WASHINGTON, Sept. 8, 1998 -  Marriott International, Inc. has, for the eighth time, been named one of the 100 Best Companies for Working Mothers, according to the October issue of Working Mother magazine. The publication spotlights outstanding workplaces for women and tracks family-friendly workplace trends.

Each year, Working Mother selects those companies that are most innovative and advanced in their support of working mothers according to the following criteria: competitive salaries, opportunities for women to advance, programs and services that support child care issues and family-friendly benefits and services.

"Marriott is proud to be recognized by Working Mother magazine," said Donna Klein, vice president, Workforce Effectiveness. "Our initiatives address critical issues faced not just by working mothers, but by all of our associates. We're glad we can make a difference."

Marriott's Work-Life initiatives began in 1990 to help Marriott associates pursue careers while balancing the demands of their personal lives. The department's programs include financial support through a family care spending account, child care discounts, education and training for associates, a child development center, referral services for child, elder and family care issues and assistance for the company's low-income associates. Marriott International, a leading worldwide hospitality company, has a workforce that incorporates more than 20 distinctive cultures. One of the first companies to make work-family conflicts a mainstream issue, Marriott pioneered the development of programs specifically designed for its lower income associates, along with providing traditional family-friendly programs such as financial support through family care spending accounts and flexible work time polices.

One of Marriott's most innovative programs is the Marriott Associate Resource Line, which provides confidential counseling through a one-stop resource that can address a wide range of personal issues. The nationwide toll-free Associate Resource Line, staffed by social workers, is available in more than 150 languages to all Marriott associates.

MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL, INC. is a leading worldwide hospitality company, with nearly 1,700 operating units in the United States and 53 other countries and territories. Major businesses include hotels operated and franchised under the Marriott, Ritz-Carlton, Courtyard, Residence Inn, Fairfield, TownePlace Suites, Renaissance, and Ramada International brands; vacation club (timeshare) resorts; senior living communities and services; and food service distribution. The company is headquartered in Washington, D.C. and has approximately 131,000 employees. In fiscal year 1997, Marriott International reported total sales of $9.0 billion.