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For Immediate Release: September 18, 2007
"Surf City" Here He Comes
Huntington Beach, Calif., September 18, 2007 – Dean Torrence, of the famed 1960s duo Jan and Dean, has been elected to the Huntington Beach Conference and Visitors Bureau (HBCVB) board of directors in the position of citizen-at-large.
"It is an honor to be affiliated with this destination marketing organization," said Torrence. "The work of the bureau continues to enhance Huntington Beach?s image as a premier coastal destination."
"Dean has been a long-time champion of Surf City USA®," said Doug Traub, president/CEO of the HBCVB. "The Conference and Visitors Bureau is fortunate to have this iconic beach town legend, not only as an advocate of the destination and brand, but a continued supporter of the organizations" efforts."
Torrence previously held one six-year term followed by a partial second term on the HBCVB board of directors. He was one of the original architects of the Surf City USA brand. In 1963, Torrence co-authored the song "Surf City," with his singing partner Jan Berry, along with Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys. It was the first surf song to hit number one on the music charts. A version of the song is incorporated into the HBCVB?s website, www.surfcityusa.com as a destination branding effort.
"Approximately two years ago, Dean stepped down from his role as a member of the board of directors due to the licensing revenue being generated by the Surf City USA brand," said Traub. "Recently, his passion for promoting and branding Surf City USA persuaded him to forgo his share of the profits and return to a position on the board where his knowledge and history of the destination will be more beneficial to all."
"This community has stayed true to its beach town roots," added Torrence. "I look forward to being a contributor to its future successes."
The HBCVB Board of Directors is composed of 14 voting members; to expand to 15 in 2008. One member is appointed by the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce and 13 are elected to three-year terms. Five voting members represent retail, manufacturing, restaurant or service-related industries. Five elected members are hoteliers, expanding to six in 2008; two are citizens-at-large with vested interests in tourism and one is a representative of ecotourism.
Current board members include; Michael Ali, Zack's Beach Catering and Concession, Brett Barnes, Duke's Huntington Beach, Steve Bone, Mayer Corporation, Larry Broughton, Broughton Hospitality, Garry Brown, Orange County CoastKeeper, Margie Bunten, Golden West College, Brett Barnes, Duke's Huntington Beach, Shirley Dettloff*, Amigos de Bolsa Chica, Dale Dunn, Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce, Ron McLin, Longboard Restaurant & Pub, Cheryl Phelps*, Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa, Pat Rogers, Bella Terra Huntington Beach, J.D. Shafer*, Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort, Maureen Sloan James, 5 Points Plaza, and Ethen Thacher*, Makar Properties.
*Indicate Executive Committee
About the Huntington Beach Conference and Visitors Bureau
The Huntington Beach Conference and Visitors Bureau is the official destination marketing organization of Huntington Beach, California. As one of the top Southern California coastal destinations featuring premier California beach resorts, Huntington Beach is the ideal location for a California family vacation, weekend getaway or surfing trip. With 8.5 miles of pristine California beaches, Huntington Beach is fast becoming a destination of choice for vacationers and business travelers alike. To plan your Surf City USA® vacation or to learn more about Huntington Beach, visit the Huntington Beach Conference and Visitors Bureau website at www.surfcityusa.com or call 800-729-6232 for a free Visitors Guide.