Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., 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.

Related stories on ITN:

(01/07/2003) Starwood and Cendant Announce Multi-Brand Partnership

(04/06/2003) Starwood & Six Continents install INNCom`s INNweb System

(07/05/2003) Starwood Selects StarCite for Online Meetings Solution

——-