Caribbean Tourism Organization - Pacific NW Chapter Newsletter

PNW CTO BOARD MEETING
May 15, 2008
Conducted by Kim Ulavale, President

IN ATTENDANCE: Kim Ulavale, Don Maio, Nancy Maio, Kathleen Carr, Philip Carr, Beth Young, Randy Bauman, Clyde Tolliver, Carolyn Tolliver, Grant Westenberg, Paula Demmer

OLD BUSINESS:
· Review of last board meeting minutes of March 28, 2008. Kathleen motioned that they be accepted with correction that the vote to do the travel trade show was not unanimous. We got some interest from people at the travel show. We will determine if it was worthwhile if someone joins.

· We will be surveying the members. The surveys will be handed out as members come in at the next meeting, and they will be asked to fill them out before the end of dinner.

NEW BUSINESS:
· Kim reported on the Presidents meeting at Turks and Caicos. Caribbeantravel.com is the new CTDC website (new Caribbean marketing company). The website gives an option to find a travel specialist, which then lists the CTO member agents in the requested area. The member agents will have access to people on the ground in the various Caribbean islands from whom they can get the latest updates and the island happenings. On line education is available to CTO members with rewards and newspaper advertising coming in certain markets.

· Grant talked about the nomination and elections process. January, the new board takes effect. After the new board is elected, they meet with the outgoing board members. Elections are at the October meeting. Chapter needs a nominating committee of three members who are not running for an office themselves.. An outgoing board member can be on this committee. They need to see who wants to run and to tell that member what is expected of them for the specific position they are interested in. A president can serve only one term of two years. However, other board can serve two terms (4 years). After a board member serves two terms, they cannot run for president. They can skip a term and then run again. If a board member serves for one term, then they can run for president. A board member can be on a committee. We now need to get a nominating committee organized. Since the board decides who will be on the nominating committee, it was suggested that Kathleen, Paula, and Kim serve on this committee as they are not eligible to run for a board position next term.

PROFITS IN PARTNERSHIP: Randy has not received very many questionnaires.

TREASURER: We gave $200 for the school lunches at a primary school in Turks & Caicos. A total of $3,000 was given out of approximately 28 chapters.

MEMBERSHIP: Philip said we have over 56 members now. Our programs are bringing in the new members. The evite is working very well.

PROGRAMS: Potential upcoming programs include: Dominican Republic (May 28; Caribbean Travel Ltd – Belize Tour Operator (late June); St. Lucia adventures (July); Deception Pass Tours (Aug 16); Classic Vacations (Sept); Elections Meeting at Museum of Flight (Oct); Grenada (Nov ?); Member Appreciation/Holiday Party (Dec); Star Clipper is a possibility too.

EDUCATION: Paula said that out of 14 people interested, there were 7 people who attended the St. Lucia classes and all passed. Philip wanted to know if all members are aware that they have to be a specialist. Paula will do honeymoon destinations classes next.

FAMS: Kim received information from another chapter president that Doug (West Coast regional director) from RCCL may be the person to contact for a Seminar @ Sea.

The next board meeting will be Thursday, June 19, 2008