CHICAGO (February 15, 2006) - The National Association of Concessionaires (NAC) has named Gina Troutman DiSanto, CCM, of Cinema Centers, Millersburg, Pennsylvania, the recipient of the 2006 Bert Nathan Memorial Award. The award presentation will be made on March 15 at a breakfast sponsored by Nestle USA and Screenvision during the ShoWest theatre exhibition convention in Las Vegas.

DiSanto has spent her entire life in the movie theatre business. Over a half century ago, her parents Marvin and Doris Troutman purchased their first movie theatre. The Troutmans learned what most family-owned businesses do – working with your children is cheaper than hiring help. Gina, the second of three children, worked at the drive-in during the summer seasons and the single screen house in the winters.

After graduating from Bloomsburg State College with a degree in mass communications, DiSanto spent twelve years in the corporate business world. She realized her talents and abilities best complimented the family business, and returned to Cinema Centers in 1993.

Over the past twelve years, Cinema Centers has grown to 59 screens in central Pennsylvania. While her parents continue to lead the company, DiSanto shares responsibilities with her sister Trudy and brother Van in overall theatre operations. Her main contributions have been in the areas of concessions and marketing within the circuit. As the company continues to develop new theatre properties, she has been active in working with architects in design and function, and served as project manager on the most recent multiplex opening.

DiSanto has been an active member of NAC since 1994, and has sponsored twelve new members into the association, earning her a diamond NAC pin. She was appointed to the NAC Board of Directors in 2002 as Regional Vice President for the Northeast Region, and serves on the Regional Vice President and Hospitality Committees of the NAC Board. She has been active in her region organizing and hosting regional educational seminars. DiSanto earned her NAC Concession Manager Certification designation in 2001, and is an active supporter of that program.

DiSanto and her daughters Hannah and Natalie reside in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where Gina volunteers for the American Heart Association, teaches Sunday School at her church, and is active in her community.
Previous winners of the Bert Nathan Memorial Award are Maria Angles, Norman Chesler, Charlie Cretors, Larry Etter, J.C. Evans, John Evans, Jr., Evan Gordon, Wally Helton, Ron Krueger II, Jack Leonard, Peter Leyh, Frank Liberto, Libby Mauro, Bruce Proctor, Bill Rector, Krista Schulte, Robert Scribner, Skip Stefansen, Bruce Taffet, and the late Bill Chaplain, Len Marsh and Bert Nathan.

The National Association of Concessionaires, founded in 1944, is a trade association representing the recreation and leisure-time food and beverage concessions industry. NAC is comprised of owners and operators of all types of public assembly facilities including stadiums and arenas, colleges and universities, amusement parks, park and recreation departments, movie theaters, ice and roller rinks, and other leisure-time foodservice operations, as well as the companies that provide products and services to these facilities.