FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

                                                                           March 19, 2008

                                                                           FOR MORE INFORMATION Contact:

                                                                           Ana Fermín

                                                                           (585) 383-8510 ext. 219

Stars of the Industry Nominee Represents Local Rochester Marriott Airport

Rochester, NY – Two E.J. Del Monte Corporation employees were finalists in the annual New York State Hospitality & Tourism Association’s (NYSHTA) “Stars of the Industry” awards program held on March 10 in Albany. 

            Bridget Williams, sous chef at The Del Monte Lodge, A Renaissance Hotel & Spa, was a finalist in the Outstanding Manager of the Year Award. Williams received her Bachelor's degree from Paul Smith's College. She studied in the Burgundy region of France for a summer and was pastry chef of a four-diamond resort in Colorado. She has been with E.J. Del Monte Corp. for almost five years.  Williams resides in Irondequoit.

            Ilvea Perez, a housekeeper at the Courtyard by Marriott Rochester West was a finalist in the Outstanding Roomkeeper of the Year category. Her responsibilities include housekeeping, laundry and maintenance of the rooms. Perez has been with the company for almost 6 years.  She is a resident of Greece.

Started in 1994, the “Stars of the Industry” awards program recognizes exemplary professionalism and the exceptional service of individuals in New York’s hospitality and tourism industry. The program honors individuals who set the standard of excellence and help make the industry successful. Finalists and their family and friends were invited to Albany for a ceremony.

            Founded in 1953, the E.J. Del Monte Corporation entered hotel construction and operation in 1974. Since that time, the E.J. Del Monte Corporation has added 17 Marriott hotels to its portfolio to include Marriott, Renaissance, Courtyard by Marriott, Residence Inn by Marriott and Fairfield Inn by Marriott brands. Ernest J. Del Monte serves as Chairman of the Board and John Del Monte is president of the E.J. Del Monte Corporation which owns and operates 9 Marriott hotels in the Rochester area, in addition to the Spa at the Del Monte in Pittsford. With its headquarters in Rochester, NY, the E.J. Del Monte Corporation employs over 800. For more information, visit www.ejdcorp.com.