In a special ceremony at the Benchmark`s Annual Sales Training Conference held recently at the company’s east coast flagship, Lansdowne Resort, Benchmark Hospitality International honoured thethe company`s annual top sales executives.

Award winners were selected from among more than 130 sales and marketing professionals throughout the Benchmark organization. Recognition was awarded based on exemplary sales performance, team participation, and strong leadership exhibited throughout the year.

We are extremely proud of the sales & marketing team that we’ve had the privilege to build here at Benchmark Hospitality, stated Hal Powell, regional vice president, sales and marketing. The 2007 award recipients represent the top achievers within a field of superb professionals that make up the Benchmark sales force.

Recipients of Benchmark`s 2007 Top Sales Executive Awards:

• The top honor, Sales Executive of the Year, was awarded to John Edwards, sales executive at Scottsdale Resort & Conference Center, Scottsdale, Arizona.



• The Sales Leader of the Year Award went to Kris Reagan of The Chattanoogan, Chattanooga, Tennessee.



• Director of Sales & Marketing of the Year Award was presented to Julie Berry, Eaglewood Resort & Spa, located in Itasca, Illinois, near Chicago.



• The Benchmark Conference Plan Sales Award was given to Annette Pennella, Virginia Crossings Resort, Richmond, Virginia.



• Rookie of the Year Award, presented to Adam Hud, Eaglewood Resort & Spa



• Benchmark Bulldog Award, given to Patricia Viquelia, Turtle Bay Resort, North Shore, Oahu, Hawaii



• The Benchmark Award of Excellence was presented to seven sales professionals,
  
  
  
  1. Penny Bergsten, Cheyenne Mountain Resort, Colorado Springs, Colorado
     
     
  2. Laura Caponigro, Chaminade, Santa Cruz, California
     
     
  3. Lee Reijgers, Cheyenne Mountain Resort
     
     
  4. Brenda Rutherford, French Lick Resort Casino, French Lick, Indiana
     
     
  5. Tim Sofield, North Maple Inn, Basking Ridge, New Jersey
     
     
  6. Bill Spencer, The Heldrich, New Brunswick, New Jersey
     
     
  7. Megan Sprott, Virginia Crossings Resort
     

A new category was announced this year at the conference, which was named the CEO of Sales Award. This award is presented to the Benchmark general manager recognized for outstanding contributions and exemplary support of his/her property`s sales efforts. The inaugural CEO of Sales Award was presented to Tom Cupo, general manager of Virginia Crossings Resort.