Nearly 70 members, community leaders and guests gathered on July 16 to celebrate Love Catalina Island Tourism Authority’s 77th year of promoting tourism and supporting the economic vitality of Catalina Island.
The evening began with welcoming remarks from President & CEO Jim Luttjohann, followed by comments from newly installed Board Chair Gail Fornasiere.
As part of the organization’s annual Year-End Meeting, Love Catalina officially installed its 2026-27 Officers and Board of Directors.
2026-27 Officers
- Chair: Gail Fornasiere, Catalina Island Health
- Past Chair: Cinde Cassidy, Cassidy Family of Businesses
- Chair-Elect: Lisa Beach, Scuba by Design
- Treasurer: John Alkibay, Catalina Beverage Company
Love Catalina also recognized retiring Board Director Mesa Bradley (Brown’s Bikes/Ciao-Baci) for her dedicated service and welcomed Ben Villalobos (Maverick Helicopters) to the Board for a three-year term.
Honoring Outstanding Businesses and Community Leaders
Each year, Love Catalina recognizes businesses and individuals whose contributions strengthen Catalina Island’s visitor economy and community. Award recipients are nominated by members and the community and selected by the Governance Committee.
Harvey Cowell Business of the Year
This year’s Harvey Cowell Business of the Year Award was presented to AVX Networks, accepted by Lance Ware.
Over the past few years, Lance has been a tireless advocate for securing funding to bring a much-needed undersea fiber connection to Catalina Island.
His dedication to improving the island’s telecommunications infrastructure will help provide more reliable phone and internet service for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.
Named in honor of Harvey Cowell—owner of Island Pharmacy, Avalon mayor and the driving force behind the formation of what is now Love Catalina Island in 1949—the award recognizes outstanding business leadership and contributions to the island community.
Care For Catalina Sustainable Tourism Award
The Care For Catalina Sustainable Tourism Award was presented to Spectrum Sports Management in recognition of its outstanding commitment to sustainable tourism and environmental stewardship on Catalina Island.
Spectrum received multiple nominations highlighting its continued efforts to incorporate sustainable practices into its island events, including providing bottle-free water stations for participants and partnering with sponsors that share a commitment to sustainability. These initiatives help reduce waste while enhancing the overall visitor experience.
Established in 2019, the Care For Catalina Sustainable Tourism Award recognizes businesses that demonstrate leadership in protecting Catalina Island’s natural resources while promoting responsible tourism practices.
David Creigh
Cruise Award
Now in its second year, the David Creigh Cruise Award recognizes individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to Catalina Island’s cruise industry and enhanced the visitor experience.
The 2026 award was presented to Catalina Classic Cruises in recognition of its outstanding efforts to support and elevate the cruise visitor experience on Catalina Island. The company was nominated by multiple industry partners, including Carnival Cruises representative Leon Sutcliffe, highlighting its continued commitment to serving cruise guests and strengthening Catalina’s connection with the cruise industry.
Chair’s Award
Board Chair Cinde Cassidy presented the Chair’s Award to Avalon Ocean Club, accepted by Madison Feldman, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the support of youth programs in Avalon.
The organization was cited for supporting tourism indirectly, by educating and providing activities for Catalina youth who will benefit along with all of the hospitality industry for years to come.
President’s Award
President & CEO Jim Luttjohann presented the President’s Award to Steve and Brenda Hoefs in recognition of their longstanding commitment to the Catalina Island community.
Through their stewardship of more than ten island businesses and their dedication to preserving Catalina’s history and heritage, they have made an enduring impact on both the visitor experience and the island community.
Looking back—and ahead
Guests received Love Catalina’s 2025-26 Year-End Report, highlighting the organization’s accomplishments in tourism promotion, marketing and member services during the past fiscal year. Copies have also been mailed to all Love Catalina Business and Friend members.
The celebration was held at the newly reimagined El Encanto Catalina, operated by President’s Award recipients Steve and Brenda Hoefs.
As one of the first major events hosted since its reopening, the venue provided a beautiful setting for an evening of celebration, recognition and fellowship.
According to Luttjohann, “We want to say thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating another successful year. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Catalina Island’s business community as we work together to promote and strengthen Catalina Island in the year ahead.”