Black Meetings and Tourism

July / August 2016

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Hello TPOC Members, Hope you are enjoying your sum- mer! As many of you are aware, three days after we returned from the con- ference, Colin's mother passed away. It has been a challenging few months. Before I go any further, Colin and I would like to thank each of you for your prayers, cards, calls, and well wishes. Your expressions of sympathy were well received and very much appreciated at such a difficult time. 2016 CONFERENCE – I must say the 2016 Conference and Pre-confer- ence were a great success. The festiv- ities began with the first ever TPOC Awards held aboard the stately Queen Mary in Long Beach, California. The tours, arranged by Mr. James Burks, director, Special Projects for the city of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs and Cory Abke, national director for the LA Tourism Board, were very informative, providing an excellent and rare look into "Black LA." If anyone is anticipating a trip to the Los Angeles area, take the time to contact our host to help with plan- ning and tours. Mr. Burks can be reached at (213) 202-5508 and Mr. Abke at (626) 844-9090, we would also like to thank Sol and Gloria Herbert for helping with organiza- tion of our LA tours. The exotic ports of Mexico proved to be a great setting for our confer- ence cruise. The Trade Show, spon- sored and orchestrated by the Mexican Tourism Board, was certain- ly among our best. Thanks to our Conference Committee for a job well done and thanks to each attendee for your participation. BOARD OF DIRECTORS – As stated in the last news brief, an election would take place during the annual membership meeting. Beverly Bentley was reelected as our treasurer and yours truly, selected as president of the board. Charlotte Hay-more, Clifford Brown and Colin Jones, who are all founding board members, remain on the board. Since we did not have the slated number of board members, it was announced during the annual meeting that a notice would go out to everyone interested in filling vacant seats. The notice went out and the board is now complete. Michael Bennett, Mary Brantley, Miriam Padilla, Yvonne Brooks and Gladys Smith are now part of the Board of Directors. Our goals for the next 12 months are to: Enhance our website (please take a look) also visit our Facebook page, revise the Heritage Program, revamp the student chapter and mar- ket/rebrand TPOC through social media. We intend to be more visible by participating in various trade shows as well as presenting area sem- inars. We feel these items will certain- ly help increase our membership. 2017 CONFERENCE – Just as a reminder! The dates for our 15th Annual Conference and Trade show are May 17th – 20th, 2017 with pre conference activities on May 16th. The conference will convene in Orlando, Florida at Reunion Resort. Conference rates will soon be announced. We are also including our 4th Friends and Family during this time. NEW TPOC CHAPTER – Last but not least, we like to welcome our newest chapter which is located in Indianapolis, Indiana. Best wishes to Brenda Kerr-Dodd their selected president. More information to be announced at a late date. B M & T ••• JulyAugust 2016 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 14 T P O C N E W S B R I E F S BY BETTY JONES

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