ASSA ABLOY North America Chosen as Associate Member of ASFONA
DALLAS, TX, August 13, 2008. ASSA ABLOY Hospitality, the world leader in hotel security technology with premier brands including VingCard, Elsafe and TimeLox, announced today it has been selected as an associate member of the Association of Starwood Franchisees & Owners North America (ASFONA).
"We are honored that Starwood has invited our company to be part of ASFONA's small, select group of supply-side members," said Marc Freundlich, president and CEO of ASSA ABLOY Hospitality North America. "Through this new membership, we look forward to strengthening our existing relationship with Starwood's prestigious hotel brands.
"In joining ASFONA, we now have the unique opportunity to learn firsthand how our brands - VingCard, Elsafe and TimeLox - can best serve each Starwood property's individual security needs," added Josh Lane, vice president of national accounts for ASSA ABLOY Hospitality North America, who was also named as an honorary board member by ASFONA.
The invitation-only association, created to promote owner and franchisee interaction, represents all brand names under Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (R), in North America, including Sheraton(R), Four Point(R), St Regis(R), The Luxury Collection(R), Le Meridien(R), W(R), Westin(R), aloftSM and elementSM. Consisting of hotel owners and owners' representatives, ASFONA members work together with Starwood to develop brand policies, standards and procedures. As a member of the association, ASSA ABLOY Hospitality will meet with the association's board of directors throughout the year at strategic meetings designed to build and maintain Starwood's leadership position in the industry, according to ASFONA president John Shingler.
"This is an exciting time for ASFONA, and we are particularly pleased that ASSA ABLOY Hospitality will be joining us as we move into the next phase of the association's role in representing Starwood franchisees and owners," Shingler said. "With the company's highly regarded background in hotel security, it will provide valuable experience and insight to our organization."
About ASSA ABLOY Hospitality Inc. North America
The world leader in hotel security technology, ASSA ABLOY Hospitality has products installed in more than 35,000 properties worldwide, securing more than 6 million hotel rooms. The ASSA ABLOY Group, a publicly listed company, is a world leader in security and hospitality systems. The North American division of ASSA ABLOY Hospitality brings three security brands to hotels throughout the United States and Canada, including VingCard (www.vingcard.com) electronic locking system solutions, Elsafe (www.elsafe.com) UL-listed (1037) hotel safe series, and TimeLox (www.timelox.com) security solutions for gaming properties and other large resorts.
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 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 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
