STR, which provides hotel industry research and benchmarking analysis, has upgraded its relationship with Cornell's Center for Hospitality Research (CHR). After several years as a CHR partner, STR has now become a CHR senior partner, allowing STR to participate more strongly in assisting the CHR with its research program. In addition to financially supporting the CHR, STR has promoted industry research by making its aggregate database available to researchers. In addition, STR founder Randell Smith and president Mark Lomanno contribute an analysis of current industry trends to each issue of the Cornell Hospitality Quarterly. Lomanno has also been a vital participant of the CHR advisory board.
"From the time he founded STR, Randell Smith's mission was to use data to help the lodging industry improve its operations and management," said Lomanno. "We see the same mission in the Center for Hospitality Research-strengthening the hospitality industry. I look forward to stepping up our current relationship." In addition to sitting on the CHR advisory board and having a seat at all CHR industry roundtables, senior partners work directly with CHR fellows to support their research efforts.
"Given the contributions that STR has made to the lodging industry, we greatly appreciate the vote of confidence from Randell Smith and Mark Lomanno, as STR becomes a senior partner of CHR," said Professor Rohit Verma, CHR executive director. "We will work together to further strengthen the CHR's research efforts."