Welcome

Most people spend time before ringing in the New Year thinking of and planning their New Year's resolutions as a way to change, start something new or improve something they were doing. What did you commit to for 2008? Were your goals personal, such as trying to stop smoking? Perhaps to eat healthier or lose weight? Or, were your resolutions more professionally based, such as learning a new computer technology, getting more organized, or getting the most from your industry affiliations, such as your SITE membership resources and local chapter?

As a SITE chapter leader or member, I hope you vowed to become more involved locally and enjoy the full benefits that can come, both personally and professionally from increasing your participation. As a member driven organization, SITE relies on chapters to help foster the local experience and help you make the right connections to enhance your SITE experience. You all know that I am available to support and answer your questions, but are you familiar with the Chapter Leadership Council and who is your representative, how to enter the Chapter of the Year Awards, who from your chapter will be attending the three Chapter Leadership Meetings during this year, and what resources are available to chapters? Have you reached out to your chapter partner, other chapter presidents or submitted information on your recent events to share with the full SITE membership?

I hope you answered "yes" to most of these questions and, if not, you should add them to your list of New Year's resolutions for 2008. I respect how busy you are as incentive and travel professionals but strengthening your relationship with SITE and your local community will definitely be rewarding!

I look forward to seeing all of you this year and learning about the great things your chapter is doing!

Kind regards,
Christie

Christie Pruyn Director of Chapters & Membership

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CLC Introduction

As chairperson for the 2008 Chapter Leadership Council, I am so grateful to welcome our new council members along with the returning members from last year. The composition of this council is truly a reflection of the international diversity of our organization.

Each of our council members has been assigned certain chapters to work with throughout the coming year. Our goal as a council is to communicate effectively and consistently throughout the year with the leaders of each of our chapters. Our role is to support and assist these chapter leaders in achieving a thriving and successful chapter operation. As liaisons between the chapters and SITE International we are here to share ideas from other successful chapters and provide feedback to the Board of Directors and SITE management regarding chapter concerns.

Our council has undertaken an exciting new initiate called the Chapter Vitality Program, a program approved by the Board to help invigorate chapter momentum. A team of experienced SITE leaders has been recruited as coaches to mentor and provide additional support to various chapters around the world. This is an innovative program to reach out to all our members and get them involved. If you would like to learn more about the program or volunteer to assist please get in touch with me or send a note to SITE headquarters at hq@site-intl.org.

I look forward to working with the chapters this year and strengthening our network.

Kind regards,
Mary Jeanne

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SITE International Conference 2007 Recap

Thank you to all current and incoming chapter leaders that attended the recent SITE International Conference 2007 in Monterey, CA, USA. There was a positive turnout with 35 people in attendance and 20 chapters represented. The day started with the 2008 Chapter Leadership Council representatives spending one-on-one time with each of their chapter leaders. Dr. Tom McDonald then led a session on transforming your leadership style, how to make the mental transition needed to become a facilitative leader and motivating and attracting leaders. The afternoon was spent discussing key chapter operational points and specific chapter issues.

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Get to Know your Chapter of the Year Award Winners

SITE Ireland 2007 Chapter of the Year Winner

Name one quality that makes your chapter special and explain it.
Great teamwork and enthusiasm from local committee  and great support for events from our local members in terms of attendance and hosting events

What was your chapter's greatest event in 2007 and explain why.
Our Industry event that we held in conjunction with other Key Industry bodies in April 2007 Everything you wanted to ask but daren't - Co-operation across the Travel & Tourism Industry We had a super attendance with almost 100 and had the opportunity to discuss many issues and concerns. This was a one day symposium airing some of those "thorny" subjects that we sometime have chosen to avoid. The key success of the event was that we discussed with fellow industry bodies on how best to represent the Incentive Industry and its operational challenges in Ireland.

We also raised over €9000 at our Christmas lunch for saplings school a specialist school for autistic children in Dublin and this made it a special event.

What does your chapter have planned for 2008?
In 2008 we have a great schedule of events planned for 2008. One of the key things we have found is to get all the regions involved and with this mind we are continuing visits out of Dublin as well an opportunity to network with our regions it works as a great opportunity to educate the members on new products. This year we are looking at Belfast in Northern Ireland . This is one of the new upcoming Incentive destinations and now offering an exciting range of new product suitable for this market, we are all very excited about re-visiting this area and see the changes that have unfolded since SITE last visit six years ago.

We are also going to become very fit and healthy this year and looking forward to participating in the run the world  as part of Ken's contenders ... Ken is leading the way by taking part in four marathons over 6 months and SITE Ireland are sponsoring him on his runs. We mighten make the four marathons but we have all committed to do our bit over the coming months with our summer event being dedicated to the Run the World. So an exciting year with a mix of education and fun.

SITE Mexico 2007 Chapter of the Year Winner – Education

Name one quality that makes your chapter special and explain it.
Diversity: With members all over Mexico with difference challenges and different and passion for the incentive industry.

What was your chapter's greatest event in 2007 and explain why.
This is a very hard question, as we did so many quality programs during the year. But the fist retreat of the SITE Mexico Chapter was very important, because we had a great response from members and non members and we had a great networking and top education a t the same time. I believe this event was very important to the close bonds between us.

