Letter from the President

As this year comes to a close, I would like to share my gratitude with those who have helped HSMAI Central Florida. A salute and huge thank you to the 2008 HSMAI Central Florida Board!

Your dedication and hard work for the chapter are unmatched and much appreciated. A special thank you to our two Chinese Auction Chairs – LeAnn McGuinness and Carolyn Martin and to our
collegiate team leads – Brittany Cascanet and Jillian Holloway. These ladies coordinated and managed a fantastic Chinese Auction, which helped to raise funds for B.A.S.E. Camp Children’s
Cancer Foundation, HSMAI educational programs and the HSMAI Central Florida Collegiate Chapter. Thank you to everyone that attended Chinese Auction this year, as you are making a difference in your community.

Congratulations to our 24th Annual Gene T. Hassett Award winner (to be announced at the CVB luncheon, December 11th) who sets an example for all of us to follow for our industry and community.

I am excited to share with you some of the incredible educational programs we conducted during the last quarter of 2008 and we look forward to bringing additional value to you and your business in 2009. To recap, in September, HSMAI Central Florida and the Orlando/Orange County Convention and Visitors Bureau hosted a joint luncheon with Brent Rasmussen, President of Careerbuilder.com North America, who shared how to recruit and motivate top hospitality talent. Bob Wright, Executive Director of HSMAI Central Florida moderated our 4th Annual General Manager’s Expert Panel in November. Thank you to Dan Giordano - Shingle Creek Resort, Jim Quinn – Orlando Renaissance Resort at Sea World and Steve Trover – ALL STAR Vacation Homes for speaking on our panel. Also in November Bob moderated a Revenue Management panel on creating better relationships with your wholesalers. Thank you to Edward St. Onge, EZYield.com; Nancy Ryan, Quality Inn Plaza; Rolland Cheng, Travalco Asia.

Please save the date for our first educational luncheon in 2009 on Wednesday, January 28th.

If you are not a member of HSMAI Central Florida, now is the perfect time to join. HSMAI offers unlimited resources and value for your money. Is your New Year’s Resolution to give back to the community? Consider volunteering for a committee, like Sponsorship, Program Logistics, Communications, Membership, Collegiate Chapter, Leadership Development, Revenue Management or Special Events. HSMAI Central Florida is “The Heart of Hospitality” and together we can make a difference.

On behalf of the entire HSMAI Central Florida Board, we wish you and your family a Happy and Safe Holiday Season.

Thank you for the honor to serve as your HSMAI Central Florida President.

Erin Kendrick

SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS

Complementing the work of HSMAI’s local chapters throughout the Americas, the special interest groups (SIGs) connect members with common interests and needs across geographic boundaries.

Take a look at our five Special Interest Groups and select the one the best fits your needs.