Press Release: The MultiCultural Foodservice & Hospitality Alliance
September 18, 2002
PROVIDENCE, RI -- The MultiCultural Foodservice & Hospitality Alliance (MFHA), the nonprofit think tank dedicated
to promoting diversity and its economic benefits, announced yesterday that several major hospitality-related companies--Pepsi-Cola
North America, Outback Steakhouse and Hyatt Hotels Corporation--have made significant financial commitments to
ensure the continued success and momentum of the organization.
All three commitments were announced at MFHA's third national conference --"Diversity Economics: Turning Difference
Into Dollars"-- held recently in San Diego, California. The conference drew more than 500 senior-level business
leaders, a 50 percent increase over MFHA's last conference.
Outback Steakhouse committed to continue its financial support to the MFHA, and Hyatt Hotels Corporation committed
$60,000 over a three-year period, for general support.
Pepsi-Cola announced that it will increase its annual support to $100,000 annually, for a total of $500,000, over
a five-year period. This additional financial support, beginning in 2003, will be earmarked to create the MFHA
Business Development Institute at Johnson & Wales University. The institute will support the following initial
activities across all hospitality segments:
"Pepsi's increased financial commitment will help the MFHA to stimulate and sustain the growth of multiculturalism
and its economic benefits for the entire hospitality industry," said Steve Caldeira, vice president of industry
relations for Pepsi-Cola North America and MFHA development chair. "If companies do not begin to market effectively
to the rapidly-growing minority markets and do not have workforces that mirror these shifting demographics, they
will not last over time."
"The mission of the MFHA is clearly gaining momentum. Everyday, more and more companies are realizing the
business case for diversity is powerful and real," said Gerald Fernandez, MFHA's president. "In addition
to developing proactive multicultural marketing campaigns, companies are also recognizing that their future will
depend on the successful hiring, training, and retention of diverse talent."
Based in Providence, RI, MFHA partners with a broad array of organizations to promote diversity and its economic
benefits in the foodservice, hospitality and lodging industries. It does benchmarking, consults with companies
on how to win diverse customers and helps enhance the image of the industry. The organization also works with business
leaders, suppliers, community organizations and educators throughout the U.S.
For more information about MFHA, visit http://www.mfha.net
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Contact:
Multicultural Foodservice & Hospitality Alliance
Traci Gibson, 973/762-6132
or
Susan Mach, 201/991-0511
Source: The MultiCultural Foodservice & Hospitality Alliance