FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 29, 2006                                                            

TO: All Media Outlets
FROM: Yukon Convention Bureau

YUKON CONVENTION BUREAU PRESENTS GOLDEN BRAVO AWARDS!

WHITEHORSE, Yukon.  The Yukon Convention Bureau (YCB) together with Northwestel presented two GOLDEN Bravo Awards on Saturday April 29th, 2006 in Dawson City, Yukon.

The Golden Bravo Awards, recognize and individual or organizations who have raised the bar within the meeting and event sector, who have gone above and beyond to ensure the success of a meeting or event.  The awards were handed out during the TIA Yukon Spring Meeting in Dawson City, so the recipients would be recognized by their peers.

“The Yukon Convention Bureau believes very strongly in rewarding those organizations and individuals who provide exceptional service, directly contributing to the success of a meeting or event in the Territory.  By raising the bar, Yukon continually challenges itself and continues to strive for excellence.” Says Jenn Houtby, Managing Director, Yukon Convention Bureau.

The 2006 Golden Bravo Recipients were;   Darlene Sillery (Village of Haines Junction) and the Westmark Whitehorse Hotel and Conference Centre.

Darlene Sillery is a fantastic Yukon Ambassador consistently going above and beyond to ensure the success of meetings or events in Haines Junction. 

“Darlene is affectionately known as ‘Superwoman” in the Yukon Convention Bureau office” says Jenn Houtby, Managing Director of the Yukon Convention Bureau.  “She is ultimately responsible for the success of events in Haines Junction.  Clients really respond to her professionalism and can do attitude.”

The Westmark Whitehorse Hotel and Conference Centre is a hotel leader in Yukon delivering exceptional customer service and leading by example.   This is the second year in a row the Westmark  Whitehorse was nominated.

“Right from the General Manager to the Front Office Team to the Banquet Team, everyone has a smile no matter what the request – that is true customer service,” comments Houtby.   “This is a team who is organized, friendly, professional- always putting the guest first, providing for a lasting positive impression of both the hotel and of Yukon.”

 “Northwestel is pleased to help promote the successes of Yukon organizations by sponsoring the Yukon Convention Bureau Bravo Awards,” said Northwestel President & CEO Paul Flaherty.

“We are very supportive of the efforts of local individuals and groups who have  attracted new meetings and events to the Yukon, or who have contributed in exceptional ways to ensure the success of these events, added Flaherty.  “Their achievements benefit all Yukoners and they deserve our recognition and thanks.”

“The Bravo Awards would not have been possible without the generous support of Northwestel,” said Paul Choquette, Yukon Convention Bureau President.   “Northwestel is great supporter of the meeting and event sector and a great promoter of exceptional service.  The Yukon Convention Bureau is very pleased to partner with Northwestel on this exciting program,” he added.

The Yukon Convention Bureau positions the Yukon as a favorable destination for meetings and events.  With over 30 events already confirmed for 2006, YCB is currently booking 2007 through 2010.

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