Microtel Inns & Suites Named Official Sponsor Of Ms. Wheelchair Pennsylvania 2006

(Thursday, April 20, 2006) - Microtel Inn & Suites, the all-newly constructed chain of budget/economy hotels, has been named official sponsor of Ms. Wheelchair Pennsylvania for the second consecutive year. The annual Ms. Wheelchair Pennsylvania Pageant was held at the Microtel Inn & Suites hotel in Hamburg, PA last month. Joycelyn Banks, crowned Ms. Wheelchair 2006, will stay at Microtel hotels around the state as she promotes disability awareness during the year.

Banks, age 28 and a resident of McKeesport in Allegheny County, was born with cerebral palsy. She is currently a rehabilitation specialist at United Cerebral Palsy of Pittsburgh, Pa. She attended Wilson Christian Academy and graduated from Geneva College in Beaver Falls, Pa. with a degree in education. She has authored two books.

"We are excited to join with Ms. Wheelchair Pennsylvania and salute this year's winner," said Roy Flora, executive vice president, franchise operations of US Franchise Systems, Inc. (USFS), parent company of the franchisor of the Microtel brand. "Microtel is committed to providing travelers with disabilities with quality, accessible hotel accommodations, and a service culture prepared to make their stay with us an enjoyable experience."

The Ms. Wheelchair Pennsylvania competition is not a beauty contest, but rather selects the most accomplished and articulate spokeswoman to serve in an advocacy role, educate the public regarding persons with disabilities, and make personal appearances across the state. Banks will go to Little Rock, Ark. in July to represent Pennsylvania in the Ms. Wheelchair America pageant.

"We thank Microtel hotels for their dedication to Ms. Wheelchair Pennsylvania and to travelers with disabilities," said Banks.

Microtel Inns & Suites offers three ADA-room designs and a consistency of services to fit guests' needs, including employees trained in disability etiquette through the program known as Opening Doors®. All Microtel hotels provide ‘Access Microtel' pamphlets in large print and Braille; ‘Accessible Fitness' bags with three-pound hand weights, two types of stretch bands and a pair of handgrips, and Upper Body Ergometers for guests with special needs.

For the fourth consecutive year, Microtel has been ranked highest in guest satisfaction among economy/budget hotel chains by J.D. Power and Associates. All properties in the continental U.S. now provide free local and free long distance phone calls (in the continental U.S.), and free wireless high speed Internet access. In addition, all hotels offer complimentary continental breakfast, and members of the free MicroPass™ frequent guest program earn a free night's stay after nine night stays at any location. There are currently 281 Microtel hotels open or under construction worldwide. For reservations, contact 1-800-771-7171 toll-free or TDD 1-800-824-2082, or visit http://www.microtelinn.com. All Microtel hotels are independently owned and operated.

Ms. Wheelchair Pennsylvania, Inc. is a nonprofit organization consisting of volunteers who represent community organizations, businesses, interested citizens and previous titleholders. All expenses for hosting the program are obtained through fundraising, donations and sponsors. For information, visit http://www.mswheelchairpa.org.

Ms. Wheelchair America was founded in 1972 by a doctor who wanted to create a presence for women with disabilities. Approximately 25 states hold a pageant annually, and winners compete in Ms. Wheelchair America. For information, visit http://www.mswheelchairamerica.org.

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