Pacific Business News has announced the promotion of circulation director Mary Beth Lohman to publisher.

Lohman takes over from Larry Fuller, who is retiring after 11 years as publisher, PBN reported yesterday.

Lohman, 48, had been circulation director since 1996, overseeing the sale and distribution of PBN's print and online products, as well as marketing of the newspaper and events it sponsors.

CONSUMER ADVOCACY DIRECTOR SELECTED

The state has named Dean Nishina executive director of the Division of Consumer Advocacy.

The appointment of Nishina, a 16-year veteran of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, is effective Monday. As director of the division, Nishina will oversee representation of consumer interests before the state Public Utilities Commission and other local and federal agencies.

"We are extremely pleased that Mr. Nishina has accepted this important position to advocate on behalf of all Hawai'i consumers," Larry Reifurth, DCCA director, said in a news release.

HAWAI'I VOTED 'BEST SELLING DESTINATION'

The readers of Recommend magazine named Hawai'i the "Best Selling Destination" in North America in its 13th Annual Reader's Choice Awards.

The survey asked participants to rate destinations in a number of categories, including airlines, rental car, rail, cruises, and hotels and resorts.

Winners were determined based on the highest number of votes received from more than 1,000 travel agents and professionals between Aug. 15 and Sept. 30. The complete list of honorees will be published in the travel trade magazine's December issue.

"This positive recognition for Hawai'i is a reflection of our complete travel industry's hard work in this tough economy to ensure travel trade professionals have the tools to sell the Islands effectively and deliver a quality vacation experience," said John Monahan, president and CEO of the Hawai'i Visitors and Convention Bureau.