Choice Creates Diversity Committee

SILVER SPRING, MD— Choice Hotels International’s board of directors has created a diversity committee to oversee the companys initiatives in promoting diversity throughout its business practices, with emphasis on its workforce, franchisee and vendor bases. The committee will oversee and review managements progress in carrying out its existing diversity initiatives and will develop policies and programs aimed at assuring equality of opportunity in all facets of Choices business. William Jews, President/CEO-CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, will serve as committee chairman. Barbara Bainum, vice chairman-Commonweal Foundation, a Maryland-based philanthropic organization, and Dr. Jerry Robertson, retired evp of 3M Corp.s Life Sciences Sector and Corporate Services on also on the committee. “We welcome the boards support in enhancing our efforts to promote diversity in our business,” said Charles Ledsinger Jr., president/CEO. “Success in todays global business world will come to those companies that embrace diversity as a means to open doors of opportunity for all involved.” Choices diversity initiatives are focused in five primary areas: * Employment/education and awareness in valuing diversity; * Minority franchise ownership; * Advertising/marketing directed toward minority populations; * Minority vendor representation; and * Charitable giving to minority organizations through the Choice Foundation.