La Quinta Inns & Suites Reaffirms Support for Guard and Reserve Employees


Wayne Goldberg, President and CEO, signs Statement of Support

Alexandria, Va, May 20, 2014. Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense office, today announced Mr. Wayne Goldberg, President and CEO of La Quinta Inns & Suites, a Blackstone portfolio company, signed a Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve. Goldberg signed the pledge in a ceremony at the La Quinta Corporate Office in Irving, Texas. Goldberg was joined by Mr. Alex Baird, Principal Deputy Director of Family and Employer Programs and Policy, Department of Defense.  

The Statement of Support confirms La Quinta joins other employers in pledging:

  • We fully recognize, honor and enforce the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act (USERRA). 
  • Our managers and supervisors will have the tools they need to effectively manage those employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve.
  • We appreciate the values, leadership and unique skills service members bring to the workforce and will encourage opportunities to hire Guardsmen, Reservists and Veterans.
  • We will continually recognize and support our country’s service members and their families in peace, in crises and in war.

“Supportive employers like La Quinta are critical to maintaining the readiness and strength of the nation’s Guard and Reserve units and allow Guardsmen and Reservists the opportunity to serve our country more effectively and with greater peace of mind,” said Alex Baird. “By signing this Statement of Support, La Quinta sends a clear message they stand committed to their military employees and recognize the integrity, global perspective and proven leadership they bring to the workplace.”

“At La Quinta, we focus on doing the right thing.  We have taken a holistic approach to embracing our military so all our employees can play a role,” said Wayne Goldberg, La Quinta’s President and CEO.  “Hiring is a key component to our military program and the signing of this statement of support reinforces our commitment not only because it is the right thing to do but because it is also the smart thing to do.”   

“We are extremely proud that La Quinta has made this commitment today. Blackstone, and the companies within our portfolio, are committed to ensuring that all service members have the support they need to both serve our nation and maintain their jobs at home,” said Blackstone Chairman, CEO and Co-founder Steve Schwarzman. “Service members embody many of the skills, talents and personal attributes that make them valuable employees and it’s up to each of us to support them both in and out of the workforce.”

About La Quinta

La Quinta Holdings Inc. is a leading owner, operator and franchisor of select-service hotels primarily serving the upper-midscale and midscale segments. The Company’s owned and franchised portfolio consists of more than 830 La Quinta Inn & Suites™ and La Quinta Inn™ brands representing approximately 84,000 rooms located in 46 states, as well as in Canada and Mexico. La Quinta’s team is committed to providing guests with a refreshing and engaging experience. 

About Blackstone

Blackstone is one of the world’s leading investment and advisory firms. We seek to create positive economic impact and long-term value for our investors, the companies we invest in, the companies we advise and the broader global economy. We do this through the commitment of our extraordinary people and flexible capital. Our asset management businesses include investment vehicles focused on private equity, real estate, hedge fund solutions, non-investment grade credit, secondary funds, and multi asset class exposures falling outside of other funds’ mandates. Blackstone also provides various financial advisory services, including financial and strategic advisory, restructuring and reorganization advisory and fund placement services. Further information is available at www.blackstone.com. Follow Blackstone on Twitter @Blackstone.

About ESGR

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve is a Department of Defense office established in 1972 to develop and maintain employer support for Guard and Reserve service.  ESGR advocates relevant initiatives, recognizes outstanding support, increases awareness of applicable laws, and resolves conflict between service members and employers. Paramount to ESGR’s mission is encouraging the employment of Guardsmen and Reservists who bring integrity, global perspective and proven leadership to the civilian workforce. 

More information about ESGR Employer Outreach is available at www.ESGR.mil or by contacting Tom Bullock, Chief, Employer Outreach, at (571) 372-0709, or by email at [email protected].