NEW HAVEN, Conn., April 22, 2009 - The Connecticut Lodging Association (CLA) has selected Ginny Kozlowski as the new Executive Director, effective this April 20, 2009. Under a contractual agreement with the Greater New Haven Convention & Visitors Bureau (GNHCVB), the CLA will look to further their successful initiatives and create new programs to address these challenging times for lodging owners and managers. Capitalizing on the natural synergy between the two organizations, this collaboration will utilize the depth and breadth of the GNHCVB's resources to fulfill the CLA's mission of being a strong advocate for the hotels, motels, inns and bed & breakfast properties and by providing educational and networking opportunities for its members.

Ms. Kozlowski brings a wealth of experience to her new position. Ginny Kozlowski was named President of the Greater New Haven Convention & Visitors Bureau in October 2007, having previously worked at the Bureau in a variety of capacities since 1993. Prior to her employment at the CVB, Kozlowski has worked in the hotel industry as a general manager and a comptroller, as well as in the food and beverage industry. In 2008, she was awarded the Rising Star award from Business New Haven. In addition, she has a degree in accounting from Central Connecticut State University and has taught at the University of New Haven as an adjunct professor in their hospitality program.

"The GNHCVB was a natural fit for our association management needs with their turnkey operation and readiness to respond," said Chuck Moran, President of CLA and General Manager of Courtyard by Marriott Cromwell.

First order of business during the transition phase will be to identify the immediate needs of its hotel membership and address the critical issues facing the lodging industry. 

"We are looking forward to collaborating with our industry partners and advancing the mission of CLA," said Ginny Kozlowski, President/CEO of GNHCVB. "In these trying economic times, we need to leverage our collective knowledge and resources so we can reposition the organization as the recognized voice of the industry in Connecticut. We are looking forward to continuing the CLA's role in advocating for the lodging industry while expanding the role CLA plays in joint sales and marketing ventures for our members."

About Connecticut Lodging Association
The Connecticut Lodging Association plays a crucial role for all types of lodging properties by advocating for legislation, regulations and resources that create a favorable business climate to promote a robust lodging industry within the state.

About Greater New Haven Convention & Visitors Bureau
One of five tourism regions in Connecticut, the Greater New Haven Convention & Visitors Bureau markets 19 communities in an effort to enhance the region's economy and quality of life by generating increased individual and group visitor spending.

Connecticut Lodging Association
    Ginny Kozlowski
    Executive Director
    169 Orange St.
    New Haven, CT 06510
    860-635-5600
    [email protected]
   http://www.visitnewhaven.com