LOS ANGELES, CA— Sam Barshop, a founder of La Quinta Motor Inns in 1968, topped the luncheon menu on the second day of the Americas Lodging Industry Summit (ALIS) here when he was presented with the conferences Lifetime Achievement Award. In addition to being recognized as an inspiration for the concept of limited-service hotels, Barshop was also lauded for his contributions as an industry visionary, innovator, entrepreneur and philanthropist. Teaming with his brother Philip to build the first La Quinta (in San Antonio, in time for that city‚s HemisFair), Barshop grew the chain and served as founding chairman until his retirement in 1994. During his tenure, the company went public in 1974 and— as a brand— grew to include more than 200 hotels within its ranks. Upon receipt of the award, Barshop noted: “La Quinta [today]is reaping the benefits of its locations.” It seemed obvious this was a direct reference to the cheery financial news the company disseminated yesterday regarding its earnings for the final quarter of 2003.—Michael Billig
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