A retirement party honoring Linda Abeldt for her 15 years of service as the first executive director of the Manteca Convention & Visitors Bureau was conducted Wednesday at Delicato Vineyards.

Abeldt is stepping down July 1 as the CVB’s top staffer. The organization operates the Manteca Visitors Center at the Promenade Shops at Orchard Valley. She’s been the executive director since the CVB first started in September of 1996.

The Manteca native is also a former president of both the Manteca/Lathrop Boys & Girls Club and the Manteca Chamber of Commerce. She also owned a baton and dance studio for 14 years prior to starting Manteca Travel that she operated for 13 years.

She is currently president of the Manteca District Ambulance board and is part of the leadership for the Manteca Parks and Recreation Foundation.