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Amerilodge Hospitality Group Purchases The Vacant Travelodge

(*Note: This is an old article from 2008 that I lost in a computer crash. I found a copy and am now reposting it.)

In a recent press release issued by the Amerilodge Hospitality Group, it was revealed the company had purchased the vacant Travelodge Motel at 1100 West Main St. In working with the city, Amerilodge Hospitality Group offered the building to be utilized by the local police and fire departments for training before the structure is demolished. The Tipp City Police Department has already conducted various building entrance scenarios and other tactical drills while the fire department made use of the site for various types of building entrance techniques and an assortment of search and rescue situations.

I wondered how much marketing research went into purchasing the property to be included in the Amerilodge Hospitality Groups stable of motels/hotels? Could this research and the eventual decision to purchase here in Tipp City be construed as Amerilodge’s feeling that Tipp City is an economically viable area to locate in? In an email correspondence, Jenny Richardson, VP of Sales for the Amerilodge Hospitality Group answered this question quite succinctly.

“In reference to your question to the research that is done prior to the decision to committing to a project, there are several aspects to the process.” Jenny began. “IHG, Intercontinental Hotels Group, holds an integral part in gathering and laying the ground work for the overall market assessments. After we are given direction on viable sites, we begin reviewing historical data from several different entities and discussing future plans for the city with officials.”

Jenny went on to say that, “Our organization is not only focused on the current economy but what the future holds in the next 3-5 years and the pulse in Tipp City seems very strong.”
Unlike most corporations that seem to make remote board room decisions without ever setting foot in the area that those decisions might effect, Amerilodge Hospitality Group has chosen a different approach. The end of Jenny’s correspondence was filled with praise for Tipp City and its citizenry.

“I had the pleasure of spending 5 days in Tipp over Labor Day weekend and meeting with local officials and business owners to get a ‘hands on’ feel for the area.” Jenny recounted. “I can tell you that everyone that I came in contact with were very excited about our facility and incredibly welcoming.”

With Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites (the hotel Amerilodge Hospitality Group has chosen to locate on the site) undergoing an intense “re-branding” geared towards a new level of guest experience and satisfaction, perhaps the fit with Tipp City is just right.

(This article originally appeared in the Tipp City Independent Voice.)