Steve Ehrhardt Assumes 2016 Chairmanship of IHG Owners Association

The IHG Owners Association, which represents InterContinental Hotels Group® (IHG) franchise hotel owners worldwide, has announced that Steve Ehrhardt has assumed chairmanship of its Board of Directors for 2016. Ehrhardt is owner and operator of Ehrhardt Properties and SJS Hospitality, operating 11 hotels in Missouri and Oklahoma, and is part of a family business that includes a portfolio of 27 hotels. Included in this mix are numerous hotel companies and three Intercontinental Hotel Group brands: seven Candlewood Suites, two Holiday Inn Express and a Hotel Indigo which is under development.

"I am excited for this opportunity to represent the voice of hotel owners and collaborate with IHG to move our measures of success forward," said Ehrhardt "Our emphasis this year will be to further enhance owners' value propositions by continuing to bring to life IHG's Winning Culture and build a sustainable organization."

Notes Don Berg, recently-appointed CEO of the IHG Owners Association, "Steve brings a dynamic, energetic and progressive perspective to the role of Chairman. He offers a point of view on the day-to-day operating challenges that so many of our members share and truly understands the global nature of our business and its impact and relevance for the Association."

Born in Quincy, Illinois and raised in Hannibal, Missouri, Ehrhardt graduated from Central Missouri State University in 1987 with a degree in accounting and business administration. His company's mission is to "Serve our guests, our community and each other." Ehrhardt lives the mission and enjoys giving back to his communities and industry. He's a past Lebanon, Missouri Chamber Director and state of Missouri Hotel and Lodging Association president. He was also past president for the Lebanon Economic Development Partnership and is current chair for the St. Robert Transportation District and the Fort Leonard Wood Chapter of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA).

Ehrhardt served on the Owners Association Candlewood Suites brand committee for five years, the last three in a leadership role including Chair. During this time, he provided valuable input for the Candlewood brand team and led the committee to always represent the best interests of every Candlewood owner. As a long time Candlewood owner, he's worked hard to keep that brand loyal to its original business model.

More recently, he has been a Global Board Director (four years) and an Officer (three years) of the Owners Association.