Hotel near Nashville Airport Receives Prestigious Hotel Award

    NASHVILLE, TN, September 25, 2008 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Shannon Bowles, General Manager of the Nashville Airport Marriott was awarded '2008 Hotelier of the Year Award' by Tennessee Hotel & Lodging Association for her outstanding achievements within the hospitality industry.

The "2008 Hotelier of the Year Award" is reserved for those demonstrating outstanding leadership, professionalism, and community service and/or civic affairs. Nominees are submitted and judged by previous award recipients who base their decision on the significant contributions made by the hotelier in the advancement of the hotel lodging industry.

Shannon joined the Marriott Corporation more than 22 years ago as a Front Desk Clerk at the Nashville Airport Marriott. Since then, she has held positions which include Courtyard General Manager, Director of Operations, Hotel General Manager, and Area General Manager for the cities of Nashville and Kingsport, TN. Shannon brings more to her position than just her vast knowledge of the Nashville hotel industry. As the Marriott training GM for the Southeast region for Marriott hotel executive teams, her hotel in Nashville, Tennessee is constantly being benchmarked against and her team's procedures are then shared throughout the region.

Shannon's leadership is also evident in the accolades received by members of the Nashville Airport Marriott staff.) In 2005, her Event Management Team won Event Management Team of the Year for the Region and North America. Her Director of Room Ops, which she supported, trained and promoted from FOM, won the Marriott Edge Award for most up and coming manger. The Marriott Nashville airport hotel won the award for Most Engaged Associates within a hotel for the year.

Bowles continues to demonstrate her "Spirit to Serve" by serving as a volunteer on several boards in the local community and her willingness to help others in their time of need. Whether it is delivering clothes and supplies to tornado victims or preparing to leave town on task force when other natural disasters strike, she is always ready to serve others. She was the first to respond when the call recently went out for Marriott leaders to assist in New Orleans when Gustav appeared to be heading for a direct hit. Immediately following Hurricane Katrina, Shannon was in her car en route to New Orleans while it was still under martial law. In New Orleans she assisted in personally cleaning rooms at the JW Marriott and helped in coordinating various efforts to bring 13 hotels in the city back into acceptable condition. When she was not assisting at the NOLA hotels she was at the Port negotiating associate housing with FEMA Directors for Marriott associates wanting to return to the city for work. Shannon remained in New Orleans with the Marriott Task force for approximately two months. For this dedication she recently was awarded the "Mustang Award" at the regional General Managers meeting.


About Nashville Airport Marriott
Experience a distinctive Nashville hotel known for deluxe accommodations and sophisticated style, highlighted by impeccable service. The Marriott Nashville Airport Hotel near the Nashville Airport (BNA) offers comfort and convenience for business and leisure travelers alike. Reflecting the city's unique charm, this Nashville, Tennessee hotel features 380 upscale guest rooms and 12 spacious suites. Discover upgraded Nashville, TN lodging amenities including a fitness center and indoor/outdoor pool, along with the delectable 2 Rivers Grille, which features eclectic southern cuisine. The hotel has over 25,000 sq. ft of event space conveniently located on one level including an elegant ballroom that seats up to 900, ideal for conventions, business meetings, social events and wedding receptions. This hotel near Opryland is just minutes away from the Country Music Hall of Fame. For more information or to make a reservation, call 615-889-9300 or visit http://marriott.com/hotels/travel/bnatn.

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