KemperSports Announces Annual Company Award Winners

(NORTHBROOK, Ill.) – KemperSports, a leading golf course management company, hosted its annual KemperSports Leadership Conference this year at The Glen Club in Glenview, Ill., and announced its 2011 award winners. KemperSports’ leadership team, general managers and special guests gathered for a three-day educational conference to celebrate the company’s accomplishments in the past year, and prepare for future growth in 2012.

Steve Skinner, chief executive officer, and Josh Lesnik, president, hosted the annual event, and distributed the company’s top awards to eight deserving individuals and three outstanding properties for their leading performances in 2011.

“We are very proud of our company award winners, and congratulate the entire KemperSports team for a very successful year in 2011,” said Steve Skinner, chief executive officer of KemperSports. “Our people are what sets our company apart, and we are pleased to recognize their efforts.”

This year, the James S. Kemper Staffer of the Year award, named after KemperSports co-founder, was awarded to Bob “Shoe” Gaspar of Bandon Dunes Golf Resort in Bandon, Ore. This award recognizes a KemperSports staff member who delivers exceptional contributions to the company and the community, and exemplifies the highest level of integrity, customer service and genuine concern for others. Gaspar has been an instrumental member of the KemperSports staff for more than 10 years, and began his long tenure with Bandon Dunes as the caddie master in 1998 before the resort opened.

KemperSports Leadership Conference Awards
* Facility of the Year: The Bridges Golf Club, San Ramon, Calif.
* Retailer of the Year: The Governors Club, Brentwood, Tenn.
* James R. Seeley General Manager of the Year: Rich Mogensen, Desert Willow Golf Resort, Palm Desert, Calif.
* Salesperson of the Year: Jamie Vogt, The Governors Club, Brentwood, Tenn.
* Hospitality Professional of the Year: Nicki Walker; Butterfield Trail Golf Club, El Paso, Texas
* Golf Course Superintendent of the Year: Bill Houlihan; Black Gold Golf Course, Yorba Linda, Calif.
* James S. Kemper Staffer of the Year: Bob “Shoe” Gaspar; Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, Bandon, Ore.
* Emil Esposito Golf Professional of the Year: Jeff Dayton, Heron Glen Golf Course, Ringoes, N.J.
* Mady Lesnik Home Office Staffer of the Year: Jon Kaull
* Green to a Tee Award: Sand Creek Station Golf Course, Newton, Kan.
* Excellence in Agency Services: Bryce McMichael, KemperLesnik

For more information about KemperSports, and a complete list of its managed properties, visit www.kempersorts.com.

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