PHOENIX -- The Khoury Group and Auto Rental News recently named Walter Johnson, a sales professional with Alamo/National in Phoenix, the 2003 Five Star Service and Sales Professional of the Year. This is the first year the award has been given.

The honor recognizes outstanding performance in car-rental customer service and sales. Johnson received a $1,000 check, a plaque and congratulatory letters from Sherb Brown, ARN's publisher, and Ziad Khoury, president of the Khoury Group.

"Walter Johnson has that rare combination of character, tact and desire that makes him a natural in our business," said Mike Rollins, vice president and general manager of Alamo/National in Phoenix. "He delivers first-class service, he's true to the KCI [Khoury Consulting Inc.] methods, and his results speak for themselves."

Johnson started as a service agent at Value Rent-A-Car and continued to work within the organization as a held agent, bus driver and finally customer service representative. He joined National Car Rental in Phoenix five years ago as a CSR and continues to perform at the highest levels of customer service and sales.

In 2002, Johnson generated more than $200,000 in incremental sales revenue, far exceeding the $125,000 average for the location. His customer service numbers were also the best for the location.

To nominate your most outstanding CSR within your organization for 2004, please submit incremental sales reports, letters, and examples illustrating qualifications nominations by March 1, 2004 to: Cathy Stephens, c/o Auto Rental News, re: 5 Star Service and Sales Professional of the Year, 21061 S. Western Ave., Torrance, CA 90501. Email: cathy.stephens@bobit.com.

Qualifications:

·Full-time Customer Service Representative for at least one year

·Top 10% in sales and service for location

·Exemplifies Five Star service and sales philosophy in rental process

·Team player who enjoys helping co-workers improve

·At least two complimentary letters or customer feedback with specific examples of "going the extra mile" for a customer

·Displays a great attitude on a daily basis

·Is very coachable. Enjoys learning and improving