Monday, July 18, 2011

Daymark Realty Advisors Signs 54,000-Square-Foot Lease Renewal with GXS at Parkway 400 in Atlanta



 ATLANTA, GA (July 18, 2011) – Daymark Realty Advisors Inc., a leading provider of strategic asset, property management and structured finance solutions for owners of commercial real estate, today announced that GXS Inc. has signed a 130-month lease renewal for 54,000 square feet of space at Parkway 400 (top left photo) in the Atlanta suburb of Alpharetta, Ga. 

The GXS lease will now extend through 2022.

 Daymark Realty Advisors and its subsidiaries manage Parkway 400, located at 11720 and 11800 Amberpark Road, on behalf of individual owners. Since March 2009, 50,000 square feet of new leases and 77,000 square feet of renewal leases have been executed for space at Parkway 400, representing roughly 65 percent of the building. 

Parkway 400 consists of two Class A office buildings totaling 193,281 square feet and situated on approximately 15 acres. The two buildings, one two-story and one six-story, face toward a common landscaped courtyard that features central green space and walking paths.

 Parkway 400 is located along Old Milton Parkway, and is a few hundred yards from Georgia State Route 400, providing easy access to North Point Mall, residential golf communities, restaurants and hotels. Located in the heart of Alpharetta, the property offers ample parking with 808 surface spaces, a ratio of four spaces per 1,000 square feet.

 “In a very challenging and competitive real estate market, Parkway 400 continues to attractive significant new tenants and retain existing tenants,” said John Beeland, vice president of asset management for Daymark.   “Our leasing success is due to the high quality design, construction and management of Parkway 400, as well as to a necessarily aggressive leasing campaign, which we will continue to pursue.” 


Sam Zelony (top right photo) of Grubb & Ellis represented Daymark Realty Advisors in the transaction. Josh Hirsh and Andy Lechter of Studley represented GXS.

 Thus far through 2011, Daymark Realty Advisors and its subsidiaries have successfully executed lease transactions nationwide totaling in excess of 1.3 million square feet, valued at more than $158 million.

For more information regarding Daymark, please visit www.DaymarkRealtyAdvisors.com.   

Contact: Damon Elder, 714-975-2659 office, 714-356-1460 cell
delder@DaymarkRA.com                                                                                                     

Grupo T-Solar, Munich Re and KKR to Form Partnership in Solar Energy Sector in Spain and Italy



NEW YORK, NY, Jul 18, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Grupo T-Solar, the largest European solar photovoltaic (PV) power generator, Munich Re, one of the world's leading insurance groups, represented through its asset management arm MEAG, and global investment firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P. (together with its affiliates, "KKR") today announced that Munich Re and KKR have partnered to acquire a 49% equity stake in the existing operating assets of Grupo T-Solar.

 Grupo T-Solar total capex to date for these assets has been EUR1,073m.

The assets being acquired comprise a diversified portfolio of 42 solar PV plants located in Spain (34 plants) and Italy (8 plants) with aggregate installed capacity of 168 MW and a generation capacity of over 250 GWh per year of clean energy.

These assets will be housed in a new company named T-Solar Global Operating Assets (the "Company") in which Grupo T-Solar will continue to retain a 51% equity stake and provide management services. MEAG and KKR have also entered into an agreement with Grupo T-Solar that gives the Company the option to acquire new solar plants developed by Grupo T-Solar once they are fully operational.

The timing of this transaction coincides with the restructuring of its concession businesses, a process in which the Isolux Corsan group has taken over the control of Grupo T-Solar. Isolux Corsan is a multinational group specialising in concessions and construction for major infrastructure projects. It has now concentrated all its concession assets (including its holding in Grupo T-Solar) under the umbrella of a single new company, Isolux Infrastructure.

Commenting on the partnership, Juan Laso (top right photo), T-Solar CEO said: "T-Solar's mission is to harness the sun's power to generate clean electricity using photovoltaic technology.

