|
 |
Announcement: There will be a Texas Chapters Reception for WEC attendees from the Texas Hill Country, Dallas/Fort Worth and Houston Chapters from 5-6:30pm Saturday, July 11 at the Sheraton Salt Lake City. If you're going to WEC, don't miss this chance to meet your fellow Texans! |
|
| Hill Country Spotlight |
| Hill Country Spotlight 7.1.09 |
|
FUN FACTS:
On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was approved by the Continental Congress, setting the 13 colonies on the road to freedom as a sovereign nation. As always, this most American of holidays will be marked by parades, fireworks and backyard barbecues across the country.
In July 1776, the estimated number of people living in the newly independent nation was 2.5 million.
On July 4, 2008, the nation's population will be 304 million.
Fourth of July Cookouts
- The chance that the hot dogs and pork sausages consumed on the Fourth of July originated in Iowa are more than 1 in 4. The Hawkeye State was home to 17.6 million market hogs and pigs on March 1, 2008. This represents more than one-fourth of the nation's total. North Carolina (9 million) and Minnesota (6.7 million) were the runners-up.
- The total production of cattle and calves in Texas in 2007 is 6.8 billion pounds. Chances are good that the beef hot dogs, steaks and burgers on your backyard grill came from the Lone Star State, which accounted for about one-sixth of the nation's total production. And if the beef did not come from Texas, it very well may have come from Nebraska (4.7 billion pounds) or Kansas (4.1 billion pounds).
- There are six states in which the revenue from broiler chickens was $1 billion or greater between December 2006 and November 2007. There is a good chance that one of these states – Georgia, Arkansas, North Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi or Texas – is the source of your barbecued chicken.
- About 4 in 10 are the odds that your side dish of baked beans originated from North Dakota, which produced 42 percent of the nation's dry, edible beans in 2007. Another popular Fourth of July side dish is corn on the cob. Florida, California, Georgia and New York together accounted for 60 percent of the sweet corn produced nationally in 2007.
- Potato salad and potato chips are popular food items at Fourth of July barbecues. More than half (52 percent) of the nation's spuds were produced in Idaho or Washington state in 2007.
- More than three-fourths amount of the nation's head lettuce production in 2007 that came from California. This lettuce may end up in your salad or on your burger.
- Nearly 3 in 4 chances that the fresh tomatoes in your salad came from Florida or California, which combined accounted for 73 percent of U.S. tomato production last year. The ketchup on your burger or hot dog probably came from California, which accounted for 96 percent of processed tomato production in 2007.
- Georgia is the state that led the nation in watermelon production last year (1 billion pounds). Other leading producers of this popular Fourth of July dessert included California, Florida and Texas, each with more than 400 million pounds.
- More than 74 million Americans said they have taken part in a barbecue during the previous year. It's probably safe to assume a lot of these events took place on Independence Day.
Source: www.history.com
 Member Spotlight
Julie Courtney
Julie Courtney has been a member of THCC for seven years. During that time, she has been actively involved in the daily workings of the chapter. She spent four years on the Board of Directors, two as VP of Finance and two as VP of Membership. In addition, she has served on numerous committees. Julie has always given 100% to every committee and every board position. She has worked tirelessly behind the scenes. Friends and coworkers know her to be dedicated, hardworking, devoted and modest. She has never sought attention for her hard work. Rather she has been content to work behind the scenes to improve and enhance our members' MPI Experience.
Recently, Julie was honored by being named our 2009 "Unsung Hero", an award that is truly deserved and LONG overdue. Julie has just stepped down from her board service, but will continue to volunteer for THCC. Thank you, Julie, for ALL you have done and ALL you will continue to do for us!
And now – let's get to know Julie!
Current Job?
Vice President of Education for the Independent Bankers Association of Texas
Previous Jobs Held?
Vice President of Membership for the Independent Bankers Association of Texas
What advice would you give a new THCC member who wants to get more involved?
You will gain much more through your involvement in THCC than you could ever give to the chapter.
How has your membership in THCC helped you in your career?
It has given me confidence to try new career paths that I may have once felt was unattainable.
What is your proudest accomplishment as a THCC member?
Achieving my CMP
And, your proudest accomplishment in "real life"?
Marrying my husband Jesse, and being a mom to our daughter Faith.
What is something about you that nobody knows?
That I can flip my eyelids inside out
If you won the lottery tomorrow, what would you do?
I have often thought about this and it has changed as I have matured. I would not tell a soul that I won, and anonymously help the needy without any recognition. The joy of being able to fix a stress in someone’s life without them knowing would be worth everything.
2009-2010 THCC Board of Directors Begins Their Journey Today!
