Mark Harmon, to Share Entrepreneurial Vision with Cornell Students
CEO Auberge Resorts
ITHACA, NY, April 21, 2006. The Institute for Hospitality Entrepreneurship at Cornell's School of Hotel Administration is pleased to announced that Mark Harmon, principal and CEO, Auberge Resorts, will be the featured speaker in the "Conversations with Entrepreneurs" series in May. During the academic year, leading hospitality entrepreneurs visit the School to describe how they conceived an entrepreneurial vision and transformed that vision into an extraordinary business success. Entrepreneurs provide guidance and insight directly to students who have entrepreneurial aspirations.
"We are delighted that Mark Harmon will be sharing his insights with student as one of our innovators in the 'Conversations with Entrepreneurs' series," stated Cathy Enz, associate dean for industry research and affairs at the School. "This speaker series is designed to promote intimate interactions between Cornell students and uniquely successful entrepreneurs who are leaders in our industry."
Harmon will present on May 2, from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m., in Room 341 Statler Hall of the Cornell Hotel School.
As Principal and Chief Executive Officer of Auberge Resorts, Mill Valley, Calif., Harmon oversees the design, development and acquisition of hotels, resorts and private clubs. Named for its flagship hotel, Napa Valley's renowned Auberge du Soleil, the company owns or operates a distinguished collection of exceptional properties, including: Esperanza in Los Cabos, Mexico; Calistoga Ranch in Napa Valley, Calif.; and the Inn at Palmetto Bluff in Bluffton, S.C.; with several others currently in development in New Mexico, California and the Caribbean.
Harmon formed Auberge Resorts in 1998 to consolidate the management, financial expertise and assets of its various hospitality ventures and to pursue the development of other unique properties. Since then, he has led the company's growth to encompass ventures in resort management and development, real estate and residence clubs. Under Harmon's leadership, Auberge Resorts properties have garnered industry accolades and high honors from the readers of Andrew Harper's Hideaway Report, Cond'e Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, Town & Country and Departures.
About the Institute for Hospitality Entrepreneurship
A unit of the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration, the Institute for Hospitality Entrepreneurship (IHE) supports and enables innovation and new business formation in the hospitality industry. The Institute provides students with guidance on entrepreneurship study, introduces students to hospitality entrepreneurs, and encourages students to pursue entrepreneurial endeavors. The Institute is also a platform for knowledge about forming new hospitality businesses, managing small and family-run businesses, franchising, corporate venturing, new venture funding, and innovation.
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