Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/405793
37 B M & T ••• July/August 2014••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com Creighton, O.J. Webb, Maria "Rita" Moore- Edmonds, Mayor Ray Nagin, Cleo Battle, Donna, Theo Jackson, Gary Simon, Floyd Williams, Byron Lewis, Treva Marshall, Ty Christian and Kim Hunter. JUNE/JULY 2008 T he cover story for June/July was enti- tled "Visitor Friendly Cities," which reported on cities that have earned this reputation by offering first class service, value for dollars spent and welcoming hos- pitality. Destinations showcased in the fea- ture included Arlington, TX, Austin, TX, Baltimore, MD, Baton Rouge, LA, Birmingham, AL, Charlotte, NC, Miami, FL, Fort Worth, TX, Jackson, MS, Kansas City, MO, Pensacola, FL, Knoxville, TN, and a host of others. Anther article in the June/July issue posed the question "Should Black Groups/Meetings Book Destinations That Don't Support the African-American Market Segment?", an issue that is still relevant today. Feature stories included "If You Haven't Been to Dallas Lately, You Haven't Been to Dallas," "Getting The Most From Your Trade Show Investment," and "Unique Spaces at Meeting Places." "Newsmakers reported that Melvin Tennant had accepted the position as president/CEO at Meeting Minneapolis, and That Spurgeon Richardson, the longtime president/CEO of the Atlanta CVB, announced his retirement. Detroit was named the world's first Authentic African- American Heritage Travel Destination by TPOC and Black Meetings & Tourism was honored as California Small Business of the Year ("In The News"), Roscoe Lee Owens (The JazzZone) profiled in "Vendor Spotlight," and Miriam Padilla featured in "Travel Agent Profile." Also in this issue were Ambassador Andrew Young, Gregory DeShields, Robert Johns, Roy Jay, Brenda Scott, Dvorah Evans, Alvin West, Graylyn Swilley, Roger Dow, and Ronnie Burt. DECEMBER 08/JANUARY 09 "T he Importance of Heritage Tourism" was the cover story for December/January, exploring the value this form of travel brings to a grow- ing number of destinations. "Managing Your Stress," another article in this issue, offered 13 ways to manage your stress, feel more in control of your ,life, and handle the external factors that affect you. "Passing the Diversity Litmus Test explored what's really happening in the hospitality industry and what still needs to be done. "CVB Heads Annual Report" allowed indus- try leaders to give their take on the issues facing our industry in their own, unedited words. Other features included "Family Friendly Destinations," "How to Prevent, Prepare For and Deal With Emergencies in the Hospitality Industry," "Hotels That Cater to Delegates Traveling With Their Families," and "Be Prepared Just in Case The Deal Goes Sour: The Fine Art of Exit Clauses." "Newsmakers" reported that Brenda Scott had been name new V.P. of Sales & Marketing at Bryan-College Station CVB, Robert Steele has been named AH&LA Educational Institute president/CEO, Ronald Melton named executive V.P. for Travel Portland, and Steven Rudnitsky named pres- ident/CEO of Dolce Hotels and Resorts. We acknowledged the passing of Miriam Makeba and Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones, Odyssey Leach (Royal Plaza Orlando Florida Hotel) was profiled in "Pacesetters," David Bradley (Valley Forge CVB) profiled in "Applause," Velton Showell (Doral Gold Resort & Spa) profile in "Local Hero," and Sid Wilson featured in "Travel Agent Profile." Other familiar faces in this issue were Barack Obama, Ernest Boger, Brenda Wilson, Theda "TJ" Jackson, Tom Noonan, Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon, Donna Glover, Tanya Hall, Stephanie Mays-Boyd, Wanda Collier-Wilson, Melvin Tennant, Nan Marchand, Steve Moore, Andy Ingraham, Bennish Brown, John Rolfe, Richard Kahn, Sal Mendoza, Arthur Keith, Carol Wallace and David Whittaker. Also in 2009, Elliott Ferguson was named president/CEO of Destination DC, and Back Meetings & Tourism presented their first CTO M.I.C.E. Showcase in New York as part of the annual Caribbean Week activities where qualified and vetted meeting planners were hosted for a round of one-on-one meetings with suppliers representing Caribbean desti- nations across the region. MARCH/APRIL 2010 B lack Meetings & Tourism revamped its website, adding a plethora of new departments not found in the maga- JESSIE, JAMES DON BARDEN CLEO BATTLE ROBERT STEELE DAVID BRADLEY ELLIOTT FERGUSON