Vickie Shows Joins America's Best Franchising
ATLANTA, GA, November 7, 2008. Atlanta-based America's Best Franchising Incorporated has named hotel industry veteran Vickie Shows to the newly-created position of International Franchise Service Manager, effective immediately.
Ms. Shows, who previously held positions in franchise services with U.S. Franchise Systems Incorporated, will coordinate support to foreign franchisees and master licensees as America's Best Franchising aggressively expands its three brands into Canada, South America, Asia, and Africa. She reports to Chip Elbers, vice president and chief operating officer.
The company currently operates two upper economy brands - Country Hearth Inns & Suites and America's Best Inns & Suites - plus the upscale 3 Palms brand for independent and condo-hotel properties.
Ms. Shows, who is bi-lingual in Spanish, studied human resources management at Dekalb Community College in Atlanta and East Michigan University.
"There is a steadily growing international interest in our brands as various countries seek to provide their tourist and domestic travelers with a broader range of accommodation options," said Doug Collins, chairman and CEO of America's Best Franchising Incorporated.
"Vickie's addition to our team will significantly enhance our ability to provide services to our foreign-based franchisees and master licensees, enabling them to properly serve their guests - and to be successful quickly and efficiently."
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 
