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Saperstein to head visitors bureau board

The Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau (SVVB) has named its 2013 board of directors.

The visitors bureau is dedicated to the promotion of tourism and the hospitality industry throughout the Valley, and its board serves as the governing body for its efforts. Comprised of 11 members, the board is elected from and by the membership of more than 350 SVVB member businesses. The board includes a five-member executive committee, in which SVVB Executive Director Wendy Peterson is heavily involved.

“Each of the 11 elects brings a wealth of knowledge in his or her trade as well as an intimate understanding of and passion to support Sonoma Valley, all of which are indispensable for the bureau’s success,” said Peterson. “The blend of different professional backgrounds will only help to enhance the various programs and initiatives planned for 2013 and beyond.” 

Spearheading the efforts of SVVB’s board of directors will be President Gary Saperstein, founder and principal partner of Out in the Vineyard, a premier wine country tour and event company catering to the LGBT community. Additionally, Saperstein is one of the founders of Sonoma GayDar, an organization that holds monthly LGBT gatherings in Sonoma Valley. Denise Silver, who is the community events coordinator for Sonoma Raceway and the Sonoma Chapter Director of Speedway Children’s Charities has been elected vice president. Dan Parks, manager of the Inn at Sonoma and owner of Sonoma Creek Inn, will act as treasurer, and Valerie Patterson, co-owner of The Hidden Oak Inn, was elected secretary. Rounding out the board’s executive committee is Peterson, executive director of the SVVB, a position she has held as for 10 years.

The other members of the board are: the Girl and the Fig chef/owner Sondra Bernstein; MacArthur Place Hotel and Spa General Manager Bill Blum; The Lodge at Sonoma General Manager Dave Dolquist; Paul Giusto, co-founder and president of Highway 12 Vineyards and Winery; Sunflower Caffé owner James Hahn; Lesli John, Repris Wines director of sales and marketing; and Baksheesh Fair Trade owner Brian Smucker.