RI Hospitality Association Celebrates Venturini Retirement

The Rhode Island Hospitality Association hosted a retirement party in honor of Dale J. Venturini, the Association’s President/CEO who stepped down at the end of February after more than 35 years of dedicated service. The March 4 event at the Crowne Plaza Providence-Warwick celebrated Venturini’s unparalleled contributions to Rhode Island’s lodging, restaurant and tourism industry, highlighting her role in shaping the association into a pivotal advocate for the state’s hospitality sector. The evening’s celebration was attended by notable figures from across the state and national trade associations. Grammy-nominated country songwriter Tim James performed during the event. Luke Renchan Entertainment provided a photo booth where guests were able to pose with Venturi’s famed eyeglass frames. With more than 900 foodservice, hotel, vendor and other hospitality members in Rhode Island, RIHA has been the voice of the hospitality industry in the state since 1963.

: The Rhode Island Hospitality Association (RIHA) hosted a retirement party in honor of Dale J. Venturini, who served for 35 years as its President/CEO.

: Dale J. Venturini arrived at the Crowne Plaza Providence-Warwick amid great fanfare as RIHA staff rang cowbells.

: Anthony DeFusco, Dale J. Venturini’s husband, a Dale cardboard cutout provided by Photographer Richard Kizirian and the real Dale.

: A donation of Freixenet Cordón Negro Brut from MS Walker of Rhode Island. Guests signed bottles as part of the party’s many fun features.

: A caricature signing board.

: Mayor of Providence Brett Smiley and Dale J. Venturini.

: Dale J. Venturini and Mayor of Newport Xay Khamsyvoravong.

: Bill Murphy, Former Speaker of the House of Representatives/Current Lobbyist, RIHA; Dale J. Venturini; and K. Joseph Shekarchi, Current Speaker of the House of Representatives.

: Gail Ciampa, Food and Dining Editor, Providence Journal and Dale J. Venturini.

: Ty Law, Founder, Corvus Vodka and Dale J. Venturini.

: RIHA staff: Victoria Greco, Cindy Stepanian, Katie Kleyla, Heather Singleton, Dale J. Venturini, Alisha Plante, Jaden DiMeo, Traci Dufresne and Caroline Bhatia.

: The Ecolab Team poses with “Dale”: Chris Cifelli, Mike Billone, Dave Erickson, Michael Vuolo and Ryan Whelan.

: Susan Connelly, Chief Communications and Public Affairs Officer, Darden, Florida; Michelle Korsmo, CEO, National Restaurant Association; Dale J. Venturini; Mike Whatley, VP, State Affairs and Grassroots Advocacy, National Restaurant Association; and Joe Kefauver, Align Public Strategies.