January 2009 newsletter

Message from the President

Cindy Gillen

Greetings to all Chicago BTA members at this transitional time of year. December has ended, and we’ve now turned the calendar page to January and a new year has begun. In medieval calendars, January was illustrated by Janus, a roman god with two faces, reflecting on the past and looking toward the future. Let’s take a moment to do that now.

2008 was a year of great changes in our industry. There have been mergers, bankruptcies and acquisitions in all corners of travel and corporate industries plus roller coaster fuel prices. These are just some of the challenges we’ve faced together. Through all this, Chicago BTA flourished:

We accomplished a lot in 2008:

• There was, of course, the name change. Goodbye Midwest BTA, hello Chicago BTA!

• Four Chapter meetings, direct member Round Table meetings, and the first Allied member Square Table meetings were held. Attendance at quarterly meetings broke association records!

• Board elections were held, with many highly qualified and motivated candidates nominated. Congratulations to the winners as they step into their new roles.

• Members voted in new bylaws, creating the Technology & Travel Services post in the Allied Council. The Allied Council, which helps lead the way at Chicago BTA, is now 5 positions strong.

• Chicago BTA was a key presence at the NBTA Annual Chapter Leadership Summit and the NBTA Legislative Summit. The voice of Chicago area business travel management is heard!

• We partnered with a new charity in 2008, the Walter & Connie Payton Foundation, to provide holiday gifts to needy children.

• And especially notable – Chicago BTA awarded 12 members with scholarships to further their travel industry education. Fostering professional education and networking opportunities is the foundation of Chicago BTA.

2008 also saw Carole Liberti stepping down from her role as President. Under her guidance and leadership these past two years, our association has grown into one of the largest and most vibrant local chapters of NBTA. I know I speak for all of us at Chicago BTA when I say, thank you, Carole, for all that you’ve done, and all that you will continue to do as you take on the new hat of Chairperson. Thank you, too, to all the committee chairs, co-chairs and members for their hard work in making it all happen. Committee service is the lifeblood of this association and the key to its success.

These are but a few highlights of Chicago BTA achievements in 2008. For the full scoop, read the committee reports that follow in this roundup issue.

As for where we’re going, we are just beginning to experience the repercussions of economic change around us. It’s going to be a long and bumpy ride, but I am confident this organization will continue to provide excellent education and networking for all members and will be a key component helping each of us achieve our goals and get us where we want to be. Mahatma Gandhi has said: “The future depends on what we do in the present.” The present is now – and now is the time to be active in Chicago BTA.

Best wishes for you and your families for a happy and healthy new year. Onward into 2009!

Cindy Gillen