Clarion Pointe Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting

Jasper- Friday, November 17 marked a new chapter for a local hotel. 

After over thirty years, the former Days Inn closed its door and a new window of opportunity opened as the property transformed into the Clarion Pointe.

The grand opening and ribbon cutting took place last Friday from 9:30 am to 11 a.m. in which Clarion Pointe provided complimentary drink concoctions from Madi’s Main Squeeze.

The ceremony began with Visit Dubois County’s Executive Director, Whitney Lubbers, applauding Hemang and Darshana Shah, Clarion Pointe’s owners, and inviting Shah to say a few words.

Hemang has been a part of the Dubois County Tourism Commission, since 2005, serving for over 18 years. He became a part of Dubois County’s hospitality industry in 2003 with the purchase of his first lodging property, Dutchman Inn in Huntingburg, Indiana.

On the tourism board, Hemang Shah met Bob Ruckriegel, former owner of SERVUS / BR & Associates. In 2008, a gentleman’s handshake closed the deal in which Shah purchased the Days Inn Jasper from Ruckriegel.

Over the past decade, Days Inn would be the winner of many awards and continued to be managed by Mary Klem, the former manager during the ownership of Ruckriegel as well.

The several years following the pandemic the window of opportunity became available following a five-year contract term in which Shah had to decide –remain Days Inn or move to a higher tier, mid-to-upper scale property with the Clarion Pointe brand. Shah decided to make the transition, investing a huge renovation into the property to become a Clarion Pointe. 

Mayor Dean Vonderheide continued the ceremony with words of support towards Shah and the Clarion Pointe team, noting the importance of taking a risk in business investments into communities as it could accumulate to great rewards. He also made a note to the importance of tourism and the visitor economy for our community.

Jasper Chamber of Commerce Director, Nancy Eckerle, stated her words of support. Jasper Chamber of Commerce President, Deidra Church, presented Shah with $2 bill as a token of good luck and prosperity for many years of success and held the official ribbon for the ceremony. Mayor Vonderheide did the honors of cutting the ribbon at 10 am to christen this exciting new chapter.

Hemang Shah invites all to visit the assets that Dubois County has to offer and to stay at one of his or another wonderful lodging option available in the county.