Placer Valley Tourism hires former River Cats promoter

Kim Ponce of Sacramento has been named hospitality manager of Placer Valley Tourism, a three-city organization dedicated to increasing hotel bookings in Roseville, Lincoln and Rocklin.

Ponce served the past four years as promotions manager for the Sacramento River Cats, a Triple A professional baseball team that plays at Raley Field in West Sacramento.  She worked in many marketing capacities and was responsible for in-game entertainment this past season.  Her duties included attending spring training in Arizona with the River Cats and the major league affiliate Oakland Athletics.

⤥ Summer Fun Starts Here ⤦

⤥ Summer Fun Starts Here ⤦

⤥ Summer Fun Starts Here ⤦

⤥ Summer Fun Starts Here ⤦

Ponce earned her bachelor of science degree in business administration at California State University, Sacramento, in 2004.  Born and raised in Castro Valley, she played collegiate soccer at both San Diego State and San Jose State Universities.

Ponce will be responsible for hospitality when groups – especially athletic teams – visit South Placer County.  She will organize volunteers to help with major events.  She will institutionalize message boards in all participating hotels so visitors will be aware of what is happening during their visit.

Greg Van Dusen, CEO of the organization, was impressed by Ponce’s enthusiasm and attention to detail.  ‘She will fit right in with our aggressive new goals,’ he said.  ‘Kim and her volunteers can do much to make visitors want to return to our friendly area,’ he added.

Ponce is the second new hire for PVT since the start of the new year.  The organization is gearing up for a record year in bringing people to the area.  Placer Valley Tourism, a non-profit corporation in the city of Roseville, was established in 2004 as a Business Improvement District (BID).  It is supported by fees paid by the hotels in the three cities it serves:  Roseville, Rocklin and Lincoln.  Main goal of PVT is to generate room nights.  To achieve the goal, marketing efforts will be aimed at meeting planners and organizers of sporting events.