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APEX AWARDS TO BE PRESENTED IN MIAMI Black Meetings & Tourism Media will pres- ent its BM&T Annual Apex Distinguished Service Awards at a gala luncheon event dur- ing the International Multicultural & Heritage Tourism Summit & Trade Show on July 16th at the Hilton Miami Airport Blue Lagoon in Miami, FL. The awards are presented each year to individuals who have made outstanding contributions in their particular fields of endeavor that have positively impacted the travel industry. To be considered for a BM&T Apex Award, a candidate's record of service must: Provide long-term benefits for the travel industry and the African-American market segment; Represent a national level of prominence; and, Demonstrate a track record of a minimum of two years. 2022 AWARD RECIPIENTS INCLUDE: ROMONA RISCOE BENSON is a recog- nized leader in corporate philanthropy, a non-profit groundbreaker and former entrepreneur focused on convention management, and tourism development/ promotion. She is currently PECO Energy's Director of Corporate and Community Impact, an Exelon com- pany. She oversees PECO's Corporate Social Responsibility strategy, directing a high-perfor- mance team, managing an annual budget of over $10M. She is a recog- nized corporate leader in advancing principles of DEI. Benson previous- ly served as President and CEO of the African American Museum in Philadelphia, where she spearheaded a turnaround strategy, directed a multi-million dollar building renovation project and installation of a nationally recognized exhibit on the early life of African Americans in Philadelphia. Romona served as the executive director of the Philadelphia Multicultural Affairs Congress (now PHL Diversity), with the Philadelphia CVB, positioning the city as a nationally recognized model for multicultural tourism. She owned her own consulting firm for 12 years, Riscoe & Associates, Inc. providing capacity building and meeting services to non-profits. KENNETH H. FEARN is the Founder and Managing Partner of Integrated Capital LLC ("IC"). IC is a private equity real estate firm with a focus on hospi- tality. Since its found- ing in 2004, IC has acquired more than $500 million in hospi- tality assets in primary and secondary markets across the United States that featured extended- stay (Residence Inn), select service (Courtyard), and full service (Marriott, Doubletree, Sheraton, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn) brands. Prior to founding Integrated Capital LLC, Fearn was Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer of Maritz, Wolff & Co., a private equity firm engaged in real estate acquisition and develop- ment. Maritz, Wolff managed three private equi- ty investment funds totaling $500 million in equity for the sole purpose of acquiring luxury hotels and resorts. Fearn is an Independent Director of Braemar Hotels & Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: BHR), and also serves on the Marriott International Owner Advisory Board, serves as Chairman of the National Association of Black Hotel Owners, Operators, and Developers, and is a mem- B M & T ••• July/August 2022 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 16