I am very excited to be starting my new role as the President of the Georgia Business Travel Association.  After the January meeting at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center it is apparent that 2008 is off to a great start! What a fantastic turnout for our first meeting.   

My goals for 2008 are to provide our members with exciting meeting sites, energetic, informative speakers and a forum for networking. It is my goal that the association help provide the exposure and understanding of industry issues, opportunities and educational updates, thus enabling each member to provide increased value to your employer, increased value to your career and increased value to the travel industry.

 This year GBTA will be awarding scholarships on a quarterly basis.  I strongly encourage you to apply for our first quarter scholarship as quickly as possible. The deadline is March 15^th with the winner being announced in April. Visit www.gbta.org to obtain scholarship applications.

Our next meeting is a dinner meeting on February 5^th at the Georgian Terrace and I look forward to seeing all of you there. Remember that February is "Direct Month." Each direct member can attend this meeting free of charge and can bring another direct colleague or their manager as well.

Once again, this is going to be an exciting year. Mark your calendars for upcoming meetings and events. 

Sincerely

George Dunwoody

GBTA President 2008