QUAKER STEAK & LUBE® EXECUTIVES RECEIVE BILL KNECHT TOURISM AWARD FOR CONTRIBUTIONS TO TOURISM IN MERCER COUNTY

-CEO George “Jig” Warren and COO Gary “Moe” Meszaros Honored June 10-

Sharon, PA –The Mercer County Convention & Visitors Bureau announced today that they have selected two Quaker Steak & Lube executives to receive the “Bill Knecht Tourism Award”.  CEO George “Jig” Warren and COO Gary “Moe” Meszaros will receive the agency’s highest honor which recognizes outstanding contributions to tourism in Mercer County. 

George Warren and Gary Meszaros have helped to put tourism at the top of revenue – generating industries in Mercer County.  In 1974 during the collapse of the steel industry these two businessmen took an abandoned gas station and created the “Original” Quaker Steak and Lube.  The restaurant became widely successful and lead to the development of 23 franchise locations in eight states.  Gary and George helped spur economic development in Sharon and attract national media attention to the Mercer County area.  Through their efforts, visitors in the numbers exceeding tens of thousands flock to the Sharon area annually.

The award will be presented on Tuesday, June 10, 2008 at the Mercer County PA Convention & Visitors Bureaus Annual Membership Dinner presented on Tuesday, June 10, 2008 at the Mercer County PA Convention & Visitors Bureaus Annual Membership Dinner to be held at the Carriage House at Buhl Mansion Guesthouse & Spa.

The Award, named for Bill Knecht, CEO of Wendell August Forge, the nations oldest and largest continuous operating forge honors individuals who have made significant contributions to tourism and the vitality of the Mercer County area.  Mr. Knecht was very active in Mercer County and its surrounding area, having served as a board member of the Mercer County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Penn Northwest Development Corp., Mahoning Valley Historical Society and the Youngstown Club among others.  Mr. Knecht died in January 2004 after a battle with cancer.

About Mercer County: 

Located in Northwestern Pennsylvania, along the Ohio border, Mercer County is home to name-brand outlets, boutiques and unique specialty stores for shoppers. The area is also known for its more than 25 challenging golf courses of inspired design. Golf Digest ranked Mercer County as one of its top golf destinations. Visitors can dine on mouthwatering cuisine in Mercer County's array of fine restaurants and then stay overnight in a well-appointed hotel, a luxurious bed and breakfast or a cozy country inn. Close to Pittsburgh, Erie, Cleveland and other major markets, Mercer County is easily accessible via I-80 and I-79. The County offers the perfect escape.  For more information, visit www.mercercountypa.org.