Visit California President & CEO to be honored with Mondavi Award
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 4, 2013
Caroline Beteta, one of California’s biggest advocates, will be honored for her vision and leadership to advance the state’s hospitality industry with the Robert Mondavi Wine & Food Award during Hospitality Uncorked 2013 on March 23 at the JW Marriott Los Angeles at LA Live. Proceeds from the gala will support The Collins College of Hospitality Management at Cal Poly Pomona.
As president and CEO of Visit California, Beteta has enormous influence on how California is portrayed worldwide, said Andy Feinstein, dean of The Collins College. She is responsible for implementing the commission’s $50 million marketing program and serves as the lead spokesperson for California’s $102 billion tourism industry.
“Caroline is an outstanding leader in California whose work has an impact on all aspects of the hospitality industry,” Feinstein said. “It is fitting that The Collins College – California’s oldest hospitality management program – honor her contributions to the state and the industry.”
Beteta has shepherded the growth and evolution of California’s official destination marketing organization into a global marketing franchise that drives an annual average of $102 billion in tourism spending. In addition to generating $6.3 billion in state and local tax revenues annually, the state’s tourism industry supports nearly 1 million jobs. Beteta was also instrumental in the formation of Brand USA, a national public-private partnership created to promote the United States as a global travel destination, and she currently serves as board chair.
The Robert Mondavi Wine & Food Award has paid tribute to some of the hospitality industry’s most accomplished men and women, beginning with its first honoree in 1999, in whose name the award was created. Julia Childs, Alice Waters and, most recently, entrepreneur Sam Nazarian of sbe, are past recipients.
“I am deeply honored to have Visit California’s successes and contributions to our hospitality industry be recognized by The Collins College,” said Beteta. “It is a privilege to be included alongside the iconic individuals who have received this award before me and to be affiliated with a highly respected institution that is grooming the next generation of hospitality leaders.”
Hospitality Uncorked is designed to celebrate the vibrant social and cultural life that has made hospitality the No. 1 industry in Southern California. The evening will showcase guest chefs, tempting libations, vintner tastings, live entertainment, popular silent and live auctions and a luscious dessert lounge designed to keep the party going. With a nod to Beteta, the evening will celebrate California as an entrepreneurial force in the fields of viniculture, culinary arts, tourism, travel and entertainment.
Tickets are $300 and are available online at www.hospitalityuncorked.com or by calling Joan Wrede at (310) 574-3663. Sponsorship packages are available.