Hospitality News & Press

Inspired by Dollar Tree Dinners TikTok posts and her daughter, Melissa Bailes-Jewel, Assistant General Manager of the Fairfield Inn Athens, spearheaded the project. Bailes-Jewel initiated the effort by posting a call for community support on Facebook. The response was overwhelming with 289 items donated to the cause. Volunteers worked together on Sunday to assemble 68 meal kits, each designed to feed a family of four. The meal kits were delivered to Blessing Boxes throughout Athens County on Monday November 3, 2025.

 

"We are incredibly proud of Melissa and our team in Athens for their dedication to supporting the community," said Chad Bortle, President of SJB Management Inc.

Every student deserves a magical prom night, and the Fairfield Fairy Goodmother's Prom Closet Giveaway is here to make that dream come true! On Saturday, March 29th, from Noon to 3 PM, Fairfield by Marriott will transform into a fairytale haven, offering free prom dresses, sparkling accessories, and even a few suits for the gentlemen.

This heartwarming community event ensures that every young person has the opportunity to shine on their special night—without the burden of cost. Whether a student is searching for the perfect gown, dazzling shoes, or elegant accessories, the Prom Closet Giveaway provides a wide selection, completely free of charge.

"This event is about more than just dresses—it's about confidence, inclusion, and making prom night a reality for every student," said event organizer Melissa Bailes-Jewell. "We want to give every deserving teen the chance to feel special and celebrated."

The Fairfield Fairy Goodmother's Prom Closet Giveaway is open to all students in need, and there is no cost to participate. Community members are encouraged to spread the word so that no one misses this opportunity for a night to remember.

For more information, please contact:
Melissa Bailes-Jewell
Phone: 740-589-5839

📍 Event Location:
Fairfield by Marriott
924 East State Street

Let's make prom dreams come true!

Athens, OH - [Date] - SJB Management, a leading hospitality company, proudly announces that its Fairfield properties in Athens, OH, Marietta, OH, and Weirton, WV have received prestigious honors at the Marriott Select Brands General Managers Conference Awards Gala. The Fairfield Inn Athens Ohio and The Fairfield Inn Marietta Ohio have been awarded the esteemed Gold Circle Award, while the Fairfield Inn Weirton West Virginia has been honored with the distinguished Silver Circle Award.

 

The Gold Circle and Silver Circle Awards, presented by Marriott, recognize a limited number of high-performing properties that exemplify excellence in the hospitality industry. Chad Bortle, President of SJB Management Company, expressed his pride, stating, "This recognition from Marriott is a real honor and a testament to the exceptional dedication and commitment of our teams."

 

These accolades add to the already impressive list of achievements for these properties. The Silver Circle Award distinguishes properties within the top 20% of the Brand globally, showcasing their outstanding performance. Similarly, the Gold Circle Award is a testament to the exceptional quality and service found within the top 10% of the brand worldwide.

 

The Fairfield Inn properties in Athens, Marietta, and Weirton have consistently demonstrated their commitment to providing exceptional guest experiences, embodying the core values of Marriott. These awards serve as a testament to their relentless pursuit of excellence in hospitality.

 

SJB Management extends its gratitude to the dedicated teams at Fairfield Inn Athens Ohio, Fairfield Inn Marietta Ohio, and Fairfield Inn Weirton West Virginia for their unwavering commitment to guest satisfaction and for consistently delivering exceptional service.

(Weirton, WV) -. On December 8th, 2022, the Weirton Area Chamber of Commerce and The Fairfield by Marriott Weirton hosted the Weirton Area Chamber of Commerce's Toys for Tots Business After Hours.  Approximately 65 attendees brought a new unwrapped toy that were sent to the Weirton Salvation Army for distribution in their Christmas giveaway program for the community's families.  The outpouring of support was evident in the huge pile of toys that were collected. "This year's event boasted the largest collection to date of toys for children of all ages," said Barb, General Manager of the Fairfield Weirton, West Virginia. Normally held in November of each year, the Fairfield has been the sponsor of this event for the last 10 years, but due to COVID, this is the first time the event has been held since 2019. 

 

Santa attended the event for pictures with children and attendees and the Tri-State Young Marines were there to assist with the toy drive and a 50/50 drawing was held with the proceeds benefiting the Salvation Army's Christmas programs.  "Early the next morning the Salvation army arrived with a truck to collect the toys and Captain Gene Hunt was very appreciative of the community's generosity," said Alan Hardway, VP of Operations for SJB Management.

