Paresh (PERRY) PATEL AWARDED DELAWARE 2003 BUSINESSMAN OF THE YEAR BY THE NATIONAL CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE

MRPC HOTELS               Country Inn & Suites
1024 Old Churchmans Road            1024 Old Churchmans Road
Suite 221                  Newark, DE 19713
Newark, DE 19702               (302) 266-6400
(302) 266-6400
ppatel@mrpchotels.com            Comfort Suites
                     56 S. Old Baltimore Pike
                     Newark, DE 19702   
                     (302) 266-6600

                  CONTACT: Christopher D. Guerrero
                  (302) 266-6400 ext. 101
                                                                         cx_nede@countryinns.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PARESH (PERRY) K. PATEL AWARDED DELAWARE 2003 BUSINESSMAN OF THE YEAR BY THE NATIONAL CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE

Newark, Delaware, March 12, 2003- Paresh (Perry) K. Patel, CEO of MRPC Hotels will be presented with The Delaware 2003 Businessman of the Year award by The National Congressional Committee on March 17th & 18th in Washington, DC.

This exceptional honor recognizes some of the best business leaders and entrepreneurs across America. In addition to receiving this Award, Mr. Patel will have the opportunity to partake in small business roundtables, meet with key leaders on Capitol Hill, political strategists, and business leaders. Discussions will include President Bush's Economic Agenda and the state of America's economy.    

Mr. Patel holds an MBA in Accounting. In addition to operating two successful hotels in Delaware, he is involved with numerous community and local business associations. Currently, Mr. Patel serves on the board of Directors for the American Hotel & Lodging Association, Chestnut Run Federal Bank, Delaware Hotel & Lodging Association, Indo American Association of Delaware, and Hindu Temple Association of Delaware. Additionally, Mr. Patel has been actively involved with Choice Hotels International where he serves on the Regional Advisory Board of the International Operators Council, Chair of the Audit Committee, and recently was appointed to the Chairman position of the International Operator's Council for Region Five representing DE, NJ, MD, and PA.    

Mr. Patel's community involvement extends further. Immediately after September 11th, Mr. Patel through the Delaware Asian Community and MRPC Hotels collected over $12,500.00, which was presented to the American Red Cross. Additionally, when an earthquake struck India this year, Mr. Patel superceded the fundraising activities in Delaware and raised over $20,000.00 to send to India. He also opened his hotels as a drop off location for material donations to be sent to India during this tragedy. Personal donations of money and time are also sent to a local elementary school, Meals on Wheels, and a scholarship fund to the Delaware Hotel & Lodging Association for students at the University of Delaware's Hotel and Restaurant Management program for those wanting to peruse careers in the Hospitality industry.