Conferon Honors Employees of Starwood, USA Hosts and Sheraton With Supplier Excellence Awards Conferon awarded its highest recognitions to nine of its suppliers at the company’s annual convention held recently in Anaheim. These awards recognize superior performance in 2002 by suppliers who consistently met high standards in customer service, integrity and character, and have made an extraordinary contribution to Conferon’s success. Taking the National Hotel Sales Person Award of Excellence for her integrity and outstanding follow-through as well as her assistance on a national level with Conferon’s client issues was Lynda Hayes of Starwood Hotels. Karen Christensen from USA Hosts received the National Supplier Award of Excellence for her consistent service and for her assistance to all her clients in dealing with the cancellations following Sept. 11. Donna Grainger from the Sheraton Toronto was awarded the Convention Service Manager Award of Excellence for her exceptional turn-around time and suggestions for improvements. Recognizing each of its regional office suppliers this year, Supplier of the Year Awards also went to Boston’s Walter Williams of Williams & Partners; Washington D.C.’s Dan Jones of Hyatt Hotels; Ohio’s Bill Grusich of Hinton & Grusich; Chicago’s Wendy Michielson of the Austin CVB; St. Louis’ Kelly Lynch and John Koval of Champion Expositions; and Denver’s Dan Hanley of the Hyatt Regency, Denver. Bruce Harris, President & CEO of Conferon remarked, "Our suppliers are one of our most valuable assets. Without their efforts, we could not have achieved many of our goals in 2002." Blake Hobbs, who has worked many meetings for Conferon, received the Conferon Award of Recognition for his heroism during the evacuation of his clients from the Marriott World Trade Center during the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11. Bill Marriott, Chairman of Marriott Hotels, also recognized Hobbs with a special award.