Deann Patena Returns to Radisson at Star Plaza as Director of Sales

MERRILLVILLE, Ind., Aug. 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — White Lodging is pleased to
welcome Deann Patena back to the Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza in Merrillville,
Indiana. Patena’s new position with the company is as the Director of Sales and
Marketing.

“Deann previously was the Senior Sales Manager at the hotel between 1999 and
2008, and she brings a wealth of sales experience with her as well as an
established history and relationships with a myriad of key clients and
organizations,” said Joe Frasca Vice President and General Manager at the
Radisson.

In 2008, Patena left White Lodging to assume the Sales Manager job and then the
Director of Sales position at Blue Chip Casino Hotel & Spa in Michigan City,
Indiana.

A graduate of Ball State University with a degree in Journalism, Patena’s first
job in the hospitality industry was with Schahet Hotels. In her three years with
this company she served as the General Manager of the Hampton Inn Northwest in
Indianapolis. From there, she moved to the Quality Inn & Suites in Indianapolis,
which is managed by Sunburst Hospitality Corporation. At that property she was
again the General Manager.

Patena’s career in sales began in earnest when she worked for hotel management
firm USFS where she was the Regional Sales Manager for nine hotels across the
Midwest. It was after leaving this position that Patena first joined White
Lodging as the Senior Sales Manager at the Radisson.

In her nearly nine years at the Radisson, Patena consistently exceeded sales
goals and was responsible for $1.5 million in bookings each year. She also
received several industry awards including being named the Associate Member of
the Year by Indiana Society of Association Executives, the Supplier of the year
and the Chapter Member of the year by the Indiana chapter of Meeting
Professionals International (IMPI), and being inducted into the IMPI Hall of
Fame. Patena is also a past president of IMPI.

“Deann is one of the most prolific room night producers in the history of the
Radisson,” Frasca commented. “We are truly glad to welcome her back.”

White Lodging Services Corporation was established in 1985 and is headquartered
in Merrillville, Indiana. White Lodging is a fully integrated hotel ownership,
development, and operations company – a recognized leader that has defined and
cultivated the ability to achieve consistent, sustainable growth among mid- to
large-scale hotels across the country. Their current portfolio consists of over
155 hotels in 18 states and encompasses representation of the following leading
brands: Marriott International, Inc., Hilton Worldwide, Hyatt Global, Starwood
Hotels and Resorts, InterContinental Hotel Group, and Carlson Hotels Worldwide.

For more information about White Lodging, please visit www.whitelodging.com or
call 219-472-2900.

SOURCE White Lodging Services Corporation