“We started in 2006 and have grown into the largest European PV power generator. This alliance with highly qualified and experienced investors such as MEAG and KKR is very exciting for us as it enables us to expand our presence in the solar photovoltaic sector and consolidate our position as a leading operator in the renewable energy space.

“The business plan of the group envisages an increase in its generation capacity from 168 MW to over 500 MW by 2014"

The investment has been done under Munich Re's investment program "RENT" (Renewable Energy and New Technologies). Munich Re's asset manager MEAG is responsible for selecting and managing the investments. Dieter Wolf (middle left photo), MEAG Managing Director, in charge of portfolio management stated:

 "Renewables are the energy source of tomorrow. We are confident that this is where the future lies, and so we are investing in wind farms, solar farms and new technologies designed to increase generating capacity.

“Our strategic focus features renewable energies and new technologies -- designed to include in our investment portfolio sustainable investments offering attractive returns at an acceptable level of risk. We view this investment as a unique opportunity to partner with both a leading operator in renewable energy and a leading global investment firm."

For KKR, the partnership represents its second, significant European infrastructure investment in renewable energy in just over one month.

For further information: www.t-solar.com

        Contacts:
        T-Solar
        Isabel Saracho, +34 91 449 30 21
        isabel.saracho@tsolar.eu

        or
        Maria Jose Murillo, +34 91 324 89 19

        or
        MEAG
        Dr. Josef Wild, +49 89 2489 2072
        JWild@MEAG.com
        or
        KKR
        KKR US
        Kristi Huller
        media@kkr.com

        or
        Finsbury Group
        +44 2 07251 3801
        kkr@finsbury.com
       


Linda Mack of Mack International to Co-Chair Family Office and Private Wealth Management Forum, July 18-20, in Newport, R.I.




CHICAGO, IL--On July 18-20, Linda Mack (top right photo) of Chicago-based Mack International will co-chair the 2011 Family Office and Private Wealth Management Forum produced by Opal Financial Group.

The forum, to be held in Newport, R.I., attracts high-net-worth individuals and family offices from across North America, as well as private investors and money managers from around the world.

“The Private Wealth Conference will explore the challenges and opportunities of investing in emerging markets, alternative investments, distressed real estate, direct energy and other asset types,”  Mack explains.

Linda Mack and Lisa Grey (lower left photo) managing member of Graymatter Strategies, LLC, Richmond, Va., will co-facilitate two closed-door family member/family office roundtable discussions.

Mack International, LLC, headquartered in Chicago, is a global retained executive search and consulting firm serving clients in the family office/wealth management industry on a national and international basis.

 For more information, visit http://www.mackinternational.com or call 800.976.0015.

American Realty Capital Healthcare Trust Acquires Diverse Portfolio of Healthcare Facilities for $257 million



NEW YORK, NY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--American Realty Capital Healthcare Trust, Inc., (“ARC Healthcare” or the “Company”) announced today that it has entered into a contract to acquire 12 high quality, income-producing healthcare facilities aggregating $257.5 million in purchase price, increasing the total size of the portfolio, including closed assets and those under contract, to 17 properties aggregating $307.1 million.

ARC Healthcare intends to acquire three rehabilitation hospitals, two ambulatory surgery center/medical offices, two hospital/medical office buildings, three post-acute care rehabilitation facilities, one long-term acute care hospital, and one medical office building; these 12 assets total 765,038 square feet.

“This is a great opportunity to purchase an institutional quality, diversified portfolio of healthcare facilities through a direct relationship with the seller,” said Todd Jensen (top right photo), Chief Investment Officer for ARC Healthcare.

 “The portfolio has predominantly long-term, triple-net leases with contractual annual rent increases across six different types of healthcare assets. National and regional healthcare tenants dominate the rent roll, with over a third of the tenancy leased to credit-rated organizations.”

