LIHUE, Hawaii – September 13, 2007 –The Kaua‘i Marriott Resort & Beach Club has received top honors in the “Best Place to Work” category of the Kaua‘i People’s 2007 Best of the Best poll.

“We truly thank the people of Kauai for this honor,” said Bill Countryman, general manager of the Kaua‘i Marriott Resort & Beach Club. “Our associates are committed not only to providing the highest quality of service to our guests, but also to supporting each other and working together to create a caring environment for all. We’re proud to be a part of the Kauai community and all that makes this island so special.”

In addition to a comprehensive employee benefits package enjoyed by Marriott employees worldwide, associates at the Kaua‘i Marriott Resort & Beach Club participate in special programs based on their own initiatives that make the workplace exceptionally pleasant. It’s all part of Marriott’s Spirit To Serve Our Communities, a program designed to foster goodwill in communities where Marriott International does business.

This year, the Kaua‘i Marriott Resort & Beach Club celebrates Marriott International’s 80th Anniversary. The company has a long, rich tradition in taking care of their customers, as company founder J. Willard Marriott quotes that “if you take care of your associates, they will take care of the customer.” The Kaua‘i Marriott Resort & Beach Club instills this very philosophy in its associates by providing opportunities for associates to give back to their community.

“I look forward to work everyday and love my job, fellow associates and management,” said Tamara Inman, front desk/at your service agent. “Marriott has created such a positive work environment that is fun, stimulating and is very family oriented. Combined with great pay and excellent benefits, I need not look any further… I plan to retire with Marriott!”

Associate Appreciation Week was filled with activities, including heavy involvement from the management team, Electric Car pick-up from the associate parking lot, ono local food such as malasadas and spam musubis, and dunking managers in a dunking booth.

The Rubber Duckie Derby benefiting the Kapi’olani Children’s Miracle Network strived to engage the resort associates’ participation in a fun day interacting with guests.

In addition, the resort continues its efforts to be a great employer during times of need. The resort financially assisted associates that were affected by the flood in 2006.

Resort programs designed specifically for the associates include Ho‘olauna, Ho‘oikaika, Po‘okela and Lunaho‘ohana that recognize outstanding colleagues and managers. The resort also provides gift capsules to associates who have babies, get well and sympathy cards to associates and families, and floral arrangements or pastries for associates and immediate family members in the event of bereavement.

Thus, the generous giving of associates reflects a great workforce and a great workplace.

“Marriott is the best place to work because they allow us to be flexible in order to balance our family lifestyle with work,” said Eric Leanio, guest services bell man. “I feel that Marriott has hired professional and friendly associates that helps to make for the best working environment.”

The Kaua‘i Marriott Resort & Beach Club was recently named in the top three for Travel + Leisure Golf’s “Best Resorts for Family Trips” in the Hawaii Region. In addition, readers of Celebrated Living awarded the oceanfront resort as one of the “Top 10 Hawaii Hotels” on its “Readers’ Choice Platinum List.”

Thousands of Hawaii residents submitted online and print ballots from May 11 through June 1, 2007 to show their appreciation for the businesses and professionals that bring them service with aloha and make Kauai special. First, second and third place awards honored a total of 255 people, places and companies on the Garden Isle in 85 categories ranging from best fishing spot to best school teacher.

Kaua‘i People is a weekly publication of The Honolulu Advertiser, a subsidiary of Gannett Co., Inc. The Best of the Best poll has been held since 2006 as an event to support businesses in the Kauai community. All 2007 honorees were announced in the September 5, 2007 edition of Kaua‘i People.

Overlooking the scenic Kalapaki Beach and Nawiliwili Harbor, the Kaua‘i Marriott Resort & Beach Club is located on 51 prime oceanfront acres on Kaua‘i’s east side. The resort offers 356 comfortably appointed hotel guest rooms and features four restaurants and two lounges, a new Fitness and Aerobics Center, full-service day spa, and 26,000 square-foot swimming pool – one of the largest in Hawai‘i. For more information or to make reservations at the Kaua‘i Marriott Resort & Beach Club, please call (800) 220-2925 or (808) 245-5050 or visit www.marriott.com.