Power Hour
08/05/2024
Temecula, CA
U.S. Travel held a Power Hour with Rep. Darrell Issa and more than 20 local travel and business leaders in Temecula Valley, California.
Key Speakers
The Honorable Darryl Issa
U.S. Representative (CA-48)
Scott A. Wilson
President & CEO, Visit Temecula Valley
Discussion Summary
On August 5, 2024, over 20 Temecula Valley travel and business leaders met with Rep. Darrell Issa (CA-48) to discuss critical local and national issues such as the 2028 Summer Olympics and how Temecula Valley will be hosting the Equestrian Competition, along with the need to lower visitor visa wait times, the need for support on H2B visas and the small/seasonal businesses that relay on temporary workers, and the benefits of identity verification technology for travelers at TSA airport checkpoints.
The group also discussed the importance of Brand USA, the official destination marketing organization for the United States, as well as full funding for the new Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Travel and Tourism at the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Attendees
- Chris Baily, Owner, Baily’s Restaurant & Winery
- Annette Brown, Chief Marketing Officer, Visit Temecula Valley
- Melody Brunsting, Owner, Melody’s Ad Works
- Soledad Escobedo, SVP, Branch Relationship Manager, Banc of California
- Adam Eventov, Public Affairs Manager, So Cal Gas
- Samantha Doffo, Owner, Doffo Winery
- John Goldsmith, General Manager, Europa Village Wineries & Resort
- Jennings Imel, Vice President – Western Region, US Chamber of Commerce
- Jeffrey Kurtz, General Manager, Promenade Temecula
- Betsy Lowrey, Assistant City Manager, City of Temecula
- Cassidy Lozinsky, Chief Financial Officer, Visit Temecula Valley
- Norma Marlowe, Director of Public Relations, Visit Temecula Valley
- Cherise Manning, Owner, A Grape Escape Balloon Adventure
- Paul Nolta, Center Director, Inland Empire Small Business Development Center
- Brooke Nunn, President & CEO, Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce
- Nicole Porter, Vice President of Political Affairs, U.S. Travel Association
- Mike Rennie, Owner, Leoness Winery
- Adam Ruiz, Vice President of Public Affairs, Rincon Strategies
- Laura Stearn, Owner, Domaine Chardonnay (STR)
- Dan Stephenson, Owner, Rancon Group
- Ken Smith, Owner, Galway Downs
- Mike Smith, Owner, Leoness Winery
- Scott Wilson, President & CEO, Visit Temecula Valley
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