The portfolio is approximately 93 percent leased to 49 tenants. Only about 16 percent of the tenants, based upon occupied square feet, have lease expirations prior to December 31, 2016. Nearly 45 percent of the tenants have lease terms expiring more than ten years from the projected closings.

“These assets complement our current pipeline of high-quality properties. The average age of the properties is less than two years old, providing the Company with numerous state-of-the art healthcare real estate facilities offering the latest in high-quality patient care. A majority of the facilities are located within the largest 25 cities, which positions the portfolio to benefit from the demographic changes and growth in the over-65 population,” Mr. Jensen added.

"ARC Healthcare has launched very successfully, based on the dollars raised and number of selling agreements with important independent broker dealers we have signed,” offered Nicholas S. Schorsch (lower left photo), Chairman and CEO of American Realty Capital, the sponsor of ARC Healthcare.

“Already over 20,000 reps have the ability to sell ARC Healthcare. We are especially pleased with the velocity of our capital raise, further confirming the fact that our investment strategy and strong healthcare team are resonating with our investor base,” said Mr. Schorsch.

:
Contacts
DeFazio Communications, LLC
Anthony J. DeFazio, 484-532-7783
or
American Realty Capital Healthcare Trust, Inc.
Todd Jensen, 212-415-6500


Mountain Real Estate Capital Acquires 67-Unit Silver Lake Property Lot in Los Angeles



LOS ANGELES, --(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mountain Real Estate Capital (MREC) announces the acquisition of Silver Lake (top left photo) in Los Angeles in a joint venture with Harridge Development Group LLC. The transaction closed July 1; its value could not be disclosed.

The acquisition consists of the purchase of a property entitled for 67 residential units, plus an adjacent commercial parcel also zoned for apartment use.

 Situated on its landmark reservoir and located approximately three miles north of Downtown Los Angeles, Silver Lake has become one of Los Angeles’ most attractive infill markets.

This is the fifth property MREC has acquired in Southern California since August 2010. Silver Lake was acquired from East-West Bank, which took title to the property via foreclosure and represents the 16th deal MREC has purchased from a bank since 2010.

 MREC’s ability to purchase property and/or bank notes with all cash allows for quick closings. Silver Lake closed in less than 60 days from a signed LOI agreement.

Harridge Development was recently formed by David Schwartzman, a Los Angeles-based real estate developer. Mr. Schwartzman has more than 21 years of real estate experience beginning with his homebuilding-development career in 1990. He has completed more than 20 projects in Los Angeles and controls approximately 700 lots in Southern California.

 “I look forward to working with the Mountain team in expanding our presence in the urban infill market in Southern California. This is a niche market that this partnership will successfully fill,” commented Schwartzman. MREC’s aptitude for quick underwriting and cash closings give it a competitive edge in the market.

MREC’s homebuilder joint venture program is led by Managing Director Joel Kaul (middle right photo) in Minneapolis.

 “David and his team have a long track record of successful land development in the Los Angeles area,” says Kaul.

 “We believe there is strong demand for urban infill housing in Los Angeles and intend to partner with Harridge to develop the Silver Lake site as well as other projects in the near future.”

MREC Senior Director Lance Franklin (lower left photo) adds, “we are excited about starting a relationship with Harridge Development, which has a team of talented and creative professionals that have worked together for over 15 years. They have a proven track record of entitling and developing challenging projects in Los Angeles.

“Their knowledge of the local market and their dynamic skill set will provide MREC opportunities to invest further in the Los Angeles infill market.” MREC looks forward to additional investments of $50 million to $100 million with Harridge in this submarket.

Contacts
The Hoyt Organization
310-373-0103


H.I.G. Europe Acquires Prefabricated House Specialist Hanlo



LONDON & GRAZ, Austria--(BUSINESS WIRE)--H.I.G. European Capital Partners (“H.I.G.”), the European arm of leading global private equity investment firm H.I.G. Capital has completed the acquisition of a majority stake in the Austro-German Hanlo Group through the newly founded Green Building Group GmbH.

