Fundraising Events Happening Now in Support of Visitor Industry Charity Walk 2013
Click here for a list of pre-walk Visitor Industry Charity Walk fundraising activities. Join the fun. Support our community. Thank you to all sponsors, hosts, and participants!
Maui Hotel & Lodging Association
Names Lisa Paulson Executive Director
WAILUKU, MAUI – The Maui Hotel & Lodging Association has named Lisa Paulson as its
new Executive Director. Paulson has been the Marketing Manager for Queen Ka’ahumanu
Center for the last 9 years, previous to that she worked for A&B Properties and Kapalua Resort. She has been intimately involved with the community since moving to Maui in 1994 serving on many boards and community efforts.
“We’re very pleased with the appointment of Lisa Paulson as executive director for
MHLA,” said Michael Jokovich, MHLA’s board chair. “As an active leader in the
community, we know Lisa will have Maui’s best interest in mind while advocating
for the visitor industry as well as Maui residents.” said Jokovich, who
also is general manager of the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa.
Paulson has completed MS coursework in Marketing from Drexel University, and a BA in
Business Administration from Chatham University.
Paulson will be responsible for addressing the legislative needs of Maui’s hospitality
industry, supporting the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s strategic plan for workforce development, community relations and organizing industry community events such as the Annual Visitor Industry Charity Walk and Kupuna Dinner.
Paulson begins her new job on October 22.
George Szigeti to Head HLTA
The Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association’s board of directors has named George D. Szigeti as president and CEO of the organization, effective July 9, 2012.
He replaces Mufi Hannemann, who held the post since January 2011.
Kelvin Bloom, HLTA chairman and president of Aston Hotels & Resorts, said, “We’ve been very fortunate to have Mufi lead our association. He’s done an exceptional job in infusing the association with his ideas and energy, and we’re very grateful for his many contributions.
“George Szigeti was an obvious choice to fill Mufi’s shoes. George’s experience in our industry, excellent business and trade relationships throughout the islands, and firm grasp of the HLTA’s goals and priorities will enable him to build on the solid record we’ve established.”
Mufi Hannemann, outgoing HLTA president and CEO, said, “There won’t be a steep learning curve for George because he’s been an active member of the HLTA and knows lodging and tourism through his success in the supply and retail sides of the visitor industry. He has a keen appreciation of the importance of tourism, understands the challenges facing our economy and industry, and will offer the effective leadership that will serve our membership and the community.”
George Szigeti said, “I’m thrilled and grateful to be able to contribute to the growth of the visitor industry. As someone whose business has benefited tremendously from travel and tourism, I welcome this opportunity to return that support by offering my knowledge, dedication, and commitment to tourism through the Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association.”
Mr. Szigeti has been president and CEO of Better Brands, Ltd., since 1997. Better Brands, a subsidiary of Young Market Company, is one of the nation’s largest wholesalers and distributors of beer, wine, and distilled spirits. In addition to serving on the HLTA board, he was a board member and past president of the Hawaii Food Industry Association, board member of the Hawaii Restaurant Association, president of the Hawaii Liquor Wholesalers Association, and board member of the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl and several charitable organizations.
Prior to joining Better Brands, Mr. Szigeti was vice president and general manager of Johnson Brothers of Hawaii, another liquor wholesaler. He was also the sales manager for McKesson Wine and Spirits and the first state manager for E & J Gallo, the winery.
He has a bachelor’s degree from the University of California at Los Angeles. He and wife Sandra have a daughter, Alexis, who is a student at Santa Clara University.
Visitor Industry Charity Walk Sets Another Record
Download news release and VICW results (pdf)
See Photo Galleries
Tourism Outlook Strong: Hawaii Numbers Pointing Upward
Download report (pdf)
Association Changes Its Name
The Hawai‘i Hotel & Lodging Association has changed its name to the Hawai‘i Lodging & Tourism Association. The change was adopted at the association’s recent general membership meeting and was effective October 1.
The association also modified its logo and color.
Mufi Hannemann, HLTA president and CEO, said, “The Hawai‘i Lodging & Tourism Association more accurately reflects the membership of our organization. At the time we were founded in 1947, the association consisted of 16 hotels. Today, we have a diverse membership of nearly 600 hotels, condominiums, time-shares, travel and transportation firms, suppliers, and related businesses and individuals representing local, national, and international companies.