Rachel Lenda knows the ins and outs of hospitality and tourism, having served the needs of guests for 12 years in the restaurant industry. From covering the varied tasks of a general manager to sales and marketing, Rachel brings a wealth of knowledge from the service industry as well as over five years’ experience in administrative work as an executive legal assistant.
With her breadth of skills, Rachel is coordinating the Chamber’s administrative partnerships with the Eastern Regional Tourism District (ERTD), Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Eastern Connecticut (HBRAECT), and Southeast Connecticut World Affairs Council (SECWAC).
The state-designated ERTD selected the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT to act as its nonprofit administrative partner in March 2020. The Chamber works with the ERTD Board of Directors, representing the district’s 41 towns and major attractions, to implement innovative marketing and promotion of the region supported through annual state funding. Working closely with the Board, Rachel is looking forward to the insights she can share from her work in the industry.
“I have a deep understanding of restaurant tourism from various positions held within our area’s leading high-volume and multimillion dollar venues such as the Hard Rock Café at Foxwoods, Ballo Italian at Mohegan Sun Casino, S&P Oyster Restaurant and Bar, and Max Downtown. These iconic and landmark establishments focus on attracting travelers for both business and pleasure,” shared Rachel. “I plan to bring this expertise into my role as Administrative Partnerships Manager to help the Eastern Regional Tourism District with innovative ideas with food establishments, live music venues, bars, nightclubs, and food and beverage tours.”
Rachel brings another point of view as a vocalist in Eastern Connecticut’s award-winning band, Red Light. Performing for major community events, night outs, beach concerts, fairs, and casinos, Rachel understands the entertainment market from backstage.
“My connection to tourism comes from my connection to people. I would classify myself as your quintessential ‘people-person’ and I love being a part of the unique moments in people’s lives,” said Rachel. “To be able to influence a family’s vacation or a newly wedded couple’s honeymoon, that is a gift; it is a true pleasure to be a part of and something I am proud to be connected to.”
Additionally, this role expands people’s experiences through supporting SECWAC and their programs that bring experts on global issues to speak to local audiences. Featured speakers have included Ambassador Fiona Hill on the end of the Cold War, David Abramson from the US State Department on the Russia-China Alliance, and Esam Boraey of Wesleyan on democracy in Egypt. The Chamber has been a proud partner in this effort since 2014.
Rachel connects with local small business owners by meeting the administrative needs of HBRAECT and its members in the construction industry. HBRAECT provides valuable opportunities for local contractors to meet, collaborate, learn, share promotional opportunities, and promote the highest standards in the building industry. HBRAECT began their administrative partnership with the Chamber in 2017, and Rachel looks forward to continuing to support our industry members through her work.
Connect with Rachel at rlenda@ChamberECT.com to learn more about the Chamber’s work with these partners.