In winning the coveted 2004 Pinnacles of Excellence Award from Maritz Travel, Charter Services takes a prominent leadership position among companies in the commercial aviation industry serving all segments of the group travel market.

Maritz Travel is the world leader in meetings, events and incentive travel management. Maritz is based in St. Louis and is ranked No. 166 on the most recent Forbes list of 500 Largest Private Companies. Considered the most prestigious award of its kind, its "Pinnacles of Excellence" honor is awarded in the categories of airline, hotel, destination management company and cruise line.

The annual award recognizes travel industry leaders throughout the world for their gold level of service, the highest distinction a participant can earn based on a combined score in financial adherence, marketing support, operations and communications.

"Charter Services has distinguished itself for the quality and commitment it offers at all levels of the group travel industry," said Maritz Travel President and CEO Jeff Reinberg. "In doing so, it delivers the highest levels of service to its customers. We are pleased to recognize the company's hard work and expertise with a 2004 Pinnacles of Excellence Award."

Chip Parker, CSI's COO, added, "Speaking on behalf of all our talented and dedicated employees who work with the group travel industry, Charter Services is proud to be recognized as a travel industry leader by Maritz Travel, the company that raised the meetings, events and incentive management standards to new heights of professionalism."

Maritz created the "Pinnacles of Excellence" award in 1993 as a result of its intensive evaluation of travel products and services to assure that its travel customers receive superior service throughout the world. The company quickly perceived that its "gold-level" companies deserved an award for their superb facilities and service.

To be eligible for the Pinnacles of Excellence award, companies must be invited by Maritz to enter the competition, and then undergo an extensive evaluation by Maritz Travel representatives, as well as a detailed self-evaluation. Points and criterion in each category are weighted to reflect relative importance in achieving performance excellence, with the final score determining whether companies reach the gold, silver or bronze achievement level.

Those companies reaching the gold achievement level win the "Pinnacles of Excellence" award.