HEI Hotels & Resorts Announces 2012 Second Quarter HEI Values Award Winner

NORWALK, Conn., Sept. 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- A smile on his face and a can-do attitude won Marriott Fullerton employee Raul Vega recognition as HEI Hotels & Resorts Values Award winner for the second quarter of 2012.

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HEI Hotels & Resorts, a socially responsible investor and employer in the hospitality industry, today honored Vega as its latest Values Award winner. Vega serves as an engineer at the Marriott Fullerton in California, one of HEI's 43 properties under ownership and/or management. The HEI Values Awards celebrate associates each quarter who exemplify HEI values, showcasing the best of the best in the talented and dedicated associate corps. Colleagues recognized Raul for his team spirit, enthusiasm, and hard work.

"Raul exemplifies everything HEI wants in an associate," said HEI Chairman Gary Mendell. "But more than that, he exemplifies everything that a guest wants from the staff at their hotel – a can-do spirit and attitude that makes their stay more enjoyable, and that also inspires his co-workers. Raul makes the Marriott Fullerton a great place to work."

Stated Human Resources Manager Alyson Powers in her nomination, "Raul encompasses all of the HEI Values during each of his shifts with both our associates and our guests. He has integrity, passion and shows teamwork to get the job completed…He always has a smile on his face in any situation." Leadership cited many instances of his exemplary customer service or hard work that went above and beyond the call of duty.

The quarterly HEI Values Awards were initiated in 2009 by HEI leadership to recognize associates for exceptional achievement in one of the HEI values: team environment of passion and enthusiasm, integrity, innovation, social responsibility, or commitment to excellence. Management across HEI properties and the corporate offices nominate associates, and a winner is determined by a committee in the corporate office. Winners receive company-wide recognition and a plaque presented by senior HEI leadership.

About HEI
HEI Hotels & Resorts, headquartered in Norwalk, Connecticut with 43 properties in 16 states, creates socially responsible investment and employment opportunities through real estate portfolios of hotels and resorts throughout the United States under such well-known brand names as Marriott, Sheraton, Westin, Le Meridien, Embassy Suites, and Hilton. HEI takes a holistic approach to creating value for its investors and employees by setting the highest standards across all aspects of hotel management and operation and focusing on the central principles of excellence and continuous improvement. HEI prides itself on some of the highest employee satisfaction scores in the hospitality industry, fuels local economic prosperity by investing in communities and is committed to environmental stewardship and sustainability. For more information about HEI, visit the company's website, www.heihotels.com.

SOURCE HEI Hotels & Resorts