Your 2009-2010 MPI THCC Board of Directors officially begins their duties today as the leaders of our chapter. They recently spent two days at The Embassy Suites Dallas-Frisco Hotel, Convention Center & Spa brainstorming and planning the year ahead for our chapter. We know the board will lead us into a productive, successful year, and we wish them all the best. Want to see who is serving on this year’s board? Visit www.mpithcc.org to find out.
 Thanks, Embassy Suites in Frisco!
And speaking of The Embassy Suites Dallas-Frisco Hotel, Convention Center & Spa, the THCC Board of Directors extends a heartfelt thank you for hosting our 2009 Incoming Board Retreat. The Frisco CVB also came to bat for the Board, hosting us for a Frisco Rough Riders - Corpus Christi Hooks AA baseball game at beautiful Dr. Pepper Ballpark.
This is a very important event to get THCC’s year kicked off right. Thanks to your hospitality, we had an incredible event and look forward to the year ahead.
Announcement: There will be a Texas Chapters Reception for WEC attendees from the Texas Hill Country, Dallas/Fort Worth and Houston Chapters from 5-6:30pm Saturday, July 11 at the Sheraton Salt Lake City. If you're going to WEC, don't miss this chance to meet your fellow Texans!
 How"Tweet" It is!
Follow THCC on Twitter! Now you can follow your favorite chapter at all times of the day! Visit our homepage at www.mpithcc.org for more information.
Mark Your Calendars....
The 2009 MPI-THCC Texas Education Conference will be taking place October 29-30
at the new Omni Forth Worth Hotel.
The new identity of the fall conference (formerly CAMP) is Texas Education Conference.
The Conference will still run from Thursday noon until Friday noon. Its focus will be on current meeting industry topics, education, enhanced networking opportunities and participation from all Texas Chapters.
If you have an interest in serving on this committee, please contact Dayne Sullivan or Jeff Bell. Look for further Texas Education Conference and logo information later this month. We assure you it’s going to be a Conference well worth your Time…
The Fort Worth CVB will be offering complimentary round trip motor coach service from both the San Antonio and Austin area. We hope to see you in the City of Cowboys and Culture later this fall!
Dayne Sullivan: dayne@adventuresinsa.com
Jeff Bell: jeffreybell@fortworth.com
MPI-THCC Helps Take The Work Outta Finding Work!
Hey, check it out! Whether you're looking for a new gig, or have an opening, the MPI-THCC Careers Center is the place to be. There are some great resumes posted, and awesome job opportunities.
CMP Study Groups Gearing up for Fall Classes
Go online to www.conventionindustry.org
Download CMP application (free of charge) and Calculate points (a minimum of 95 points are strongly encouraged as some may be challenged)
Make a commitment to attend weekly classes
-In San Antonio, classes are on Tuesday evenings from August to December
-Click here for an outline of Austin classes
CMP certification requires a financial commitment of $910 to $1110.
($910 for THCC members / $1110 for non-MPI members)
The Rewards of CMP
-Proven professionalism to yourself and your career
-Recognition by industry peers
-CMPs can increase their earning potential and are sought after by
employers
Tell Your Associates!
Help us spread the word about the CMP classes to your co-workers and industry professionals by sharing this information
CMP Informational links:
Convention Industry Council CMP information page:
CMP Exam Application:
Questions? Contact Anne Moses in San Antonio at annemoses@satx.rr.com or Nickie Morgan in Austin at nmorgan@AustinTexas.org
Need to purchase books to study for your CMP?
Janet Lincoln is moving out of state and is trying to sell the books she just purchased last fall. Contact Janet directly if you're interested in purchasing any or all of these books.
- Convention Industry Council Manual, 8th Edition. Purchased new 8/08 for $65.95 + tax. Asking $30.
- Professional Meeting Management, 5th Edition. Purchased new 8/08 for $79.95 + tax. Asking $40.
- CIC International Manual, 1st Edition. Purchased new 8/08 for $79.95 + tax. Asking $40.
These books are very lightly used and like new. Janet didn't take any notes in the books. Phone 512-791-7366, email
lincoln.janet@gmail.com
|
THCC Welcomes
Our New Members
|
Supplier:
Stacey Crabb
Sales Manager
Omni San Antonio Hotel @ the Colonnade
9821 Colonnade Blvd.
San Antonio, TX 78230
210 699 5835
scrabb@omnihotels.com |
Planner:
Julie Marshall
Event Coordinator
State Bar of Texas
1414 Colorado Street
Austin, TX 78701
512 427 1797
Julie.marshall@texasbar.com |
THCC’s chapter meetings have taken a break for the summer.
Visit THCC’s events calendar to mark your calendar for meetings beginning in August....
We do have a Noontime Network in San Antonio, though!
