Las Vegas’ wedding industry might have found its perfect match: the new Las Vegas Wedding Chamber of Commerce.
The public-private partnership, led by the Clark County clerk, Travel Nevada and the Las Vegas Visitors and Convention Authority, was developed to bring Las Vegas’ wedding industry under a single umbrella so prospective couples can more easily navigate the region’s wedding resources. The partnership will also create a road map to an integrated sales and marketing program for wedding tourism.
“Destination weddings are more attractive than ever with 3 (million) to 6 million couples each year traveling internationally to marry,” County Clerk Lynn Goya said. “Las Vegas has long positioned itself as the place to marry for passion and fun and the Las Vegas Wedding Chamber of Commerce will make it easier than ever for couples to plan their perfect Vegas wedding.”
In 2015, the city hosted nearly 82,000 marriages and generated $2 billion in nongaming tourism revenue to Clark County.
The chamber marked its March 2 opening with a mixer at The Bootlegger Bistro, 7700 Las Vegas Blvd. South. Former Nevada Lt. Gov. Lorraine Hunt-Bono hosted the event.
Presentations from local dignitaries and tourism boards highlighted the event, which celebrated the chamber’s opening. There was also an overview on the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority and the Nevada Commission on Tourism’s wedding marketing plans for the coming year.
Other well-known figures attending included Goya, Teri Laursen with the Nevada Commission on Tourism and Cathy Tull of the convention authority.
Vegas designer gets national contract
Las Vegas-based designer Jackie Von was one of four designers whose work was chosen to be a part of a new collection being produced by Feizy Rugs, one of America’s largest rug manufacturers.
“It’s an honor to be selected to collaborate with a company like Feizy and a privilege to work alongside Michel Boyd, Julia Buckingham and Kerrie Kelly, talented designers whose work I adore,” Von Tobel said. “I can’t wait to see how the inaugural Haute Trends Collection comes together.”
Two of the Las Vegas native’s patterns were marked for production earlier this year by Feizy, which announced the winners during a champagne brunch and meet-and-greet at the Las Vegas Market.
Over the past three decades, Von Tobel, a licensed artist, has worked in interior design, product design and illustration. Her design work is offered in Pier 1 Imports and other major department stores across the United States.
Von Tobel has also authored several design books, including “The Design Directory of Window Treatments” and “The Design Directory of Bedding.”
Dallas-based Feizy Rug’s Haute Trends Collection — which will include Von Tobel’s patterns — will be unveiled at the High Point Spring Market 2016 in North Carolina in mid-April. Feizy will show off eight new designs at the show; each is said to be inspired by Von Tobel’s watercolor paintings and her travels to Europe.
Grimaldi’s Pizzeria gets five stars
Grimaldi’s Pizzeria recently won a Five Star Diamond Award and CEO Joe Ciolli called it a huge accomplishment.
“We are honored to receive the Five Star Diamond Award,” Ciolli said. “We not only strive to provide our guests with the best dining experience possible, our company prides itself on having a strong, recognized brand presence worldwide.”
The pizza brand was recognized for its work in gastronomy, attitude, quality, cleanliness and overall service. The family-owned pizzeria chain was born in the New York City area before moving its corporate headquarters to Scottsdale, Ariz., in the late 2000s.
Locally, the chain has shops at the Shoppes at Palazzo, Fashion Show mall, Boca Park Fashion Village, Richmar Plaza and at Rainbow Boulevard and the 215 Beltway. There is also a shop in Sparks at the Legends of Sparks Marina.
Grimaldi’s will receive gold and silver-plated plaques with the Five Star Diamond Award logo. The organization will also be featured in the International Travel Directory distributed to hotels, resorts and fine dining establishments and financial and travel professionals worldwide.
The American Academy of Hospitality Sciences, which has given out the award since 1989, recognizes candidates globally. The academy considers candidates from restaurants, hotels, destinations, cruise lines and spas.
Grimaldi’s joins 87 other restaurants with five-star ratings. Other establishments on the list include Le Cirque in New York City, Café L’Europe in Palm Beach, Florida, and J &G Steakhouse in Washington, D.C.