Agency President/CEO Recognized for Outstanding Contributions to Community

Jack DeLeo, president/CEO of Hitchcock Fleming & Associates Inc. (hfa), a full-service marketing communications agency in Akron, Ohio, has been recognized with the 2007 Hospitality Volunteer Award as part of the Sixth Annual Zenith Awards sponsored by the Akron/Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau (ASCVB). The award recognizes the time and commitment he has donated to various hospitality organizations, including the ASCVB, Akron Symphony, Akron Civic Theatre and Greater Akron Chamber.

Akron, OH (PRWEB) August 12, 2007 -- Jack DeLeo, president/CEO of Hitchcock Fleming & Associates Inc. (hfa), a full-service marketing communications agency in Akron, Ohio, has been recognized with the 2007 Hospitality Volunteer Award as part of the Sixth Annual Zenith Awards sponsored by the Akron/Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau (ASCVB). The award recognizes the time and commitment he has donated to various hospitality organizations, including the ASCVB, Akron Symphony, Akron Civic Theatre and Greater Akron Chamber.

The Zenith Awards were co-presented by Akron Life & Leisure magazine. The awards are presented annually to recognize contributions made to Akron and Summit County's hospitality industry.

"A true champion for our community and our wonderfully diverse sites and attractions, Jack's hard work and support are amazing investments in our present and future," said Gregg Mervis, vice president for ASCVB. "Today it is great to shout loudly about his usually quiet and selfless contributions."

Mervis also expressed special appreciation on behalf of ASCVB for the time and assistance of DeLeo and his staff through work and leadership on ASCVB's Destination Development Committee, which DeLeo chairs.

The Hospitality Volunteer Award is one of four new categories in the Zenith Awards this year. The other new categories include Hospitality Partnership, Hospitality Web Site and Friend of Hospitality. Seven other traditional Zenith Awards also recognized organizations and businesses that contributed to the area's hospitality industry. A panel of independent judges oversaw the award submissions, and partners and residents voted through an online ballot.

According to Longwoods International and Rovelstad & Associates, the hospitality industry is a $1.2 billion business in Summit County annually1. For additional information on the ASCVB, please visit www.visitakron-summit.org.

About The Akron/Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau:
The Akron/Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau (ASCVB) promotes awareness and exploration of Akron and Summit County's many attractions. The Bureau provides visitors with valuable information about the area and helps connect them to a variety of businesses, organizations and events that comprise Akron and Summit County's hospitality industry, including: the Akron Art Museum, Geauga Lake & Wildwater Kingdom, Hale Farm and Village, Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, Summit County Fair, Akron Civic Theatre, Akron Symphony Orchestra, Lock 3 Live!, Boston Mills/Brandywine Ski Resort, the Akron Aeros, Carousel Dinner Theater, West Point Market and many more. More information is available and regularly updated online at www.visitakron-summit.org.

About hfa:
hfa (Hitchcock Fleming & Associates, Inc.) is a full-service marketing communications agency specializing in retail, consumer, industrial and business-to-business clients. Established in 1940, hfa's clients include The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, one of the world's largest tire companies; Carter Lumber and its more than 200 stores; Tremco, North America's premier provider of comprehensive facility management solutions; and Therma-Tru, America's leading brand of fiberglass entry doors. hfa's expertise encompasses branding, research, strategic planning, public relations and media. Whether working in print, broadcast or Web formats via The BuzzwerksTM interactive division, hfa cuts through communications clutter to make a client's message resonate. To learn more, please visit www.teamhfa.com and www.thebuzzwerks.com.

1 2005 comprehensive data presented in August 2006.

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