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• Late Summer 2008 Newsletter
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  • Philip's Lanai Memories
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  • New Members - September
  • Insight to Earning Your CMP
  • September Educational Luncheon
• Summer 2008 Newsletter
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Aloha MPI Friends & Family,

Thank you very much for this wonderful opportunity to serve as President of the Aloha Chapter of MPI.  The newly elected 2008/2009 Aloha Chapter Board of Directors and I feel that these changing times in the Hawaiian Islands is our opportunity to show the Global Community of MPI and the entire meetings industry that the best place in the World to build a rich global community is our Destination in Paradise.

2008 has given the Aloha Chapter many successes in which to show why Hawaii is one of the most sought after destinations in the World.  Our Hawaiian Islands are the bridge to the continents and the foundation in which to build a rich global community.  We would like to build upon the momentum from the first half of 2008 and make the meetings world take note that the Aloha Chapter of MPI is serious about our success in the meetings industry. 

In May we celebrated 10 years as a Chapter by honoring the founding President of the Aloha Chapter as well as our Supplier of the Year, Planner of the Year, Rising Star and a special President's Award winner.  We were able to recognize these individuals for their contributions to the continued success and development of the Chapter.

In June the Chapter sent four Chapter Leaders to Dallas to share ideas with other leaders in the industry to quickly learn how to make the Aloha Chapter more successful with membership.  At this conference we built relationships with leaders of other chapters and decided to bring together our members at WEC in Las Vegas for a joint Arizona, Utah, Asia Pacific and Hawaii Chapter networking event.  With donations from various sponsors, this event was complimentary to all Chapter members.  Bruce MacMillan, the CEO& President of MPI International was in attendance for this historic event.  Bruce later shared with Chapter Leaders that this was the first time in the history of MPI that an International Chapter reception was put together.  This event put the Aloha Chapter in the forefront of keeping in line with his vision of building a rich global community.

In July leadership from MPI International announced a new CMP on-line training program which opens up the opportunity to have the CMP Certification Testing next July here in the Hawaiian Islands with enough interest from our membership.

In August the World Educational Congress (WEC) in Las Vegas was the largest attended in the history of MPI.  This is in part due to opening up new chapters in Europe and Asia Pacific and that meeting professionals are realizing the importance of this organization.

In August a committee from the Aloha Chapter was established to develop a new look for our web page that will create interest in our Islands and will help to bring business to our members and the community.  As always, input from our members is always welcome.

Looking towards the future and to building a solid meetings industry in the Islands, the Aloha Chapter has committed to raising money for scholarships to students at the University of Hawaii Travel Industry Management (TIM) School.  We are also planning a 2^nd Annual Awards Gala, at which Bruce MacMillan has already committed to attending.

Please let me introduce the 2008/2009 Aloha Chapter Board of Directors:

Mr. Philip Richardson, President Elect

Ms. Edie Hafdahl, CMP, CTC, Immediate Past President

Ms. Ava Matchen, VP Administration

Ms. Candace Yuen, VP Finance

Ms. Merrissa Uchimura, VP Communications:  2008 Aloha Chapter "Rising Star"

Ms. Joy Tomita, VP Education

Ms. Lisa Mock, Director of Publications:  2008 Aloha Chapter "President's Award"

Ms. Cherryl Cunanan, Director of Fundraising: 2008 Aloha Chapter "Planner of the Year"

Ms. Mary Hall, CMP, Director of Member Care

Mr. Frank Robinson, Director of Marketing

Ms. Theresa Tilley, Director of Community Outreach

Mr. Randy Clark, President

Your 2008 / 2009 Aloha Chapter Board is looking to forward to working with and for our members.  We are committed to continuing to building  a strong chapter in which all members benefit.

We feel that these changing times in our industry are the perfect time to think and lead differently not only at work but in the community. 

I ask you to become more involved and have fun while doing it.

With Warmest Aloha,

Randy Clark