When? Tuesday, July 7, 2009 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Where? Hotel Valencia, 150 E. Houston Street, San Antonio
Click here to register
Don’t Forget To Show!
2010 Southwest Showcase: Our 10th year of Southwest Showcase will take place at the Austin Convention Center on February 4, 2010. Plan to be at the premier Education, Meetings, and Exhibition event of the year!
|
|
|
 
|
|
|
|
Put the Spotlight on a friend! Click here to forward this issue.
Let us know what is going on! Email commteam@mpithcc.org
Press Release FYI
If you would like to send a press release, there is now an easy form available on the web. Just access it, fill it out, and send to the PR Committee, and you've got news!
|
Immediate Past President Debbie Farnum has had shoulder surgery and will be recovering over the next few weeks. It isn't keeping her out of Salt Lake City for the WEC, tho!
Tracy Terrell is the new Director of Sales & Marketing at the Courtyard & Residence Inn by Marriott Austin Downtown/Convention Center. Welcome, Tracy!
|
WANT TO ADVERTISE?
Want to reach 410 members weekly? Then place your next ad with MPI THCC. To see more details go to our Advertising webpage.
Have Breaking News? MPI-THCC is proud to help spread the word about our members/industry. We want to hear from you.
Send your news to: commteam@mpithcc.org
|
Venue News
The Frisco CVB has achieved accreditation from Destination Marketing Association International's (DMAI) Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP). Congratulations, Frisco!
Corpus Christi Wins 'America's Birdiest City'
Birdwatching Title Awarded to Corpus Christi for 7th Year in a Row
The results are in and Corpus Christi once again celebrates the title of 'America's Birdiest City'. Corpus Christi has held the title consecutively each year since 2003. The annual nationwide contest determines the best city for birding after hundreds of avid birders from around the country count the number of species seen between April 1 and May 31. Within the two-month span of the contest, participating cities and counties selected a 72-hour window to count birds, making it a fast-pace competition somewhat like a scavenger hunt.Local birders united again this year and counted a total of 217 species of birds in our city. The team is made up of members from the Audubon Outdoor Club, Coastal Bend Audubon Society and many other birders. San Diego, California came in second with 198 species of birds.
|
 |
|
|
Register for WEC 2009 Today!
The World Education Congress will take place July 11-14, 2009 in beautiful Salt Lake City, Utah. Register TODAY here.
Help our Industry Succeed!
Uninformed rhetoric demonizing meetings and events is creating the specter of further regulation and fueling a media frenzy that is paralyzing our businesses, costing jobs, inhibiting economic recovery and hurting every community in which we live and work.
Like other industry organizations, we are committed to keeping our community connected to the latest information and resources to ensure you survive and thrive. We will update this site constantly with timely knowledge and content.
Bookmark it and come back often. We will monitor, along with our colleague organizations, developments globally and provide information and solutions wherever you do business. We need your help!
TARP - What is it and why you Should Care
The U.S. government’s decision to restrict the use of Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) funds for meetings and events has had a far-reaching, crippling impact on our industry. Whether TARP recipients or not, businesses in all sectors are cancelling meetings, events and incentive programs – despite legitimate business purposes – out of fear of public scrutiny.
It’s imperative you understand the current regulatory environment and how our industry is responding. You’ll find the information and resources you need to get up to speed below.
About TARP
MPI Provides Free Membership Renewal During Unemployment - Additional Six Months for $99 Just Added
Maintaining your connection to the meeting and event community is even more important during this period of global economic recession. MPI recognizes that some of our members are being impacted adversely with unemployment. Landing your new position will be made easier by retaining your access to MPI resources for personal networking, online conversations and our new Career Connections site. Click here for more information
Remember.....Life is Too Short Not to be Involved!!!
|
|
|
Does your copy of Hill Country Spotlight look OK when you receive it via email? Does everything display appropriately, or are there little "glitches?" Let us know at support@mpithcc.org, and we'll try to get it fixed for you.
Would you like to reach the MPI THCC membership right at their desktops? Sponsor Hill Country Spotlight! Click here for information about advertising, Strategic Partnerships and sponsorships.
|
| |
|
MPITHCC PO Box 49135 Austin, TX 78765-9154
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hill Country Spotlight 6.16.09
|
|
Father's Day Facts...Getting to know Susan Greenberg...and Volunteer Leader of the Month Mandy Heyse...Tweet with MPI-THCC... CMP Study Groups...International News...and lots more!
|
|
Hill Country Spotlight 6.3.09
|
|
|
Summer time Movie Trivia...Donna Harbers, the untold story (until now)...2009 THCC Gala Award Nominees and Winners...Twitter with MPI-THCC... 2009 Spring Scholarships...International News...and lots more!
