Press Release: Sheraton New Orleans
September 13, 2000
NEW ORLEANS, LA -- The Sheraton New Orleans, a Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide (NYSE: HOT) property, has
named its Presidential Suite in honor of former Louisiana Lieutenant Governor James E. Fitzmorris, Jr.
Fitzmorris was honored yesterday in the presence of family members, and business and political associates, at a
ceremony that featured the unveiling of a plaque located outside the suite's front entrance and a collection of
Fitzmorris memorabilia.
``We are pleased to honor one of Louisiana's greatest living citizens in this special and unique way,'' said Mobashir
Ahmed, area managing director of the Sheraton New Orleans. ``For many years Jimmy has represented the best in public
service, touching the lives of thousands of citizens through his dedication to making our community a better place
to live. We believe that he exemplifies the kind of positive energy that provides lasting positive change.''
The Sheraton will honor more Louisiana citizens in this way in the coming months and years.
A native of New Orleans, Fitzmorris was born November 15, 1921. He was educated at Jesuit High School and Loyola
University and served in the U.S. Army from 1942 - 1946, rising from private to Major. He also served in the Army
Ready Reserves from 1945 - 1964. For 30 years Fitzmorris was one of the dominant figures in New Orleans and Louisiana
politics. He served 12 years on the New Orleans City Council as District C Councilman and as Councilman-at- Large.
In 1972 he became Louisiana's first ``full-time'' Lieutenant Governor. His was re-elected in 1976, receiving nearly
one million votes, a historic victory. He was the last Lieutenant Governor to preside over the Louisiana State
Senate.
``Jimmy Fitz'' became the recognized national spokesperson and authority on Louisiana economic development serving
as Lieutenant Governor as Coordinator of International Trade and Development and as Chairman of the Board of Commerce
and Industry. Under Governor David C. Treen he served as Executive Assistant for Economic Development and International
Affairs and was re- elected Chairman of the Commerce and Industry Board. He received national exposure as Chairman
of the National Conference of Lieutenant Governors' Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Fitzmorris had a highly successful 32-year career in the transportation industry at Kansas City Southern Railway
Company, rising from messenger boy to Vice-President. In 1946 he was recognized as one of the youngest railroad
executives in America. He resigned from the Railroad Vice-Presidency in 1972 when he became full-time Lieutenant
Governor of Louisiana.
In 1984, after 30 years in public life, he formed Fitzmorris and Associates, Inc., where he serves as President
and Chief Executive Officer and represents a wide spectrum of national and international clients in the areas of
real estate, corporate and governmental relations. He remains an active member of several local, state and national
organizations, and is the recipient of hundreds of honors and awards for service.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with
more than 725 properties in 80 countries and 120,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. With internationally
renowned brands, Starwood is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchiser of hotels and resorts including:
St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, Sheraton, Westin, Four Points and W brands, as well as Starwood Vacation Ownership,
Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more
information, please visit us at www.starwoodhotels.com.
SOURCE: Sheraton New Orleans