�This past year has been challenging on everyone in our industry, but Waterford�s done exceedingly well�and we have our associates to thank for that,� said Waterford President and C.O.O. Rob Winchester. �Our corporate culture has always been based on the awareness that our associates are our most important asset. When you cultivate an atmosphere where everyone feels appreciated and respected, that�s the major factor in delivering excellent guest service�which, in turn, is what success in this business is all about.�

What this year�s Executive Conference delivered to attendees was a healthy dose of fun along with recognition for jobs well done. For example, in addition to traditional awards, such as Associate of the Year, Director of Sales of the Year, General Manager of the Year and Housekeeping Team of the Year, several awards were passed out, just for fun, in recognition of less-serious �accomplishments,� such as �Corporate Staff Member Most Likely to Plan a Property Visit around Lunch�.  Top performers for the year 2002 were recognized during an awards dinner on Friday evening.  Individual winners included:

• Associate of the Year:  Brutus Mercidieu, Sheraton Four Points, Norwalk, CT 
• Department Head of the Year:  Timothy Delap, Ramada Plaza, Fond du Lac, WI
• General Manager of the Year:  Michael Scavotto, Courtyard by Marriott, Concord, NH
• Director of Sales of the Year: Pamela Patoine, Courtyard by Marriott, Concord, NH 
• Chairman�s Award for Excellence:  Mark Fallon, Mystic Marriott Hotel & Spa, Groton, CT

• Hotel Team of the Year:  Radisson Governors Inn, Research Triangle Park, NC
• Most Improved RevPAR:  Residence Inn by Marriott, Burlington, VT
• Maintenance Team of the Year:  Comfort Inn, Mystic, CT
• Food & Beverage Team of the Year:  Mystic Marriott Hotel & Spa, Groton, CT
• Housekeeping Team of the Year:  Days Inn, Mystic, CT
• Front Office Team of the Year:  Radisson Governors Inn, Research Triangle Park, NC

During a luncheon ceremony, Rob Winchester presented the March of Dimes with a $40,000 check on behalf of the organization. Waterford Hotel Group and its managed properties have donated more than $220,000 to the March of Dimes since 1995.  Associates raise money for this corporate charity through various fundraising events, including �Blue Jeans for Babies�, WalkAmerica, and bake sales. 

Waterford Hotel Group, based in Waterford, CT currently operates 29 properties nationally. Waterford Hotel Group has experience operating virtually every type of hotel property, including limited services properties, all-suite hotels, conference centers, and large full service and resort properties.  The company�s approach to hotel development and operations is hands-on, and features frequent site visits and constant communication with customers and partners.  Additionally, Waterford Hotel Group offers centralized accounting, financial reporting, strategic marketing, human resources, and day-to-day operations management systems to increase market share and profitability at all properties.