Judith Davis Baer Recognized by Italian Government During 30th Anniversary Gala

On February 16, 2008, Judith Davis Baer, President and Founder of JDB Fine Hotels & Resorts (JDB), was recognized by the Italian government during JDB's 30th Anniversary Gala held at the Embassy of Italy in Washington, DC. Embassy First Counselor Marco Mancini presented Mrs. Baer with a plaque from Francesco Rutelli, Deputy Prime Minister of Italy and head of the department of Cultural Heritage and Tourism, congratulating Mrs. Baer for her years of success in promoting Italy.

Alexandria, VA, (PRWEB) March 20, 2008

On February 16, 2008, Judith Davis Baer, President and Founder of JDB Fine Hotels & Resorts (JDB), was recognized by the Italian government during JDB's 30th Anniversary Gala held at the Embassy of Italy in Washington, DC. Embassy First Counselor Marco Mancini presented Mrs. Baer with a plaque from Francesco Rutelli, Deputy Prime Minister of Italy and head of the department of Cultural Heritage and Tourism, congratulating Mrs. Baer for her years of success in promoting Italy.

Silvio Catalano, Managing Director of the Hotel Splendide Royal in Rome, later presented Mrs. Baer with a letter personally written by Deputy Prime Minister Rutelli expressing appreciation for Mrs. Baer's ongoing dedication and support promoting Italy and Italian culture in the United States.

Mrs. Baer began her career in travel marketing with Tryall Golf & Beach Club in Jamaica in 1978. In 1987 she began representing three hotels in Italy, one each in Venice, Florence and Rome. Currently JDB represents approximately 230 boutique upscale hotels, 170 of which are located in Italy. JDB produces yearly revenue in excess of $25 million, 90% of which is generated at Member Properties in Italy.

JDB's 30th Anniversary was celebrated with a black-tie gala that included a gourmet dinner prepared by two-star Michelin chef, Pino Lavarra, from the renowned five-star hotel, Palazzo Sasso in Ravello on Italy's famed Amalfi Coast. Chef Lavarra traveled to Washington with his sous chef specifically to create a four-course meal for the event. Each course was paired with wine provided by vineyard properties that are part of JDB's collection of hotels. Participating vineyard properties and wines were as follows:

Castello Banfi Il Borgo - Montalcino, Italy
Featured Wines: Cum Laude Sant' Antimo D.O.C & Rosa Regale

L'Albereta - Erbusco, Italy
Featured Wine: Franciacorta Brut Contadi Castaldi

Albergo L'Ostelliere (Villa Sparina) - Gavi, Italy
Featured Wine: Gavi del Comune di Gavi 2006

Gala attendees included industry VIPs such as Richard Whitfield, Managing Director, Half Moon in Jamaica; Renee Werbin, Founder and Publisher, TravelGirl Magazine; Rose Harrington, Director of Leisure Travel Operations, Altour; Lara Leibman, Senior Vice President, Frosch Travel; Aaron Kaupp, Managing Director, Palazzo Sasso, Italy; Marisa Giuliano, Managing Director, Albergo L'Ostelliere, Italy; Fabio Datteroni, Managing Director, Castello Banfi Il Borgo, Italy; and Luca Finardi, General Manager, Grand Hotel Continental, Italy.

For high resolution images from the gala visit: http://www.jdbhotels.com/gala

About JDB Fine Hotels & Resorts:
JDB Fine Hotels & Resorts, established in 1978 and headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, is a comprehensive hotel and resort marketing organization representing only the finest and most unique properties in the upscale travel market. With more than 200 luxury properties in Europe, the Caribbean and Mexico, JDB provides marketing, sales and reservation services in the United States and Canada. Each member property has been personally selected by JDB and is evaluated based on a number of factors, including its reputation, management, location, distinctive facilities and value. JDB member properties are reviewed and visited annually to ensure maintenance of standards in their respective categories. For more information visit JDB's website: http://www.jdbhotels.com.

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