LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Lake County business owners and tourism professionals will have an exciting opportunity to learn, network and be inspired in a new monthly workshop series to be held throughout the summer.

The first workshop in the series will be held on Thursday, May 17, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at The Lodge at Blue Lakes, located at 5135 W. Highway 20.

The event will feature two informative segments: “Why Customers Can't Find You and How to Fix That for Free,” plus a feature presentation on “Lake County Rising,” an informative look at the growth and uniqueness of Lake County as a wine region, presented by the Lake County Winegrape Commission.

Scrumptious appetizers will be presented by the executive chef at The Lodge at Blue Lakes. Local wine tastings will be offered by Wildhurst Vineyards and Shannon Ridge Vineyards.

Guests will be entertained by the musical stylings of David Neft on piano beginning at 5 p.m.

The kickoff of this event is designed to coincide with National Travel and Tourism Week, which is May 5-13, 2012.

The event is hosted by Peter and Maryann Schmid, owners of The Lodge at Blue Lakes, and presented in collaboration with the Lake County Marketing and Economic Development Program and the Lake County Chamber of Commerce.

Future monthly workshops will be held on June 14, July 12, Aug. 9 and Sept. 13; locations and topics to be announced.

Each workshop will feature two segments – one focusing on specific ways to affordably grow a tourism-related business and one highlighting specific attractions that make Lake County a desirable visitor destination.

Tourism and hospitality professionals involved in all areas of Lake County’s tourism industry – lodging, events, dining, attractions, tasting rooms, galleries, shops, activities, tours and more – are encouraged to attend.

Please RSVP to The Lodge at Blue Lakes, 707-275-2181, www.thelodgeatbluelakes.com .