RIHA Luncheon Serves Up Networking Opportunity

The Rhode Island Hospitality Association (RIHA) hosted its annual Get Served event on May 16 at Iron Works in Warwick. Rhode Island’s Speaker of the House Joseph Shekarchi, Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio, House Majority Leader Christopher R. Blazejewski and Sen. Matthew LaMountain served lunch to RIHA members, bringing together the industry with legislators and enjoying a meal with fellow members. Additionally, the event showcased the skills of high school students from the Warwick Area Career & Technical Center for hands-on hospitality experience. Proceeds benefited the RI Hospitality Political Action Committee.

: Traci Dufresne, Director, Rhode Island Hospitality Association (RIHA); Karen Farley, Teacher’s Assistant, Warwick Area Career & Technical Center; Warwick Area Career & Technical Center High School Students; Eva Niosi, Chef Instructor, Warwick Area Career & Technical Center; and Dale Venturini, CEO/President, RIHA.

: RIHA Board Members: Bill Dessel, Co-founder, KEEL Vodka; David DePetrillo, Chairman of the Board, RI Hospitality Education Foundation; Colin Geoffroy, President, G Hospitality; and Craig Sculos, Senior Vice President, Bally’s Twin River Lincoln Casino Resort.

: Dale Venturini, CEO/President, RIHA and Speaker of the House Joseph Shekarchi.

: Bill Walsh, Lobbyist, RIHA; Dale Venturini, CEO/President, RIHA; and House Majority Leader Christopher Blazejewski.

: Speaker of the House Joseph Shekarchi.

: Derek Emery, General Manager, Newport Restaurant Corporation.

: Senate President Dominick Ruggerio.

: Peggy Sweeney, RI Beverage Association.

: Jung Gomes, CFO, Spain Restaurant.

: Rep. Stephen Casey (center); Warwick Area Career & Technical Center High School Students; and Karen Farley, Teacher’s Assistant, Warwick Area Career & Technical Center.

: Sen. Matthew LaMountain; Senate President Dominick Ruggerio; Speaker of the House Joseph Shekarchi; House Majority Leader Christopher Blazejewski; and Dale Venturini, CEO/President, RIHA.