Lodging Conference 2008 Announces 'Above and Beyond' Award Recipient

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. October 14, 2008

JULY 11, 2008. The Lodging Conference co-founders Harry Javer and Morris Lasky are proud to announce Toma Brashear as the recipient of the Above & Beyond Award, which is given annually to an individual who is highly regarded in the hospitality industry for their distinguished humanitarian efforts. Some of the past recipients of this award have included such industry leaders as Mike Leven, Joseph McInerney, Steve Belmonte, Valerie Ferguson, Joseph Kane, John Russell and Archie Bennett.

Throughout the course of Toma Brashear's 30- year hospitality career, he has contributed greatly to the growth and innovation of this industry through his leadership and good business sense. Among his many professional accomplishments enumerated below, Mr. Brashear is past chairman of the American Hotel and Lodging Association's Hotelpac, having held that position for several years and is a member of the organization's Allied Executive Committee and Governmental Affairs committee. Some of the many fundraising efforts of Brashear include the ACVB Arts Foundation, Atlanta Food Bank, AH&LA's Educational Foundation, Hotelpac and Habitat for Humanity.

As the Chairman & CEO of The Brashear Group and Hospitality Artists based in Atlanta, GA, he has engaged high level consulting for several well known firms in the hospitality industry. Brashear is currently invested in an assortment of ventures including: NYLO Hotel Properties, Hospitality Ventures: Bottom Line Parking: Buckhead Cigar Club: and medical offices. Brashear has headed the growth and development of several national and international hotel interests, with the focus being on expansion and marketing. His hands-on approach to management has set him aside from others and is part of what has made him so successful.

Prior to his involvement with the launch of these two companies, Brashear was president and part owner of Travel Discount Guide, which is the largest hotel guide publisher in North America. Brashear played a key role in Travel Discount Guide's growth and success by heading their reputable marketing and advertising campaigns which afforded the company great success over the years.

Following his achievements with Travel Discount Guide he served as president of Days Inn of Mexico, based in Mexico City. During Brashear's time with Days Inn the company increased its franchisee and management contracts by over 400 percent. In 1991, Brashear founded Brashear & Associates, a hospitality consulting firm. The company was focused on the marketing, developments and operations of lodging-based businesses.

In addition to these two positions and prior to his involvement in management and consulting fields, he was named the senior vice president, franchise and development with Colony Hotels and Resorts (then a division of Carlson Companies). In the mid-1980's, Toma held the position of senior vice president, marketing and franchise services for Days Inn of America

Mr. Brashear holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Economics from the University of Cincinnati.