Choice Hotels International Scores a Perfect 100 in Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index for Third Consecutive Year

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Dec 09, 2013, 09:30 ET

ROCKVILLE, Md., Dec. 9, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Choice Hotels International (NYSE: CHH) is pleased to announce it scored a perfect 100 as part of Human Rights Campaign's (HRC) Corporate Equality Index—an annual report from HRC ranking companies on their LGBT-friendly practices and policies. This rank has earned Choice Hotels the distinction of being one of HRC's "Best Places to Work for LGBT Equality."

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"Choice Hotels provides an inclusive environment for all of our associates. For three years in a row we have scored a perfect 100 in this index," said Steve Joyce, president and CEO of Choice Hotels. "Diversity and inclusion are important to growing our business. We want the best and the brightest working for Choice Hotels. Ensuring that we adhere to inclusionary practices means that we can find the best talent out there, which ultimately makes us a better business."

The 2014 CEI chronicles the remarkable advances that have taken place on behalf of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender equality in the workplace since 2002. In its first year, only 13 businesses received a top 100 percent score. This year, Choice Hotels is among 300 other corporations, across industries, geographies, and size that will receive a 100 percent score.

As part of the CEI, Choice Hotels was rated on 40 specific policies and practices, 32 of which are new or more demanding this year. To achieve a perfect score and the coveted distinction of "Best Places to Work for LGBT Equality," Choice Hotels had to have fully-inclusive equal employment opportunity policies, provide equal employment benefits, demonstrate organizational LGBT competency, evidence its commitment to equality publicly and exercise responsible citizenship.

About HRC

The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

About Choice Hotels

Choice Hotels International, Inc. franchises more than 6,300 hotels, representing more than 500,000 rooms, in the United States and more than 30 other countries and territories. As of September 30, 2013, 371 hotels, representing more than 29,000 rooms, were under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development in the United States. Additionally, 84 hotels, representing approximately 7,200 rooms, were under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development in more than 15 other countries and territories. The company's Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Cambria Suites, MainStay Suites, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel, Econo Lodge and Rodeway Inn brands, as well as its Ascend Hotel Collection membership program, serve guests worldwide. All hotels are independently owned and operated.

Choice Hotels International offers the Choice Privileges rewards program. With more than 18 million members worldwide, is one of the fastest growing hotel loyalty programs in the travel industry.

Additional corporate information can be found on the Choice Hotels International, Inc. web site, which may be accessed at www.choicehotels.com.

Choice Hotels, Choice Hotels International, Choice Privileges, Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Cambria Suites, MainStay Suites, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel, Econo Lodge, Rodeway Inn, Ascend, and Ascend Hotel Collection are proprietary trademarks and service marks of Choice Hotels International Inc.

SOURCE Choice Hotels International, Inc.