Placer Valley Tourism appoints Greg Van Dusen as new CEO

ROSEVILLE, CA-– Greg Van Dusen has been appointed CEO of Placer Valley Tourism effective September 17, 2007.

Van Dusen has been president of Van Dusen Strategies, Inc., a marketing consultancy specializing in sports, real estate and corporate relationships, which he founded in 2001.  One of his clients was Placer Valley Tourism, which retained his services to study the feasibility of creating a sports complex that could host large youth and adult tournaments, thus enhancing the destination’s reputation as a premier amateur sports center and increasing tourism revenues.

“We are extremely fortunate to have found someone with such extensive experience right in our own backyard,’ said Steve Art, President, Board of Directors, Placer Valley Tourism.  ‘Under Greg’s leadership, we expect Placer Valley to become top-of-mind in sports tourism in California,’ Art added.

‘Placer Valley is on the cusp of tremendous tourism growth in the next 10 years with the planned expansion at Thunder Valley Casino that includes a 650-room hotel, new Embassy Suites Hotel, the possibility of three new universities, a new hospital, and the potential development of the nation’s finest sports tourism center,’ stated Greg Van Dusen, newly appointed CEO, Placer Valley Tourism.  ‘Tourism is a sustainable industry that creates jobs for Placer County residents, generates tax revenues and is a major contributor to the economic vitality of the region,’ continued Van Dusen.

Prior to starting his business, Van Dusen spent more than 25 years as a leading force in the Sacramento sports scene, most recently serving 12 years as a member of the Sacramento Sports Commission (1989-2001), three as chairman.  He was Executive Vice President of ARCO Arena and the Sacramento Kings (1979-1990), and was instrumental in bringing the Kings to Sacramento from Kansas City in 1985.  Previous work experience includes stints as General Manager of the Sacramento Gold soccer team of the American Soccer League (1979); Stadium Manager for Los Rios Community College District (1976-1978); and Public Relations Director and Broadcaster for the Sacramento Solons AAA baseball team of the Pacific Coast League (1974-1976).

Greg resides in Rocklin and is the father of three sons – Adam 24, Brett 20 and Kyle 13.

Placer Valley Tourism is a destination marketing organization created by a Business Improvement District (BID) that was formed in 2003 by the South Placer Tourism Committee and adopted by the cities of Roseville, Rocklin and Lincoln.  The independent non-profit 501C6 organization is funded by hotels in Roseville, Rocklin and Lincoln.