Marriott International Inc. has been named one of the 100 best companies to work for by Fortune magazine.

The Bethesda-based Marriott, which is a leading hospitality concern, ranked 44th among the group in the magazine's Jan. 11 issue.

"We are delighted to be recognized as being a place where associates from diverse backgrounds can build careers," said Tom Marder, a spokesman for the company, which employs 131,000. "If you treat associates right, then associates will treat customers right."

Fortune noted that more than 16,000 Marriott employees have worked for the company at least 10 years, and more than half are members of minority groups.

The company also offers child care at its Bethesda headquarters and in Atlanta.

Marriott has a toll-free number employees can call to sort out personal problems. The phones are staffed by trained social workers.

Other regional companies named to the list include Wilmington, Del.-based MBNA Corp., ranked ninth; Capital One Financial Corp., Falls Church, Va., 41st; and Washington-based Bureau of National Affairs, ranked 54th.

Pub Date: 12/25/98