CTCC Team of the Year

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For Immediate Release
February 22, 2007

CONNECTICUT CONVENTION CENTER TEAM OF ASSOCIATES NAMED “TEAM OF THE YEAR” BY WATERFORD HOTEL GROUP

HARTFORD, CT — Recognizing the contributions of its top performing properties in 2006, Waterford Hotel Group and its affiliates named the associates of the Connecticut Convention Center as its 2006 Team of the Year during the company’s recent Leadership Conference. The Connecticut Convention Center is professionally managed by Waterford Venue Services Hartford, an affiliate of Waterford Hotel Group.

Waterford Hotel Group held its 17th Annual Leadership Conference at the Marriott Hartford Downtown, where more than 80 managers, representing the 27 properties operated by Waterford nationwide, gathered for the conference. The two-day event is a way for the company’s leadership to share ideas, set goals, and foster team spirit throughout the organization. During an Awards Ceremony held at the adjacent Connecticut Convention Center, Waterford recognized their best performing properties from the past year.

The Connecticut Convention Center was honored for many achievements, including staff excellence, outstanding customer service and participation in community activities.

“The convention center team believes in the property and in the value of their own contributions,” commented Terry Bickhardt, president and COO for Waterford. “Convention center clients experience events beyond compare, and this team exemplifies what can be accomplished when all associates give their best.”

The award came as a surprise to more than 50 Convention Center associates who were asked to gather for a customary moment of thanks at the ceremony’s close.

“To be recognized as the best among all the Waterford Hotel Group properties speaks volumes about the quality of our associates, and the amount of pride each person takes in their position,” said Mike Costelli, the Convention Center’s General Manager.

“In just one year, we set a very high benchmark for the state’s growing hospitality industry,” he added. “I am extremely proud to work with such great people.”

About the Connecticut Convention Center
The Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford is the largest full-service convention facility between New York and Boston. Overlooking the beautiful Connecticut River, it features 140,000 square feet of exhibition space, a 40,000-square-foot ballroom and 25,000 square feet of meeting space, as well as ample sheltered and outside parking. The facility is served by more than 6,500 local area hotel rooms, including the 22-story Marriott Hartford Downtown, adjacent to the Convention Center.

About Waterford Hotel Group
Waterford Hotel Group, Inc., with headquarters in Waterford, CT, currently manages 27 properties in eight states. 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. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.waterfordgroup.net.

Contacts:
Katie Blint, 860-249-6000