Don Martine is the owner and CEO of the Martine Inn in Pacific Grove, California. In 1984, he converted the family compound of the Parke’s (of Parke Davis Pharmaceutical) into a twenty-five room waterfront inn, internationally recognized for its collection of fine American antiques and silver. In 1990 he was instrumental in creating the California Association of Bed & Breakfast Inns, CABBI, from two splintered groups. CABBI became a very successful association with over 300 members; Don being the founding president. He worked tirelessly to fight and have changed the onerous Workers Compensation laws coming out of Sacramento. He assisted in the development of the Hospitality Assessment District that now provides over $50 million in promotional services for the California Hospitality Industry. Don was called upon once again to help CABBI assimilate into the CH&LA, making it the largest state hotel association in the nation.
During this time, Don has continued to operate his unique inn and in his spare time restore and race vintage MG cars. He has shown the cars in many Concours d’Elegance, including Pebble Beach, and won Best in Class at the Concours, Santa Barbara. He has competed in over 200 races all over the USA and Canada, with many wins including at Lime Rock, Watkins Glen, Road America, Mid Ohio, Sears Point, Coronado, and other tracks. He also found time to serve two terms as a Pacific Grove City Councilman; Vice President of the PG Chamber of Commerce; President of the PG Hospitality Association; and was a recipient of the James Hughes Citizen of the Year award.
To be recognized like this by his peers and to be placed in the Hall of Fame with some very impressive people is the greatest reward for the culmination of a man’s career, that keeps going… We invite you to help us celebrate the man, the work, in thanksgiving…
Be sure to ask for your glass of Champagne or Sparkling cider upon arrival, now through May 8, 2012.
