Len Wolman, chairman and CEO of Waterford Group, LLC, was announced today as the recipient of the 2004 William Crawford Distinguished Service Award. The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut periodically awards an individual who has exemplified the spirit of community service and who has contributed to improving the quality of life in eastern Connecticut.

“Len has done some great things in eastern Connecticut; from being the prime developer of Mohegan Sun, to creating hospitality internships and training programs for our local youth, to being a driving force behind the creation of Mystic Coast & Country,” said Tony Sheridan, president of the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut at a press conference this morning. “Len is truly committed to the well-being of our business community, the region and the state, which is apparent through his investment not only here in eastern Connecticut, but also in our capitol with the Adrian’s Landing development. It’s this kind of dedication to our quality of life that we would like to thank him for.”

In eastern Connecticut alone, Wolman has been involved in the development, ownership, and management of 10 hotel properties that generate in excess of $44 Million in annual revenues. Collectively, Waterford entities employ more than 1,000 associates in the State of Connecticut and generate in excess of $65 Million in tourism dollars.

Wolman, who has worked with the Mohegan Tribe of Indians of Connecticut since 1992, was instrumental in the development of the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Connecticut. Mohegan Sun Casino enjoys more than 10 million visitors each year and generates in excess of $1 billion in annual revenues.

The Mystic Marriott Hotel & Spa in Groton, which Wolman and his partners opened in June 2001, not only played a major role in focusing national attention on the area’s tourism industry, but has also taken the lead among the area’s top employers for educating and training future travel and tourism associates.

The hotel has crafted customized internship programs for the U.S. government, colleges, vocational schools and international foundations providing invaluable on-the-job training and, in some cases, classroom instruction covering all the major aspects of hotel operations.

A Certified Hotel Administrator, Wolman served as a founder and executive board member of the non-profit group Mystic Coast & Country, promoting tourism in southeastern Connecticut. Additionally, he was a founding member of the Hotel Management program at Ella T. Grasso Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical School. Today, Wolman and his team remain committed to the success of the school and the students that it educates.

"As the 2004 Crawford Distinguished Service Award honoree, Len Wolman takes a well-deserved and probably overdue place among some of the this region's giants of business,” said Bill Stanley, chairman of the board of directors for the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut. “Len's record of leadership, business achievement, community service and contributions to improved quality of life in eastern Connecticut far exceeds the criteria established for those who are to be recognized for this prestigious honor."

The Crawford Award was created in 1977 to recognize an outstanding member of the community who has contributed not only to the quality of life in eastern Connecticut but also to his/her fellow neighbors. Some previous recipients include John P. Wronowski of Cross Sound Ferry, David and Muriel Hinkle of Sonalysts, Inc., and Glenn Carberry of Tobin, Carberry, O'Malley, Riley & Selinger, PC.

Sheridan, who at one time was first selectman in Waterford, recalled a personal story from while he was in office. Wolman, who at the time was developing the property that was to become Springhill Suites by Marriott on North Frontage Road in Waterford, made sure to meet personally with all homeowners who may have been affected by the development. “He incorporated their concerns into the development of the property and that’s a great way to do it,” Tony said.

“That’s the only way to do it,” replied Wolman.

Wolman will be honored at a dinner at the Mystic Marriott Hotel and Spa on Friday, November 5 at 6:00pm. For more information contact the Chamber at 860-464-7373.