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San Jose CVB Expands Sales Staff

Mix of Old, New Talent Bolsters Targeted Outreach Efforts

The San Jose Convention and Visitors Bureau (SJCVB) announced today that it has expanded and redeployed its sales staff in an effort to target new markets and streamline customer interaction. The expansion has meant adding new members to the team while also drawing on the experience of seasoned Bureau staffers.

Max Schultz was recently named the SJCVB's arts and entertainment sales manager. In this position, he is responsible for booking the San Jose Convention & Cultural Facilities theatre venues including the Center for Performing Arts, Montgomery Theatre, Civic Auditorium and the recently restored California Theatre. A four-year veteran of the Bureau, Schultz previously served as concierge manager and was the recipient of the National Concierge Association's (NCA) prestigious Concierge Outstanding Service Award.

Schultz possesses nearly two decades of experience in the hospitality industry, having served with Red Lion and Doubletree hotels for 12 years prior to joining the Bureau in 2001.

Schultz is a member of the NCA, serving as vice-president of the Northern California chapter. In addition, he volunteers many hours to local events including the Cinequest Film Festival, the San Jose Jazz Society's annual Jazz Festival, and the San Jose America Festival.

Cheryl Little, CMP, was recently named national sales manager for state associations. Located in Auburn, California, she will interface regularly with associations based in the Sacramento area. Little, a 14-year SJCVB veteran, previously served as the Bureau's Director of Convention Services, which during her tenure was recognized with a Gold Service Award by Meetings & Conventions Magazine in 2004.

Prior to joining the SJCVB, Little held positions within the hospitality industry, working for top national companies such as Holiday Inn and Fairmont Hotels.

Little is a member of Meeting Professionals International, the California Society of Association Executives, and the Association for Convention Operations Management.

In addition, the SJCVB's sales staff is made up of other dedicated professionals who are focused on various markets in order to maximize the team's effectiveness. The following individuals are dedicated to the indicated markets:

--  Christine Carchia, CMP: Tradeshows and consumer shows
--  Kelli Donahoe, CMP: Religious and specialty markets
--  Mary Gallagher, CMP: Washington, D.C. corporate and national
    association markets
--  Todd Dibs: Sports and local corporate markets
--  Katherine Manley: California Corporate market
    

About The San Jose Convention & Visitors Bureau (SJCVB)

The San Jose Convention & Visitors Bureau's (SJCVB) mission is to enhance the image and economic well being of San Jose by taking the leadership role in marketing San Jose as a globally recognized destination. The SJCVB offers meeting planners, tour operators, and individual visitors a team of professionals who can assist with their destination planning process from beginning to end. To receive a copy of the Bureau's Meeting Planning Guide or Official Visitors Guide, please contact the SJCVB at 1.800.SAN.JOSE (1.800.726.5673) or visit http://www.sanjose.org.

408 Almaden Boulevard
San Jose, California 95110
Phone: 408.295.9600
Fax: 408.295.3937
Web: www.sanjose.org

Distributed by Market Wire