I would like to take this opportunity to recognize how valuable it is to have a board that is aware of what their goals, projects and responsibilities are to you, the membership and to me as your president. The dedication of the board has made the task of entering and learning a new industry avenue much easier, for which I am grateful. Solid leadership is important in any organization and the LABTA has the sturdy building blocks necessary for strong leadership in the Board of Directors and Executive Board.
This year, your board has been busy keeping the ball rolling on projects that have shown brightly and favorably on our organization; and has displayed our commitment to our sponsors, members and the community. Here is what your board has been working on since January:
Corporate Social Responsibility, lead by Director of CSR, Kjarsten Philipsen: the Annual Revlon Run/Walk participation on May 8th, LA Food Bank support on October 23rd and a third event this summer - Heal the Bay Venice Beach on July 17th
Educational Monthly Programs designed to enhance and elevate your knowledge of the business travel industry.
Hotel Sourcing Academy and LABTA-NBTA joint education opportunity on May 12th that allowed LABTA members convention caliber speakers.
Continuation of Travel FOCus, lead by Director of Member Relations, Erik Dahlerbruch - LABTA's out reach into Orange County, the next event scheduled for June 3rd.
Clearer and Better communication to LABTA members via bi-weekly newsletter, authored by Director of Communications, Kathleen Sedlmayr.
Continued Corporate Sponsorship, lead by Director of Corporate Sponsorship, Jennifer Keltner, that allows us to continue to have our monthly events and more.
Legislative Affairs initiatives and programs, lead by Director of Legislative Affairs, Frank Dolce. LABTA is sending three delegates to this year's Legislative Summit on June 9th-10th.
Casino Royale, lead by Director of Special Events, Kay Steele - a hybrid trade show and fundraising event on June 10th.
Without the board's attention and commitment to LABTA, none of these events would have made it out of the planning phase. Ongoing and future events and enhancements will be announced in News Bytes, as they become available. Your board is working hard to make your LABTA a community you are proud to be a part of; we encourage our membership to contact us with your thoughts and ideas at LABTACommunications@gmail.com. The board will set aside time from each board meeting to hear from members, please check News Bytes for available meeting times and dates.
We look forward to your continued support of the LABTA and hope to see you this Thursday, June 3rd for 2010's first Travel FOCus event; and on Thursday, June 10 for Casino Royale.
Therese Jacobson
LABTA President
