Value Place Basecamp

Take the Value Place Fourth of July Quiz!

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 09:00:06 -0600

The 4^th of July is just days away. This all-American holiday is typically celebrated with parades, backyard barbecues and elaborate fireworks displays. But how much do we really know about what we are celebrating? Test your patriotic IQ with Value Place's 4^th of July quiz (answers are at the bottom of this post).

Questions:

1. What does the Statue of Liberty hold in her left hand?

2. How many hotdogs will Americans consume this 4^th of July?

3. What year did Congress establish the 4^th of July as a legal holiday?

8. Approximately how many pounds of fireworks do Americans set off on July 4^th?

2. On July 4^th, 1776, what did the Continental Congress approve?

3. Which American president was born on the 4^th of July?

4. When did the Liberty Bell last ring?

5. Who wrote our National Anthem?

6. How many stripes are on the U.S. flag?

9. How many Value Place properties will be open by July 4^th?

Looking for more 4^th of July trivia and fun facts? Check out the following sites:

Happy Birthday America! Have a happy and safe Fourth of July, everyone!

Answers

1. A book, upon which is written, "July 4, 1776."

2. More than 150 million hotdogs!!

3. 1941; it is one of the few legal holiday that hasn't been moved to the nearest Friday or Monday

4. More than 220 million pounds!

5. The Declaration of Independence

6. Calvin Coolidge, the 30^th president, was born July 4^th, 1872

7. The Liberty Bell rang on every Fourth of July from 1778 until it cracked in 1835. It has since remained quiet.

8. Frances Scott Key wrote "The Star Spangled Banner"

9. 13 stripes, representing each of the 13 original colonies

10. 151 Value Places are now open. To make reservations, visit ValuePlace.com or call 800-ValuePlace

Value Roaring Across the Nation...

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 10:53:04 -0600

Impressive: 0 to 60 in 3.5

Unbelievable! 0 to 500 in 6

If we were a car, we'd be shattering all the records! Value Place is one of the fastest-growing brands in the history of hospitality and the newest concept in economy extended stay lodging. In the short time that we've been franchising, more than 40 franchisee groups have committed to build 500 Value Place properties over the next six years. Impressive? Absolutely! So why are our franchisees so revved up, and why should you be a part of it?

1. Benefits Galore: Enjoy the managerial and financial benefits of owning your own

business, backed by the support and expertise of the managerial team that founded the extended stay lodging concept more than 30 years ago.

2. Some of the Highest Occupancy Rates in the Industry: More than 20 million Americans move to a new community or home each year. Millions more travel for their own business or an extended stay vacation. Americans have more than one good reason to stay awhile with Value Place!

3. Lower Cost, Cleaner, Safer, Simpler: Value Place has a unique, streamlined operating philosophy and is committed to standards that raise the bar for the industry. Ramp-up is fast, and with low operating expenses, extensive training, stringent quality assurance and industry-leading safety programs, and the need for as few as 4.5 FTE employees, why wouldn't you jump on board?

Be a Value Place Franchisee. Discover How Today...

This information is not intended as an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, a franchise. It is for information purposes only.

**Reserve Your Spot at the Value Place Franchise Opportunity Forum in Knoxville, TN, on July 30! **

Click to find out more about this event!

Celebrating our 150th Property Opening!

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 17:40:15 -0600

A Post by Gina-Lynne Smith, President of Value Place Franchise Services

I am very pleased to report that Value Place has reached yet another exciting development milestone. We just opened our 150^th Value Place property in Knoxville, TN! We're planning a great celebration to mark the event!

Please plan to join us on Thursday, July 30 from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at the new Knoxville-area Value Place, located at 4412 Singleton Station Rd., Louisville, TN 37777 (view map) for a ribbon cutting celebration event. Stay tuned for additional details on this celebration.

In addition to our ribbon cutting celebration, we will also host a Value Place Investor Opportunity Forum on July 30 at 9:00 a.m. in the Wood Building, located at 221 Young High Pike in Knoxville. If you are interested in franchise opportunities and have a minimum net worth of $1 million, this could be for you! Value Place trade areas are still available, and I will be talking more about this during the forum. You won't want to miss this event!

Please contact Gina McKee at 316-631-1312 or email GMcKee@ValuePlace.com for more information and to reserve your spot at our Investor Opportunity Forum today.

We look forward to celebrating with you in Knoxville next month!

Now Open In These Communities

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 22:14:21 -0600

Great news for travelers heading to Beaumont, TX; Lexington, KY; Knoxville, TN; and Birmingham, AL - Bessemer! Value Place is now open in these communities!

