Happy New Year and welcome to 2013!

I am so appreciative of the opportunity to serve as your President for the next two years.  SVBTA has become a highly visible and influential organization under the leadership of Rick Wakida. You have my continued commitment; I look forward to moving our organization even further in same direction. 

As I reflect on the past year, I can’t help but be amazed at the quality of programs and increased involvement from the entire membership.   Our monthly meetings were attended in record numbers, and through the efforts of Mary Pace and the Education Committee, we were the only Association to qualify every meeting for GBTA CEU credits.  Also, we were able to immerse college students into our exciting industry through our partnership with San Jose State University. 

I want to express a heartfelt thank you to every member of the 2011-2012 Board of Directors.  In particular, I would like to acknowledge those volunteers whose terms have come to an end – LaDonna Whitaker, Dan Mason, Janet Wyer, Elena Isaykina, and Lynne Brown.  Each and every one of you made a tremendous contribution to the organization and our industry - I am grateful to have worked with you.

Your 2013-2014 Board of Directors just wrapped up a very productive planning session, where each department outlined their goals and objectives for the coming year.  We know you will be pleased with the initiatives and look forward to your continued engagement and involvement with our Association.

In particular, you will see continued focus in these areas:

• Internship program - which will allow more students to be exposed to the business travel industry
• Government Relations – in addition to Washington, become more involved and vocal with local issues that impact our industry
• Social Media – increase our presence with social media, providing an avenue for timely exchange and dialogue
• Programs - provide relevant, thought-provoking, and exciting programs

Finally, all good leaders recognize that they are only as good as their team.  To that end, we have an amazing group of individuals serving on the Board of Directors.  I sincerely appreciate each of their individual talents, which collectively bring excellence to our association.  I would encourage all of you to join a committee and get involved by making our association even better to meet and exceed the needs of all of our members.

Wishing each of you happiness and much success in 2013!