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ERIK WOLF CCTP President & CEO
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Erik Wolf is recognized internationally as the founder of the culinary tourism industry. Erik has more than 20 years of experience in travel marketing and has worked with a variety of travel industry companies that have included: U.S. Travel and Tourism Administration (Sydney, Australia); Domenico Tours (New York City); Marriott Hotels & Resorts (Washington, D.C.); Royal Caribbean Cruise Line (Miami, Florida); New York University; Ion Global (San Francisco and Singapore); MCI WorldCom; Travelocity; and Walt Disney World. He is a popular speaker in the USA and abroad, and is considered as the go-to culinary tourism resource for media all over the globe, including MSNBC.com, The Washington Times, Forbes, The Travel Channel and Peter Greenberg (in the US), as well as media outlets in Canada, Mexico, India, Italy, South Africa and the United Kingdom. Erik also advises on a regular basis to UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network gastronomy program. Erik holds a B.A. in languages from the University of Virginia and an M.A. in Travel Marketing and International Communication from The American University in Washington, D.C. He is a member of the International Association of Culinary Professionals and Slow Food. For Erik, food is a way to communicate and connect with local people. A command of several languages has helped him navigate through dozens of countries. Erik has also lived in Australia, Denmark, Singapore and South Africa. The more Erik traveled, the more he realized that many destinations have wonderful but untold stories in the form of truly unique food and beverage experiences. Erik enjoys recommending unusual and remarkable food and beverages experiences from obscure lands. Don't ever let him loose in a grocery store in another country - you won't see him for hours.
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STACEY BEAVER Projects
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Stacey grew up in the agricultural countryside of New Zealand. She worked in customer service, administration and food handling, and then in 2006, Stacey earned a Degree in Strategy and Business Communication. Stacey worked in human resources for Prolife Foods in Hamilton, New Zealand until 2009, when she joined the International Culinary Tourism Development office, also in New Zealand. While Stacey has heard all the sheep jokes, she can also tell you where to get the best cheese, milk, ice cream and honey on New Zealand's North Island. And after all those calories, Stacey can also tell you where to find the best kayaking spots. Stacey has traveled in Italy and the UK, and was even an ambassador for New Zealand wine in Italy, where alas, she was told, she had to drink Italian vino. Stacey's specialty is Spaghetti Bolognaise - with a sweet twist. She loves trying new recipes and tastes and is always bringing something interesting for our New Zealand team to munch on.
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NATHAN STONER Projects
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Nathan grew up in Huddersfield, Northern England, but has since moved over 15 times including stints in the USA, France, and Ethiopia. Currently, he lives in Ningbo, China. He is passionate about travel, design, and technology which led him to pursue a dual degree in Architecture and Mechanical Engineering at Yale University. During his studies, Nathan founded a cutting-edge new media development agency, ambaye interactive (formerly hangar19). Ambaye interactive has worked on numerous new media projects, websites, and e-commerce solutions for clients such as Disney, Schwab, MCI/Worldcom, Razorfish, and Ion Global (where he met ICTA President Erik Wolf). Nathan currently heads up technology development for ICTA. With a passion for travel, Nathan has visited over 35 countries and is always in search of the most authentic food, drink, and gastronomic experiences each country has to offer. Nathan currently volunteers for Addis Alem Foundation (Founder) and Save the Children (Fundraising and Media Development).
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GARRY TAYLOR Projects |
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Garry grew up in the green valleys of South Wales in the United Kingdom. He has been involved in both retail and education capacities working as a team member, developing business relationships and providing seminars within the UK. His interests in the psychology of people led him to his Honours Degree at the University Of Wales College Of Medicine. Following completion of his degree Garry provided educational seminars for young adults on health, nutrition and the societal impact of food in general. Garry has had the privilege of travel and has always been a culinary tourist. He finds food and travel topics of common interest to nearly everyone. Garry thinks outside the box. He brings to the Association a rich background from both academic and experiential perspectives. Garry feels that his experience as a consumer provides a more rounded and holistic approach to culinary tourism. He looks forward with enthusiasm to help businesses get the most from this dynamic and progressive industry.
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MELODY JOHNSON
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Melody grew up in N.E. Montana, where she was raised on a wheat farm. She attended the University of Montana until moving to the west coast and attending Clark College in Vancouver, WA. She has been involved in the tourism industry for 22+ years, and she owned a very successful country inn for 20 of those years. Her inn held the award for "Best Evening Cuisine" for 2 consecutive years. She has been associated with Erik Wolf and the ICTA since the very beginning, when she served on the volunteer boards for the Oregon Culinary Tourism Association (OCTA) until it was folded into the ICTA. Her current goal is to provide the highest quality of customer service for members, vendors, contractors, and employees of the ICTA and it's companies. |
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ADAM HARRIS Projects
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Adam grew up in the United Kingdom. He received an Honors Degree in Business Studies & Italian with an integrated 2 years in Italy learning the language and culture and developing a passion for the local cuisine. This experience sparked a passion for culinary travel that he fervently pursues to this day, preferring to walk around local farmers' markets or trying local delicacies to lazing on a beach. After university he spent 2 years working for a top marketing consultancy in London designing and implementing programs for companies such as Walt Disney and Dell. He currently lives in Sydney, Australia where he has worked as a Senior Account Manager for two major advertising agencies working on accounts such as Toyota and Fuji Xerox. In 2004 Adam helped launch a business that sold and supplied ATM banking solutions to hospitality and retail based businesses across Australia. Adam is currently studying for a Master of International Tourism and Hospitality and applies his academic learning and business experience to his work for the Association and its divisions. |
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HELENE CARTER Administrative |
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Helene is charged with keeping the Association office running smoothly, something she does with classic British aplomb. Rarely seen, and she prefers it that way, Helene's presence is always felt even when she is away from the office. She runs a tight ship and nothing gets by her so "put that second doughnut back young man!" That said, Helene makes a mean currant scone with Devonshire cream, but don't dare ask for the recipe - it's a closely guarded family secret. Helene is a dog lover and is shown with her puppy Skipper. |
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