I have great news!  I just checked the roster for the Education Day.  We have over 35 attendees to date.  We have visitors coming from the Kansas City Chapter as well as from Florida.  I am so pleased that other GBTA members and CCTE candidates from outside our chapter are coming.  Our speaker line up is finally confirmed.  We have a wealth of knowledge within these speakers walking in for Education Day.  Now is the time to get registered if you have not.  This is an opportunity to meet influencial travel industry executives that may come in very helpful for you in the future.  Network, Network, Network!!!  Register and view the agenda with course descriptions on the website.  See you on April 6th.  Linda Smith, Education Committee Chair

March 9, 2011

Even before the announcement below, my travelers were having difficulty using US credit cards in Europe at ATM’s, gas pumps and other kiosk-type machines.  The new format cards are called “chip and pin” or “EVM” cards.  This is different than the RFID cards you’ve been hearing about here in the U.S.

Unfortunately the only issuer of the new chip card in the US at this time is the United Nations Credit Union, so unless you’re a UN diplomat, you’re out of luck.  Banks will be issuing them at some point in the near future.  I called Amex customer service and they have no plans right now.

I looked into reloadable international credit/debit cards.  Here’s a debit card you can get now: http://cardrex.com/?page=default.   Load this with funds and you’ll be covered internationally. 

Let me know if you find out about other options.

Janelle Rickermann

http://redtape.msnbc.com/2011/03/the-death-of-the-credit-card-mag-stripe.html?Gt1=43001

US Passport holders traveling to Canada for business, without a visa, are now being checked more frequently to verify that they possess letters from their US company regarding their business while in Canada.  The policies are not new though the enforcement has increased for those requirements highlighted in red.

Documents needed at the Canadian border:

A passport or travel document that is valid for your entire stay and guarantees re-entry to your country of origin (suggested 3 months)

Letters of support from your parent company.The letter should be on corporate letterhead and include reason for travel, length of stay contact information while in Canada including name, address, phone number

Other documents such as warranty or service agreements, contracts, etc. if relevant to the visit

24-hour contact details of your business host in Canada (i.e. - cell, work and home phone numbers)

Proof that you have enough money for both your stay in Canada and your return home.

Per the Canadian Border Serviced Agency 10-12-10

It is recommended, though it isn't law, that a letter with the above information also be included from the Canadian company the traveler is doing business with.

Canadian Border Service Agency can deny entry for not having the above requirements.

Online Reference: http://www.cic.gc.ca/EnGLish/visit/business-checklist.asp

I recently read an article on loyalty programs in Hotel and Motel Managment Magazine.  Of course, this article was centered on the hospitality industry and focused particularly on the strategies behind a loyalty program.  The gist of the article was that they were a huge driver of demand and revenue in the industry.

I thought it might be nice to get a general view of how each of us looks at loyalty programs from both a work aspect or even from a more personal aspect (grocery store, retail, or even restaurant loyalty programs).  What is your favorite or what do you like about a particular program (no name has to be mentioned)?