[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 147 (Friday, September 20, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E936]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           CELEBRATING THE GRAND OPENING OF THE HOME2 SUITES

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. PAT FALLON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 20, 2024

  Mr. FALLON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the Grand Opening 
of the Home2 Suites by Hilton in Paris, Texas.
  The Hilton brand is a longstanding leader in the world of 
hospitality, and this new addition to Paris, Texas, is no exception. 
The Home2 Suites, which opened its doors on April 1st, 2024, represents 
a remarkable achievement and a profound personal milestone for the 
Pankaj family.
  As the Mayor of Paris and a second-generation Hilton franchisee, 
Mihir ``Mark'' Pankaj has proudly followed in the footsteps of his 
father, Pankaj ``Greg'' Magan, who established the Hampton Inn by 
Hilton here in Paris 24 years ago. Greg's enduring legacy as a five-
time oral cancer survivor and unwavering pillar of strength has been a 
source of inspiration and perseverance for his family. The Home2 Suites 
project is the result of faithful collaboration between father and son, 
and it is the pinnacle of the Pankaj family's continued dedication and 
hard work.
  It is the first Hilton hotel to be equipped with a groundbreaking 
geothermal HVAC system to improve environmental sustainability and 
hospitality for guests. Additionally, the Home2 Suites boasts a full 
bar and coffee shop, Paris Coffee Co., Obsidian Craft Cocktail Bar, and 
a 6,000 square foot Conference and Event Center, enhancing the guest 
experience and contributing to our community's vibrancy. Today, we 
celebrate not just the opening of a hotel, but a lifetime of 
innovation, resilience, and family tradition.
  I have requested the United States flag to be flown over our Nation's 
Capitol in honor of this historic occasion. Congratulations to Mark and 
his family, and I wish them the very best.

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