Dear members and friends:

This year we celebrated an historical milestone for our association, marking 25 successful years of service to the hospitality community in Greater Boston. This historic occasion was memorialized by what I believe was the most incredible GBCA Anniversary Gala ever!

The event took place at the Top of the Hub's Skywalk at Prudential Center. A huge debt of gratitude and praise goes to General Manager, Raphael Oliver for hosting this year's affair. The view from the Skywalk was magnificent, but the view inside the room was what most of our guests were talking most about. The table settings were beautiful with floral arrangements donated by our good friends and members of the GBCA Stapleton Floral Design. Thank you to Julie Ingles and owners Yianni and Bette Tsaousidis for your generous contribution to our special night. The delectable buffet tables included carving stations, pasta dishes, a make your own potato station and so much more. The wait staff and chefs worked diligently to see that all of our members' needs were met. The dessert and coffee stations included the most tantalizing desserts ever, including éclairs, cannoli, cookies, and even a cotton candy machine. An unbelievable cake depicting the GBCA logo was made exclusively for the GBCA by Montilio's Bakery in Braintree.

All of this planning and execution was orchestrated under the direction of the amazing Kay McCarthy; the Top of the Hub's Skywalk at Prudential Center Director of Catering. From beginning to end, Kay was always there using her vast experience and know-how to make the evening a true victory.  How very fortunate we were to have Kay McCarthy at the helm of what we are all calling the best GBCA event ever! Thank you to our volunteers Colby Hegger and Kyle Westling for manning our registration table.

As guests entered the room, they were given a copy of the commemorative 25^th Anniversary Gala Program. A huge debt of gratitude for the achievement of this program goes to Rita Fucillo, Vice President, Publishing New Venture Media Group LLC. Rita and her team worked tirelessly on a program that really showcased the accomplishments of the GBCA over these past 25 years. Thank you to all of our members and friends of the GBCA who contributed their ads, letters and photos to make the program such an amazing tribute and keepsake to the GBCA and its unwavering endurance.

Another delight of the evening was the photo station, thanks to member David Fox of David Fox Photographer. David assisted us with the opportunity to have members and guests take their photo with the Boston Skyline and the GBCA logo as a back drop. Members are now able to choose their photos from the website at any time. Evan Martin our Vice President of Public Relations set up a photo library of the GBCA over the years. Seeing these photos brought back some great memories to all of our long time members of the GBCA.

The music and dancing were also a jubilant part of the evening's agenda with the rocking tunes of the band "Groove Authority" members danced the night away!!

A special thank you to our guest speakers. General Manager, Top of the Hub Raphael Oliver, who decisively delayed a trip he had planned to attend the anniversary gala and greet the members of the GBCA. Raphael shared his support of our organization and committed himself and his team to continue providing the best food and service available -- something our concierges have always known and remain dedicated over these many years.

Kenneth Brissette Director, Mayor's Office of Tourism, Sports & Entertainment for the City of Boston  read

a proclamation signed by the honorable Mayor Martin J. Walsh, proclaiming January 25, 2015 "Concierge Recognition Day". We are all incredibly blessed by the strong support of the Mayor's Office and the efforts offered to us by our good friend, Ken Brissette.

What an honor it was to have Patrick Moscaritolo President and CEO of the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau address the crowd. Pat is a founding member of the GBCA so he knows firsthand the dedication we have to the city of Boston and beyond. Pat praised our members and shared stories of the commitment and support the GBCVB has with the GBCA. Pat also recognized his coworker Paul Phillips       for his work with the organization.

Our next guest speaker was James Rooney, Executive Director, Massachusetts Convention Center Authority.

Mr. Rooney applauded the GBCA and its members on their years of service to Boston. He also spoke about the relationship and commitment of Boston's hospitality community and what we all do to make our city the fine destination it is today.

It was a true honor to be recognized for the work we do as ambassadors of Boston by the Mayor's Office, the GBCVB and the MCCA. Thank you again Raphael, Ken, Pat and Jim for taking the time to address our group. We all thank you for your support.

A significant part of the evening was the announcements of the 2015 board of directors by our steadfast election team of, Honorary Member, Past Affiliate Representative, General Manager of Legal Harborside; Guy Neil and Honorary Member, Publisher of Where Magazine; Mark Miller. These two superior gentlemen introduced the 2015 board of directors with the same fun and flair that we have all come to enjoy over the years. Thank you again Guy and Mark for your commitment, passion and loyalty to our organization.

The 2015 GBCA Board of Directors incumbents are;

Secretary; Bonnie O'Hare, Chief Financial Officer; Gina Grange, Vice President of Membership; Daymeyn Gant, Vice President of Public Relations; Evan Martin and President; Betty Salemme.

New to the board, but not new to the concierge community is Vice President of Operations; Debra Hager. Debra has been an active member of the association, supporting past Vice President of Membership; Ellen Coppinger. Also a first time board member, but not new to the association with her support of the GBCA affiliate trade show committee member Kirstin Beal. Krissy has joined our team as Affiliate Representative, a position most recently held by Julie Doherty Pagano.  Certificates of appreciation were presented to Julie and Ellen with gratitude for their unwavering support as board members over the years.

The real highlight of the evening was the presentation of the first ever GBCA "Exceptional Service Awards" The first award was presented to Elizabeth Carey.

Elizabeth is a founding honorary member of the GBCA. Twenty five years ago Elizabeth worked with the founding members in establishing the organization. It was with her hard work, dedication and commitment that the GBCA is where it is today. Elizabeth has dedicated herself to the growth of the organization as the first ever Advisor to the GBCA, a role she holds today. Elizabeth has guided the GBCA and its officers through the years. She has volunteered tirelessly to support its endeavors through her charitable work as well as being the creator of the South End Library Reading Program.

The second "Exception Recognition Award" was presented to a man that is most often referred to as Mr. Boston. Paul Phillips is the Visitor Services Manager for the Greater Boston Convention & Visitor Bureau. He has been a member of the GBCA for almost 15 years. He has dedicated his time, energy and resources to visitors to Boston and the surrounding areas. He attends all GBCA meetings and events. Paul's weekly column, "Paul's Picks" is an extraordinary tool used by hotel concierge and guests alike. Paul is a wealth of knowledge - a walking encyclopedia of the city. There is no question Paul could not answer about Boston and he shares his knowledge being the GBCVB concierge liaison making our jobs easier each day. Congratulations to both Elizabeth and Paul for being the Greater Boston Concierge Association's 2014 Exceptional Service Award recipients. Also thank you to Michael Southwick, President of Lifestyles Transportation for providing complimentary transportation for our recipients.

A big thank you to the GBCA board of directors for your kind letter of support read by our own GBCA Adviser Elizabeth Carey. Your kind words overwhelmed me and made my commitment to this fine organization even stronger. Thank you to all of you for your trust in me to lead the GBCA in 2015. I will work hard to make you all proud.  Here's to another 25 Years!

With Pride in service, you're President

Betty Salemme