WATERFORD, CT, March 19, 2007. Recognizing the contributions of its top performing manager in 2007, Waterford Hotel Group named Mark Graham as its 2007 General Manager of the Year during the company’s recent Leadership Conference. Graham serves as the general manager of the newly renovated Residence Inn by Marriott in Hartford, CT. Waterford Hotel Group, a national hotel management firm, professionally operates the 120-room Residence Inn.

Mark Graham joined Waterford in November 2003, and has been the General Manager at the Residence Inn since May 2005. He was honored as General Manager of the Year for his proven ability to promote positive change and foster teamwork and cooperation, all while creating a team of associates who are dedicated to hotel service and to one another’s success. “Mark’s can-do attitude helped him and his team overcome obstacles and succeed in 2007,” commented Terry Bickhardt, president and COO for Waterford Hotel Group, Inc. “His relationships with the hotel clients is exceptionally strong, and his commitment to the guests and his associates make Mark an outstanding leader.” Graham is currently a board member of the Connecticut Lodging Association and the Cherish the Children Foundation. He resides in Glastonbury.

Also, Waterford Hotel Group named Cheryl Peck as its 2007 Director of Sales of the Year.
Cheryl Peck was honored for many achievements at the Residence Inn by Marriott Mystic hotel, including surpassing budgeted revenues and market shares, developing and implementing new and creative marketing and sales techniques, and demonstrating involvement and dedication to the overall success of the hotel. “Cheryl helped the Residence Inn far exceed the prior year’s room revenue and the market segments controlled by her sales office finished 15% ahead of budget,” commented Terry Bickhardt, president and COO for Waterford Hotel Group, Inc. “This is truly a reflection of the commitment and dedication that she has shown consistently during her career with Waterford.”

Waterford Hotel Group held its 18th Annual Leadership Conference at the Mystic Marriott Hotel & Spa in Groton, where more than 65 managers, representing the 24 properties operated by Waterford nationwide, gathered for the conference. The three-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, Waterford Hotel Group recognized their best performing properties from the past year.

Waterford Hotel Group, Inc., with headquarters in Waterford, CT, currently manages 24 properties in 7 states, including the 540,000 square foot Connecticut Convention Center. 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.