By all accounts the Spring State Meeting hosted by Ken Richardson, CCM and Lillian Beckwith at the Austin Club was a success.   Laura Rexilius, CCM organized an extremely informative “Technology/Marketing” based educational agenda.  The speakers imparted many new ideas while re-stimulating the mind of all the basic marketing principles.  At an ever-increasing pace, the world of technology is constantly changing, providing us more effective ways to reach our Members.  I would also like to convey thanks to Dennis Petrash, CCM for the Sunday evening entertainment.  Last and certainly not least, John Dzarnak, CCM and Sam Bass, CCM, hosts of the hospitality suite, outdid themselves.

At this meeting we also had the distinguished honor of recognizing two icons in our chapter:  Bob Southwell, CCM received his fifty-year, (yes that is correct, 50 YEARS!) CMAA membership pin.  John Dzurnak, CCM received his thirty-year CMAA membership pin.  We were honored with your presence at the meeting and congratulate you on these incredible professional accomplishments.

In recent years the competition for each manager’s education budget has without question intensified.  CMAA has greatly expanded its BMI offerings.  Additionally, there is also a myriad of other association educational opportunities.  The PGA, NCA, NRA, HFTP… just to name a few.  While we recognize that all these opportunities exist, more so than ever we must continue and where possible increase our participation at the CMAA chapter level.  

Your chapter has made significant inroads to provide greater value.  Alliances have successfully been established with industry vendors.  Annual educational opportunities have been added.  Membership in the association is increasing for the first time in several years.  The association website has been redesigned.  Other areas such as our alliance with the state’s three major four-year hospitality programs are being evaluated.

Several of our peers have generously given their time and talents to contribute to these accomplishments.  Sam Brewster, our Managing Director, has and continues to be invaluable to our association.  We look forward to your continued support as the chapter moves forward.

The Corpus Christi Summer State Meeting dates are July 12, 13 and 14.  I look forward to seeing you and your families at the meeting.