Company Press Release: Adam's Mark Hotels & Resorts
February 21, 2000
ST. LOUIS, MO -- Adam's Mark Hotels & Resorts has asked a national diversity organization to conduct an independent
evaluation to assure that the 21-hotel chain practices equality in its employment and guest services policies.
The evaluation will be conducted by Kansas City-based Project Equality, which will also review operations of the
hotel's parent company, HBE Corporation.
``Adam's Mark Hotels has a longstanding and absolute commitment to equality in employment and guest service,''
said Fred Kummer, HBE chairman and chief executive officer. ``At the same time, we are continually striving to
improve and welcome any recommendations that might result from an independent third party.'' Currently, 60 percent
of the hotel chain's employees and 27 percent of its managers are minorities.
HBE, Adam's Mark and Project Equality are finalizing details of the review and plan to hold a press conference
next week in St. Louis to provide further details. Project Equality is a 35-year-old organization with extensive
experience in helping corporations and other organizations train workers, improve employment practices and position
diversity strategically.
Sharon Harvey Davis, director of diversity for HBE, said Project Equality's evaluation will focus in two areas:
a company-wide review of employment practices to assure diversity and equal opportunity; and diversity training
for all employees to ensure that hotel guests and employees are treated equally and fairly regardless of race.
Kummer said HBE is also continuing to negotiate with the U.S. Department of Justice to resolve a racial discrimination
suit. The suit stems from allegations of discrimination against five African Americans who visited or stayed at
the Adam's Mark Hotel in Daytona Beach, Florida, during the Black College Reunion in 1999. HBE maintains that the
allegations are unfounded.
The agreement for an outside review was undertaken voluntarily by HBE and was not required by the Justice Department
in connection with the suit. ``We are cooperating fully with the Justice Department and hope to reach a resolution
very soon,'' Kummer said.
Kummer said Adam's Mark plans to contact convention groups that have cancelled meetings and ask them to reconsider.
``We believe our agreement with Project Equality, coupled with our intent to resolve the Justice Department suit,
demonstrates our commitment to do everything we can to assure total racial equality in our workplace and in how
we treat our guests.''
For more information, contact Sharon Harvey Davis for Adam's Mark Hotels & Resorts, 314-567-9000.
SOURCE: Adam's Mark Hotels & Resorts