New Managing Director, Executive Chef, Golf Director Become 'Dream Team' at Arizona Grand Resort: Richard Behr, Colby Hutchinson, Chef Robert Gra

PHOENIX (Business Wire EON) December 5, 2007 -- Behr comes to Arizona Grand Resort with 19 years of extensive luxury resort experience. Most recently, Behr served as general manager of Miramonte Resort and Spa in Indian Wells, Calif., where he oversaw a $9 million renovation. Behr's appointment at Arizona Grand marks both a return to the state where he got his start at The Phoenician, and a return to Grossman Company Properties where he worked at Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa. Among his other positions in the industry, Behr served at Arizona's Royal Palms Resort and Spa and as general manager of Hilton Scottsdale Resort and Villas, a Merv Griffin Hotel.

"Arizona is my home and I am happy to be back," Behr said. "Each day when I arrive at Arizona Grand, I look out across our expansive landscape and I'm reminded why I love Arizona and why I got into this business. I'm excited to be a part of this project and to share the new Arizona Grand experience with our local community and visitors from around the world."

Director of Golf Colby Hutchinson enjoys the same view as he surveys his latest project, the challenging 6,400-yard golf course that weaves its way through the South Mountain Preserve. Before coming to Arizona Grand Resort, Hutchinson served as director of sales & marketing for Indian Wells Golf Resort, home of the PGA's Skins Game near Palm Springs, Calif. Prior to Indian Wells, Hutchinson directed sales & marketing activities at sister courses Stonecreek Golf Club and The Legend at Arrowhead in Phoenix.

While Behr and Hutchinson are Arizona natives and veterans of the local resort scene, newly appointed executive chef Robert Graham has a far different story. Chef Graham comes to Arizona Grand Resort with an impressive resume that includes time spent studying in Sydney, Australia and Bali, Indonesia. His most recent ventures included an executive sous chef position at Tavern on the Green in New York City, executive chef at Uptown Bistro in Denver and executive chef at The Ritz Carlton in Phoenix.

"Getting the chance to oversee five different restaurants and head the development of a sixth is a challenge but a dream come true," Graham said. "Arizona Grand Resort is giving me the chance to develop my diverse talents and showcase the fun and friendly message of the resort through its food selections."

About Arizona Grand Resort

The 640-suite Arizona Grand Resort is located on 164 beautifully landscaped acres at the base of the spectacular South Mountain Preserve, six miles from Sky Harbor International Airport. Resort highlights include the seven-acre Oasis Water Park - named one of the Top 10 Theme Parks in the country by the Travel Channel - an award-winning 18-hole challenging golf course woven through the scenic Sonoran desert, five specially themed restaurants, the intimate Arizona Grand Athletic Club & Spa and 117,000 square feet of meeting and function space, including a 20,000-square-foot exhibit pavilion. More information is available at ArizonaGrandResort.com

About Grossman Company Properties

Grossman Company Properties (GCP), founded by Sam Grossman, is headquartered in Phoenix, and is one of the premier commercial and residential developers in the western United States. During the past 43 years, GCP has built, developed and managed more than 14 million square feet of high-quality properties including the Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa, Biltmore Fashion Park, Phoenix Spectrum Mall, Park Central in Dallas, the Inn at Laguna Beach in California, Eagle River (mixed-use development) in Eagle, Idaho and the award-winning master planned community of Hidden Springs in Idaho.