FORTUNE highlighted Marriott for its career advancement opportunities�more than 40 percent of Marriott's new lodging managers began their careers in hourly positions.  The company�s community service initiatives and job placement programs for people with disabilities also earned high marks.    

"I�m pleased that FORTUNE recognizes our efforts to make Marriott a great place to work. We know that outstanding customer service begins with excellent employees who have opportunities to grow with the organization.  We are particularly proud to be among just a few companies with large employee populations included in the annual list," said J.W. Marriott, Jr., chairman and CEO of Marriott International.  

FORTUNE was assisted in compiling this year�s list by Robert Levering and Milton Moskowitz of the Great Place to Work Institute in San Francisco.  The FORTUNE survey is employee-driven, with two-thirds of the scoring based on the answers employees provide on a survey conducted by the Great Places to Work Institute.  The remainder of the score is determined by responses to the Institute�s culture audit, in which each company explains its philosophy and practices.

The list appears in FORTUNE�s Jan. 20, 2003, issue, available on newsstands Jan. 13, and at www.fortune.com on Jan. 7.  

Other recent awards recognizing Marriott as a great place to work include:

• Working Mother Magazine � Ranked Marriott one of the �Best Companies for Working Mothers� for the 12th consecutive year. 
• FORTUNE Magazine � Named Marriott one of the �Top 50 Companies for Minorities� for the fifth consecutive year, and one of the �Most Admired Companies in America� for the third consecutive year.    
• 2002 Catalyst Award - Presented to three companies annually since 1986, the Catalyst Award celebrates innovative approaches with proven results to address the recruitment, development and advancement of all managerial women, including women of color. Catalyst is a non-profit women�s advisory organization based in New York City.                                                                                                   
• Latina Style Magazine � Named Marriott one of �The 50 Best Companies for Latinas to Work For in the U.S.�   
• Globe and Mail �Report on Business� Magazine � Recognized Marriott as one of the 50 best companies to work for in Canada.