News Reports

Flint Welcomes Hotel with True Character

Flint, Mich.—A new hotel is adding character to Flint. The Riverfront Character Inn & International Convention Center, which opened in October 2000, takes an uncommon approach to serving guests. Owned and operated by the nonprofit organization the Institute in Basic Life Principles, led by internationally known speaker Bill Gothard, the Character Inn centers its services on components of character that strengthen individuals and families alike.

With an alcohol- and smoke-free facility, the Character Inn features a retreat-like atmosphere for faith-based groups and organizations that would like to have a character component to their convention or conference. Additionally, businesses and corporations are welcome to book the facility for meetings and other events that do not require alcohol or smoking availability.

“We are not in competition with neighboring hotels in that we do not offer accommodations for individual reservations or walk-ins,” said Bennie McWha, director of the Character Inn. “We are happy to help anyone find a place to stay, but our facility specializes in housing guests and visitors who are delegates to the conferences or events that we host.”

The facility, built 30 years ago, had a number of owners prior to the Institute in Basic Life Principles, which acquired the hotel in June of 2000. The organization conducted extensive renovations and maintenance, performed entirely by its own volunteer crews.

“I believe that this is the best thing that could have happened to the hotel,” said Jerry Preston, president of the Flint Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. “It provides an opportunity to bring national and international groups into Flint and Genesee County, many of whom will use the services of Bishop International Airport. For example, in March, the Character Inn will host a conference for hundreds of mayors around the country and the world. We anticipate that the Character Inn will draw a whole new market of people to this community.”

The Character Inn is the Institute in Basic Life Principle’s first facility that is open to external organizations and conferences. Its other centers are devoted to training and events for people who participate in the Institute’s seminars or courses.

Focused on exceptional service, employees of the Character Inn come from across the globe and receive training in a variety of skills including food service, hotel management and carpentry. The Character Inn also has begun to offer its own Basic Life Principles seminar series to the community on Friday evenings. The kickoff presentation for the series was attended by more than 1,300 people from around the region.

“We see the Character Inn as a blueprint for future Institute facilities, and we’re confident in our decision to locate our first outreach into the convention market in Flint,” said McWha. “We are here to support the Flint and Genesee County community by serving others.”

The Flint Area Convention & Visitors Bureau promotes Flint and Genesee County as a destination for overnight visitors.

February 15, 2001
Flint Area Convention & Visitors Bureau