Sep 12, 2014

HMSHost Recognized for Diversity Practices in Aviation Industry

BETHESDA, MD —Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA) has honored global restaurateur HMSHost with its ACI-NA Inclusion Champion Award for the World Business Partners/Associates category. These awards recognize sustained practices in the areas of business inclusion, workforce inclusion, and development and promotion of the future growth and diversity of the aviation industry. Awards were officially presented at the Chairman’s Honors Breakfast on September 10, during the ACI-NA Annual Conference and Exhibition in Atlanta, Georgia.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled about being honored with this esteemed award. HMSHost is dedicated to diversity within our operations and workforce, and we are strong proponents of rewarding and developing the diverse individuals and businesses that represent the future of our business,” said HMSHost President and CEO Steve Johnson.” This award will serve as a source of pride, made possible by all of HMSHost’s associates, as well as the many diverse businesses we partner with across the country.”

Through a systematic approach to achieving diversity in operations, HMSHost has been successful in creating contracting opportunities for airport concessions disadvantaged business enterprises (ACDBEs), and currently has more than 100 diverse partners in 50 airports across the country. Participation in organizations such as the Women’s Foodservice Forum and associate programs such as HMSHost’s Operations Leadership Development Program has helped ensure diversity in the company’s workforce. Through this commitment to workforce diversity, HMSHost has achieved a 61% female hire rate and a 63% minority hire rate over the last two years.

From a development perspective, HMSHost has been a long-standing, active member of the Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) by planning conferences, introducing women and minority entrepreneurs to the airport concessions business, and supporting scholarship programs. The company has also established scholarships to promote the development of future industry professionals in the minority community.

Airports Council International–North America represents local, regional and state governing bodies that own and operate commercial airports in the U.S. and Canada. The annual conference and exhibition attracts numerous delegates and exhibitors from more than 150 airports from the U.S. and Canada. The Inclusion Champion Awards are a unique opportunity for the airport industry to recognize successful, innovative, and sustainable diversity practices.