WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., Jul 31, 2003 (BUSINESS WIRE)—Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., (NYSE:HOT) today announced the launch of its Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Program, becoming the first hotel company to offer an online MBE vendor registration and database.
Starwood`s MBE program was developed to maximize contracting opportunities made available to minority-owned businesses throughout Starwood`s corporate offices and more than 400 North America hotels and resorts, including its renowned Sheraton, Westin, Four Points by Sheraton, St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, W Hotels, and Starwood Vacation Ownership properties.

“Starwood is committed to providing economic opportunities to all members of the communities in which we work, and the introduction of Starwood`s MBE program is another example of our pledge to these principles,” says Barry Sternlicht, Starwood Chairman and CEO.

Starwood is the only hotel company in the industry to offer an MBE program where suppliers can easily register online for inclusion in the company`s web based database, which will be utilized by Starwood property and corporate purchasing managers throughout the United States. Certified minority businesses interested in bidding on Starwood contracts can visit www.starwood.com and find MBE program information located under Corporate Information- Company Values- Diversity and Inclusion. Once an MBE has completed the online profile form, they will receive an e-mail confirmation and their profile will be reviewed by Strategic Sourcing to be approved and included in Starwood`s MBE database. As with any Starwood vendor, all vendors must provide a high quality service, offer competitive pricing and maintain high quality standards.

“The introduction of this program is another example of Starwood`s commitment to creating an environment of inclusion that embraces the diversity of all our constituencies, including our supplier community,” said Ana Mollinedo, Vice President, Diversity, Communications, Community Affairs.

For more information about Starwood`s MBE program, including MBE requirements and frequently contracted products, please visit www.starwood.com.

Starwood values the diversity of people, ideas and cultures. In keeping in line with that statement, the company aims to create an environment of inclusion for associates, guests and suppliers where their talents and experiences are valued and leveraged to provide high standards of performance.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with more than 740 properties in more than 80 countries and 105,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. With internationally renowned brands, Starwood is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels and resorts including: St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, Sheraton, Westin, Four Points by Sheraton, W brands, as well as Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwood.com

——-