Hema Patel, owner/partner of Courtesy Management Inc. and owner of the Holiday Inn and Suites Columbia-Airport, has been named the South Carolina Hotelier of the Year by the South Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association. The award is given to the hotel owner, manager or company that shows exemplary customer service, employee relations, community service and dedication to advancing the lodging industry in South Carolina. Patel currently serves on the board for Keep the Midlands Beautiful and the South Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association. In addition, she took the lead in designing and constructing the new eco-friendly Holiday Inn & Suites Columbia-Airport, South Carolina’s first full-service, green hotel. Since its opening in 2010, the property has received the LEED Gold Certification.

Anne-Kathryn Flanagan

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