Southern Indiana Business Report
JASPER – This month marked a new chapter for a Jasper hotel. After more than 30 years, the former Days Inn closed its doors and a new window of opportunity opened as the property transformed into the Clarion Pointe.
The grand opening and ribbon cutting took place Nov. 17. The ceremony began with Visit Dubois County’s Executive Director Whitney Lubbers applauding the efforts of Hemang and Darshana Shah, Clarion Pointe’s owners.
Hemang has been a part of the Dubois County Tourism Commission, since 2005, serving for over 18 years. He became a part of Dubois County’s hospitality industry in 2003 with the purchase of his first lodging property, Dutchman Inn in nearby Huntingburg.
On the tourism board, Hemang Shah met Bob Ruckriegel, former owner of SERVUS / BR & Associates. In 2008, a gentleman’s handshake closed the deal in which Shah purchased the Days Inn Jasper from Ruckriegel.
Over the past decade, Days Inn would be the winner of many awards and continued to be managed by Mary Klem, the former manager during the ownership of Ruckriegel as well.
Following the pandemic, Shah had an opportunity to keep the hotel as a Days Inn or move to a higher tier, mid-to-upper scale property with the Clarion Pointe brand. Shah decided to make the transition, investing a huge renovation into the property to become a Clarion Pointe. Several upgrades were made to the property, including a new fitness center for guests.
Mayor Dean Vonderheide continued the ceremony with words of support for Shah and the Clarion Pointe team, noting the importance of taking a risk in business investments into communities as it could accumulate to great rewards.
He also made a note of the importance of tourism and the visitor economy for the Jasper community.
Jasper Chamber of Commerce Director Nancy Eckerle also offered words of support. Jasper Chamber President Deidra Church presented Shah with a $2 bill as a token of good luck and prosperity for many years of success.
Clarion Pointe provided complimentary drink concoctions from Madi’s Main Squeeze.
Hemang Shah invites all to visit the amazing assets that Dubois County has to offer and to stay at one of his or another lodging option in the county.