Smithfield Resident Presented with the Mary
Brennan Tourism Award by Rhode Island Hospitality Association
Cranston, RI – December 8, 2008 – The
Rhode Island Hospitality Association (RIHA) recently honored Dr.
Robert Billington, Smithfield resident and President of the
Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, with the Mary Brennan Tourism
Award at its “Stars of the Industry” Annual Meeting and Awards
Ceremony. The Stars of the Industry Awards recognize the outstanding
achievements of members in the hospitality, foodservice and tourism
industries. Award recipients were chosen not only for their
dedication and contributions to their careers, but for their
involvement in their local communities.
As President of the Blackstone Valley
Tourism Council, Dr. Billington is responsible for the development
of tourism growth in nine northern Rhode Island communities. He
coordinates state, local, federal government and regional
organizations to enhance economic and community growth through
tourism development. He also leads the Blackstone Valley Tourism
Council's Sustainable Tourism Lab and is responsible for garnering
the World Travel & Tourism 2008 Destination Award for the Blackstone
Valley. Robert is also an adjunct professor at Bristol Community
College and Boston University Graduate School.
“It is with great pleasure that I congratulate and thank Bob for his
contributions to our industry, and the Blackstone Valley in
particular,” said Dale J. Venturini, President and CEO of RIHA. “His
achievement goes far in making the hospitality and tourism industry
one of the most successful, strengthening the industry’s position as
the cornerstone of the state’s economy and the community.”
With more than 600 foodservice and
hospitality members in Rhode Island, the Rhode Island Hospitality
Association has been the voice of the hospitality and tourism
industry in the state more than for 26 years. For more information,
please call (401) 223-1120, or write to: Rhode Island Hospitality
Association, 94 Sabra Street, Cranston, RI, 02910, or visit
www.rihospitality.org.
