MORRIS ACQUIRES HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

AUGUSTA, Ga.—Morris Communications has purchased the Hospitality Industry Association (HIA), a member services organization based in St. Petersburg, Fla. The announcement was made today by Chairman and Chief Executive Officer William S. Morris III.

The HIA, founded in 1983, provides benefits to its 20,000 members primarily by means of discounts on dining, lodging and transportation at designated locations throughout the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Orlando areas of Florida.

Membership is open to individuals and businesses serving the traveling public, including airports, cruise lines, service stations, transportation companies and campgrounds, as well as hotels, resorts, restaurants, tourist attractions and related businesses. Business members may provide HIA benefits to their employees.

"This organization has a 20-year history of service and success," Morris said. "It will add breadth and dimension to our visitor publications."

HIA publishes an annual directory in June, with two supplemental issues in October and February. The visitor publication division of Morris is under the direction of Vice President Carl N. Cannon, with Raymond P. Dallman as general manager. James D. ("Jim") Wray, son of HIA founder and owner, C.E. Wray, will assume responsibility for daily operations of HIA.

Morris visitor publications include the Best Read Guide series; IN New York; The London Guide; Londinium magazine; the "be IN" series of international travel publications; and the BEST of Britain by BritRail.

Morris Communications is a privately held media company with diversified holdings that include newspaper and magazine publishing, outdoor advertising, radio broadcasting, book publishing and distribution, and online services. For more information, visit www.morris.com.