April 10, 2015 • www.myvalleynews.com • Valley News
B-7
Business
Visit Temecula Valley celebrates area hospitality professionals
Lunch for the Visit Temecula Valley Awards was provided by E.A.T. Marketplace owner Leah Di Bernardo.
Ashley Ludwig Staff Writer Xenia is an ancient Greek term for hospitality, for showing generosity and courtesy to those who are far from home. It is that ancient tradition that was celebrated this month by Visit Temecula Valley. For the fifth year in a row, the Visit Temecula Valley Board of Directors nominated area professionals who excel in growing the brand of Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country. “The Xenia Awards were created to recognize outstanding tourism businesses and leaders,” explained Visit Temecula Valley board member Jan Smith, of Inland Management Group and chair of the Hospitality Task Force for Visit Temecula Valley. “Xenia is what we, as Temecula Valley hospitality partners, aspire to provide to our visitors.” Hailed as the Temecula Valley tourism’s industry event of the year, business owners and employees of local restaurants, wineries, and hotels were invited to celebrate each other and look to a future ripe with promise through video presentations.
“Tourism in Temecula is thriving,” stated Brad Smith of the Visit Temecula Valley Board of Directors. “You are the people who inspire visitors from around the country and around the world to come here and stay.” Most recent results reflect a record $651 million that helps to sustain a broad spectrum of Temecula businesses and nearly 6,900 jobs (with earnings of $195.6 million). Of the $651 million local revenue, $244 million was spent for arts, entertainment, and recreation. Restaurant dining is attributed with $111 million, while the Temecula hotel industry generated over $54 million in lodging revenue, according to stats provided by Visit Temecula Valley. The rebranded Temecula Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau— Visit Temecula Valley is there to point newcomers in the right direction including where to shop, dine, taste wine, and more, nestled in the Temecula City Hall structure. Chef Leah Di Bernardo of E.A.T. Marketplace was on hand to share her love of slow food through the catered luncheon, with a menu of market salad with organic farm greens, Drake goat cheese, cran-
Xenia award winners for Spotlight on Service from Temecula’s finest in area service.
berry and spiced walnut with house balsamic vinaigrette, combined with a Diestal Farms turkey, organic greens, Fontina cheese, and pesto on ciabatta bread. Brightly colored flavorful spring macaroons in lemon, pistachio, and strawberry decorated the tables with almond delicious flavors. Each table boasted local wine, as well, while the award nominees were called to the stage. “Writing is the cake of my life, and this award is the icing,” stated Travel writer Beverly Cohn, who was named the PR Professional of the Year. Kristy Heath, of Conference Direct in Orange County was named the Event Planner of the Year. Spotlight on Service award winners were called up with wide applause. Individual staff from the Temecula Promenade mall (Ashley Browning, Kristen Ahern), South Coast Winery Resort and Spa (Julio Montalvo), Robert Renzoni Vineyards (Melissa Perry), Grapeline
Wine Tours (Ray Roberson), Yard House (Justin Ruiz), Mimi’s Café (Ariel Starkweather), Crush and Brew (Daniel Villalobos), Lorimar Vineyards and Winery (Penny Delgado), Miramonte Winery (Sal Briones), Bed Bath and Beyond (Vanessa Hernandez), Annie’s Café (Dan Vyse), the Habit Burger Grill (Amanda Roldan), Karl Strauss (Kendra Danko), and the Temecula Creek Inn (Christy Price), were all honored. “These are the shining stars of Temecula,” Jan Smith of Inland Marketing Group stated. Individual awards were given for Ambassador, Social Media, Hospitality, and the Break Through categories. Melody’s Ad Works was recognized for the Ambassador Award, presented by 2013 winner Gillian Larson. Tom Demott of Temecula Creek Inn presented the Hospitality Award to A Grape Escape Balloon Adventure. South Coast Winery’s Crystal Magon presented this year’s Breakthrough
Award to Oak Mountain Winery, who literally broke through a mountain in building their wine cave, a first in Temecula Valley Wine Country. The Social Media award went to South Coast Winery Resort and Spa, who have reached over 30,000 visitors via their social media outreach programs. The prestigious Welty Award for Tourism Professional of the Year was granted to Peg and Jimmy Moore, who were recognized for their instrumental involvement in the city of Temecula’s incorporation process, as well as their continued involvement in civic activities and organizations. Bill Wilson, who handed out the Welty Award to the prominent couple stated at the Chamber of Commerce Gala in February, explained why the Moores were the perfect recipient’s for the 2014 Welty Award. “They helped build Temecula. They welcomed us,” Wilson said. For more information on Visit Temecula Valley, visit www. VisitTemeculaValley.com.
