CHART Announces Kerry Kramp As 2002 Commitment To People Award Recipient

Jul 24, 2002

Westfield, NJ - The Council of Hotel and Restaurant Trainers (CHART) today announced the recipient of the 2002 Commitment to People Award as Kerry Kramp, President and Chief Executive Officer of Buffets, Inc. Kramp will be honored at the Commitment to People Awards Gala on Tuesday, August 13, 2002, the final evening of CHART's 64th semi-annual hospitality training conference in Montreal, Canada.

 "The success of Buffets, Inc. is rooted in strong company culture and philosophy that emphasizes the success of each individual employee," said Kathleen Taylor-Gadsby, President of CHART and Vice President of Human Resources, International and Emerging Brands, Carlson Restaurants Worldwide. "Mr. Kramp provides the resources necessary for all employees to take ownership of their personal and professional growth."

 "It is truly an honor to be recognized by CHART, an organization that is committed to recognizing and developing the talent in people. I am so proud of the work that they do on behalf of all of us who care deeply about this industry," said Kramp. "My special appreciation also to my 'family' at Buffets who each day work so hard and are so committed to serving our guests, or serving those who serve the guest."

 The Commitment to People Award spotlights the head of an industry organization who clearly and consistently demonstrates a commitment to the development of people. The award selection committee reviewed and ranked the Commitment to People nominees in four categories:

 Effective communication of the organization's culture;

• Programs that demonstrate a commitment to people;
• Efforts to be involved in the development of people; and
• Ability to break down barriers to create opportunities.

For more information, please call 708-588-0565, email lmarovec@ameritech.net or visit www.chart.org.

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 CHART is one of the oldest and largest nonprofit organizations dedicated to training in the hospitality industry. Members number over 400 and represent multi-unit restaurant and hotel companies. A typical CHART member holds over 10 years of training and human resources experience and impacts over 5,000 employees in 80 units.

 CHART's mission is to help hospitality training professionals improve operational performance by developing people.