Something was brought to my attention recently about one of these properties that I want to share with you.

As we were preparing to open the Birmingham, AL - Bessemer Value Place, the city inspector was in the property with our operations folks. He was doing a routine building inspection to be sure everything in the hotel was in compliance with local building codes. At the end of the inspection, the inspector commented to one of our architects that, "the only building in Bessemer with more lifesaving features in it is the hospital."

Wow! What a compliment!

At Value Place, safety is always top of mind, but to be put in the same category as a hospital by a city inspector is phenomenal! We take a lot of pride in the safety features of our hotels, and it's great to be recognized.

You see, right from the start when we built our very first Value Place in Wichita, KS, in 2003, we committed to exceeding industry standards for safety and security for the benefit of our guests and the communities in which we operate.

In fact, we aim to set a new standard for hotel cleanliness and guest security and hope others will follow in our footsteps. This new standard is delivered through our unique Value Place Clean & Safe Program, which is carried out in all of our properties nationwide everyday.

If you've never visited a Value Place before, we invite you to stop in for a tour. As many of our guests say, "A room this clean? In a hotel this new? For a price this low?" At Value Place, the answer is always yes. Stop in today to check out the Value Place difference.

To make reservations, call 800-ValuePlace or visit ValuePlace.com.

Value Place to Build Two More Properties in Jacksonville, FL

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 15:44:29 -0600

Value Place will soon start construction on two new extended stay hotels in the Jacksonville, FL, area. The first Jacksonville Value Place opened in June of 2006 and the second in December of 2007.

The Jacksonville Business Journal recently ran a story about Value Place's Jacksonville expansion plans. Click here to read the article.

For more information on Value Place or to make a reservation at any of our 150+ locations, visit ValuePlace.com.

Father's Day Contest Winner Announced!

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 09:51:14 -0600

Congratulations to Megan B. on submitting the winning entry to our Value Place Father's Day contest! Megan shared her heartwarming story about the best trip she's ever taken with her father and won a $30 Amazon.com gift card. Here is her story:

This is about a "journey" taken with my Dad. My Mother died last June. I was 5 months pregnant with twins. We had planned for Mom and Dad to come and stay awhile when the twins were born in mid October. When Mom died, my dad didn't know if he would still come and "stay". I convinced him that I still needed him to be there and wanted him to spend time with his new grandchildren. He said he would try. The babies arrived and Dad stayed true to his word and arrived a week later. He stayed for a couple of weeks and that week I got to know my Dad all over again. Previously, visits with them always involved the women talking and him playing handy man. This time he and I spent time together sharing stories about my childhood and my Mom that I had never heard. My Mom would have loved to see this. I needed his help to share her life with the kids. Through our tragedy we are now closer and have a new friendship. I am thankful for him and could not have asked for a better Dad and Grandfather for my children.

Thank you, Megan, and to all of the others who entered the contest. Click here to read all of the entries. We really enjoyed reading all of your stories, and we wish all of your dads a very happy Father's Day!

Value Place Recognized by Shreveport-Bossier Convention & Tourist Bureau

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 07:21:49 -0600

Value Place was recently recognized at the Shreveport-Bossier, La., Convention and Tourist Bureau's 2009 P.R.I.D.E (Proud Residents Involved in Developing our Economy) Awards Gala.

The event is held each year to showcase the efforts of hospitality employees who go above and beyond to demonstrate superior work ethic and customer service.

Click here to read an article about this event in the Bossier-Press Tribune.

Last Chance to Enter the Value Place Father's Day Contest

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 14:44:52 -0600

Value Place Father's Day Contest - Enter By this Sunday, June 14!

This Father's Day, Value Place invites you to post a comment and share the best trip you've ever taken with your father. We'll celebrate your stories on this site and give you a chance to win a $30 Amazon.com gift card so you can purchase something special for your dad.

We've been collecting stories since May 29, and we've received some really great ones. Visit the previous contest announcement posts and scroll down to the comment section to read them.

Final Chance to Enter!

In 200 words or less, share the best trip you've ever taken with your dad by midnight this Sunday, June 14. Stories will be judged by a panel of dads from our home office in Wichita, KS. The winner will be announced on this site by June 18 to give you time to select the perfect gift for your dad.

When entering the contest, be sure to provide your full name, email address and a phone number *. While it won't enhance your chance of winning, we'd also like to know if you've ever been a guest at any of our 150 properties.

For more information on Value Place, please visit ValuePlace.com. For unique gift ideas for dad, visit Amazon.com.

* Note: Aside from your first name, your contact information will not be published or shared with anyone; it will only be used to contact you if you are the winner.

