Community Partner Spotlight - Marc Stone

 

Name: Marc Stone

Organization: Stonebridge Hospitality

In what ways have you partnered with Kentucky State?

Stonebridge has partnered with Kentucky State extensively over the last 20 years. Our main business is lodging and we have housed Kentucky State students and their families, professors, athletes, coaches, staff and campus visitors for many years. We also partner with Kentucky State on community events such as Kentucky State Homecoming and Bourbon on the Banks

.What inspired you to partner with Kentucky State?

Being in business in Frankfort makes it essential to partner with Kentucky State because the University is one of the main economic drivers in our community. But looking beyond the economic benefits, not many communities of Frankfort's size are lucky enough to have the resources and assets that come with being a University town. Stonebridge has worked for many years to strengthen the engagement between the University and the city, as well as the community citizens and the students so that we all can work together for a better quality of life in Frankfort and Franklin County.

What has been your best experience with Kentucky State?

At the Capital Plaza Hotel, we are lucky enough to get to be one of the centers of activity for the yearly Kentucky State Homecoming celebration. Even though the hotel is not officially part of the University, on those weekends Stonebridge and Kentucky State work together like true partners to ensure that everyone has an enjoyable and safe weekend of celebration and fellowship. And hopefully a victory on the football field!

Any words of encouragement for anyone thinking of partnering with Kentucky State?

After more than 20 years of partnering with Kentucky State, I have met many interesting people, made some good friends and learned a lot. Part of the University's vision statement is, "Excellence starts with me." I can say that the people that I have worked with at Kentucky State truly strive to make that vision a reality and they have inspired me try to do the same.