�American Express is committed to supporting issues that are important to our hospitality partners.  We�re confident that this innovative program can help lodging professionals understand how it can help them become more competitive and profitable and understand the need for diversity in the marketplace,� said David C. House, president, Establishment Services Worldwide, American Express, who noted that the company is celebrating its 40-year partnership with the AH&MA. 

An advisory board of key hospitality industry professionals reviewed the seminar�s content for validity and relevance to the lodging industry. Members of this board include: 

• Anthony G. Marshall, president and CEO, Educational Institute
• William P. Fisher, president and CEO, American Hotel & Motel Association 
• Emelie Smith, vice president, American Express TRS
• Bill Mackellar-Hertan, vice president, diversity, American Express TRS
• Valerie Ferguson, past chairman, American Hotel & Motel Association; regional vice president and managing director, Loews Philadelphia Hotel
• Dr. Diann R. Newman, assistant professor, human relations, School of Hospitality Management, Florida International University 
• Howard Nusbaum, executive vice president, Ohio Hotel & Lodging Association 
• Gerald Fernandez, president, Multicultural Foodservice & Hospitality Alliance
• Scott Anderson, executive vice president, Cendant Corporation 
• Donna Dozier-Gordon, former director of diversity development, Cendant Hotel Division
• Mike Patel, president, Diplomat Hotel Corp., past chairman, Asian American Hotel Owners Association

�Lodging operators want very much to improve their ability to attract a diverse workforce as well as improve their skill level of serving a diverse customer base,� said Howard Nusbaum, executive vice president, Ohio Hotel & Lodging Association. �Much to the credit of American Express and EI, this program is educating managers on how to be more sensitive to the issues affecting employees that may have cultural, religious, and racial backgrounds different from the manager supervising that individual. The seminar, coupled with the great �take away toolkit� truly addresses this very key issue facing lodging operators.� 

The half-day, facilitated seminar will be presented through AH&MA member state associations and other venues beginning in the spring of 2000. Seminar participants will explore the benefits of creating a diverse environment, from attracting new business to retaining a trained workforce.  They will examine strategies and best practices they can put into place at their own properties as the foundation of a successful diversity program.  And they will learn how to L.E.A.D. their organization to greater diversity through Leadership, Environment, Acquisition of Diverse Talent, and Delivery of Measurable Results. 

Funding for Building Success Through Diversity comes from the American Hotel Foundation�s �Hospitality 2000� fundraising campaign, to which American Express was a major contributor.  Money from this fund is used to provide hospitality scholarships, fund industry research, and establish innovative professional development and training programs. 
 
For more information on the Educational Institute�s professional development seminars, call 1-888-454-7766 or 407-649-8252, or email [email protected]. 

Established in 1953 as a nonprofit educational foundation of the American Hotel & Motel Association, the Educational Institute is the world�s largest hospitality communication resource center, providing quality training and educational materials for the hospitality industry. 

American Express is a diversified worldwide travel and financial services company founded in 1850.  It is a leader in charge and credit cards, Travelers Cheques, travel, financial planning, investment products, insurance, and international banking.