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| IFEA World Headquarters |
March 13, 2009 |
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Dear IFEA Member,
Never before in our lifetimes has there been so much uncertainty surrounding the economic health and future of our own country and the entire world. From cities and states, to businesses and organizations of every size, to the families and individuals who ultimately feel the greatest impact. Everyone is looking for the best routes and methods to respond and react, hopefully to have a positive impact on turning things around as soon as possible.
The festivals and events industry is no different than any other, and we have seen and felt the impact directly from many directions. In the worst cases we have seen events closing their doors, laying off dedicated employees, and battling new budget and marketing challenges. On the positive front, we have seen new levels of creativity, commitment to communities, and a determination to provide some level of continued normalcy to those around us facing their own battles.
The IFEA has been doing our best to stay at the forefront of the issues, representing each of you and our industry to the media, appropriate government leaders, and their counterparts around the globe. Now we need your voices.
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The Issue
In recent weeks, reacting to a perceived abuse of government monies, Senator John Kerry proposed a new TARP Taxpayer Protection and Corporate Responsibility Act that, if successful, would stop all sponsorships, conventions, meeting travel, and employee motivation programs by any bank or financial institution receiving TARP funds, until all such funds were repaid. Obviously, this represents a deeply concerning over-reaction that would have serious implications to multiple industries, including festivals and events (your event included), travel, meetings, conventions, hotels and others, at a time when we can not afford to place any further hurdles along the path to recovery. Additionally, other non-banking sponsors, indirectly affected and watching the news unfold with us, may chose to withdraw sponsorship support and programs simply to avoid any public relations misperceptions of their own brands by the public and government officials.
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IFEA Response
To make sure that our voice is at the table, the IFEA has responded to our government officials, as have many other industry organizations - individually and jointly. Our own Association Alliance partners (IFEA, IAFE, IAAPA, OABA and IAAM) will also be sending a response under the signatures of all five participating organizations. To view a copy of the letters that we have sent to date, so that you can be more aware of our position, click here.
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Your Role
It is important that our government officials understand the far-reaching ramifications of their actions. To that end, here is how you can help:
We have created a template letter that we would like each of you to send out under your own signature to your elected representatives (click here to download). Because we understand that everyone is busy, it can be as simple as filling in your information where noted and running it on your own letterhead for mailing; or, if you prefer, please use the information included to write a more personal letter in your own words. Either way, it is critical that you respond.
There may be other issues that we will need to respond to along the path ahead and we will keep you aware of those needs as they arise. I thank you for your important support of our common industry.
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Other Ways IFEA is Helping You
We have also responded to the current economic challenges by providing a number of stimulus/savings discounts for our members to the IFEA's 54th Annual Convention & Expo (September 21st-25th in Indianapolis, Indiana); on new memberships and renewals; on important resource programs like our Sponsor Forums, CFEE FastTrack certification classes, on-line Webinars, customized training and consulting, and on many other fronts. You can find more information on our web site at www.ifea.com or simply give us a call.
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Other Ways You Can Help
We will continue to provide whatever support that we can in response to
the current market. In return, you can help to support the IFEA by
sending in your convention registrations, membership renewals, award
entries, etc. in the requested or even early timeframe, and by
encouraging others to turn to the association for their needs as well.
To support the vendors and suppliers in our industry during a tough
economy, we encourage you to please make sure that whatever monies you
may be spending are directed to those who have supported the IFEA and
our efforts on your behalf for many years and continue to do so today.
Tell them that you appreciate their support and they are likely to work
with you to maximize your budget dollars as well.
I thank you for your continued support and remind you, through the
challenges, to never forget the important, crucial and positive role
that you play for your communities, cities, states and country;
especially now.
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Steven Wood Schmader, CFEE
President & CEO
IFEA World
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International Festivals & Events Association
2603 W. Eastover Terrace - Boise - ID - 83706 - U.S.A.
Phone: +1-208-433-0950 - Fax: +1-208-433-9812 - www.ifea.com | |
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