San Jose Giants VP of Sales Ainslie Walter Receives Cal League Award

SAN JOSE, CA - The San Jose Giants Vice President of Sales Ainslie Walter has been named the winner of the California League Woman of Excellence Award as announced today by league President Charlie Blaney. Walter won the prestigious award by a vote of her peers in the California League. By virtue of claiming this esteemed honor, she is the California League's nominee for the Rawlings Woman of the Year, which will be presented at the Winter Meetings in December. This is the second consecutive year that a member of the San Jose Giants organization has won the Woman of Excellence Award for the California League. Chief Marketing Officer Juliana Paoli was the inaugural recipient of the award last season.

"Ainslie is an invaluable asset to our organization, leading our sales team through an unprecedented expansion over the past seven years," said Bill Schlough, San Jose Giants Interim President. "Our record-breaking sales are the direct result of Ainslie's leadership."

Ainslie's chief accomplishment was the total overhaul of the San Jose Giants Group Sales Department. She built her initial sales team from scratch, and emphasized outreach through direct mail and cold calling. Her unique approach saw the team's group sales grow from a minimal line of business to a chief revenue generator. In the past five years, Ainslie's efforts have resulted in group sales growing from $147,500 to $580,000 - a 400% increase. Ainslie's personal sales have taken an even greater leap, from $30,000 in her first season to more than $300,000 in 2011.

Ainslie attributes her achievements in sales to taking a personal touch with the fans and clients. To many, she is the face of the San Jose Giants franchise, and has developed personal relationships with many of the season ticketholders, group leaders, and sponsors. While Ainslie focuses on group sales and ticketing, you can find her hand in nearly every aspect of the Giants' operation. She has been key in developing promotional nights, from concept to execution, including Disability Awareness Night and the Scout Night Campout. Ainslie is also the chief liaison to Minor League Baseball's marketing department. Ainslie has enjoyed celebrating four California League Championships in her seven seasons with the San Jose Giants.

"We have had some remarkable seasons in San Jose both on and off the field and to be named this year's recipient of the California League Woman of Excellence Award is an incredible honor," said Ainslie Walter, San Jose Giants Vice President of Sales. "I would like to thank our incredible fans, sponsors, the California League, the San Francisco Giants and especially our San Jose Giants staff for their support over the years."

The 11-time California League champion San Jose Giants begin the 2012 season on Thursday, April 5 at Modesto. The home opener at Municipal Stadium is scheduled for Thursday, April 12 against the Bakersfield Blaze. For more information on tickets, please call (408) 297-1435 or visit sjgiants.com.