FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 30, 2009

Rawlings, Ritz-Carlton Executives to Speak in April at Webster University School of Business and Technology’s ‘Maritz Success to Significance Speaker Series’

ST. LOUIS, March 30, 2009 - Robert Parish, president of Rawlings Sporting Goods Co., and Erich Steinbock, general manager of the Ritz-Carlton in Clayton, will visit Webster University in April to speak at the School of Business and Technology’s “Maritz Success to Significance Speaker Series.”

Parish’s presentation, “Company First, Self Second,” will be held on Wednesday, April 8 at 6 p.m. in the University Center’s Sunnen Lounge, 175 Edgar Rd. in Webster Groves. As the head of one of America’s best-known brands and maker of Major League baseballs, gloves and bats, Parish knows what it is like to be at the top of his game. He will share his insights on baseball, business and making it in the Big League.

Steinbock is scheduled to speak on Wednesday, April 15 at noon in the Emerson Library Conference Room, 101 Edgar Rd. in Webster Groves. In his presentation, “How to Define Success: Lessons From a Career at the Ritz-Carlton,” Steinbock will share what he and the iconic luxury hotel do every day to be the best and ways any company in any sector can deliver the same gold standard the Ritz embraces.

Both presentations are free and open to the public, but reservations are encouraged. To RSVP, go to www.webster.edu/speakers. Free parking is available in the University’s Garden Park Garage, 554 Garden Ave.

With its home campus in St. Louis, Webster University (www.webster.edu) is a worldwide institution committed to delivering high-quality learning experiences that transform students for global citizenship and individual excellence. Founded in 1915, Webster offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs through five schools and colleges, and a global network of more than 100 campuses. Its 20,000-plus student population represents almost 150 nationalities. The University’s core values include excellence in teaching, joining theory and practice, small class sizes, and educating students to be lifelong independent learners, fully prepared to participate in an increasingly international society.

Since opening its first campus overseas in Geneva in 1978, Webster has become a recognized leader and innovator in global education, with an international presence that now includes campuses in London; Vienna; Amsterdam and Leiden, the Netherlands; Shanghai, Shenzhen and Chengdu, China; and Bangkok and Cha-am, Thailand. Webster also has educational partnerships with universities in Mexico and Japan.