Comfort Inn and Suites Menifee woman wins award at Murrieta celebrates remodel Businsess Mega Mixer celebration MENIFEE - Darci Castillejos, nifee Valley Community Cupboard by paying it forward Menifee owner of the French Val- and treasurer of the Menifee Action Ashley Ludwig Staff Writer Are you in need of a furniture do-over? Comfort Inn and Suites Murrieta is selling off the old, bringing in the new, all in the name of charity and celebration of the hotel’s recent remodel. The hotel now boasts designer furniture, drapes, brand new carpeting, lighting and more. And yes, they’ve kept their waffles. Now, their gently used former furniture will be sold for charity, in a sale open to the public. On Saturday, April 18, the Comfort Inn and Suites will open their doors to “sell” their furniture. All proceeds will be directly donated to a pre-approved local nonprofit or charity organization. “We believe that we can make better use of the furniture by doing a donation drive for local nonprofit or charity organizations,” according to John C. Wang, certified hotel administrator of Courtyard, Riverside. “(It) is still in great condition and should last for years to come for most households. Wang said the hotel receives inquiries to purchase our used furniture on a regular basis. “It was tempting to make thousands of dollars and get rid of the hassle,” said Wang, but he had something better in mind. “All fur-
niture, fixtures, will be value priced starting at just $10 per piece.” Rather than keep the profits from furniture sales, the Comfort Inn and Suites Murrieta will facilitate the proceeds to the charity organization of the buyers’ choice. The idea sprang from the recent remodel at the Comfort Inn and Suites Murrieta, Wang said. “When it’s time for a remodel, hotels typically sell their furniture in bulk, making way for the new,” Wang said. In early 2015, Wang received an offer from a commercial carpentry contractor to purchase all of the furniture left over from the remodel of their lobby and guest rooms. The furniture, built with good materials and craftsmanship, is primarily commercial grade. “The company planned to do some touch up and sell for a profit,” Wang said, but he turned down the offer having charity in mind. Charities and 501(c)3 organizations can sign up for a nonprofit program overview on the hotel website. “I am looking forward to a successful donation drive,” Wang said. For an application, visit www. comfortismurrieta.com and complete the nonprofit overview. Comfort Inn and Suites Murrieta is located at 41005 California Oaks Rd. in Murrieta Murrieta.
Workshop to educate baby boomers on Medicare TEMECULA - An educational workshop titled “Managing Health Care Expenses in Retirement: What Baby Boomers Need to Know About Medicare and Long-Term Care” has been scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 18 at the Temecula Public Library and 6:30 p.m. on Monday, April 20 at the Fallbrook Library. Fifty-seven percent of baby boomers said they had a “poor understanding” (31 percent) or know “almost nothing” (26 percent) about Medicare, according to a recent survey by Bankers Trust. Threequarters of boomers (72 percent) did not know that most Americans on Medicare pay premiums, copays, and deductibles. One in seven thought Medicare was free. Only 14 percent knew that Medicare does not cover long-term care. A health care crisis is looming in this country, and it is essential for baby boomers to understand what
they need to do to prepare for it financially. This educational workshop will cover the following: how Medicare enrollment periods work — and what you need to do to avoid lateenrollment penalties; how much you can expect to pay in health care costs after going onto Medicare; how Medicare works with private insurance to provide comprehensive coverage; why most people pay too much for private insurance and how you can avoid excess costs; and why you must plan for higher health care costs in retirement — including the possibility of needing long-term care. This workshop is purely educational. No specific insurance or investment products will be discussed. Seating is limited and reservations are recommended. Individuals may reserve space by calling Moffat Financial Group at (800) 819-7034.
ley Café and a Navy chief petty officer in the Reserves, won the Eleanor Roosevelt –Hero Award on March 26 at the Bahia Resort Hotel in San Diego. This event was the Business Mega Mixer which was a celebration of Women’s History Month, Recognizing Women in Business. The Eleanor Roosevelt –Hero Award – recognizes an individual who shows dedication, commitment and results to improving the lives of women. This female professional is a role model to the next generation of business women. In addition owning the French Valley Café, Castillejos is a member of the Menifee Valley Chamber of Commerce Executive Board and has been active over the years in the Menifee community. She is also president of the Me-
Group. Also recently Castillejos was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, NATO Medal and she earned her Expeditionary Warfare Specialist qualifications. Castillejos was nominated for the award by Robbie Motter, event coordinator for the Menifee Valley Chamber of Commerce and NAFE global coordinator. “I am so happy that Darci was the winner as they had hundreds of nominations and she was very deserving of this prestigious award,” Motter said.
Darci Castillejos Courtesy photo