Page 264 - The New Gold Standard

PRINCIPLE 5: LEA VE A LASTING FOOTPRINT
inspires their allies in the meetings and travel industry to also in-
fluence the social engagement of their clients. But more than
that, they strengthen valuable business relationships in an au-
thentic and unforgettable way.
Executives at Ritz-Carlton work to help those conducting
meetings in their hotels to make connections with community-
based organizations, to add social responsibility aspects to a
meeting or conference. Sue Stephenson explains, “These pro-
grams are still evolving. You can enjoy a luxury meeting experi-
ence, and you can also participate in an activity that lets you give
back in some way. We’re working with people out in the field,
and there is huge enthusiasm for creating these opportunities.
But we must always be respectful as we strike the balance of giv-
ing our guests the opportunity to be involved while protecting
the dignity of those they serve in the community.”
There are additional ways for individuals to make contribu-
tions that respect those served through the Community Foot-
prints program. One is by creating a Community Footprints
Fund to accept direct contributions and a portion of the rev-
enues from the sale of select merchandise, such as the Ritz Cof-
fee Candle, which is sold in their hotel stores. Another is an
initiative called “Meaningful Meetings,” which allows groups
booking a certain number of room nights at any Ritz-Carlton
hotel or resort in the United States, Canada, or the Caribbean
to have 10 percent of the total room revenue donated in equal
portions to a charity of their choice and to causes supported by
Community Footprints.
Bruce Himelstein, senior vice president of sales and market-
ing, explains how this initiative came about: “We know many
groups that elect to stay at a Ritz-Carlton are supporters of char-
itable organizations, and we believe the Meaningful Meetings
program satisfies their commitment to give something to a wor-
thy cause, while at the same time knowing their meeting will re-
ceive the attention to detail we are known for when it comes to
caring for the needs of our group clientele.” From the onset of

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