAL APPOINTS GENERAL MANAGER

Memphis, TN, June, 21, 2006 - Wilson Hotel Management Company, Inc. today announced that Cayce Wright has been selected as General Manager of the Memphis Grizzlies House at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

As General Manager, Cayce will direct all areas of the facility's operations, including administration, staffing, and resident services.

“Cayce has an outstanding record in the hospitality industry and we are confident she will be instrumental in ensuring the success of the Memphis Grizzlies House at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital,” said Jim O'Brien, Executive Vice President of Wilson Hotel Management Company, Inc. “Cayce will be a strong asset to the facility.”

Cayce has over 12 years experience in the Mid-South hospitality industry, and has served as General Manager at several Mississippi casino hotels. She has a Bachelor of Science, Health and Human Sciences degree from the University of Southern Mississippi.

The Memphis Grizzlies House at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is a short-term stay facility for families of patients undergoing treatment at the hospital. The 70,000 square foot property, is located on the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital campus at 350 North Third.

The Memphis Grizzlies House at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is made possible by private donations as well as a $5 million pledge gift from the Memphis Grizzlies NBA organization.

It is the only on-campus residential facility, housing up to 100 families at a time. Patient families reside at the Memphis Grizzlies House at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at no cost while children undergo evaluation and treatment.

The Memphis Grizzlies House at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is proudly managed by Memphis-based Wilson Hotel Management Company, Inc., a division of the Kemmons Wilson Companies.

The Memphis Business Journal's 6/19/06 edition features the "Top 100 Private Companies in Memphis," which includes the Kemmons Wilson Companies (WHMC's Parent Company) at number 14, based on gross revenue. Suscribe here. Order your Memphis Business Journal "Book of Lists" here.

Kemmons Wilson Companies honored at Carnival Memphis' "Salute to MidSouth Commerce."

Check out the March 2006 issue of “The Partner”; the newsletter of the Kemmons Wilson School of Hospitality and Resort Management at the University of Memphis.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For More Information
Contact Jim O'Brien
at (901) 346-8800

HAMPTON INN AND SUITES LAKE MARY AT COLONIAL TOWNPARK NAMED NATIONAL LIGHTHOUSE AWARD WINNER

LAKE MARY, FL, FEBRUARY 20, 2006...Hampton®, the national brand of mid-priced Hampton Inn® and Hampton Inn & Suites® hotels, has honored the Hampton Inn & Suites Lake Mary at Colonial TownPark with the company's Lighthouse Award, designating it as one of the brand's top hotels among more than 1,300 Hampton Inn and Hampton Inn & Suites hotels in the U.S., Canada and Latin America.

The Hampton Inn & Suites Lake Mary at Colonial TownPark was recognized for its high rankings in quality, guest satisfaction and business performance. The award criteria were based on customer feedback measured through guest satisfaction surveys on the hotel, as well as product quality and service scores measured quarterly by the company.

“The competition to be among the elite group of Hampton Lighthouse Award winners becomes stronger each year as the Hampton brand continues to add more hotels, making us especially proud this year to receive the honor at Hampton Inn & Suites Lake Mary at Colonial TownPark,” said Jim O'Brien, Executive Vice President of Wilson Hotel Management Co., Inc. the hotel's management company. “The General Manager, Mark Plebanski, and his team of extraordinary employees, work hard every day to provide the best in guest service. It is nice to see them recognized for their efforts” added O'Brien.

The hotel is also a recent recipient of Hampton's Circle of Excellence Award, placing it first in the organization's top ten percent of best in quality and service.

The Hampton Inn and Suites Lake Mary at Colonial TownPark is a state-of-the-art Hampton Inn and Suites with 86 guest rooms and 45 suites designed for the business traveler. Amenities include complimentary in-room high-speed Internet service, complimentary On The House™ Hot Breakfast, voicemail and speakerphone, advanced cable TV system, outdoor pool and whirlpool, laundry/valet service, 24-hour "Suite Shop," fitness facility, fax and photocopy services, meeting facilities and more. It is conveniently located in the Colonial TownPark 175 acre mixed-use park (upscale retail shops, movie theater, numerous restaurants, corporate office park) and offers easy access to all that Central Florida has to offer.

The hotel is owned by Spence L. Wilson, Robert A. Wilson and C. Kemmons Wilson, Jr. and is proudly managed by Wilson Hotel Management Co., Inc., a division of the Kemmons Wilson Companies, based in Memphis, TN (901)346-8800.

Hampton is part of Hilton Hotels Corporation, recognized internationally as a preeminent hospitality company. The company develops, owns, manages or franchises 2,500 hotels, resorts and vacation ownership properties. Its portfolio includes many of the world's best known and most highly regarded hotel brands, including Hilton®, Conrad®, Doubletree®, Embassy Suites Hotels®, Hampton Inn®, Hampton Inn & Suites®, Hilton Garden Inn®, Hilton Grand Vacations Company®, and Homewood Suites by Hilton®.

The Memphis Business Journal's 2006 Memphis Meetings & Convention Guide features a list of 49 things to see and do in Memphis. The Kemmons Wilson Gallery, housed at the Holiday Inn-University of Memphis, was named #18. This ranking was higher than Libertyland Amusement Park, Lichterman Nature Center, Memphis Botanic Garden, Brooks Museum of Art, Memphis Pink Palace Museum, Memphis Queen Line Riverboats, Memphis Rock'N' Soul Museum, Memphis Zoo, the National Civil Rights Museum, and even the internationally-famous Peabody Ducks! Suscribe to the Memphis Business Journal here.

The Summer 2005 issue of Cornell Hotel School Magazine includes a story on Kem Wilson III, "Building a Legacy of His Own. Grandson of Holiday Inns founder earns dual degree at Cornell." Download the PDF.

The Memphis Business Journal's July 8-14 issue features the Kemmons Wilson Companies in a piece called, "In Depth: Family Business. Next! Passing the torch of a family-owned business requires planning." (registration may be required to view link.)

The Memphis Business Journal's 6/17/05 edition features the "Top 100 Private Companies in Memphis," which includes the Kemmons Wilson Companies (WHMC's Parent Company) at number 13, based on gross revenue. Suscribe here. Order your Memphis Business Journal "Book of Lists" here.