The acquisition is a joint investment with Solidus Partners LLP (“Solidus”), the investment vehicle of Philippe Graf von Stauffenberg. Together with the well-known brands “Hanlo” and “Bau mein Haus,” Hanlo will continue under the umbrella of Green Building Group GmbH, based in Graz, Austria.

The aim of the Green Building Group GmbH is to become a European leader in environmentally friendly prefabricated construction through internal growth and further acquisitions.

 Dr. Wolfgang Marka (top right photo), a seasoned manager with years of experience in the prefabricated construction industry has been appointed Managing Director of Green Building Group GmbH. Dr. Marka was previously General Manager at the international Haas Group. The parties have agreed not to disclose the purchase price.

Based in Graz, Austria, and Freiwalde, Germany, Hanlo is a market leader in prefabricated construction in the German-speaking region with turnover of over EUR 60 million for the current year.

As a pioneer in its sector, the company benefits from over 35 years of experience and more than 50,000 satisfied customers.

In addition to family homes, Hanlo also builds commercial projects, including retirement homes and nurseries. Hanlo has developed an outstanding reputation through its commitment to excellent quality and architectural sophistication.

“With the Green Building Group GmbH we aim to be the European market leader in environmentally-friendly and sustainable housing and commercial building construction and to do so with the highest quality standards,” said Dr. Wolfgang Marka, CEO of Green Building Group GmbH.

“Through the use of sustainable resources and significantly improved insulation, prefabricated construction is an energy-saving, environmentally friendly alternative to conventional construction and will gain increasing market share.”

 Dr. Marka and Phillippe von Stauffenberg, supervisory board chairman of the Green Building Group GmbH, will work closely with Hanlo’s existing management team at sites in Austria and Germany.

In addition, Hanlo founder Hanno Loidl will remain active in the company in an advisory role. The aim is to fully utilize the potential of Hanlo through strengthened sales initiatives, international expansion, improved commercial construction activities, as well as through the extension of the product portfolio with complementary services.

The Green Building Group GmbH is the second partnership between H.I.G. and Solidus focused on sustainable business, following the acquisition of a stake in the recycling company Der Gruene Punkt – Duales System Deutschland GmbH (DSD) in February 2011.

“H.I.G. has significant experience with buy-and-build strategies. Together with Solidus, we will assist the Green Building Group’s management team with further acquisitions of medium-sized prefabricated manufacturers to create a European market leader,” said Dr. Matthias Allgaier (top left photo), Managing Director of H.I.G. Europe.

 “We are convinced that so far there are too few businesses capitalising on the trend of environmentally-friendly construction.

“We want to take advantage of this and consolidate prefabricated construction companies with low energy intensity building processes that use renewable materials.

“ With Dr. Marka, Hanlo’s experienced management team and H.I.G.’s international presence, we are optimally positioned to achieve our goals,” said Philippe Graf von Stauffenberg, Managing Partner of Solidus.

H.I.G. and Solidus have already identified other companies that ideally complement Hanlo. Further acquisitions are planned over the next few months.

The acquisition of Hanlo is subject to merger control clearance.

 Additional information on all of the above-named companies may be viewed at www.hanlo,  www.soliduspartners.com and  www.higcapital.com.


Contacts:
H.I.G. European Capital Partners GmbH
Matthias Allgaier, +49 40 41 33 06 100
Managing Director
or
Thomas Scriven, +49 40 41 33 06 100
Director
tscriven@higcapital.com
Fax: +49 40 41 33 06 200


American International Industries, Inc. Announces Acquisition of 65 Acres for Its Wholly-owned Subsidiary, American Int'l Texas Properties, Inc.




