�Paul brings a wealth of hands-on experience in hotel management, as well as first-hand knowledge of the Kenosha community,� said Rijos. �That�s a great combination for us and we�re pleased to have a home-town connection in this rapidly expanding area. In addition to overseeing the day-to-day operations of this hotel, we expect him to be a good-will ambassador for the hotel in the business community.�

�The Kenosha area has a superb location and quality of life. Coming back here with a high-profile, high-quality organization like Hawthorn Suites is a dream come true,� explained Johnson. �My wife and I both grew up in Kenosha; I went to school here and always hoped to raise my family here. But pursuit of my career in hotel management took me to other cities around the U.S. Now I�m back with a very reputable company and a beautiful hotel.�

Scheduled to open on November 8, the 81-room Hawthorn Suites at Prairie Ridge features deluxe rooms, an indoor pool and exercise facilities and meeting space to accommodate up to 75 persons. The hotel, which is managed under contract with Lane Hospitality in Northbrook, Illinois, is part of  V.K. Development�s multi-million dollar complex that will include offices, retail operations, and an entertainment complex. Also proposed in the development are single-family homes, a day care, office and professional buildings, and a $100 million nursing home.

Lane Hospitality, headquartered in Northbrook, Illinois, owns and manages more than 40 hotels, timeshares and retirement complexes throughout the U.S. The company is a subsidiary of Lane Industries.