Aloha Chapter Friends & Family,
While making your calls to planners on the mainland, how many of you have heard the word "Perception" far more times than you would have liked? As we work with planners to bring business to our Islands, there seems to be few places that have been affected more by the "perception" of bringing meetings outside of the Mainland U.S. than Hawaii.
As Congress introduces legislation that threatens to limit and regulate travel activities among companies that have received federal assistance under the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP), companies that are not under the TARP Act are also canceling meetings and events due to negative media and political attention. Thankfully, there is a rainbow at the end of this seemingly endless downpour. MPI President & CEO, Mr. Bruce MacMillan, CA reported in a message to Chapter Presidents Worldwide that in a meeting with President Obama, lodging and travel industry CEO's asked that federal leadership "stand down" from the toxic comments and the threat of legislation/regulation on meetings and events. The President understood and recognized that the unintended consequences were greater than initially anticipated.
Worldwide, the grass roots message from the travel and meetings industry is being received loud and clear that the political rhetoric needs to stop because damage is being done to the "main street" economy. MPI chapters have been highly active creating community events, issuing press releases and mobilizing members to send letters. I ask that if you haven't done so already, please take a few minutes to fill out and send a message that was sent by the NBTA. The letter has been written and all that you need to do is fill out your contact information. Take a few minutes to make a difference and know that if you paddle a canoe alone you will eventually get to your destination however when you paddle as a team, the results will be much more effective. I am asking that the Aloha Chapter jump in this outrigger canoe together and send a message across the waters. Share this message with friends inside and outside of our industry.
Working together to bring awareness to Hawaii.
Randy Clark
President, MPI Aloha Chapter 
