Mr. Hammons serves as the founder, chairman and chief executive officer of John Q. Hammons Hotels, Inc., the nation�s leading independent builder, developer, owner and manager of upscale, full-service hotels, resorts and suites in the United States.  Mr. Hammons� 46 years in the hotel industry has afforded him the opportunity to be instrumental in the formation and shaping of the U.S. lodging landscape.  He has built nearly 150 hotels and has several under construction, making him the largest independent hotel developer in the country.  Cities approach him wanting to do business.

Seasoned by extensive experience with multiple economic cycles, including five recessions, and diverse lodging products, Mr. Hammons knows what works best and where.  His approach to business can be summarized by:  embrace change and have a plan of action, forge ahead in good times and bad, buy land (because they�re not making it anymore), commit to quality, give back, and always keep your word.  The result of his steadfast approach is an impressive reputation and stellar career few in the worldwide hotel industry can match.  

According to Jeff Weinstein, editor in chief, HOTELS magazine, the award for Mr. Hammons is long overdue.  �In my opinion, Mr. Hammons is a true hotel industry legend counted among the industry�s pioneers.  He has great instincts for hotel development and operations.  I truly admire his work ethic, his modesty and his accomplishments over the past several decades of hotel keeping,� Weinstein said.

Readers of HOTELS magazine voted to determine the 23rd annual recipient of the distinguished �Corporate Hotelier of the World,� which recognizes the honoree�s leadership in the hotel industry in one or more of the following ways:

• Establishing and maintaining high-quality service and standards
• Demonstrating responsible and skillful management of a hotel or hotel chain
• Volunteering to serve on industry committees and local charities
• Supporting educational endeavors

A sampling of other awards Mr. Hammons has received include:  First recipient of the �Lifetime Achievement� award from Holiday Inn, first person outside of Hilton Corporation to receive Hilton�s �Connie� award, and 2002 recipient of the esteemed �Missouri Sports Legend� award from the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.

Mr. Hammons� inspirational life is the subject of a book �They Call Him John Q.:  A Hotel Legend.�  Copies are available for purchase by calling 417-864-4300.  

Publicly traded on the American Stock Exchange (AMEX: JQH), Springfield, Mo.-based John Q. Hammons Hotels, Inc. is the nation�s leading independent builder, developer, owner and manager of upscale, full-service hotels, resorts and suites, including: Embassy Suites Hotel, Renaissance, Marriott, Radisson, Residence Inn, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Holiday Inn and Hampton Inn & Suites brands.  With 58 hotels strategically located near demand generators, such as state capitals, universities, airports, corporate headquarters or office parks in secondary and tertiary markets, John Q. Hammons Hotels� properties are dominant in their markets. 

Published by Reed Business Information, HOTELS magazine serves the total worldwide hotel market in 170 countries and reaches approximately 60,000 hotel owners, managers, designers, architects and buyers.