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In This Issue
See Charleston in a New Light
FREE Training
New Contacts
Travel Council Meeting Schedule
General Meetings Information
Crisis Planning & Economic Recovery
SC Legislative Session Begins
Fred Brinkman Scholarship Fund
A Look at Charleston Through the Eyes of a Visitor
Please join us for this important presentation

Roger Brooks, Destination Development, will be here to present his findings on everyone can work together to make Charleston an even more appealing place to visit.  He covers a wide range of areas from first impressions, signage, attitude and everything in between! 
 
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Charleston Musesum Auditorium
8:30 11:00 am
Refreshments provided - no charge to attend
 
Please RSVP to mbratton@charlestoncvb.com. 
FREE TRAINING
For Front-Line Employees
 
Whether they call us most hospitable or most friendly, visitors agree that Charlestonians are gracious and welcoming.  One way to ensure repeat and word-of-mouth business is to continue to offer this tradition of exceptional customer service. 
 
The CACVB is pleased to once again partner with customer service expert, David McNair, to offer FREE customer service training to front line hospitality employees.  McNair is the author of the book "Exceptional Customer Service," and will offer his 2-part Travel Partners program to Travel Council investors throughout the months of February and March.  All sessions are free of charge to Travel Council investors and will be offered at the Charleston Museum located at 360 Meeting Street.
 
Click here for more information.    
Welcome
New contacts

Embassy Suites Historic Charleston
Contact: Donna Ford
Phone: 723-6900
Email:donna.ford@hilton.com

Hampton Inn & Suites West Ashley
Contact: Cory Lovern
Phone: 573-1200
Travel Council
Meeting Schedule 
 
January 13
Regular Meeting
Downtown Visitor Center
4:00 pm

Questions...contact Kelly Wood at kwood@charlestoncvb.com or 805-3084.
January 2009
UPCOMING MEETING DATES

January 21, 2009
featuring
Mayor Keith Summey, City of North Charleston
Club North @ North Charleston Coliseum
Board meeting: 11:00 am
Networking: 11:30 am
General Meeting: Noon

February, 2008
NO MEETING

RSVP FOR BOTH TO MBRATTON@CHARLESTONCVB.COM!
Crisis Planning & Economic Recovery
Have you registered yet?

Don't miss this exciting opportunity to hear Dr. Peter Tarlow present tips for your business that could help save our industry.  Dr. Tarlow is an expert in tourism and the economy.  Please consider attending or sending a staff member.
 
Monday, January 12, 2009
Francis Marion Hotel
8:30 am: Registration & Continental Breakfast
9:00 am - noon: Session
$15 per person

Please rsvp to cdority@charlestoncvb.com.
SC Legislative Session Begins...
on January 13

While we are all prepared to see budget cuts during the 2009 session, our industry will need to continue to work together to keep our issues at the forefront in Columbia.  There are many new legislators and new committee chairmen that we will need to make an effort to familiarize with the importance of tourism to the state. 

Next week will be busy as many events and meetings are already scheduled.  Budget hearings for state agencies will begin on the House side with SC PRT's already set for January 14.  The first major reception we'll be attending is that night and is hosted by the SC Chamber of Commerce.  The annual Business Speaks forum and reception are always well attended by members of the General Assembly.  Also on that same day, we will be traveling with the staff of the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition to deliver prints of the 2009 festival poster to members of the Charleston area delegation.  More office visits will be made during the coming weeks as state-wide tourism organizations meet to mobilize the industry. 
 
Stay tuned for more updates and calls to action!  In the meantime, learn more about our legislators by clicking here.

07 fashion week

 
Fred Brinkman Scholarship Fund

 

This year the CACVB staff will be assisting with the annual Fred Brinkman Scholarship Fund's Silent Auction.  The Scholarship's purpose is to provide financial support for students and employees in the travel and tourism field to further their education and professional development.
 
In order to raise funds for the Scholarship Fund, there will be a silent auction at this year's Conference February 17-19 at the Westin Resort Hilton Head Island.  We encourage you to donate an item with a value of $50.00 or more by January 23, 2009.  Please complete this form and return as soon as possible. 
REMINDERS!
Important Information for you... 07 fashion week
Association dues for 2009 should be remitted by January 30th.  Please note this important date and contact Martha Bratton with any questions. 
 
Please be aware that all state welcome centers will now be closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays until further notice.  Please advise your staff too.