Marriott to Open Its First Hotel in the Bronx

Well-known international hotel chain invests in Bronx County, expected to provide hundreds of good jobs for Bronxites in the process

BRONX, NY  - State Senator Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester), joined by Bronx Chamber of Commerce members and Residence Inn by Marriott hotel representatives hosted the first job fair for the new Residence Inn by Marriott Bronx at Metro Center Atrium, expected to open in early 2015. The new hotel will be located at the Hutchinson Metro Center Atrium, 1776 Eastchester Road, Bronx, NY 10461.  The job fair was held in conjunction with Bronx H.I.R.E. - an innovative and targeted jobs program developed by the Office of Senator Klein and the Bronx Chamber of Commerce.

“With this investment from Residence Inn by Marriott we see clearly that the Bronx is open for business. With their international reputation for high-quality hospitality and stellar service, we are delighted to welcome Residence Inn by Marriott to the Bronx and know they will be not only be the first choice for travelers and guests in the area but a strong economic partner for years to come,” said State Senator Jeff Klein.

“All the Bronx residents and business people that I have met express great enthusiasm over the upcoming opening of The Residence Inn by Marriott Bronx at Metro Center Atrium.  The community has clearly voiced the need for the services of a new first class hotel in the borough.  We are excited to interview candidates from our local neighborhoods and build a team of friendly hospitality professionals who share our pride in The Bronx,”  said Clement Carey, General Manager, Residence Inn by Marriott Bronx at Metro Center Atrium.

“The Bronx Chamber of Commerce plays an active role in the economic development of the Bronx and creating jobs.  With the Throggs Neck Shopping Center, Marriott Hotel, the Outlet Mall, a new Macys, and Trump Golf Course moving in to the Bronx, we will work with these companies to promote Bronx job fairs for placement in these new businesses,”  said Lenny Caro, President & CEO, Bronx Chamber of Commerce

“We offer a unique and different program for jobseekers and job providers.  This initiative pays for and provides our pre-screened job seekers with certifications and training such as commercial driving licensing, classes in security training, accounting, and more,” said the Honorable June Eisland, Eisland Strategies and Vice President of Bronx Chamber of Commerce.

“We are thankful for Senator Jeff Klein’s funding, which invests in the Bronx workforce.  Through Bronx H.I.R.E., we can properly match Bronx job seekers with quality positions at new developments, such as Residence Inn by Marriott.  The Bronx Chamber of Commerce encourages job seekers to contact our office for more employment opportunities, support for certifications, help with resumes, interviews, applications, and further assistance,” said Michelle Dolgow Cristofaro, H.I.R.E. Administrator and Bronx Chamber of Commerce Chief-of-Staff.

“The hotel is an example of the economic growth that we are witnessing across the borough. New businesses and developments are choosing to invest in our great borough, which produces more jobs and benefits the Bronx economy.” said Joseph Kelleher, President and COO Hutchinson Metro Center and Chairman of Bronx Chamber of Commerce.

Bronx H.I.R.E (Help Identify Real Employment) is a unique jobs program aimed at connecting Bronx workers with real jobs through a comprehensive, direct approach developed by Senator Klein’s office and the Bronx Chamber of Commerce. The Bronx H.I.R.E. program, announced in July, is made possible through a $200,000 grant secured by Senator Klein in this year's state budget.

The program consist of two parts - one that will make sure that the new and existing Bronx businesses and institutions are employing Bronx residents and the other that will establish a hands- on worker development program. The second part of this program, known as the “Opening Doors Initiative” will give Bronx workers an opportunity to receive support for additional certifications, help with resumes, interviews, applications and assistance with follow-up for positions to which H.I.R.E. participants have applied. The program will be facilitated by the Bronx Chamber of Commerce.

 For more information and to enroll in the Bronx H.I.R.E program visit: http://www.bronxchamber.org or contact the Bronx Chamber of Commerce at (718) 828-3900.