Smokin' Hot Deals at Value Place

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 09:14:25 -0600

Last week we celebrated the opening of our newest Value Place property in Beaumont, TX. This property is special to us, as it's our very own Phoenix that rose from the ashes...literally.

Just a few months before it was scheduled to open in Spring 2008, the property was completely destroyed by fire (cause never determined). Check out the news coverage to see the extent of the damage.

Despite the setback, we moved forward with construction plans and now claim the title of the "hottest" hotel in town.

Beaumont guests are enjoying affordable, clean and secure extended stay lodging at remarkably low weekly rates. You, too, should check out our "Smokin' Hot Deals."

New Monthly Rate Special

Speaking of deals, Value Place now offers special monthly rates for our guests who need temporary lodging for four or more weeks. This is great deal for visiting grandparents, military families, road-tripping retirees, business travelers, families waiting for their new home to be complete and more.

Our home office team recently visited several Value Places and conducted on-the-spot interviews with guests to talk about their stay. We invite you to see what a few had to say...

· Value Place Guests - Building a New House

· Value Place Guests - Traveling for Work

· Value Place Guests - Traveling for Work 2

Reminder: Father's Day Contest Underway - Enter Today!

Sat, 06 Jun 2009 16:01:54 -0600

Father's Day is quickly approaching, and Value Place invites you to post a comment and share the best trip you've ever taken with your father. We'll celebrate your stories on this site and give you a chance to win a $30 Amazon.com gift card so you can purchase something special for your dad.

We launched this contest May 29, and since then we've received some great stories. Click here to read them.

Enter to Win Today!

In 200 words or less, share the best trip you've ever taken with your dad by June 14. Stories will be judged by a panel of dads from our home office in Wichita, KS. The winner will be announced on this site by June 18 to give you time to select the perfect gift for your dad.

For more information on Value Place, please visit ValuePlace.com. For unique gift ideas for dad, visit Amazon.com.

* Note: Aside from your first name, your contact information will not be published or shared with anyone; it will only be used to contact you if you are the winner.

Liberty Lodging opens 20th Value Place

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 14:15:11 -0600

We are pleased to announce that Value Place's largest franchisee, Liberty Investment Properties, Inc., has opened its 20th Value Place extended stay hotel in Indianapolis. This is Liberty's second property in the Indianapolis area.

Liberty Lodging opened its first Value Place hotel north of Orlando in April 2007,

In addition to Indianapolis, Liberty Lodging operates Value Place hotels in the following cities:

· Orlando, FL

· Sanford, FL

· Ft. Myers, FL

· West Haven, UT

· Ft. Walton Beach, FL

· Peoria, AZ

· Columbus, OH

· Firestone, CO

· Tallahassee, FL

· Montgomery, AL

· Lakeland, FL

· Ocala, FL

· Clermont, FL

· Callaway, FL

· Austin, TX

This announcement received media coverage in outlets including the Orlando Business Journal and the Indianapolis Star. Click here to read the story.

For more information on Value Place's development plans, click here.

140+ Open & More Coming this Summer

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 09:29:43 -0600

Traveling this summer? Whether it's for business or pleasure, we invite you to check out Value Place. We have nearly 150 properties open in 26 states, and several more will open this summer in the following cities:

Knoxville, TN
Salt Lake City, UT
Omaha, NE - Council Bluffs, IA
Baton Rouge, LA
Shreveport, LA
Orlando, FL - Goldenrod
Odessa, TX

Keep up to date on latest property openings by visiting the locations section on ValuePlace.com. We hope to greet you in one of our properties soon!

P.S. Have you entered our Father's Day contest? Click here for details, and enter today!

Father's Day Contest - Enter to Win!

Fri, 29 May 2009 09:54:53 -0600

In 200 words or less, share your story by June 14 for a chance to win a $30 gift card to Amazon.com . Stories will be judged by a panel of dads from our home office in Wichita, KS. The winner will be announced on this site by June 18 to give you time to select the perfect gift for your pop.

When entering the contest, be sure to provide your full name, email address and a phone number *. While it won't influence the outcome, we'd also be interested in knowing if you've ever been a guest at any of our 140+ properties.

For more information on Value Place, please visit ValuePlace.com. For unique gift ideas for dad, visit Amazon.com.

*Note: Aside from your first name, your contact information will not be published or shared with anyone; it will only be used to contact you if you are the winner.

Plan a Summer Getaway that Won't Break the Bank

Tue, 26 May 2009 16:46:57 -0600

Summer vacation season is quickly approaching, and like many people, you may be seeking fun yet affordable travel destinations this year. Value Place is pleased to offer a few suggestions below. With a little research and a splash of creativity, you can craft a memorable vacation that won't bust your budget. Have a great trip!