HOUSTON and KEMAH, TX, July 18, 2011 (GlobeNewswire via COMTEX) -- American International Industries, Inc. /quotes/zigman/307835 AMIN -1.69% ("American" or the "Company") today announced that it has acquired an additional 65 acres of land located in Galveston County, Texas (the "Property"), which is free and clear of any liens or encumbrances.

 The Property is in close proximity to the 287 acre waterfront property that is owned by American's wholly-owned subsidiary, American International Texas Properties, Inc.

The Property, which has been appraised by an independent third-party appraiser at a fair market value of $1,900,000, was acquired from Kemah Development Texas, L.P. ("KDT"), an entity owned and controlled by the brother of American's CEO.

The consideration for this acquisition was paid through the issuance to KDT of 1,460,000 restricted shares of the Company's common stock, valued at $861,400, based on the closing market price of $0.59 on July 8, 2011.

Mr. Scott Gaille (top right photo), President of American, stated that "the board of directors of American has approved the purchase of the Property and intends to assign title of the Property to our wholly-owned real estate subsidiary which owns a portfolio of strategically located parcels of land in Houston and Galveston County, Texas.

“We expect our properties to appreciate in value, despite the weakness being experienced in other parts of the country.Further, we believe that real estate holdings such as ours are hard assets that will provide a substantial return on our investment in the same manner that gold, oil, and other hard assets have provided.

 “While the properties owned by the Company's subsidiary, American International Texas Properties, Inc., are mostly leased to farmers and have an agricultural tax exemption, all of our properties are zoned to permit commercial development and use."

 Investors can view real time stock quotes for AMIN with market depth (Level 2) at www.otcmarkets.com/stock/AMIN/quote

For a complete copy of the company’s news release, please contact
Rebekah Ruthstrom  Tel: 281-334-9479  Email: amin@americanii.com
       


Hasbro Reports Revenue and Earnings Growth for the Second Quarter 2011

  

 PAWTUCKET, R.I.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS) today reported revenue and earnings growth for the second quarter 2011.

The Company reported 23% net revenues growth to $908.5 million compared to $737.8 million in the second quarter 2010. Second quarter 2011 net revenues include a positive $35.8 million impact of foreign exchange.

The Company reported net earnings for the second quarter 2011 of $58.1 million or $0.42 per diluted share compared to $43.6 million or $0.29 per diluted share in 2010.

Second quarter 2011 net earnings were $0.33 per diluted share, excluding a favorable tax adjustment of $20.5 million or $0.15 per diluted share, as well as $13.1 million pre-tax expense, or $0.06 per diluted share for severance, relocation and related costs associated with establishing a Center of Excellence for Hasbro Games in Rhode Island.

“The Hasbro team executed our branded-play strategy globally to deliver both a strong second quarter and to lay the framework for growth in 2011 and beyond”

“The Hasbro team executed our branded-play strategy globally to deliver both a strong second quarter and to lay the framework for growth in 2011 and beyond,” said Brian Goldner (top right photo), President and Chief Executive Officer.

“Today, our brands are bigger and more global, many are backed by entertainment and the application of our brand blueprint is providing consumers with the opportunity to enjoy our brands across an increasingly broad spectrum of consumer goods and entertainment formats.”

For a complete copy of the company’s news release and financials, please contact

Hasbro, Inc.
Investor Relations
Debbie Hancock, 401-727-5401
or
News Media
Wayne S. Charness, 401-727-5983

Education Realty Trust Closes Financing, Begins Construction on Collegiate Housing Adjacent to the University of Alabama




MEMPHIS, TN.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Education Realty Trust Inc. (NYSE:EDR), a leader in the ownership, development and management of collegiate housing, and the Edwards Companies today announced the closing of financing and commencement of construction on a $41 million apartment community adjacent to the eastern edge of the University of Alabama campus (middle left photo) in Tuscaloosa.

Scheduled to open in 2012, The Edwards Companies is providing development and design build services for the project, which will be owned jointly by the two companies. Education Realty Trust, as the majority owner and managing member of the joint venture, will manage the community upon completion.

