After nine years at the helm of Bend’s largest economic development agency, Visit Bend President/CEO Doug La Placa is moving on to take the reins of another Bend company.
La Placa will join Bend-based Precise Flight, Inc. as the company’s new CEO.
His last day with Visit Bend will be July 1.
Dave Nissen, owner of Wanderlust Tours and president of Visit Bend’s board of
directors, said the organization is grateful for La Placa’s years of service.
“Doug joined Visit Bend nearly a decade ago when tourism was stagnant and
the organization was falling apart,” Nissen explained. “He started with a
budget of $400,000 and two employees and led the organization to where it
stands today as one of the most respected destination marketing organizations
in the country with a budget of over $3 million. We’re proud of Doug’s
accomplishments, and we’re grateful for the contributions he made to our
community and economy.”
In his new role with Precise Flight, Inc., La Placa will be tasked with helping
the company expand its role as a leading supplier of advanced technology to
the aviation industry. Owner of PFI, Brad LeHuquet, said the company is eager
to have La Placa on board.
“This is an exciting time for Precise Flight,” LeHuquet said. “We’ve been in the
aviation industry for over 35 years, and we’re poised for significant growth.
We’re excited to have Doug’s leadership and energy to help us reach the next
level.”
La Placa, who has worked in the tourism industry for nearly 20 years, said he’s
looking forward to this new stage in his career. “My years at Visit Bend have
been the most exciting and enjoyable of my career,” La Placa said. “I’m deeply
grateful to the City of Bend, the entire Visit Bend family, and the people of the
Bend community for everything we’ve accomplished together.”
About Visit Bend
Visit Bend is a non-membership, non-profit economic development organization
dedicated to promoting tourism on behalf of the City of Bend. We’re a leading
provider of information on Bend, Oregon hotels, restaurants, activities, and
Oregon vacation planning. To learn more or to order a complimentary Official
Visitor Guide to Bend, contact Visit Bend at 1-800-949-6086 or visit
www.visitbend.com
About Precise Flight, Inc.
Precise Flight, Inc., headquartered in Bend, Oregon, has been a global leader
in the aviation industry for over 35 years. Precise Flight supplies innovative
solutions and products for every type of aircraft. From major commercial
airlines and fleet operators, to business jets, rotorcraft, and all segments of
general aviation, Precise Flight products make flying safer and the business of
flying more profitable. Precise Flight’s products, including Pulselites, LED and
HID lighting systems, fixed and portable oxygen systems, and Speedbrakes, are
installed on a wide variety of aircraft around the world. Precise Flight’s
partners, including Quantas and Alaska Airlines, Gulfstream, Cirrus, and Airbus
Helicopters share Precise Flight’s commitment to excellence, innovation,
safety, and performance.
www.preciseflight.com