What does your chapter have planned for 2008?
We have a very ambitious program, including a young leader mentorship program in five destinations. This will be a great opportunity for incentive leaders to share their knowledge and experience and for the new generations to learn from this

Does your chapter have any silly / funny customs or rituals you do before each meeting?
No, but it a good idea to start one.

SITE Florida 2007 Chapter of the Year Winner – Special Event

Name one quality that makes your chapter special and explain it.
Our chapter has been together for sometime, we are never afraid to take a chance on an event. If it works great, but we are always tweaking each event to make it better than the year before. Very important is also our BOD, some of us have been together for over five years, with that we have candid and constant communication. At least once a month.

What was your chapter's greatest event in 2007 and explain why.
Tournament for Tomorrow, is an event where we give back to the Hospitality Industry. Our sponsors always step up to the plate and offer, and over the top experience to our participants. From an Exclusive Dinner and Drinks with the Blue Man Group, to having Discovery Cove SeaWorld exclusive one night. Not including in playing two rounds of golf in some of the best Orlando has to offer.

What does your chapter have planned for 2008?
2008 is going to be an odd year for us, as we are going to apply the majority of our efforts into the ISITE in Fort Lauderdale this year. In addition we will have our Installation lunch at the brand new St. Regis in Fort Lauderdale and we are finalizing our 3rd Tournament for Tomorrow.

Does your chapter have any silly / funny customs or rituals you do before each meeting?
Our conference call always start off with welcoming everyone, then balance report, then everyone starts with "Who has the cell phone next to their phone?","Who is Typing?", not that silly but its consistent...........Ohhh yeah and if you know Sean he does have a special way of saying "Hellooooooo" kind of in a fake deep voice.

SITE South Africa 2007 Chapter of the Year Winner – Wild Card

Our membership includes a great mix of established and new SITE members, there is great enthusiasm, energy and a willingness to engage and make South Africa one of the Top SITE chapters. Only one quality, if I must pick would be enthusiasm.

The biggest event for us in 07 was winning and delivering a really great executive summit in February We had challenges with our government department of trade and industry, but in the end a fantastic event and a huge benefit to our industry educational efforts.

Our 08 planning includes fantastic educational events and international speakers, regular membership news updates, high profile participation at Meetings Africa a regional incentives and meetings trade show , ESNEP and SITE international conference, the formation of a working group of members in Cape Town, fresh board appointments, fund raising and some good social networking fun.

Besides phoning around for last minute reminders, we don't have any silly customs, but hey Geoff Saner could always wear his Zulu traditional outfit for the next meeting!!

SITE Netherlands Chapter of the Year Membership

Name one quality that makes your chapter special and explain it.
We feel that we have a unique group of people. Many of us compete with each other but there is always room for having fun together with great respect of each others visions and strategy.

What was your chapter's greatest event in 2007 and explain why.
The greatest Event in 2007 was our Spring Conference where we introduced a a new style of SITE Meetings, which was received with great success. The new successfully elements were:  

• Introduction of lecture from faculty of the Dutch Tourism University. We have had lecture on "Imagineering."
• Introduction of interactive program with "Destination Speed Meetings." In this program SITE members will get acquainted with the Unique Selling Points of the hot incentive destinations Jamaica, Ireland, Curacao, and Madrid.
• SITE meeting did take place in the completely restyled Mercure Hotel. Getting to know this interesting event locations in The Netherlands helps to increase the knowledge of unique event locations for SITE members. Also it makes networking more inspiring

What does your chapter have planned for 2008?
Continue with our theme "Take the Chapter SITE The Netherlands to a higher level" by organising a interesting network and educational events.

Does your chapter have any silly / funny customs or rituals you do before each meeting?
We do not have any particular ritual, unless you find networking a good ritual. Before and after every meeting networking and discussing the trends and developments in the market are of great value for our members.  

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Chapter Management Reminders & Events

• SITE memberships expired on 31 December 2007. Use the lists supplied by SITE Headquarters to follow up with all your members to make sure they have renewed for 2008!


• Is your chapter participating in SITE's new program, Run the World? Plan an event that motivates your chapter, gets you moving and earns funds for UNICEF!


• Send your 2008 Board lists and Events Schedule to Christie Pruyn at Christie_Pruyn@site-intl.org.


• Visit www.theSITEfinderservice.com today to build your business to business connections!


• Enroll in Online Registration Today. http://www.site-intl.org/chapters/online_registration.cfm


• Photos, testimonials and recaps needed! Has your chapter recently held an event? Send relevant materials to Christie Pruyn at Christie_Pruyn@site-intl.org for inclusion in upcoming SITE publications and communications. Help us share your chapter's success with the industry!


• Be sure to stay in touch with your Chapter Leadership Council representative and Christie Pruyn at SITE Headquarters.


• Make plans to attend ESNEP and attend the SITE Chapter Leadership Meeting on 12 May in Malaga , Spain.

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Upcoming Chapter Events

February

March

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SITE Revenue Sharing Opportunities 2008

Revenue Sharing is an excellent way for chapters to earn extra income for their chapter.