The joint venture secured a conventional construction loan through Regions Bank to fund the project.

Adjacent to the eastern edge of campus near the university’s Schools of Law and Nursing, the community will include 774 beds within 337 units in a variety of studios, one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments. Each apartment will be fully furnished with private bathrooms and bedrooms, a full kitchen and a washer and dryer.

The buildings will be three and five stories with a variety of structured and surface parking. The clubhouse will include a movie theatre, state-of-the-art fitness center, study space, game lounge, computer lab, great room with kitchen and staff offices. The grounds will feature a large swimming pool with outdoor patio complete with grills and picnic area.

“We are excited to break ground in Tuscaloosa and contribute to the re-birth of this campus after the devastating storms earlier this year,” said Randy Churchey (top right photo), president and chief executive officer of Education Realty Trust.

For more information, please visit www.edwardscompanies.com. and

Contacts
Education Realty Trust
Randall H. Brown, 901-259-2500
Executive Vice President, CFO & Treasurer
or
Susan Jennings, 901-259-2506
Public Relations

Daniel A. Biederman Retained to Revive Boston’s South Station




BOSTON, MA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Daniel A. Biederman (top right photo), renowned for his revitalization of Bryant Park, which re-opened in 1992, has been retained by Equity Office to help revitalize and improve events and programming at South Station (middle left photo), New England’s busiest transportation hub.

He is President of Biederman Redevelopment Ventures (BRV Corp.) in New York, and continues to head the Bryant Park Corporation, 34th Street Partnership, and Chelsea Improvement Company, three downtown management organizations he co-founded.

Biederman's best-known revival project is Bryant Park (lower left photo) in New York, which he transformed from a crime-ridden, drug-filled, uninviting midtown location behind the New York Public Library to a seven-acre ‘town square’ hub complete with world-class entertainment, gourmet food concessions and free ice skating in winter for New Yorkers and tourists to enjoy in midtown Manhattan.

He is currently working on Boston Common (middle right photo) with Friends of the Public Garden and the Charles River Esplanade with The Esplanade Association on similar revitalization programs. The initial improvements on Boston Common are scheduled to open this fall.

 "I'm delighted to work with Equity Office," said Biederman. "South Station is not only New England’s top transportation hub, but is increasingly becoming a location for people to meet and enjoy all the attractions of downtown Boston. I'm excited to make South Station an even better place for people to visit."

Biederman will work with Equity Office to develop new programming and events, improve marketing to and amenities for station visitors, tenants and commuters while helping to attract new businesses to South Station.

“South Station is a jewel in our Boston real estate portfolio and Dan’s expertise and insights will help us keep this glorious structure dynamic and vibrant,” said Tom Bakke, Market Managing Director, Equity Office. “In the 1900’s, South Station was the busiest train station in the world and the center of life here in Boston. We think its best days are yet to come.”

 South Station is the largest train station in New England and serves as a major domestic transportation hub. Equity Office manages this landmark building, owned by Boston’s MBTA, and recognized by the National Register of Historic Places.

The site features 221,000 square feet of office space as well as numerous restaurant, entertainment and convenience venues.

 Additional information is available at http://www.brvcorp.com./

Contacts
KCSA Strategic Communications
Julia Tanen, 617-958-0305
or
Bidederman Redevelopment Ventures
John Goodman, 914-793-1277



American Realty Capital Trust Closes $1.5 Billion Fund



NEW YORK, NY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--American Realty Capital Trust, Inc. (“ARCT” or the “REIT”) today announced the closure of the fund, a national portfolio of freestanding, single-tenant properties net leased to high credit quality tenants, following successful achievement of its target equity raise of $1.5 billion.

“I couldn’t be more pleased to announce that we have successfully completed our target equity raise of $1.5 billion for American Realty Capital Trust,” said Nicholas S. Schorsch (top right photo), Chairman and CEO of ARC.

