JQH Recognized with Marriott International’s 2015 Spirit to Preserve Award for Sustainable Practices

John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts (JQH) today announced the company was recently awarded Marriott International, Inc.’s 2015 Spirit to Preserve Award. Debbie Marriott Harrison, Marriott International’s global officer – culture and business councils, presented the award to Joe Morrissey, JQH’s senior vice president of operations, who accepted the honor on behalf of the company at Marriott International’s Full Service Owners conference. JQH was recognized for continuing to show support and focus on sustainability. Spirit to Preserve has been an award category since 2012, and JQH also won the award for 2013. Springfield, Mo.-based JQH is a leading private, independent owner and manager of hotels in the United States, including operating more than 1 million square feet of superb meeting space.

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John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts (JQH) was recently awarded Marriott International, Inc.'s 2015 Spirit to Preserve Award. Debbie Marriott Harrison, Marriott International's global officer – culture and business councils, presented the award to Joe Morrissey, JQH's senior vice president of operations, who accepted the honor on behalf of the company at Marriott International's Full Service Owners conference. JQH was recognized for continuing to show support and focus on sustainability. (Photo: Business Wire)

Marriott’s Spirit to Preserve Award recognizes those groups who have the highest percentage of activated hotels and highest level of environmental practices based on Green Hotels Global data and company-wide sustainability programs. Every JQH Marriott property is activated in the Green Hotels Global tool and holds a TripAdvisor GreenLeaders rating. Green Hotels Global is a system that provides metrics-based information on the environmental footprint of hotels.

Conservation Leadership

According to Morrissey, hotels across the JQH portfolio have shown outstanding leadership in driving sustainable practices. Each JQH-operated Marriott hotel, under license from Marriott International, Inc. or one of its affiliates and representing a range of brands from Renaissance, Marriott, Courtyard by Marriott and Residence Inn, has a Green Committee that meets and discusses green initiatives, then takes action to implement agreed-upon ideas on-property. A sampling of related initiatives by JQH hotels includes high-efficiency lighting, recycling programs, water and energy conservation efforts, local food sourcing, donation of used supplies for repurposing, and supporting their local communities.

“Mr. Hammons built a culture over decades grounded in being an active community partner, and this important role entails taking care of our Earth,” Morrissey said. “Sustainability programs are only as effective as proper implementation, and we have experienced an enthusiastic response from our thousands of hotel associates and guests nationwide about working together to reduce our ecological footprint.”

About Marriott International

Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, with more than 4,300 properties in 85 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, Bvlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 54 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.

About John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts

Springfield, Mo.-based John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts (JQH) is a leading private, independent owner and manager of hotels in the United States, representing brands such as: Marriott, Hilton, Embassy Suites by Hilton, Sheraton, IHG, Chateau on the Lake Resort / Spa & Convention Center, and Plaza Hotels Collection. With a portfolio of 35 hotels representing approximately 8,500 guest rooms/suites in 16 states, JQH’s properties are dominant in their markets. Founded on the extraordinary vision of John Q. Hammons and built on his continued legacy of excellence spanning more than 50 years, JQH has become one of the most recognized and award-winning companies in the hospitality industry. Built to be the best, JQH continues to set the standard in hospitality management and hotel development. Go to www.jqhhotels.com for more information, or connect with JQH on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.

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