Last Call...for Applications!!! Make 2007 a Happy "Brew" Year - Apply Now to be Four Points by Sheraton's Chief Beer Officer.

Over 5,000 Applications from 31 Countries Highlights Worldwide Love of Good Beer

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. -- Every year there are dozens of summits, conferences and meetings focused on bringing people around the world together, but the answer may finally be on tap: beer.

The heady drinks' global appeal bubbled up during the search by Four Points by Sheraton for the world's first Chief Beer Officer to oversee the hotel chain's new beer program, Best Brews[R].

"I think that there are stereotypes out there about who would apply for this position, but a really diverse group of people from every point of origin - from CEO's to MBA's - have tossed their hats into the ring," said Four Points Senior Vice President Hoyt "Hops" Harper. "Not only is the number of applications incredible, but the strength of the candidates - their passion for quality and depth of experience - will make this decision almost as tough as deciding on a hefeweizen, pale ale or stout at the end of a long day."

Aspiring CBOs predictably enough come from beer capitals like St. Louis, Milwaukee and Boston, but South Korea? Dubai? The Maldives? Citizens of 31 different countries have so far applied for the CBO spot which, in the view of the folks at Four Points by Sheraton, reflects the unifying love of lagers and the passions unleashed by pilsners.

"We knew that Best Brews would be popular, but the international response is beyond our expectations," said Harper.

Four Points has received more applications for this opportunity than any other job in the brand's history. Since the position was announced in mid-November, over 5,000 individuals have applied for the post. The diverse pool of applicants also represents six continents, all 50 states, Washington DC, Puerto Rico. MBAs (both Masters of Business and Beer Administration), self-proclaimed beer snobs, certified beer judges, beer journalists and hundreds who have traveled the globe in search of the world's best brews have all applied for the position. Over 50 percent of applicants have brewed their own beer and, surprisingly, five percent claim to have served as a beer mascot (which could make the interview process quite interesting!).

Another interesting factoid, it looks like women may have a better knowledge of what makes a perfect brew. While only 10 percent of the applicants to date have been women, a higher percentage of them have received a perfect score on the beer knowledge component of the application.

It's Not Too Late to Step Up to the Bar and Send in Your Application

It's not too late for those who think they've got what it takes to step up to the bar, Four Points by Sheraton is issuing a "last call" for applications for the CBO position. The search is scheduled to continue until January 12th.

Candidates for the job should possess a bubbly personality, brew eloquence, and a rich knowledge of beer. The world's first ever CBO will act as an independent, part-time consultant for Four Point's newly-launched Best Brews program. In this role, they will be responsible for sharing their in-depth knowledge of the wide world of beer and help cultivate, curate and promote Best Brews offerings at brewery tours, beer festivals, and on bar stools across the country. Although time is running out, Four Points encourages all who fulfill the above requirements to apply online and see if their favorite pastime earns them a seat at the Board Room table. To be eligible, all one needs is a love for beer, a thirst-hand knowledge of this glorious libation, an interest in perks that are as tasty as beer itself and be 21 years of age or older. Applications are available at www.fourpoints.com/cbo.

Offering the Best in Brew

Four Points by Sheraton is pleased to offer a wide selection of brews featuring imports and North American craft beers, each chosen for their unique flavors, popularity and quality ingredients. The Brewers Association helped develop the overall program and Four Points by Sheraton has been designated the Association's preferred hotel provider.

Through Best Brews, each Four Points hotel around the world will provide a selection of local, regional and imported craft beers from the extensive list of almost 300 available brews in bottles, and on tap. Participating properties will offer a minimum of four draught beers and a selection of up to 20 bottled beers, including imports representing Belgium, Germany, England and the Czech Republic, as well as regional craft beers.

True to its dedication to uncomplicated comfort, Four Points makes choosing the best brew as easy as pie. All hotel beer selections are broken down by style, character and body, so guests can easily identify the perfect brew for their taste. Can't decide? Beer sampler "flights" with four 4oz pours of draught beer with story cards make it easy to sample the best brews on tap while learning about the art of the pour.

As part of the program, all Four Points' lounge and restaurant staff must complete the Best Brews online training program and master all aspects of the curriculum, such as the brewing process and how to properly present and pour beer. Each hotel will also have a "Beer Champion" who will serve as the pilsner prophet and ale aficionado for the property, helping guests discover new tastes and brands, as well as educating them about the differences between each beer. This staff member will also assist in staff training and developing the beer list.

For additional information on Best Brews and Four Points by Sheraton, including room rates and availability, please visit their website at www.fourpoints.com. For information about the Brewers Association and their work to promote and protect American craft brewers and their beers, please visit www.beertown.org.

For more information about Four Points' Best Brews, including beer myths, food pairings and more, visit www.fourpoints.com/beer.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with approximately 850 properties in more than 95 countries and 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood[R] Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels and resorts with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis[R], The Luxury Collection[R], Sheraton[R], Westin[R], Four Points[R] by Sheraton, W[R], Le Meridien[R] and the recently announced aloft(SM) and ELEMENT(SM) Hotels. Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com.