BEVERLY HILLS, CA— The Hilton Garden Inn brand has recognized developer Tom Arnot of Beechwood Development with the Outstanding Merit Award for 2001. The Outstanding Merit national award is chosen from more than 75 Hilton Garden Inn developers across North America. It is given to the company that has shown exemplary dedication and commitment to the Hilton Garden Inn brand during the year, according to Hilton. Last year, Arnot was appointed to a five-year term on the Hilton Garden Inn Advisory Board. Deforest, WI-based Beechwood Development, LLC developed and owns Hilton Garden Inn properties in Green Bay, Appleton/Kimberly and their newest property in Oshkosh. The company also is in negotiations to construct additional Hilton Garden Inn hotels in other midwest markets. There are more than 225 Hilton Garden Inn properties open or under development in North America.