Vantage Hospitality Group's partners had a vision to develop a different hotel brand affiliation model - one that offered a better Return on Investment and more world-class services and resources, and put the decision-making power in the hands of its hotel owners. In 1999, this vision became reality with the launch of Americas Best Value Inn.Vantage's innovative Freestyle® Brand Affiliation model allows our members the opportunity to be "In Business for Themselves, Not by Themselves." This concept has revolutionized the hospitality industry, as the award-winning Americas Best Value Inn brand has broken all growth records by expanding from two to 900 hotels in 10 years. The Lexington Collection was added in 2007, premiering as the only membership brand in the upper-mid and upscale lodging segments. Hotel owners worldwide have embraced the Freestyle® concept and Vantage's brands, with rapid expansion also taking place in Canada, China, India, and the Middle East.Today, Vantage Hospitality Group is the 10th largest hotel company worldwide and has grown to include a broad spectrum of hospitality-related ventures. And the original Vantage partners are still overseeing their respective divisions, offering members stability and cohesiveness that have served as a foundation for their brands' growth.

Feld Entertainment, Inc. entertains people through its centerpiece, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, which visits about 90 locations. Feld also produces several touring ice shows, including Disney On Ice shows such as High School Musical: The Ice Tour. In addition, its Disney Live! produces live touring stage productions with Disney-themed stories and characters. Chairman and CEO Kenneth Feld, whose father, Irvin, began managing the circus in 1956, owns the company and personally oversees most of its productions. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus made its first performance in 1871.

East Coast Hockey League oversees an association of semi-professional hockey teams affiliated with National Hockey League and American Hockey League. Better known as ECHL, it has franchises in about 20 markets across the US and serves as a development league for the pro ranks. ECHL teams compete during a seven-month regular season for a chance to win the Kelly Cup championship. The league oversees team ownership, marketing, and promotional efforts for its confederation of local sports clubs. The ECHL was established in 1988.

Travelers stay in hotels; American Property Management Corporation (APMC) buys and runs them. The company owns and operates about 30 hotels and resorts, with more than 6,500 guest rooms in the US. APMC focuses on full-service hotels with between 300 and 800 rooms primarily in first- or second-tier and resort markets. Properties are located primarily in the Southwest, but also in Florida and Ohio. APMC also manages a resort property in Spain. Brands include Doubletree, Hilton, Radisson, Sheraton, and Starwood. The company also owns online ticket outlet Buy Prime Tickets, The Santa Fe Salsa Co., and Phoenicia Olive Oil. Jim Long co-founded APMC with CEO Michael Gallegos in 1990.

Canlan Ice Sports is a leading operator of ice sports facilities in North America, with more than 20 rinks in Canada and the US encompassing more than 60 ice sheets. Its facilities, including the gargantuan Burnaby 8 Rinks in British Columbia, offer recreational skating and amateur hockey, as well as educational programs for beginning skaters. Canlan also generates revenue from concessions, sports equipment sales, and management fees. In addition, Canlan runs hockey development programs and recreational leagues, including the Adult Safe-Hockey League. Private equity firm Bartrac Investments owns 75% of the company.

S.S. Lazio is one of two soccer teams representing Rome in Italy's Lega Nazionale Professionisti (National Professional League). Also known as the biancocelesti for their white and light blue uniforms, the team was founded in 1900 and plays host as the gargantuan Stadio Olimpico, which it shares with rival A.S. Roma. (The two teams play one another twice a year in what is known as the Rome derby.) The club boasts two championship titles (its last in 2000) and four Italian Cups.

Sheffield United plc manages the English football team Sheffield United, nicknamed the Blades (thanks to Sheffield's well-known reputation for steel production). Formed in 1889 in combination with the Sheffield United Cricket Club, Sheffield United Football Club last came close to reaching the Premiership in the 2002-03 season. On the final day of the season in 2007, the team was relegated from the Premier League to the English Football League Championship. The majority of the company's revenues are obtained from game day ticket sales, as well as television and sponsorship royalties.

The United States Golf Association is the governing body for golf in the United States, its territories, and Mexico. The not-for-profit group writes and interprets the rules of the game, provides handicap information, offers turf consulting, and funds equipment and course maintenance research and testing. It also holds several national championship events, including the US Open, the US Women's Open, and the US Senior Open. The group generates most of its revenue from the sale of broadcast rights to championship tournaments and other matches, as well as through membership fees. The USGA was founded in 1894.

Jazz Basketball Investors owns and operates the Utah Jazz professional basketball franchise, which joined the National Basketball Association in 1974 as the New Orleans Jazz. Since moving to Salt Lake City in 1979, the team has made two NBA Finals appearances in 1997 and 1998 (losing both times to the Chicago Bulls). The Jazz plays host to loyal fans at Salt Lake's EnergySolutions Arena. The family of Larry Miller (Larry H. Miller Group) has owned the team since 1985.

President and CEO Gloria Nino-Monacelli founded Nino Corporate Lodging in 1984. Nino Corporate Lodging helps companies house its helpers. The corporate relocation firm offers short and long term fully furnished accommodations nationwide, including condos, town homes, and single-family homes. Nino Corporate Lodging also operates a commercial laundry facility in Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio. Nino Corporate Lodging company started out as an apartment locating and residential leasing company, but has expanded to provide "buyer brokerage" home purchase services in Houston and its surrounding areas through sister firm Nino & Associates.

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