Hilton Becomes "Founding Corporate Partner" of HHOA
Hispanic Hotel Owners Association
BEVERLY HILLS, CA, September 22, 2006. At a press conference held today at the 27th Annual United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) National Convention & Business Expo, Hilton Hotels Corporation announced that it has become "Founding Corporate Partner" of the Hispanic Hotel Owners Association (HHOA). Hilton received the exclusive sponsorship designation by providing initial funds required for the association's formation and preliminary development.
"From its inception, Hilton Hotels Corporation has been supportive of our vision," said Angela Gonzalez-Rowe, president and founder of HHOA. "Their unwavering commitment to this initiative has led to the establishment of a new organization that will offer Hispanic hotel owners, hospitality executives and entrepreneurs an opportunity to play a more prominent role in the ownership and development of hotels. With Hilton's continued collaboration, HHOA will be the primary resource Hispanic entrepreneurs need to guide them through the steps of hotel ownership."
The formation of HHOA is a direct result of Hilton's minority franchise development outreach seminar "Hospitality 101." The seminar, which educates minority entrepreneurs on the basics of hotel development, was piloted by Hilton and has become a "best practice" in minority franchise development outreach across the industry.
"For several years now Hilton has been actively engaged in educating African American, Hispanic and female entrepreneurs on hotel ownership opportunities," said Floyd Pitts, senior director, diversity programs for Hilton Hotels Corporation. "We are pleased to support HHOA on its mission and believe our involvement speaks volumes on our commitment to Diversity, as well as complements our continued support of the National Black Hotel Owners Operators and Developers (NABHOOD) and the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA)."
United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Michael L. Barrera stated, "We congratulate Hilton Hotels Corporation on its commitment to diversity and its role behind the formation of the Hispanic Hotel Owners Association. We wish them great success in all their efforts to facilitate the participation of Hispanics in the hospitality industry."
About Hispanic Hotel Owners Association
HHOA is a newly formed non-profit organization headquartered in Washington, DC. The association's core mission is to increase the number of Hispanic owned, developed and operated hotels, further the participation of Hispanic owned suppliers serving the hotel industry and increase executive level employment opportunities within the lodging industry. For more information, please visit www.hhoa.org.
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