News from Around the World
  
'I AM MARRIOTT' Video Showcases Company's Global Diversity & Inclusion
The video features the company’s inclusive culture by showcasing our diverse range of associates. Through our associates’ unique talents and experiences, the video illustrates the “world of opportunity” available at Marriott. Watch the video.
 
2009 JW Marriott, Jr., Diversity Award of Excellence Winner Announced
See why the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown and Hotel Manager Shonda Johnson received the 2009 JW Marriott, Jr., Diversity Award of Excellence. Watch the video.
 
Marriott Foundation Hosts Its Annual Awards Gala
The Marriott Foundation recently held its annual awards gala in Washington, D.C. The keynote speaker was Cal Ripken, Jr., former member of Major League Baseball’s Baltimore Orioles team and member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Beth Tattar, customer service manager for Giant Foods, was named the 2009 Leadership Award winner. Bridges… from school to work youth Anovia Craven from Washington, D.C. was recognized with the Youth Achievement Award. The Bridges…from school to work program was established in 1989 by the Marriott family to enhance employment opportunities for people with disabilities. View photos.
 
New D.C. Hotel Opens to a Flurry of Firsts
The first Hispanic-owned hotel in Washington, D.C. opens in the new NoMa (north of Mass. Ave) Business Improvement District.  Watch the coverage on News Channel 8.

Local Businesses Make Top 100 List
Marriott International is named to Fortune's World's Most Admired list and ranks first in the lodging industry. Keith McNeill, General Manager of the Bethesda Marriott Suites in Md. is interviewed by News Channel 8. Watch the interview.

DiversityInc Ranks Marriott Fourth Among 'Top 50 Companies for Diversity'
Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE:MAR) was ranked fourth among The DiversityInc Top 50 Companies for Diversity, up from #11 in 2008 and #46 in 2007. Marriott also ranked among the Top 10 Companies on three specialty lists – Supplier Diversity, Executive Women and African-Americans. Read more.

Marriott Nearly Doubles Spend with Diverse Suppliers
Marriott spent $1.9 billion with diverse suppliers over the last five years, nearly doubling the goal set in 2003. Last year, Marriott set a new record, spending more than $500 million companywide with minority- and woman-owned businesses. Read more.

Spirit of Aloha Bus Visits New York
The Spirit of Aloha Bus ventured across country from San Diego to Washington, D.C. During its New York visit, Mike Woods joined in on the fun. Watch the video on www.MyFoxNY.com.

Courtyard Opens its 800th Hotel
Read more on the celebration on Courtyard’s blog. View the video and photos on Bill Marriott’s blog, Marriott on the Move.

Marriott Rings in Chinese New Year with Opening of Hong Kong Hotel
Watch the colorful grand opening ceremony of the Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott, featuring traditional Chinese lion dances and the breathtakingly modern design of the city’s newest hot spot. Watch the video on YouTube.

Costa Rican President Welcomes JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa
President Oscar Arias attended the grand opening of Santa Cruz’s newest five-star resort, which marks the fourth Marriott-branded hotel in the country. Read more.

Thailand's Newest Courtyard Hotels Offer Family-Friendly Fun
Two new hotels at Patong and Kamala Beach in Phuket offer an exciting mix of amenities and entertainment, such as fully-equipped guest rooms and on-site kids’ clubs. Read more.

Marriott Partners with Former NFL Star in Million Dollar Deal
Marriott hotels in Southern California will have alarm systems installed by Carter Brothers, a minority-owned firm run by John Carter and former National Football League star Cris Carter. Read more.

Twelve Years and Counting: Marriott Makes Fortune's "100 Best" List
Marriott International has again been named one of FORTUNE’s “100 Best Companies to Work For” and is one of 13 “All Star” companies to have appeared on every list since its launch in 1998. Watch the video on www.News8.net.

Norm Jenkins to Launch Capstone Development
The SVP of NALO Development and Marriott International Corporate Officer led the Diversity Ownership Initiative, which doubled Marriott’s portfolio of diverse-owned hotels to more than 500 in four years. In January, he will launch a real estate development company focused on hotels. Read more.

Hispanic Hotel Group to Open Seventh Marriott in Seven Years
Hispanic-owned Robert Finvarb Companies, LLC, part of Marriott’s Diversity Ownership Initiative, recently announced the ground breaking of a SpringHill Suites in Miami’s Health District. Read more.

BusinessWeek ranks Marriott #26 on 'Best Places to Intern' List
In a tough job market, undergraduate internships may be more important than ever for college students looking for full-time work. Read more.

Sales Team Thinking And Acting Globally
In an interview with MeetingNews, Stephanie Linnartz, Senior Vice President, Global Sales, discusses the growth of global tourism, Sales Force One, and other innovative ways Marriott's connecting with customers. Read more.

Marriott's Founder Inducted Into U.S. Labor Hall of Fame
“Dad always said, ‘Take care of your employees,’” blogs Bill Marriott. Taking time to listen, providing health care coverage, and making employees feel part of his extended family were part of the legacy of J. Willard Marriott, Sr. Read more.

Marriott Named 'Best Hotel Chain in North America
Readers of Business Traveler magazine selected the company for their 20th annual “Best in Business Travel” awards featured in the December/January issue. Read more.