In today's economic environment, employers in all industries are looking for new and creative ways to retain, train, lead and inspire their employees to provide exceptional customer service as a way to stand out against the competition. Since opening its doors in 1999, more than 10,000 senior executives and mid-managers have benefited from the diverse mix of benchmarking seminars and leadership development workshops offered by The Leadership Center. Originally created to support the growth and expansion of The Ritz-Carlton products and services, The Leadership Center has also flourished as a resource center for leading organizations interested in benchmarking many of the business practices that led to The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. becoming a two-time recipient of the coveted Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award.

"Leaders understand that only through motivated and empowered employees can customers receive superior levels of service, which is important whether a customer is waiting on line, on hold or in person," said Diana Oreck, Vice President of The Leadership Center for The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C.

"While service is declining in other industries, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. has continued to increase it's business and offer its guests unparalleled levels of customer service," said Ms. Oreck. "This can only be done through highly trained and motivated employees who act from a personal commitment to achieving the company's goals and values."

Since launching The Leadership Center for outside companies in May 2000, organizations from sectors including the automobile, manufacturing, restaurant, medical, financial and property management industries have sent leaders to one of the two courses offered.

The first course, "Legendary Service at The Ritz-Carlton", is a two-day course designed specifically for outside companies interested in learning about The Ritz-Carlton philosophy and values. The company's business practices, which have led The Ritz-Carlton to becoming the only company in the service industry to win the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award twice, are also shared with class participants. Topics for discussion include The Ritz-Carlton philosophy and "mystique," how to create customer loyalty, total quality management and becoming the "employer of choice." The Legendary Service class is $1700 per participant.

The second class offered is "Creating a Dynamic Employee Orientation", a one-day class that focuses on the critical transition component for employees hired into a new work environment. The Ritz-Carlton is world-renowned for its innovative training and development processes. For organizations looking to create, enhance or revamp their orientation process, this training session will meet that need. "Creating A Dynamic Employee Orientation" class is $1400 per participant.

Courses are conducted at the company's global headquarters in Chevy Chase, Md., although Ritz-Carlton trainers are available to travel to other locations to conduct courses for individual companies. Food and beverage breaks and lunch are included in the tuition and overnight accommodations may be arranged at a Ritz-Carlton Hotel. For more information about The Leadership Center or to make a reservation, please call (301) 547-4806.

The only hospitality company honored twice with the coveted Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is headquartered in Chevy Chase, Md. and operates award-winning hotels and resorts around the world.