Ken Dono Receives Inaugural Honor

EADS Socata announced this week Ken Dono, TBM Sales Manager at US-based Columbia Air Services in Groton, CT has been named the "2008 Most Valuable Player of EADS Socata’s Worldwide Sales Network," which acknowledges the best sales performance during the last 12 months.

In recognition of his accomplishment, Dono received a TBM bronze sculpture, which is an original artwork by artist and pilot Erik Lindbergh. This is the first recognition of a TBM sales representative, whose selection was made by a panel of EADS Socata executives.

Columbia Aircraft Sales serves as an exclusive sales and service center for EADS Socata's TBM 700 and TBM 850 products in the northeast area of North America, covering territory from the state of Virginia to Eastern Canada. EADS Socata CEO Jean-Michel Léonard said the award was truly earned by Ken Dono based on his outstanding sales performance over the past 12 months.

"It was tough competition, as all members of our worldwide network have broken sales records. Today, the backlog exceeds 100 TBM 850s" Léonard added. "Within the Socata network, the sales organization represents the best of the best. To be recognized within such an elite group, is both an honor and humbling," Dono said. "Without the help and support of my colleagues at Columbia Aircraft Sales, Columbia Air Services and EADS Socata, this would not have been possible. My sincerest thanks to everyone at EADS Socata for supporting a product that is in a class of its own."

"This is a very prestigious award given to a very deserving individual," added Art Maurice, the President of Columbia Aircraft Sales. "I am so proud of Ken and of what this recognition means to our entire company."

The concept for an EADS Socata MVP award was decided last year to give an impetus to the TBM 850 sales and marketing network, and to reward outstanding efforts of sales persons who are not often highly visible within the company.

"As certain regions cannot generate large sales numbers, the winner's selection was based on various factors, which include sales achievement, trade show participation, customer relations excellence, positive attitude and willingness to help," said Nicolas Chabbert, the President of EADS Socata North America. "We are very proud of the quality and professionalism of our network."

FMI: www.socata.eads.net