STURBRIDGE, MA-Microtel Inns & Suites enters the state by opening the chain's first hotel here near Routes 90 and 84. Microtel's parent company, US Franchise Systems, states that the company is looking into continuing to expand its presence in the New England region.

DENVER-"The commercial real estate economy will lag the recovery in the general economy," says Rick Pederson, chairman of Ross Consulting Group, predicting a 2003 recovery. Office sellers can expect 15% less than current asking prices.

PORTLAND, OR-Schnitzer Investment Corp. reveals the price of its 103,000-sf purchase last week and confirms Dave Evans & Assoc. will lease much of the building, relieving an Enron subsidiary of a sublease agreement it no longer wanted.

DALLAS-It's Oscar time for the North Texas Commercial Association of Realtors. The finalists for the 2001 Stemmons Award are Carey Cox of the Carey Cox Cos., Rick Hughes of C&W of Texas, Greg McDonald of the Weitzman Group and Brian O'Boyle of O'Boyle Properties.