The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade this week announced that Cathy Ritter has been named as director of the Colorado Tourism Office following a nationwide search.

“Cathy’s appointment comes at a time of record growth for our tourism industry, and she’s just the person to take us to the next level,” said Gov. John Hickenlooper in a statement. “We are thrilled to have her experience and knowledge on our team. She has been recognized nationwide for her exceptional tourism industry work, and we know she will be a great asset to the state.”

Ritter was director of the Illinois Bureau of Tourism, where she oversaw a $60 million annual budget and saw a 7 percent jump in the state’s tourism spending. After that, she handled marketing for nonprofit senior communities.

“Colorado is such a hot destination, with so many fascinating and fun experiences for all types of travelers,” Ritter said in a statement. “I’m excited about the opportunities to bring fresh thinking and energy to sharing that message and creating new reasons for travelers to choose Colorado.”

The tourism industry pumps an estimated $18.6 billion into the Colorado economy, employing more than 150,000 residents, the economic development office said.

Buescher, Jennings join Ireland Stapleton firm

Denver-based Ireland Stapleton Pryor & Pascoe, PC, announced this week that former Colorado Secretary of State and former state Rep. Bernie Buescher and former Denver Department of Excise and Licenses Hearings Manager John E. Jennings have joined the business law firm as part of its regulatory practice group.

Colorado Springs Mayor and former Attorney General John Suthers praised Buescher, who was his deputy attorney general.

“What I love about Bernie is not just that he is a superb attorney, brilliant policy mind and someone who really gets things done, but that he also derives such joy out of the process of making the state he loves a better place,” said Suthers in a statement.

John Carlson, executive director of the Colorado Brewers Guild, lauded Jennings. “Having worked with John in his government capacity, I know that his great legal mind and particular licensing experience will be a great asset to the private sector,” he said.

“In addition to being first class individuals, Bernie and John are great lawyers who significantly expand the scope of what we can do to serve our clients in regulatory and other matters,” said Ireland Stapleton Managing Director K.C. Groves.