Visit Bend director La Placa moving on to Bend company

After nine years at the helm of Bend’s largest economic development agency, Visit Bend President/CEO Doug La Placa announced Wednesday he is moving on to take the reins of another Bend company.

La Placa will join Bend-based Precise Flight, Inc. as the company’s new CEO. His last day with Visit Bend will be July 1.

Dave Nissen, owner of Wanderlust Tours and president of Visit Bend’s board of directors, said the organization is grateful for La Placa’s years of service.

“Doug joined Visit Bend nearly a decade ago when tourism was stagnant and the organization was falling apart,” Nissen explained. “He started with a budget of $400,000 and two employees and led the organization to where it stands today as one of the most respected destination marketing organizations in the country with a budget of over $3 million. We’re proud of Doug’s accomplishments, and we’re grateful for the contributions he made to our community and economy.”

In his new role with Precise Flight, Inc., La Placa will be tasked with helping the company expand its role as a leading supplier of advanced technology to the aviation industry. The owner of PFI, Brad LeHuquet, said the company is eager to have La Placa on board.

“This is an exciting time for Precise Flight,” LeHuquet said. “We’ve been in the aviation industry for over 35 years, and we’re poised for significant growth. We’re excited to have Doug’s leadership and energy to help us reach the next level.”

La Placa, who has worked in the tourism industry for nearly 20 years, said he’s looking forward to this new stage in his career. “My years at Visit Bend have been the most exciting and enjoyable of my career,” La Placa said. “I’m deeply grateful to the City of Bend, the entire Visit Bend family, and the people of the Bend community for everything we’ve accomplished together.”

About Visit Bend:

Visit Bend is a non-membership, non-profit economic development organization dedicated to promoting tourism on behalf of the City of Bend. We’re a leading provider of information on Bend, Oregon hotels, restaurants, activities, and Oregon vacation planning. To learn more or to order a complimentary Official Visitor Guide to Bend, contact Visit Bend at 1-800-949-6086 or visit www.visitbend.com.

About Precise Flight, Inc.
Precise Flight, Inc., headquartered in Bend, Oregon, has been a global leader in the aviation industry for over 35 years. Precise Flight supplies innovative solutions and products for every type of aircraft. From major commercial airlines and fleet operators, to business jets, rotorcraft, and all segments of general aviation, Precise Flight products make flying safer and the business of flying more profitable. Precise Flight’s products, including Pulselites, LED and HID lighting systems, fixed and portable oxygen systems, and Speedbrakes, are installed on a wide variety of aircraft around the world. Precise Flight’s partners, including Quantas and Alaska Airlines, Gulfstream, Cirrus, and Airbus Helicopters share Precise Flight’s commitment to excellence, innovation, safety, and performance.