 

"SJB Management Inc. and SJB Hotels congratulates Barb Barkley and the rest of the team at the Fairfield Inn Weirton, West Virginia on hosting such a meaningful and well attended event," said Chad Bortle, President of SJB Management Inc.

(Columbus, OH) (April 18^th, 2022) - The Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Columbus - New Albany, managed by SJB Management Co. welcomes Brit Coleman to the management team as the new General Manager. Brit, who has 5 years of hospitality experience, comes to Columbus from Marietta, OH where she most recently served as the General Manager.

 

"Though it is with a heavy heart that I leave my team in Marietta, I am so excited to be bringing my talents and leadership to Columbus. I am so thankful for the opportunity and look forward to leading my new team to a path of success and taking on the challenges that come with being in a larger market." said Brit on her promotion.

 

Brit moved to the Ohio area from Port St. Lucie, Florida five years ago. Brit started out at the front desk at the Fairfield Inn Marietta, OH. She quickly worked her way up to the Assistant General Managers position before being named the General Manager of the location.

 

"Brit's great attitude and leadership elevated her to her new position. Our company like to promote from within the organization by training individuals who are willing to accept the challenge." said, Alan, Vice President of Operations for SJB Management Inc.

 

The 120 room Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Columbus - New Albany, located on the east side of Columbus, right off 161, opened in 2020. Guests enjoy complimentary access to all the amenities including the indoor pool and spa, fitness center, hot breakfast, and guest laundry. The property is ideally located, a quick drive to New Albany, Easton Towne Center, the airport, and all the other shopping, dining, and entertainment opportunities the city has to offer.

(Columbus, OH) - The Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Columbus - New Albany, managed by SJB Management Co. congratulates Carole Moyer for winning the "Stars of the Industry Housekeeper of the Year" award from the Ohio Hotel and Lodging Association (OHLA).

 

"Being nominated was truly an honor. I still feel emotional when I think about it. I was so excited and couldn't believe I won." said Carole, Head Housekeeper at the Fairfield Inn & Suites Columbus - New Albany.

 

Carole has been the Head Housekeeper at the Fairfield Inn & Suites Columbus - New Albany since prior to the opening. Carole had her challenges with opening a hotel during the height of the pandemic.  It was overcoming these challenges that showed the extra efforts involved in the process.  We appreciate her flexibility and dedication during a period of uncertainty in our industry. 

 

"I have witnessed [Carole] lead, joyfully and thanklessly, for her team and the rest of the staff, through countless impossible opportunities," wrote Taryn Weisheit, General Manager of the property at the time, in her nomination.

“It is bittersweet to move away from the property I helped open, but I could not be more excited to see where this new opportunity takes me. SJB Management has been a great company to work for and I am looking forward to supporting its growth in my new role.” said Taryn Weisheit, Regional Support Manager SJB Management Inc.

Taryn started in the industry as a front desk agent at the Hampton Inn Athens, OH seven years ago. Taryn’s career path has had her in various positions with the company. Taryn served as the hotels Assistant General Manager before being promoted to her recently vacated position as the General Manager of the Columbus location over the past year.

“Taryn took on the challenge of becoming the General Manager a little over a year ago. The position has strengthened her understanding of this ever-changing industry. We look forward to what Taryn can bring to the table with her various experiences in hotels to assist in their successes!” said, Alan Hardway VP of Hotels SJB Management Inc.

(Athens, OH) - The Hampton Inn Athens, Ohio, managed by SJB Management Co. congratulates Lindsay Barnett for winning the Star of the Industry Select Service General Manager of the Year award from the Ohio Hotel and Lodging Association (OHLA).

 

"I am so honored to receive this recognition, and I know without a doubt that I would not be successful without my team. We are fortunate to work for an incredible company that fully supports us in our endeavor to create lasting memories for our guests, and a place in Athens they can call their home away from home." said Lindsay of her award win.

 

Lindsay has been the General Manager of the Hampton Inn for 8 years.  Having nearly 20 years of hotel experience, starting out as a humble Housekeeper, she worked her way through half a dozen of vastly different hotel positions and has become a wealth of knowledge and has been able to spread her experience around every department. She'll help clean a room to find a way to help a room attendant get better room times or provide insight on different ways to find new leads in our market. She also embraces new software and technology and has helped several of our sister properties learn new Labor Management and Time Clock systems. 

 

"[Lindsay] isn't just the captain of our ship but she is the ship. Making sure every part of it works in proper order. She deserves every bit of recognition we afford her," Jack Backus, Assistant General Manager of the Hampton Inn Athens, wrote in his nomination of her for the award.