|
|
Hill Country Spotlight 5.20.09
|
|
|
A-May-zing facts... Time to meet Our new incoming MPi-THCC President DuWayne Greene...Paulina Van Eeden is May's Voulnteer of the Month...President's Message... MPI Annual Awards and Silent Auction Banquet this month...International News...and lots more!
|
|
Hill Country Spotlight 5.5.09
|
|
|
Cinco de Mayo... The Light Shines bright on Edgar Gierbolini...News on the CMP Exam...Spring Scholarship Update... MPI is meeting at your place this month...International News...and lots more!
|
|
Hill Country Spotlight 4.7.09
|
|
|
Play Ball... Getting to know Carol Cantu...Missy is Volunteer of the Month...MPI THCC Scholar... ONE UNITING GOAL!...International News...and lots more!
|
|
Hill Country Spotlight 3.23.09
|
|
|
April Fools... Getting to know Mandy Heyse...and plenty of new CMPs...THCC President's message... ONE UNITING GOAL!... more new members to get to know...International News...and lots more!
|
|
Hill Country Spotlight 3.10.09
|
|
|
Going Nutty over March's Spotlight... Let's get to know Darin Upchurch...A New Year's resolution... ONE UNITING GOAL!... more new members to get to know...International News...and lots more!
|
|
Hill Country Spotlight 2.20.09
|
|
|
Honest George and the Cherry Tree... Let's meet Laurie Hartz... Cindy Lo's volunteer work doesn't go unnoticed here...more new members to get to know...International News...and lots more!
|
|
Hill Country Spotlight 1.27.09
|
|
|
Are you ready for some FOOTBALL???...the 411 on Elias Aguirre...SW Showcase is Thursday...more new members to get to know...International News...and lots more!
|
|
Hill Country Spotlight 1.12.09
|
|
|
Show some resolve...the Brenda Hoffman story...SW Showcase discount...meet some new members...congrats to the Jenkinses...International News...and lots more!
|
|
Hill Country Spotlight 12.17.08
|
|
|
'Tis the Season...the word on Ellen Forsythe, CMP...meet some new members...International News...and lots more!
|
|
Hill Country Spotlight 12.04.08
|
|
|
Hanukkah Happenings...the dirt on Dottie Bosley...Southwest Showcase registration open...Holiday party December 9...and lots more!
|
|
Hill Country Spotlight 11.19.08
|
|
|
Thanksgiving facts...the scoop on Connie Reineke...Scholarship awardees named...growing MPI student membership...and lots more!
|
|
Hill Country Spotlight 11.5.08
|
|
|
Facts From History...Spotlight on Marti McCollough...Robert Williams comes to CAMP...learn about our Chapter's charities...and lots more!
|
|
Hill Country Spotlight 10.28.08
|
|
|
Halloween Facts...Welcome New Members...Focus on Lisa Parker and Amy Sanchez...Grant Teaff comes to CAMP sidelines...It's good to give...and lots more!
|
|
Hill Country Spotlight 10.8.08
|
|
|
Happy 175th Oktoberfest...Meet Cindy Lo...New CMPs!...CAMP Speaker Theresa Syer Profiled...Meet New Members...and lots more!
|
|
Hill Country Spotlight 9.23.08
|
|
|
Spotlight goes to the dogs...Ike Update from the coast...Focus on Catherine Weir...Meagan Johnson comes to CAMP...It's good to give...Meet New Members...and lots more!
|
|
Hill Country Spotlight 9.10.08
|
|
|
Spring Into Fall Edition...Focus on Annette Norman...Free Money for MPI THCC Members...Leadership Development Program launches prior to CAMP...Meet New Members...and lots more!
|
|
Hill Country Spotlight 8.26.08
|
|
|
Back to School Edition...Focus on Judith Arsenault, CMP...CAMP News and Partner 150...Meet New Members...and lots more!
|
|
Hill Country Spotlight 8.13.08
|
|
|
Meet Your Fellow Members Debuts...Making a Difference Through THCC Charities...Upcoming Events...New Members...and tons more!
|
|
Hill Country Spotlight 7.30.08
|
|
|
Fun Facts...THCC by the Numbers...CAMP Update...CMP Study Groups...Get to Know New Members...The Full Schedule of Events...and more!
|
|
Hill Country Spotlight 7.16.08
|
|
|
Info on "Buy MPI"...CAMP News...Hill Country Dirt...and more!
|
|
Hill Country Spotlight 7.02.08
|
|
|
Happy 4th!...Congratulations to this year's award winners...Meet your 2008-09 Board...New members, and tons more!
|
|
Spotlight Archives
|
|
|
Past issues of the Hill Country Spotlight
|
|
|
|
 |
Follow Us!
MPI-THCC is on
  |
|
|
