I would like to thank Vic Sams, our Vice President for conducting our April meeting in my absence. Rod Eckard from Dale Carnegie provided an interactive presentation on how to remember people's names. Something we can all use some help with.

Rick Lackland was the awarded our first quarter scholarship for 2008.  Congratulations Rick!

Scott Lamb of Hilton Hotels presented Vikki Siemen with a $1,000.00 platinum sponsorship. Thank you Scott! 

Our May meeting will be held at the new W Midtown. Kevin Maguire, President and CEO of NBTA will be our guest speaker. In addition, Shane Downey, Government Relations from NBTA will speak to us regarding the NBTAPAC(Political Action Committee).

Last year, NBTA held the first Chapter Challenge. NBTA challenged each chapter to raise an amount of money for the NBTAPAC that was equal to $10 per chapter member.  The results overall were fantastic!  Thirteen chapters achieved their goal and in total raised more than $56,000. GBTA was not one of those thirteen chapters but with the help of each member we can make the goal this year. Donations must be personal donations from the member and not the corporation.  Please come to the May meeting prepared to support the NBTAPAC and GBTA by making a contribution.  The NBTAPAC Committee will be able to answer any questions and accept your contribution. 

Thank you for supporting GBTA and the NBTAPAC in this ongoing endeavor. It enables NBTA's advocacy team to raise money to support political candidates for federal office who know, understand, and support the issues of business travelers.

I look forward to seeing everyone at the W Midtown.

George Dunwoody