L to R: David Grissen, Group President, The Americas, Marriott International, Inc.; Stephanie Linnartz, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing & Commercial Officer, Marriott International, Inc.; Liam Brown, President, U.S. & Canada, Select Service & Extended Stay Lodging and Owner & Franchise Services, Marriott International, Inc.; Brad Wiens, Executive Vice President & Chief Development Officer, True North Hotel Group; Lew Wiens, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, True North Hotel Group; Richard Merkel, President & Chief Operating Officer, True North Hotel Group; Carl Berquist, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Marriott International, Inc.; Tony Capuano, Executive Vice President & Chief Development Officer, Marriott International, Inc.; Arne M. Sorenson, President & Chief Executive Officer, Marriott International, Inc. — Photo by True North Hotel Group

True North Hotel Group has for an unprecedented fifth time received Marriott International's highest owner/franchisee honor, the Partnership Circle Award. Marriott International President & CEO Arne Sorensen presented the award to True North Chairman & CEO Lew Wiens, President & Chief Operating Officer Richard Merkel, and Executive Vice President & Chief Development Officer Brad Wiens at Marriott's annual Owners Conference, held mid-May at the JW Marriott Indianapolis.

True North also received Marriott's Partnership Circle Award in 2004, 2006, 2009 and 2012. Of True North's 23 open hotels, 17 are Marriott-branded.

Marriott's Partnership Circle Award honors companies that share a commitment to Marriott's philosophies and principles, fully embrace Marriott's brand initiatives, focus on associates to create a well-managed and engaged workforce, provide outstanding customer service, and contribute in a significant way to growing Marriott's brands.

"That we now hold five Partnership Circle Awards from Marriott is a clear tribute to all of our True North associates who deliver excellence every single day," said Lew Wiens. "We are also grateful for True North's very long and strong relationship with Marriott that is once again validated through this award."

The Marriott meeting was attended by owners, management companies and franchisees of Marriott's six select service and extended stay brands: Residence Inn, Courtyard, Fairfield Inn & Suites, SpringHill Suites, TownePlace Suites and AC Hotels.

About True North Hotel Group

True North Hotel Group, headquartered in Overland Park, Kan., and owned by the Wiens family and Richard Merkel, is a hotel management and development company with 23 hotels currently open, three more scheduled to open in 2014, and several more under construction or in the pipeline. True North's portfolio includes extended stay and select service hotels within the Marriott, Hilton, Starwood and Holiday Inn brands.

Dee Dee Dochen
DDD Marketing Communications
832-545-7574
True North Hotel Group