April 26, 2006

Rick Binford Promoted to CMO:  Peckinpaugh leaves CGS for San Diego CVB Presidency. 

TWINSBURG, OH—Ed Shartar, CEO of Conferon Global Services (CGS), announced today the promotion of Rick Binford, CMP, to Chief Marketing Officer of CGS, replacing David Peckinpaugh, CMP, who is leaving CGS to become President & CEO of the San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau (ConVis).

Binford’s extensive background in marketing and sales leadership makes him an ideal candidate to lead the new CGS marketing organization. The marketing organization is responsible for industry and public relations, strategic partnerships, market research, strategic events, marketing communications, brand management, and strategic pricing.

“While we are sad to see David leave the organization, we know that he is personally excited to take this next step in the evolution of his career,” said Shartar.  “Additionally, he and his family are happy for the opportunity to return to the West Coast where they have family ties. We thank David for his eight years of distinguished service to CGS.”

Binford joined CGS in 1999 and is credited with building the Conferon Sales Network (CSN), our successful alternate sales channel of 46 independent agents. Under Binford’s leadership, the CSN has created 350 new clients and generated over $20 million in new sales for CGS.  Prior to joining CGS, he held a variety of senior sales and marketing leadership positions at both the Detroit and New York City Convention and Visitors Bureaus, where he led extensive brand development, publication, market research, and public relations campaigns. In addition, he has deep experience in travel industry advertising, pricing strategy and product marketing through leadership roles with Northwest Airlines and Republic Airlines.  Binford has held the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation since 1990, and has also lead development of a wide range of successful strategic marketing and customer recognition events. His professional awards speak to his success in creating and managing marketing campaigns including two Golden Bell Awards for Destination Advertising and an IACVB Award for Outstanding Tourism Awareness Campaigns.

Binford and Peckinpaugh will work on transitioning responsibilities over the next thirty days.  David’s official last day is May 12, 2006. Binford and his family will be relocating to Twinsburg, Ohio.