Not content to rest on its laurels as one of the industry's fastest-growing lodging brands, Americas Best Value Inn recently launched a two-pronged initiative that should further boost the chain's growth.

Early last month, ABVI announced that it will waive membership fees for the first year for any new-construction property joining the system. The hotel can either be one of ABVI's 40- or 60-room prototypes or a design choice of the owner or developer.

Later in February, the nearly 800-property system pledged to its members that their return on investment will exceed 100 percent of membership fees. If it doesn't, ABVI will waive the fees.

“I look at this program as an early warning system,” says COO and CFO Bernie Moyle. “If we're required to waive any fees, we will be able to focus on our weaknesses so we can address those concerns quickly and effectively. The program benefits the entire brand.”