4th Marriott Property to be Recognized for its Commitment to Environmental Stewardship; Grande Pines, Led by Director of Grounds Chris Flynn, Receives Resort Facilities Award
Orlando, Fla. – February 12, 2009 – Marriott Golf, one of the world’s premier golf operators, is pleased to announce that Grande Pines Golf Club, located in Orlando, Fla., has received the Chapter Award for Environmental Leadership in Golf for a Resort Facility from the prestigious Golf Course Superintendent’s Association of America (GCSAA)/Golf Digest’s Environmental Leaders in Golf Awards (ELGA). ELGA recognizes golf courses and superintendents worldwide for their commitment to environmental stewardship.
This honor marks the 4th year that a Marriott property has received an ELGA. Previous award winners include: Shiloh Falls Golf Club, Pickwick Dam, Tenn.; Renaissance PineIsle Resort and Golf Club, Lake Lanier, Ga.; and Stone Mountain Golf Club, Stone Mountain, Ga.
“I am thrilled to be receiving this prestigious award from the GCSAA on behalf of Grande Pines Golf Club,” said Chris Flynn, Director of Grounds, Grande Pines Golf Club. “It is truly an honor to be recognized for our commitment to the protection and preservation of the environment and the role that this plays within the golf industry.”
Under Flynn’s guidance and leadership, Grande Pines was one of the first properties in the Marriott Golf portfolio to achieve certification through the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for golf courses, setting the standard for other properties to follow. A highlight of this effort and as part of Grande Pines’ commitment to environmental stewardship, Flynn spearheaded a community project of building a butterfly garden at a local elementary school, in conjunction with a local Boy Scouts Troop. Flynn and his staff supported the school and the project by educating students on the importance of preserving the environment and assisting with routine maintenance of the garden.
In related news, Flynn, who oversees the grounds operations at Marriott’s Grande Vista Resort, including the Faldo Golf Institute, and Grande Pines Resort, has received the esteemed 2008 Resort Manager of the Year award. The Resort’s annual awards are based on performance excellence for current and previous years in various categories, including sales performance, round improvements, program development, personnel development, leadership and more.
Nestled among lakes, tall pines, oaks and palms, Grande Pines Golf Club peacefully coexists with the native flora and wetlands. The course is committed to environmental stewardship and is a member of the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses. Grande Pines Golf Club is situated next to Marriott’s Grande Vista Resort, one of Marriott Vacation Club’s most luxurious resorts, featuring one, two, and three-bedroom villas with spacious living and dining areas, full kitchen, and a master suite with oversized soaking tub, plus access to the Faldo Golf Institute.
About Marriott Golf
Marriott Golf manages 60 golf courses at 44 locations in 13 countries, offering more than 1,000 holes of championship golf. Marriott has been managing golf operations since 1970 and is one of the world’s premier golf operators. Marriott provides golf management and consulting services to a variety of operational environments including resort, private club, daily fee, golf school and franchises. For more information, visit www.marriottgolf.com.
About Marriott
MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL, Inc. (NYSE:MAR) is a leading lodging company with more than 3,000 lodging properties in the United States and 66 other countries and territories. Marriott International operates and franchises hotels under the Marriott, JW Marriott, The Ritz-Carlton, Renaissance, Residence Inn, Courtyard, TownePlace Suites, Fairfield Inn, SpringHill Suites and Bulgari brand names; develops and operates vacation ownership resorts under the Marriott Vacation Club, Horizons by Marriott Vacation Club, The Ritz-Carlton Club and Grand Residences by Marriott brands; operates Marriott Executive Apartments; provides furnished corporate housing through its Marriott ExecuStay division; and operates conference centers. The company is headquartered in Bethesda, Md., and had approximately 151,000 employees at 2007 year-end. It is ranked as the lodging industry’s most admired company and one of the best companies to work for by FORTUNE®, and has been recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with the 2007 Sustained Excellence Award and Partner of the Year since 2004. In fiscal year 2007, Marriott International reported sales from continuing operations of $13 billion. For more information or reservations, please visit our web site at www.marriott.com.
Contact:
Michele Kruchkowski (mkruchkowski@mastrocomm.com)
Stefanie Schiavello (stefanie@mastrocomm.com)
Mastro Communications, Inc. @ 732-469-5700
