Joplin, Mo. – May 26, 2011 – John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts today announced that the company’s two hotels in Joplin sustained minimal damage from the area’s deadly tornado on Sunday evening. The 114-suite Residence Inn Joplin and 262-room Holiday Inn Joplin Convention Center and Spa, just off I-44 and US71, are currently serving as home to hundreds of displaced families and to disaster response teams. With 13 of its 78 hotels located in Missouri, Springfield, Mo.-based John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts is the largest private, independent owner and manager of hotels in the United States (www.jqhhotels.com).
According to Residence Inn Joplin General Manager Pete Hall, who also serves as president of the Southwest Missouri Lodging Association, all hotels in Joplin, representing approximately 2,100 rooms combined, are operational and collaborating to help provide critical shelter, food and water, particularly to Joplin residents who suddenly found themselves without a home after the recent disaster.
“It is remarkable to witness the cohesive network of the regional hotel community as we effectively collaborate to provide not only much-needed basic necessities but also compassionate care support,” said Hall, who was raised in Joplin. “In the true spirit of extending hospitality, our own hotel associates are at work diligently seeing to the needs of others although they and their families have experienced the devastating impact of the tornado.”
On Site Support
John Q. Hammons’ Residence Inn and Holiday Inn are located in the same hospitality complex, a location that is at the heart of several emergency relief efforts, including a command center for Mercy’s St. John’s Regional Medical Center. St. John’s individual and group grief counseling support is currently situated in Holiday Inn Convention Center’s 35,000–square-foot ballroom.
The hospitality complex’s expansive parking lot is the site of Joplin-based Zimmer Radio’s mobile IT station to provide area residents with the ability to email loved ones. The parking lot also houses the temporary portable showers generously provided by Empire District Electric Company. In addition, the Holiday Inn collaborated with the Kansas City Royals and the ball team’s wives to organize and deliver baby supplies and personal toiletries, now available.
Holiday Inn Joplin General Manager Robert Henley recognized the extensive support being provided by fellow associates from John Q. Hammons’ sister properties.
“We’re leveraging the significant resources and exceptional service culture of the John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts family,” Henley said. “We are grateful for the company’s additional support as we work day and night to meet the needs of those devastated by the destructive tornado and of those here to help rebuild our city.”
According to Jacquie Dowdy, CEO of John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts, the company has organized a company-wide effort for John Q. Hammons’ more than 9,000 associates in 24 states to contribute to a relief fund in support of staff and their families impacted by the Joplin tornado. Company employees can simply elect to designate a portion of their pay by identifying how many hours’ wages they choose to donate to the cause.
“Our thousands of associates nationwide are eager to help our family in Joplin and through John Q. Hammons’ ‘Operation Rebuild Life in Joplin,’ we’re helping to make that happen immediately. Even one hour’s pay can make a difference,” Dowdy said. “Our hearts and prayers are with the people of Joplin.”
Contact the Holiday Inn at (417) 782-1000, 3615 Range Line Road, or the Residence Inn at (417) 782-0908, 3128 East Hammons Blvd., for more information regarding on-site relief efforts at the hospitality complex. In addition, area relief organizers are directing individuals to www.facebook.com/joplinmo to help connect people regarding the Joplin tornado.
About John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts
Springfield, Mo.-based John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts is the largest private, independent owner and manager of hotels in the United States, representing brands such as: Chateau on the Lake Resort, Spa & Convention Center; Courtyard by Marriott; Embassy Suites Hotels; Hampton Inn & Suites; Hilton; Holiday Inn; Homewood Suites by Hilton; Marriott; Plaza Hotels Collection; Radisson; Renaissance; Residence Inn by Marriott; and Sheraton. With a portfolio of 78 hotels representing nearly 19,000 guest rooms/suites in 24 states, John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts’ properties are dominant in their markets. Founded on the extraordinary vision of John Q. Hammons and built on his legacy of excellence spanning more than 50 years, John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts has become one of the most recognized and award-winning companies in the hospitality industry. Built to be the best, John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts continues to set the standard in hospitality management and hotel development. For more information about John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts, please visit the company’s website at www.jqhhotels.com or www.facebook.com/jqhhotelsresorts.
