Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/52019
Publisher's Message can bemade on both sides of the issue that will honorably resolve the boy- cott and benefit the Black community while helping to rebuild the state's image and tourism/meetings industry? The BP oil spill feature explores the aftermath of the horrendous Deepwater Horizon disaster that took the lives of 11 workers and devastat- ed communities in Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, Florida and elsewhere along the once pristine Gulf Coast. The intention here is to make certain that our readers understand that the crisis, while no longer in the headlines, is far from over for those in our industry who lost the most because of the oil spill. Again, an important question is asked – is enough being done by BP and local governments to compensate those who were victimized by the spill and make them and their families whole again? Of course, not all of the stories in this issue are controversial. The Most Influential African-Americans in the Meetings/Tourism Industry is BM&T's annual review of the progress and success of those African- Americans who continue to make significant strides in our industry, and our opportunity to acknowledge their hard work and dedication. This highly-anticipated feature not only offers those profiled their well- deserved props, but also serves to motivate and encourage others in our industry to be the very best they can be and continue to pursue their high- est goals of achievement. This issue's cover story – The African-American Guide to Meetings, Tourismis chock full of valuable informa- tion that planners, travel agents, hospitali- ty professionals and other industry practi- tioners will find both interesting and use- ful. Two articles in particular – South Carolina Open For Business and Rough Sledding Continues For BP Disaster Victims – are purposefully thought pro- voking, and it is our hope that they will encourage meaningful dialogue about these serious issues impactingmany in our industry. The piece on South Carolina's tourism We industry examines the whole Confederate Flag issue, and takes a look at how the ensuing NAACP boycott has affected vis- itation to the state and adversely impacted the lives of many front line workers, a large percentage of whom are African- American and other people of color. More importantly, it poses one essential question – what actions or compromises believe that this Nov- ember/December issue of Black Meetings & Incentives & Traveling in the Northeast – showcases destinations in the region that not only make ideal choices for your meeting or leisure travel client's needs, but emphasizes those cities that value the African-American market segment by aggressively courting it and investing in it. So please seriously consider booking your conferences and other events with the des- tinations profiled here. These deserve your business. Other stories that offer important information to planners as they deter- mine where to book their meetings are BM&T's Annual Convention Center Review and Airport Hotels Make Convenient Meeting Venues. Also in the November/December issue are three of our newer columns – Meeting the Needs of Your Meeting (which profiles Macon-Bibb, Miami, USVI and Windsor Essex), Sports Tourism (takes a look at Black college sports, and NABHOOD News (reports on National Association of Black Hotel Owners, Operators and Developers activities). We round out the issue with our slate of regular columns, everything from Association News and Speaking of People, to In The News, and perhaps our most popular department, Calendar of Events. As always, we welcome your comments and feedback, and are constant- ly looking for ways to improve the service we provide our readers and advertisers. As we prepare to enter 2012 and our 19th year of publishing, we wish you the warmest season's greetings and trust that next year will be your best year yet! Solomon J. Herbert Publisher/Editor-in-Chief E-Mail: BM&TMag@aol.com Black Meetings & Tourism is published bi-monthly by SunGlo Enterprises, 20840 Chase St., Winnetka, CA 91306-1207 •Telephone: (818)709-0646/Fax: (818) 709-4753 Copyright 2011 by SunGlo Enterprises. All rights reserved. Single Copies, $6.00 Subscriptions $45.00. Postage Paid at Pasadena, CA. •Postmaster send address changes to Black Meetings & Tourism, 20840 Chase St., Winnetka, CA 91306-1207. 4 Black Meetings & Tourism November/December 2011: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com