Watkins Glenn Int'l announces promotions

THREE MEMBERS OF MARKETING TEAM MOVING UP AT WGI
Brett Powell, Ryan Lake, and Mike Eckert Advance with Promotions

Watkins Glen, NY (February 2, 2011) -- Watkins Glen International is proud to announce that three members of the marketing team have been recognized for their contributions to the success of the legendary road course over the last few seasons. Brett Powell and Ryan Lake, both Horseheads High School graduates, and Mike Eckert, an Elmira Free Academy graduate, were each promoted with their new responsibilities taking effect immediately. Powell is entering his seventh season at WGI while Lake and Eckert are about to begin their sixth.

Powell, currently an Ithaca, NY resident, has been promoted from director of fan experience to senior director of marketing and fan experience. In his new role he will oversee consumer integration, public communications, and the 360 degree fan experience at The Glen. He will continue to be responsible for many special events at the track, including concerts during event weekends, and oversee the Finger Lakes Wine Festival presented by Yancey's Fancy New York's Artisan Cheese, scheduled for July 16-18. Powell joined WGI as a marketing coordinator in September of 2004 after graduating with a Masters Degree from Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia. He was promoted to account executive for the sales department in 2005, special events and partnerships manager in 2008, and director of fan experience in 2010.

Lake, formerly the public relations manager, has been promoted to senior manager of public relations. In his new role, he will manage and supervise all aspects of the public relations department, develop the year-long public relations plan for the track, manage the media center during event weekends, act as the liaison between WGI and media, and assist Powell in other areas of communications. The Ithaca College alum started at The Glen in June 2006 as media relations coordinator following his graduation from the Park School of Communications at IC in May 2005.

Eckert moves from his former position as corporate sales executive to his new position as the senior account executive. In his new role, Eckert will be responsible for developing new members of the corporate sales team, handling corporate hospitality sales and coordination, selling new corporate hospitality, group tickets and partnerships, and managing current corporate partnerships. He was hired as marketing coordinator May 2006 following his graduation from Keuka College and promoted to corporate sales executive in 2007.

Tickets for the 2011 race season at Watkins Glen International are on sale NOW! Fans can order their tickets or get more information about the 2011 race season at Watkins Glen International by calling the ticket office at 866-461-RACE (7223) or logging on to the official website, www.TheGlen.com. Gift certificates and track merchandise can all be purchased at The Shop located at 2 North Franklin Street in downtown Watkins Glen. The Shop is open Monday-Friday 9-5, Saturday 9-4, and closed on Sunday.

-source: wgi