Venturini speaks for hospitality

Dale Venturini, president and CEO of the Rhode Island Hospitality Association, was recently honored at the National Organization of Italian American Women’s “An Epiphany Celebration Honoring Three Wise Women” event at the Providence Art Club. She was chosen for the honor based on achievements in her field.

You were recently honored by the NOIAW. How has your heritage shaped you?

I grew up in Pawtucket in a big Italian family. My childhood was incredibly challenging as we lost my father when I was just 4 years old and my mother was pregnant with her ninth child.  She had the sole responsibility of raising all of us. But, the experience was instrumental in giving me the tools I needed to not only survive, but to thrive.

Because I never had the opportunity to really know my father, I longed to discover my Italian roots on his side of the family. In 1999, I embarked on a journey to Tuscany. I remember waking up early and leaving the house to stand in the stillness of the morning. As I stood there, my feet seemed firmly planted in the soil. I literally could not move and I thought to myself … I have rooted – I am home.

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That moment gave me a concrete and physical understanding of what sense of place means. I have carried that sense of place, my pride in my heritage and my unquenchable desire for discovery forward throughout my life.

What sets Rhode Island apart for hospitality?

We have wonderful agriculture and aquaculture here, and many of our restaurants are committed to using locally sourced ingredients. We are fortunate to have Johnson & Wales University, and it attracts some of the best young talent entering the industry. We also have a wealth of amazing restaurants, award-winning hotels, attractions, beaches and a rich, storied history.

What presents the biggest challenge to growth in the hospitality industry in 2016?

Rhode Island’s hospitality industry currently employs more than 70,000 individuals with meaningful, well-paying jobs. However, we are in a continuous battle on wage legislation brought forth [by] organized activists who are paid to misrepresent the compensation that employees in our industry earn. •

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