�We welcome the Board�s support in enhancing our efforts to promote diversity in our business,� said Charles A. Ledsinger, Jr., president and chief executive officer.  �Success in today�s global business world will come to those companies that embrace diversity as a means to open doors of opportunity for all involved.� 

The company announced that director William L. Jews will serve as Chairman of the Diversity Committee.  He is president and chief executive officer of CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, the region�s largest health insurer. Joining him on the Diversity Committee are fellow directors Barbara Bainum and Dr.  Jerry Robertson.  Ms. Bainum is vice chairman of the Commonweal Foundation, a Maryland-based philanthropic organization, and Dr. Robertson is the retired executive vice president of 3M Corporation�s Life Sciences Sector and Corporate Services. 

The committee will oversee and review management�s progress in carrying out its existing diversity initiatives and will develop policies and programs aimed at assuring equality of opportunity in all facets of Choice�s business. 

Choice�s diversity initiatives are focused in five primary areas: 

1. Employment/education and awareness in valuing diversity; 
2. Minority franchise ownership; 
3. Advertising/marketing directed toward minority populations; 
4. Minority vendor representation; 
5. Charitable giving to minority organizations through the Choice Foundation.