SILVER SPRING, MD Choice Hotels International has clarified its position vis-`-vis its current mattress-supplier RFP process, maintaining that the called-for up to 4% co-op advertising fund stipend to be delivered by endorsed vendors as reported by HOTEL BUSINESS. yesterday should not be construed as a mandatory part of any deal.
This wording included as part of an agreement in effect between our Quality brand and Serta is just a suggestion of the type of arrangement that can be made, said Brad Douglas, vp/strategic partnerships for Choice. It is certainly not meant to be viewed as a required condition.
As part of the process to widen the firm s endorsed-vendor program as it pertains to mattress/bedding suppliers, Douglas explained: We initially sent out RFPs to a half-dozen companies that we felt could meet our mattress standards. And all those who responded are still in the running [for our business].
However, Douglas did point out that Choice is currently working with two finalists and it s worth noting that neither has any co-op ad language within their [proposed]contractual arrangements with us. (4/6/01) MichaelBillig