Press Release - December 8, 2008

BRUCE WHITE RECOGNIZED FOR LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE BY LEADING HOSPITALITY SCHOOLS

MERRILLVILLE, IN (December 08, 2008) – White Lodging Chairman & CEO Bruce White received two prestigious awards from leading hospitality schools in recognition of his company’s commitment to building future leaders in the hospitality industry.

The School of Hospitality Business at Michigan State University Alumni Association and Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches, Texas, awarded top honors to White Lodging in elegant ceremonies on November 8, 2008 and November 22, 2008, respectively.

The School named Bruce White as its 2008 Industry Leader of the Year at their Celebration of Leadership, held at The Waldorf=Astoria in New York City. This annual event recognizes alumni who have brought distinction to their alma mater, credit to their careers, and a legacy to the hospitality industry. The recognition of White by the alumni association is notable, as he isn’t a graduate of Michigan State but was recognized for his leading vision.

Addressing more than 60 current students and nearly 250 alumni and friends, Bruce made light of the rivalry between his alma mater, Purdue University and Michigan State University. White also spoke highly of the 6,500 associates who have contributed to the success of White Lodging by saying, “We have one vision and one mission. As CEO and chairman, I hum along with great singers – my employees – finding myself just keeping up.”

On November 22, 2008, White Lodging representatives attended the inagural annual awards ceremony at Stephen F. Austin University receiving the first-ever Pineapple Award in honor of their longstanding partnership and commitment to fostering SFA hospitality students. Operating 142 hotels nationwide – with 30 in Texas – White Lodging has worked with the SFA’s hospitality program since 1998. Accepting the award on behalf of Bruce White was White Lodging’s President & CEO of the Hospitality Management Division, Dave Sibley. “In helping to shape future leaders in this industry, we are developing the future of White Lodging,” says Sibley. “We are honored to have received this award and look forward to continued collaboration with the university.”

Guided by White’s vision over the past 20 years, White Lodging has established a reputation built on trust, reliability and a long-term, partnership-based approach to all facets of hotel business ownership, development and operations management. Today, White Lodging continues to deliver superior leading brand hotel experiences and premium returns on investment among mid-to large-scale hotels across the country.

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