Midland, MI - August 23, 2006
The MVCC Limited Partnership of The Dow Chemical Company and Acquest Realty Advisors has announced the appointment of Dolce International to manage the Ashman Court Conference Center and Hotel in Midland, Michigan. Dolce is a global hospitality company specializing in the meetings experience for its customers.
Dow earlier announced plans to build a new corporate leadership academy named the H. H. Dow Leadership Academy within the premises of the hotel, bringing with it a new upscale restaurant and café, which will be made available to the hotel's guests and to the general public. The hotel partners are utilizing this opportunity to re-vamp its services and have announced the appointment of Dolce International, who will ensure superior accommodations, upscale restaurants and lounges, and other amenities for hotel guests as new features of the hotel. Dolce has specific experience managing corporate learning environments blended with first-class accommodations and restaurants, and was selected to provide this service.
“There are exciting plans in the works for the Ashman Hotel. We envision a world-class conference and hotel center designed to meet the needs of a corporate leadership academy, as well as cater to leisure and business travelers,” said Mike Hayes, vice president, executive relations, The Dow Chemical Company.
“With over 25 years of experience in the meetings niche of the hospitality industry, it is clear Dolce will be a great managing company going forward,” added Hayes. “Dolce is the global leader in creating a learning-leisure environment for meeting planners, corporate executives and conference attendees.”
“We are pleased to have been selected to manage this pre-eminent conference center,” added Andy Dolce, chairman and managing partner of Dolce International. “It is the perfect time to team up with Midland's well respected Dow Chemical Company and Acquest Realty Advisors. Dolce's leadership in the corporate learning environment will be a great asset in helping Dow to achieve their vision for Ashman Court and the community."
Management of the hotel will transition from Marriott to Dolce over a period of 60-90 days starting in September. During this time, Marriott employees will have the opportunity to interview with Dolce and stay on under the new management.
“Marriott has provided excellent management of the Ashman Court Hotel over the years and we thank the company for its great service,” said Hayes.
“There are exciting changes in store for downtown Midland and this is one more brick in the foundation of downtown revitalization,” added Hayes. “Given the new vision for a hotel facility with a high-tech learning environment and upscale restaurants, we feel Dolce has the specific experience we’re looking for in managing the comprehensive corporate learning facility.”
About The Dow Chemical Company
Dow is a diversified chemical company that harnesses the power of science and technology to improve living daily. The Company offers a broad range of innovative products and services to customers in more than 175 countries, helping them to provide everything from fresh water, food and pharmaceuticals to paints, packaging and personal care products. Built on a commitment to its principles of sustainability, Dow has annual sales of $46 billion and employs 42,000 people worldwide. References to "Dow" or the "Company" mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted.
About Dolce International
Dolce International is a global hospitality company specializing in the meetings experience for its customers. The company has a portfolio of 22 unique properties in the United States, Canada and Europe. Each property features a different style ranging from a historic castle, to an authentic alpine village, to a New England-style country resort, to a French chateau, to a traditional corporate learning center. All Dolce Destinations meet the high standards of the International Association of Conference Centers (IACC). While Dolce International specializes in the meetings niche of the hospitality industry, the company also caters to leisure travelers, individual business travelers and offers a variety of venues for events. Headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey and Paris, France, the company has approximately 3,000 employees. For more information, visit the web site at www.dolce.com.
Note to Editor: Download images at www.dolceresources.com.
For Editorial Information:
Mike Hayes
The Dow Chemical Company
(989) 636-4746
