This is a brief and compelling sentence about why you should read this newsletter.
it's awesome.

 
Aloha Autumn,

We are rolling in the leaves of harvest and are you loving the change of season?

The visitors are still streaming into Sonoma County by land and air 
(stay tuned for new service to Sonoma County in the coming months) and a shout out to our HELP Desk at Sonoma County Airport for the warm welcome they give to all passengers.

The nice letters from and about the CTAs continue to come in. Here are a few accolades for the program:
 
Laurie Flippen CTA, Manager 
Destination Drivers of Napa & Sonoma
Good morning, Mo,  
"Just to let you know I'm so glad to be a CTA. It's wonderful when someone recognizes my pin when I'm driving clients. They all are so impressed with the certification. And it's made me much more mindful of exploring and adding knowledge. Really looking forward to going some of your familarization trips this year!"
 

James Luchini CTA, Hospitality Training and Development Manager, 
Francis Ford Coppola Winery

"Just an FYI on a testament to what an amazing job Charmaine does representing Sonoma County. These folks were in the grocery store picking out a Pinot Grigio and Char overheard them talking about going to Napa.  She turned around and sold them a bottle of Coppola Pinto Grigio and then got them to stay in Sonoma County for the day and head up to Coppola.   These guests are now huge fans of Sonoma County and Coppola!!  This is prime example of how we do it one visitor at a time!
 
Many many thanks to Charmaine for a job well done!!"

Holiday Lunch
Registration is officially open for the Holiday Lunch at the Union Hotel in Occidental. We have 30 more seats so bring a friend and let's toast an amazing year.
 
Facebook Page
We jumped to 285 members from the last issue. Let's get to 300-plus this issue. A reminder that this is a closed group exclusively for us.  So please join our Sonoma County Tourism Ambassador Facebook Group and share an experience related to our theme this month. You just may be published in our next newsletter!
 
Click To Join Our Facebook Page
 
Theme of the Month
Apples + Cider - Share your photos and experiences.
 
Yours in Endless Sunshine, Award Winners, & Pumpkin Pie,
 
Mo


   
The 2016 Sonom a County CTA Excellence Awards were presented to the Certified Tourism Ambassadors who exemplify excellence in hospitality and customer service.  

These individuals consistently exceed customer expectations, possess a strong knowledge of the region and attractions, and promote the ideals of Sonoma County and the Tourism Ambassador Institute.

Winners were announced at the CTA Awards Luncheon on November 10th at The Petaluma Women's Club.  Thank you to the Petaluma Downtown Association for their excellent partnership.
 
Let's congratulate 2016 CTA of the Year winners:

Shining Star Award
Paradise Ridge Winery

Northern Sonoma County
Emily McCutchan- Wilson Winery

Central Sonoma County
Corrine Bishop- Safari West

Pacific Coast
Rick Young- River's End Restaurant & Inn

Sonoma Valley
Salli Pemelton- Beau Wine Tours

Russian River
Deb McGauley- Korbel Winery

West County
Andrea Caron- Silk Moon Gallery

CTA of the Year
Lori Rooney- North Bay Biz

 
Sold out crowd!

2013-2016 CTAs of the Year
Regional CTAs of the Year
CTA of the Year Lori Rooney
Petalumans of Yesteryear
CTA of the Pacific Coast
Regional CTAs of the Year
2016 Shining Star Award- Paradise Ridge Winery






 
 

 
Event: CTA Holiday Lunch
Date :  Friday, December 16
Location:  Union Hotel in Occidental
Time:   11:30 am - 1:30 pm
Cost:  $15 per person 
Points:  5 for Networking
Registration: Click Here To Register ( You may bring a guest.)

We are so fortunate to return to this beautiful festive venue for our holiday lunch. Two years ago we had nearly 100 CTAs and their friends in attendance for one of the most memorable events we've held.  

Thank you to owner Barbara Gonella and Sonoma County Tourism for sponsoring this event to make it possible for us to have a scrumptious (and affordable!) celebration.  


Position Announcement

Santa Rosa Junior College Culinary Career Center

Check out this website for job openings.