Malia Riggs
Elmore Autauga News
The Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a windy groundbreaking for the new Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham, just off of Commercial Park Loop in Prattville.
Owned by Perzid Ichhaporia, this has been two decades in the making for a local man with big dreams.
“I started here in Prattville as a bag boy in 1996. I’ve worked for the state of Alabama. I grew up here, graduated from here and went to AUM. This project means everything to me. This is two decades of hard work,” Ichhaporia said.
When Ichhaporia addressed the crowd that made it to the groundbreaking Thursday morning, he began to get emotional, thanking everyone for the support in his success, noting that it takes a village to get to where you want to be.
Jimmy Morris, the Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce Chairman Elect spoke on behalf of Chairman Lisa Miller at the groundbreaking.
“We’d like to welcome Microtel to the community. We are so glad to have you all here and to be a part of this great and roaring community,” Morris said.
While the sun was shining down Thursday morning, the wind was relentless. However, the wind did not take away any smiles from those in attendance. Greg Gillian, the Vice President of Larry E Speaks & Associates, addressed the crowd with hotel plans. Dennis Wynn, the Regional Vice President Franchise Sales & Development at Wyndham, also addressed the crowd and thanked everyone for attending.
“It’s a bit windy, but it’s a great day in the neighborhood. It’s always great when you can invite new partnerships and new members in the neighborhood back to the community. This will be a great addition to the community, and I know there’s a great team and family that is behind you (Ichhaporia) and that has supported you,” Prattville Mayor Bill Gillespie said.
After introductions, members of the Ichhaporia family, Wyndham executives, the Prattville Chamber, Mayor Gillespie and others all ceremoniously signaled the groundbreaking for work to begin for the new Microtel coming to Prattville.
“I have personal relationships here. From the business point of view, we saw that the market was great. There’s definitely tourism here and there’s definitely opportunity here as you can see all around. Prattville checked all the boxes. I just want to thank everyone for being a part of this project. It takes a village to put something together,” Ichhaporia said.
