�This year the AmericInn Annual Convention reached a record high of 450 attendees.  The event brought our chain together and provided a unique forum for the exchange of ideas and educational information for franchise owners and managers.  It�s nice to have the opportunity each year to reflect on the past and look forward to the future of our successful chain�, said Fowler. 

Convention attendees experienced top-notch speakers who delivered the latest and greatest industry information including; Matt Weinstein, Michael L. Kasavanna, Bill Scatchard, Joe Veneto and Sergio Buth. The 2003 Vendor Trade Exhibition was hosted by the AmericInn Supply Division and AmericInn Vendor Partners where nearly 100 vendor exhibits displayed a wide variety of hospitality products and services.  The Awards Dinner set the scene for individuals and properties to be recognized for their dedication and commitment to the AmericInn Lodging System.  Afterwards, convention attendees expressed their generosity during a live and silent auction where over $39,000 was raised to benefit Scholarship America, the nation�s largest private sector scholarship and educational support organization.

AmericInn International, LLC presented the following awards to those individuals or properties that have achieved the greatest success in the categories selected.  These awards were presented during the AmericInn Annual Convention at the RiverCentre in St. Paul, Minnesota on April 7, 2003.

Name of Award: Chairman's Award 
Description: Given to the AmericInn staff that has excelled in the area of quality assurance and guest satisfaction.
Recipient:  The AmericInn of Ironwood, MI

Name of Award: Franchise Owner of the Year
Description: Given to honor the AmericInn owner that has demonstrated the highest commitment to the goals of the AmericInn Lodging System.
Recipient:  M & P Holdings, LLC � Mike Sias / The AmericInn of Hastings, MN

Name of Award: Innkeeper's Award 
Description: Given to honor the AmericInn Manager that has demonstrated the highest ability to achieve and to help others achieve the goals of our industry and those of the AmericInn Lodging System. 
Recipient:  Susan Jespersen, The AmericInn of Chanhassen, MN

Name of Award: Marketing Success Award
Description: Given to the AmericInn location that has achieved significant success in marketing the AmericInn product in their marketplace.
Recipient:  The AmericInn of Peoria, IL 

Name of Award: Employee of the Year
Description: The Employee of the Year Award is given to honor the AmericInn staff member that has demonstrated the highest ability to achieve and to help others achieve the goals of our industry and those of the AmericInn Lodging System
Recipients: 

• Housekeeping Employee of the Year Chelsey Ann Sutton, The AmericInn of Prairie du Chien, WI
• Front Desk Employee of the Year Tina Lynn Dillingham, The AmericInn of Marshalltown, IA 

AmericInn International, LLC based in Chanhassen, Minnesota has over 200 properties open or under development.