(February 2010) Tribal Chairman Purnell Swett attended the Holiday Inn Express Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at 605 Redmond Road in Pembroke on behalf of the Tribe on Friday, February 26, 2010.
“We appreciate the opportunity to be involved in today’s event which I would like to say on behalf of the Lumbee Tribe, we are very excited to have our first hotel in the Town of Pembroke be one of the fastest growing hotel brands in the industry,” declared Tribal Chairman Purnell Swett. The hotel was constructed by General Contractor MetCon Construction, Inc and is owned by First American Hotel Group, LLC. Chairman Swett continued to explain how he looks forward to the economic impact the hotel will bring to the area as well as the future relationship between Holiday Inn Express and the Tribe by working together for the betterment of the Town of Pembroke. “We are always honored to be in support of a company stimulating growth in our community by creating jobs for our citizens as well as the offsite spending each visitor will contribute while visiting this town, I look forward to a prosperous future,” concluded Chairman Swett.
“This hotel is locally owned, financed and constructed,” affirmed MetCon President Aaron Thomas, “it is the only Native American owned hotel in the East and Southeastern part of the United States.” According to InterContinental Hotels Group, Holiday Inn Express opens on average two hotels a week.
“James Chavis and I came in here with a dream and I want to thank the community for believing in this project,” stated John Tyner of First American Hotel Group, LLC, “I just want to welcome you to this facility.” Following all commentary, there were guest performances by the Lumbee Ambassadors and Kaya Clark, grandson of former Tribal Councilman Ray Littleturtle. Finally the ceremony concluded with the Pembroke Chamber of Commerce doing the honors of cutting the ribbon and guest touring the facility.