 “We expect to deploy all of our recently raised equity capital by the end of the third quarter. Furthermore, our board of directors has retained Goldman Sachs as its financial advisor to explore liquidity options for the portfolio, including a listing or sale.”

 ARCT commenced its initial public offering of 150.0 million shares of common stock on January 25, 2008. As of July 5, 2011, the REIT had issued the entire 150.0 million shares of common stock available in connection with its primary offering, and 2.8 million shares of common stock under the DRIP.

As of July 11, 2011, ARCT had issued 165.8 million shares, including shares issued under the DRIP.

Total gross proceeds from these issuances were $1.6 billion. As of July 11, 2011, the aggregate value of all share issuances and subscriptions outstanding was $1.7 billion based on a per share value of $10.00 (or $9.50 per share for shares issued under the DRIP).

 As of July 11, 2011, there were 9.2 million shares of common stock available for sale in connection with ARCT’s primary offering. By close of day on July 11, 2011, these shares were fully subscribed. By July 14, 2011, all DRIP shares were fully subscribed. ARCT is currently in the process of registering with the U.S. Securities Exchange Commission to issue a second round of shares under DRIP.

“Our success in raising capital is attributed to a strong product offering, a skilled and experienced management team augmented by a deep bench, adherence to best practices, and especially to a broad group of independent broker-dealers, not one of which accounts for more than 6% of our securities sales,” observed Mr. Schorsch.

ARC began its initial public offering for its new fund, American Realty Capital Trust III, Inc. (“ARCT III”) on March 31, 2011. The offering period will last until March 31, 2013, or until the target equity raise of $1.5 billion is reached. ARCT III employs the same management team and strategy as ARCT.

For more information, visit: http://www.americanrealtycap.com/arct-reit/.

DeFazio Communications, LLC
Anthony J. DeFazio, 484-532-7783
or
American Realty Capital Trust
Brian S. Block, 212-415-6500
EVP & CFO

Interstate Hotels & Resorts Names Emily Boling Lynn Vice President, Global Sales and Strategic Accounts

  

ARLINGTON, Va., July 18, 2011—Interstate Hotels & Resorts, the United States’ largest independent hotel management company, today announced the appointment of Emily Boling Lynn (top right photo) to the position of vice president, global sales and strategic accounts.

 In her new role, Lynn is responsible for reinforcing relationships with major corporate accounts and supporting IHR-managed hotels’ corporate account sales efforts.  She reports to George Brennan (middle left photo), Interstate’s executive vice president, sales and marketing.

“Emily’s extensive experience in the hospitality industry includes six years of director-level hospitality sales,” Brennan said.  “With her strong leadership skills and sales and marketing expertise, Emily will play a key role in driving  major account level corporate sales for Interstate’s portfolio.”

Lynn previously served as director of sales and marketing at the 367-room Hilton Lexington Downtown Hotel & Conference Center in Kentucky.  While at the Hilton, Lynn received Interstate’s 2010 Hotels Sales Team of the Year award.

 In 2007, she joined the Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau as director of convention center sales, where she was responsible for the overall development of strategies for sales, marketing and public relations programs for the Memphis Cook Convention Center.

 Previously, she served as a meeting planner for a not-for-profit organization, arranging events ranging in size from 20 to 8,000 people.

A Kentucky native, Lynn began her hospitality career at the front desk of the Hilton Suites Lexington Green and quickly moved up the ladder to positions of increasing responsibility, ultimately landing the position of sales manager. 

She earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Kentucky and is a Certified Meeting Planner. 

Additional information about Interstate is available at the company’s website, www.ihrco.com.

Contact:
Jerry Daly, Carol McCune                            Carrie McIntyre
Media                                                             SVP, Treasurer
Daly Gray                                                       Interstate Hotels & Resorts
(703) 435-6293                                             (703) 387-3320
jerry@dalygray.com                                       carrie.mcintyre@ihrco.com