Value Place's Top 3 Budget-Friendly Vacation Tips:

1. Enjoy a "Staycation": When was the last time you enjoyed time off at home? Here's your chance to complete those "I'll get to it someday" projects, visit hometown attractions or simply kick back with a tall glass of iced tea and relax.

2. Volunteer: Find a cause you believe in and help out in your community or someone else's. Several churches and schools organize summer mission trips -- many at little to no cost to you.

3. Road Trip! Find a Value Place, where you can stay a week for what most places charge for one night (plus, you can save money on meals by doing your own cooking in the kitchen in your room). Scope out some frugal yet fun activities in the area, and off you go! Places to consider:

· Loveland, CO: Enjoy unique shops, restaurants and outdoor fun. Loveland is known as the "Gateway to the Rockies," and Rocky Mountain National Park is just a short drive away.

· Kansas City, MO: Catch a Royals game, peruse the Plaza or visit the zoo or Oceans of Fun -- in KC, there's so much to do! For the ultra budget-conscious, here's a list of free attractions.

· Corpus Christi, TX: If it's not a vacation without a beach, this one has your name all over it.

· Memphis, TN: Catch a bite of barbecue and a bit of the blues on Beale Street, or Elvis it up at Graceland. Coupons, deals and free things to do can be found at http://www.memphistravel.com

Happy travels! We'd love to hear your budget-friendly vacation ideas! Leave a comment and let us know.

Traveling this Memorial Day? Stay & Play Safe

Wed, 20 May 2009 09:41:50 -0600

A post by Bob Creech, Sr. Vice President of Safety & Security

As a country, we love the Memorial Day holiday for many reasons -- remembering loved ones; picnics and cookouts with family members and friends; and my personal favorite -- it unofficially marks the beginning of summer! But many people find themselves on the road rather than relaxing at home for the holiday. Or, maybe you're preparing to hit the road for that long-awaited summer vacation.

Whether you're currently on a trip or preparing to take one, I'm curious to know how much thought you put into travel safety. It's something that's typically taken for granted. We always assume that our families, our vehicles and our valuables will be fine. There's nothing to worry about, right? No one ever thinks they'll be a target for vehicle theft while traveling, and most people don't spend much, if any time, exploring the safety and security features of the hotels where they plan to stay.

These two things can really make or break a trip and are worthy of a little thought. Following are a few travel safety tips that will help ensure you and your family have nothing to gripe about on your trip except maybe the weather. Happy travels, and happy Memorial Day!

Hotel Safety Tips:

· Select hotels that have interior room entry, meaning the doors of the rooms open to a hallway inside the building. Rooms with exterior entries are prime targets for thieves. Also, be sure that window locks are offered on all windows, as this is not an industry standard (shocking, I know!) Value Place offers these features in all of our properties, but we take it a step further. Value Place also offers locked corridors, so no one can get beyond the lobby without a key. This is quite unusual in the hotel industry and is a phenomenal guest security feature!

· Ask how the hotel registers its guests. Unlike most hotels who register only the guest that made the reservation, Value Place's standard is to register every person who is staying in each room. We want to know our guests! Again, this security feature goes well beyond the industry standard.

· Your hotel should have a well-lit parking lot. Some hotels, including those in even the nicest of neighborhoods, partner with local law enforcement and have patrol cars drive through their lots to deter theft. Value Place does this; it's just one component of our national SAFE Communities Partnership Program, which keeps us on the leading edge of hotel security.

Vehicle & Valuable Safety Tips:

· Write down your vehicle's VIN, license plate and insurance number. Most people don't have these memorized, and you'd need to know them if anything happens to your car. Write down the phone number of your insurance representative, too.

· Record the model and serial numbers of any valuables you'll be traveling with, including cameras, portable DVD players, recreational equipment, cell phones, etc. If your valuables are stolen, you'll have a record of them, which will greatly help law enforcement. This will also help you file a claim with your insurance company. Also write down phone numbers of your credit card companies and bank. Report any lost or stolen cards or a checkbook immediately to prevent unwanted shopping sprees and identity theft.

· Out of sight, out of mind: You've heard this before, but do you make a habit of taking valuables out of your car or locking them in the trunk? Even things that could be perceived as valuable, like an empty box, for example, should be removed. You know there's nothing inside that box, but a thief doesn't. This is particularly important in parking lots at beaches, theme parks, hotels, shopping centers and other tourist locations. Be sure to park only in well-lit areas, too.

Have a relaxing Memorial Day!