Azerbaijan Mortgage Fund Becomes Member of International Real Estate Society

BAKU, AZERBAIJAN--The Azerbaijan Mortgage Fund under the National Bank attaches great importance to expansion of co-operation with international organizations.

(Night skyline of Baku, capital of Azerbaijan, at right. Courtesy Wikipedia)

The Fund reports that recently it was accepted in member ranks of International Real Estate Society.

“Due to membership in this organization along with receipt of technical and strategic assistance the AMF will get an opportunity to improve credit system and bring it in compliance with international standards,” the AMF said.

(Photo at left below shows Downtown Baku. Courtesy Wikipedia.)

IRES is a non-commercial organization founded in London in 1914 with the purpose to unite all mortgage lending institutions of the world.

The Organization also disseminates reports about new tendencies and events in the area of mortgage crediting with the purpose to increase rationality of its members’ activities.

The Dow Hotel Company Names Dan DeFrancia Director of Sales and Marketing at Hilton Bellevue, Washington

SEATTLE/BELLEVUE, Wash., May 27, 2008—The Dow Hotel Company (DHC), a hotel owner/investor and management company, today announced the appointment of Dan DeFrancia as director of sales and marketing for the 358-room Hilton Bellevue, (top left and middle right photos) located in metropolitan Seattle, Wash.

DeFrancia assumed his new responsibilities effective April 15, 2008.

A native of Colorado, DeFrancia has called the Seattle area home for more than 17 years. A graduate of Seattle University, he is an accomplished industry veteran. He started his career in Tucson, Ariz. at the Westin La Paloma, followed by moves to the Denver area with Westin and Embassy Suites. He spent six years at the prestigious Meadowood Napa Valley Resort in St. Helena, Calif.

DeFrancia returned to the Pacific Northwest to work at the historic Rosario Resort in the San Juan Islands. He spent the last four years at the Salish Lodge & Spa in Snoqualmie, Wash., before joining the Hilton Bellevue as the new director of sales and marketing.

The Hilton Bellevue recently underwent a $7 million renovation and brand conversion from Doubletree to Hilton. The hotel also converted the popular night club, Misty’s, into Skyview, a beautiful atrium banquet room.

“Dan DeFrancia has a proven record of success and is a welcome addition to The Dow Hotel Company and the Hilton Bellevue,” stated Michael Pitstick, general manager.

“His leadership and sales experience in upscale resort and luxury hotels, combined with his broad marketing background, will be a valuable asset to our team.”

Seattle-based The Dow Hotel Company is a hotel owner/investor and operator of 10 first-class, full-service hotels throughout the United States.

The company’s portfolio of owned and managed properties consists of hotels, under such brands as Marriott, Hilton, Embassy Suites, Sheraton, Crowne Plaza, Doubletree and Radisson Hotels and Resorts.

The company aggressively seeks to acquire, co-invest with joint venture partners and/or manage mid- to large-size, first-class, full service hotels, especially those with extensive food and beverage capabilities.

Contacts:

Jerry Daly, Chris Daly, (703) 435-6293
Julie Tullbane, Daly Gray Public Relations, T 703-435-6293, F 703-435-6297
julie@dalygray.com