For the sixth year in a row, Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE:MAR) has been named to Fortune magazine’s list of top 50 companies for minorities, according to the July 7 issue.

The company was recognized for its overall diversity programs. Minorities occupy more than 50 percent of all supervisory positions and 11 percent of all general manager positions. In 2002, Marriott purchased $165 million in goods and services from businesses owned by minorities and women, nearly a three-fold increase since the company’s supplier diversity program was launched five years ago.

“Diversity is a business priority at Marriott,” says chairman and CEO J.W. Marriott, Jr. “As a global company that serves guests with many backgrounds and preferences, we strive to employ the best, most diverse talent in the industry.”

Marriott has consistently been recognized for its commitment to diversity, including honors from “Working Mother,” “Latina Style,” “DiversityInc,” “Black Meetings & Tourism,” Catalyst and the National Minority Business Council. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) ranked Marriott International number one in the organization’s annual lodging industry report card, and Mr. Marriott received the 2002 Lifetime Achievement Award for his exemplary commitment to recognizing and including women, minorities and people with disabilities in the hospitality industry.
MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL, INC. (NYSE:MAR) is a leading worldwide hospitality company with nearly 2,600 lodging properties in the United States and 66 other countries and territories. Marriott International operates and franchises hotels under the Marriott, JW Marriott, The Ritz-Carlton, Renaissance, Residence Inn, Courtyard, TownePlace Suites, Fairfield Inn, SpringHill Suites and Ramada International brand names; develops and operates vacation ownership resorts under the Marriott Vacation Club International, Horizons, The Ritz-Carlton Club and Marriott Grand Residence Club brands; operates Marriott Executive Apartments; provides furnished corporate housing through its Marriott ExecuStay division; and operates conference centers. The company is headquartered in Washington, D.C., has approximately 129,000 employees, and was ranked as the lodging industry`s most admired company and one of the best places to work for by FORTUNE®. For more information or reservations, please visit the web site at www.marriott.com.
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