An Annapolis valet firm signed a deal last month that will help it further dominate the local hotel market.
Towne Park finalized a roughly three-year contract to provide valet, doorman and bellman services for the Historic Inns of Annapolis, which is operated by Remington Hotels. The deal adds to the company's growing nationwide list of more than 100 clients.
Towne Park officials said they expect to park more than 1,000 cars a month between the three Historic Inns properties: the Governor Calvert House and Robert Johnson House on State Circle and the Maryland Inn at the corner of Church Circle and Duke of Gloucester Street.
"We are very excited to have Historic Inns as part of our portfolio," said Suzanne Reese, Towne Park's marketing director.
Towne Park valet services at Historic Inns began June 3. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The partnership marks another milestone for a private, homegrown firm that provides valet services for several hotels including the Annapolis Marriott Waterfront Hotel, the Loews Annapolis hotel and the Westin hotel in Annapolis.
The deal comes just as the company celebrates another feat: Towne Park is celebrating its 20th anniversary this month.
Officially formed July 5, 1988, the company was founded by Jerry South who enlisted 10 friends to park cars for the opening night of the Annapolis Hotel, now known as the Loews Annapolis hotel, according to the company's Web site. Mr. South still serves as the company's chief executive officer.
Today, Towne Park boasts more than
125 contracts in 20 cities across the United States. It also has a work force of roughly 3,000 employees and brings in annual sales that exceed $50 million.
In addition to its hotel business, Towne Park generates revenue from the hospital industry, providing valet services for about 3,500 cars a month at Anne Arundel Medical Center.
Bob Burdon, president and chief executive officer of the Annapolis and Anne Arundel County Chamber of Commerce, said Towne Park was started by a man who is committed to the local community and will continue to reinvest here.
"You had a gentleman that came in and had an idea and he knew how to execute it and execute it well," he said. "He sees the value of the quality of life we have here in Anne Arundel County. Certainly, that is where he got his start."
Conversations with Historic Inns began about a year ago, said Jeff Giordano, Annapolis district manager for Towne Park.
"They came after us," he said.
The company submitted a formal proposal in October 2007 and finalized the deal last month.
Now, guests who check in at the Governor Calvert House will have their cars parked by Towne Park underneath the hotel. The company also will provide transportation for guests staying at the Robert Johnson House and the Maryland Inn.
Towne Park has "no less than 15 people within walking distance" from other company business units in close proximity to Historic Inns, Mr. Giordano said.
Joe Dantoni, general manager of Historic Inns of Annapolis, said Towne Park was an "easy choice," adding that the company is "very on top of things" and provides very friendly service.
"The guests see the difference in the service, it was a good decision and a great improvement for the property," Mr. Dantoni said.
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