The Shadow
GLEN ALLEN – Richard A. Eisenman is the 2011 recipient of the John R. Dufour Lifetime Professional Achievement Award.
This honor is given to a member of the Virginia Association of Hospitality Sales and Meeting Professionals.
The John R. Dufour Lifetime Professional Achievement Award memorializes the spirit of John Rene Dufour, a true leader in hospitality sales and marketing in Virginia, who passed away in 2006 at the age of 42.
John was well recognized by his peers, representing such top facilities as The Tides Inn, The Homestead, and other properties. He was well known for his engaging personality, kind manner and professionalism in serving the needs of his clients.
The Inaugural Lifetime Professional Achievement Award was created to recognize an individual who possesses dedication to the hospitality industry, integrity, honesty, professionalism, leadership and compassion.
It was first presented at the 2004 Annual Conference to John Dufour, who so exemplified the very essence of this award that it was renamed the John R. Dufour Lifetime Professional Achievement Award.
Given the high standards on which this award was founded, the presentation of this award is only given to the most deserving candidates and may or may not be given on an annual basis.
The Virginia Association of Hospitality Sales and Meeting Professionals has been serving the hospitality professionals in Virginia for over half a century.
Formerly a chapter of an international hospitality organization, VHSMP provides continuing educational opportunities for hoteliers and meeting planners, as well as professional achievement awards, networking opportunities and collegiate scholarships.
The association leadership works in connection with the Virginia Tourism Corporation and other state associations to present a unified message on legislative and funding issues related to tourism and convention marketing.
On March 25, 2011 during the VHSMP Annual Conference Awards Luncheon at The Kingsmill Resort in Williamsburg, Eisenman, president and CEO of Eisenman & Associates, Inc., an association management company in Henrico County, was awarded the 2011 Virginia Association of Hospitality Sales & Meeting Professionals John R. Dufour Lifetime Professional Achievement Award.
Nominated by his peers as a recognized and respected professional in the hospitality industry, Mr. Eisenman was chosen to receive this award by the VHSMP Board of Directors.
His nomination was supported by many in the industry, and was reflected in the comments provided by his friends and colleagues.
Jeff Ford, director of sales at The Homestead, is the chair of the John Dufour Memorial Scholarship Award Committee.
