A Spirit of Determination in Jakarta
;)
While it's been a very difficult week since the tragic incidents in our hotels in Jakarta, Indonesia, we are so heartened by the outpouring of support from around the world and the resilience of our guests and associates at the JW Marriott and Ritz-Carlton.
Our President of International Lodging, Ed Fuller, visited the two hotels, as well as two hospitals in Jakarta where survivors were being treated. Many of the guests were regulars at the hotels, and they encouraged Ed to open for business as soon as possible. Associates he spoke with told him how the hotel remains at the very center of their lives and is a very important part of the Jakarta community. Ed was struck by their amazing spirit and, while they are upset about what happened, they are very anxious to get back to work.
A Marriott and Ritz-Carlton assistance fund has been set up to assist all of those affected by the attacks. Initial financial contributions have been made by the company, as well as our family through The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation named after my parents.
While we are still profoundly affected by this tragedy, I am extremely proud to see such a strong spirit of determination prevail among our team in Jakarta. They are the true embodiment of the Marriott Spirit To Serve and I thank them from the bottom of my heart for their commitment and their dedication.
I'm Bill Marriott and thanks for helping me keep Marriott on the move.
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Posted By: MAURICIO (7/28/2009)
Comment: Unfortunatly those are the things that we cannot prevent always...
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Posted By: Avi Liran (7/25/2009)
Comment: Dear Mr. Marriott.
A few years ago I had the pleasure to meet in JW Jakarta the GM Mr. Greg Allan whom we worked with later on in Singapore. I learned about you and your brand by staying and later working with your hotel. I truly admire the Marriott spirit. Now is a good time to show support to your great spirit that stands for good life for guests, employees and communities. Focus on the positive and rebuilding, not allowing terror to change the spirit and the tradition of giving and care that you brought to the world.
I have sent sympathy and optimism message to your top team in Jakarta with a poem by Michael Josephson (below).
The misfortune of the terror bring perspective to life. It unites the majority of the peace loving people to rebuild and continue the good work and keep on giving and do things that will matter.
I received touching notes back. I salute to your team and loyal guests who are proud to stay and stand by you. I came across an original version of "Stand by me" on YouTube and I dedicate it to you and your wonderful team: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Us-TVg40ExM
I truly hope to meet you one day and shake you hand.
God Bless.
Avi, Singapore
WHAT WILL MATTER? by Michael Josephson
Ready or not, some day it will all come to an end.
There will be no more sunrises, no minutes, hours or days.
All the things you collected, whether treasured or forgotten, will pass to someone else.
Your wealth, fame and temporal power will shrivel to irrelevance.
It will not matter what you owned or what you were owed.
Your grudges, resentments, frustrations and jealousies will finally disappear.
So too, your hopes, ambitions, plans and to-do lists will expire.
The wins and losses that once seemed so important will fade away.
It won't matter where you came from or what side of the tracks you lived on at the end.
It won't matter whether you were beautiful or brilliant.
Even your gender and skin colour will be irrelevant.
So what will matter? How will the value of your days be measured?
What will matter is not what you bought but what you built,
not what you got but what you gave.
What will matter is not your success but your significance.
What will matter is not what you learned but what you taught.
What will matter is every act of integrity, compassion, courage or sacrifice that enriched,
empowered or encouraged others to emulate your example.
What will matter is not your competence but your character.
What will matter is not how many people you knew,
but how many will feel a lasting loss when you're gone.
What will matter is not your memories but the memories of those who loved you.
What will matter is how long you will be remembered, by whom and for what.
Living a life that matters doesn't happen by accident.
It's not a matter of circumstance but of choice.
Choose to live a life that matters
Posted By: Doug (7/24/2009)
Comment: I was saddened in learning the news about the tragedy, but it lightened considerably when I your blog and the steps Marriott has taken to help all those affected. Many challenges to overcome this year, economy, flu and downturn of occupancy at your fine Mexico resorts, and now this. Marriott's strength is in its people, optimism, and willingness to help others in need. Examples we can all learn from. Prayers and a speedy recovery to all.
Posted By: Syed T. A. Naqvi (7/24/2009)
Comment: I am planning to stay at the JW Marriott in Jakarta late next year. I am not sure if Ed is responsible for the reopening of the JW Marriott. I met Ed at the grand reopening of the JW Marriott in Cancun Mexico after the hurricane. I think Ed use to work at the Twin Bridges, your first Marriott. Please help to expedite the reopening in time for my visit. Please let me know the estimated opening date. Thank you.
