MINOT – Hilton Hotels Corp. has honored Mark Bowen, maintenance engineer at the Hilton Garden Inn Freeport Downtown, with the company’s national spirit award, designating Bowen as a top performer within the Hilton family of hotels.

He lives in Minot.

Bowen was nominated for the award by his peers after proving to be an exceptional role model. Hilton Hotels Corp., which has more than 150,000 employees and 2,600 hotels worldwide, recognizes only 530 employees a year with this honor.

As a recipient of the award, he will receive a cash prize of $350, a spirit award plaque and lapel pin, and other special recognition throughout his career with the Hilton Family of Hotels. Employed since May 2005, Bowen helped open the hotel in August 2005, and is seen by his peers as a leader and mentor.