Membership dues provide the greatest source of revenue for the Society. The increase in 2007, which was the first in over a decade, allows SITE to keep a strong presence and continue to add value to the membership.  As such, Ten percent of the increase, or $ 5 USD per new and renewing member, will be made directly available to SITE Chapters to continue to build networking and education programs on a local and regional level. Revenue Sharing is an excellent way for chapters to earn extra income for their chapter.

A Quarterly Report Template is available online at www.site-intl.org for chapters wishing to use an electronic format. Chapters need to submit quarterly activity and financial reports in order to qualify.

SITE Headquarters will remit quarterly revenue sharing payments to each chapter as follows:  

• Each chapter receives $ 45 USD per active SITE member, new or renewed, on the chapter roster at the end of each quarter for all chapters with the minimum 20 members.
• A current chapter may operate with fewer than 20 members, but will receive only 50% revenue sharing or $ 25 USD per new and renewed member) from Headquarters until a minimum of 20 members is attained. 

Revenue sharing is contingent on the following, with no exceptions:  

• Chapters must submit a quarterly financial and activity reports to SITE Headquarters no later than 30 days following the end of the quarter. These reports are meant to show the activities of the chapter to be a reflection of SITE's global chapter community.
• Chapters must submit an annual business plan and calendar of events to SITE Headquarters no later than 15 February of each year.
• Chapters must conduct at least one education program every six months and at least one networking program quarterly.
• Chapters must conduct one event at least once annually within one hour's travel time from locations with ten or more members.
• Chapters should maintain a minimum of 20 (20) active SITE members in good standing, excluding student members.  

Note: Failure to meet the deadline for submitting these reports will result in loss of revenue sharing for the preceding quarter and until such reports are submitted retroactively. Revenue sharing payments, however, will not be made retroactively. If two or more reports are missed each year for two years, the chapter agreement will be terminated automatically by SITE.

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Chapter Leadership Council 2008

	Mary Jeanne Chapman, Chair Corporate Incentive Adventures Palm Desert, CA USA Telephone: + 1 760-668-6131 e-mail: CIAChapman@aol.com	Southern California Northern California Mexico Las Vegas Arizona Texas
	Karim El-Minabawy Emeco Travel Cairo Egypt (20) 2 5749360-8 e-mail karimm@emeco.com	New Zealand UAE (new) Hong Kong Singapore
	Brigitte Boone, CMP, CMM Admire Meetings Incentives Conferences Events Beersel (Alsmberg) Belgium +1 32 2 361 65 59 e-mail: brigitte.boone@admire.be	Germany Belgium Finland Netherlands
	Tasso Pappas, CITE TP Consultancy Athens Greece +30 697 4738885 e-mail: tassopappas@otenet.gr	Greece Spain Turkey Portugal
	Denise MacDonald InterContinental Hotels Group Windsor, Berkshire England (44) 1753 410 314 e-mail: Denise.macdonald@ichotelsgroup.com	Great Britain Scotland Ireland Italy Malta
	Diane Malloy Destination Partners Inc. Amesbury, MA USA + 1 978-388-3277 e-mail: dmalloy@destinationpartnershipinc.com	New England Florida New York Southeast USA
	Bich-Lien Kaldahl Continental Airlines Inverness, IL USA +1 847-358-9859 e-mail: bich-lien.kaldahl@coair.com	Chicago Malaysia Thailand Canada

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CHAPTER VITALITY PROGRAM

SITE is pleased to announce a new Chapter Vitality Program that was recently approved by the SITE International Board of Directors and is designed to address chapters in need and serve as a positive step toward returning the chapters to a healthy state that will benefit the local membership.

This project will be led by David Sand, Uwin Iwin Ltd and past-Chair of the Chapter Leadership Council (CLC), along with Mary Jeanne Chapman, Corporate Incentive Adventures, who is the current Chair of the CLC. Working with David and Mary Jeanne will be a team of coaches and mentors that will work with specific chapters and the CLC throughout the year. The list of coaches and program members is below:

Coach/Mentor

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Recognizing your Volunteer Board

As incentive and travel professionals, we all know and appreciate the value of recognition and reward.  But do we effectively use this simple and no cost method to appreciate the effort our volunteer board members put forth to make our chapters successful? 

As chapter leaders, how often do we take the time to write a personal note to our board members and thank them for their efforts? How much time is spent during our meetings to recognize the work of the volunteers that make our chapter events so successful? How well do we utilize the resources available to us in the incentive industry to reward our members that go above and beyond? This is our business. How good of a job are we doing motivating our own members?

According to motivation Guru, Chester Elton, author of The Carrot Principal, the more recognition an employee receives at work, the more likely that person is to be engaged and continue employment at that workplace. With a volunteer organization like SITE, recognizing the efforts our board members put forth is often the only reward they receive for their effort. 

Unless you are one of the fortunate SITE chapters who can afford paid administrative assistance, you must rely on volunteers within your chapter to put on meaningful events. The best way to motivate these volunteers and keep them involved year after year is letting them know how much your appreciate their effort.  

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Additional chapter support supplied by:

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