I'm blogging from the road today. I'm in San Antonio for a Residence Inn and TownePlace Suites General Managers' meeting. We had almost 850 people in our auditorium this morning and boy, are they enthusiastic about the future of the business and the way their properties are doing.
I've always loved San Antonio. It's a city that's so rich in history and culture. It has a very heavy Hispanic influence and we have a lot of diversity in this city and in our company. And I want to see that diversity continue to be reflected in the senior management of our company. That's why we're helping minority students who want to study hotel management, culinary, or food and beverage go to college and prepare for their career.
Marriott has teamed up with the Hispanic College Fund and the United Negro College Fund to offer these students up to $9,000 per year towards their tuition. But getting into college is only half the battle. Staying in and earning a degree - that's what really counts. So our managers in the hotels - our corporate executives, too - are going to be happy to mentor, provide career guidance and internships to make sure that these kids have an opportunity to succeed.
And me? Well, I'm always happy to share my family story with the next generation. So I'll look forward to meeting this new group of Marriott Scholars as soon as they can get there. It's how we keep Marriott on the move.
Mr. Marriott,
Does the Marriott Organization take college interns in New York City for the summer? I am a senior majoring in HRTM at the University of South Carolina and am required to do an internship for graduation.
Posted by: Chelsea Hill | 03/15/2011 at 07:10 PM
Bill,
Your grandfather reminds me of my dear Mother and Father as a hard working immigrants who loved this country, worked very hard for a meager wage, and thought this country was the best country in the world. Believe me I feel the same way. Thanks to the sacrifices of my parents, and God I have lived a wonderful life. In fact, used to live near you, but on the other side of the river.
For over 40 years we have been Marriott only loyal customers, and we now have grown children that are addicted to Marriott also. You are the best of the best. When there is a problem you go above and beyond to make it right for the customer. There is no one else that even comes close to your company. While I've never personally met you, on several occasions just missed you at many different properties, but talked to you on the radio several years ago. Have met your son when he was a GM in MD, met your brother in FL. If there was one thing we've noticed recently it is the room rates are going through the ceiling. And it's going to curtail alot of the loyal customers who are on limited income.
All that aside, we wish you every good wishes for a continued long successful spiritual life with good health, and not working so hard for so long.
Posted by: Mike | 02/24/2007 at 07:42 AM
As a graduate of a Purdue University Foods and Nutrition program, I want to thank you for your generous donation toward the Hospitality and Tourism School's new building. Classes in this building will contribute to untold educational opportunities for many years to come. Your generosity is greatly appreciated. Marie Ross MEd./RD/LDN
Posted by: Marie Ross | 02/20/2007 at 07:44 AM
Dear Mr. Marriott,
I think it' great that Marriott employees and managers, who come from different cultures and have different competences, continuously help each other get better. By the way: Super initiative of yours to communicate through a blog where also external people can participate. I wish more managers in more companies would learn from you.
Kind regards,
Frank Calberg
Posted by: Frank Calberg | 02/09/2007 at 07:02 PM
My wife's a fairly new general manager at one of the TownPlace Suites that happened to receive an award that, among other criteria I presume, reflects her team's dedication to exceptional guest service. Just thought I'd share that one of the bright spots at the conference for her was meeting you. She came home yesterday refreshed, renewed, and eager to get in to the hotel to congratulate her team.
Posted by: Mike | 02/09/2007 at 06:08 AM
It would be nice to the diversity reflected at the senior management levels, even at the highest. Wouldn't it be cool if one day the chairman of Marriott was not named Marriott, but Garcia, and the chairman of Ford not named Ford but Chang. Wonder if that's going to happen anytime soon.
Posted by: fluke watson | 02/08/2007 at 11:11 PM