New Web Site

I spent the day today researching new association management software and web site content applications. There are dozens of companies offering these technologies, and I'm working on identify the right mix of features, price, and functionality. Tomorrow we have two lined up for an online demonstration.

In the meantime, Tera at Kenney Communications is working on updating our existing web site to incorporate a new Government Relations (advocacy) resource section.

Hail to the Chiefs - Happy President's Day

"Welcome: Portraits of America" Campaign

Welcome: Portraits of America is a multi-media initiative to welcome international visitors to the United States. Given as a gift to the State Department from Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, Welcome: Portraits of America includes a seven-minute film and hundreds of still images,
featuring American people from all regions and walks of life. Disney commissioned the project in support of the Rice-Chertoff Initiative, which seeks to secure America’s borders while welcoming legitimate visitors to the United States.

The film will play in arrival areas of foreign flights and consular offices worldwide, allowing international visitors to the U.S. an exciting preview to all America has to offer. Welcome: Portraits of America depicts America as a welcoming nation, encouraging travel and enhancing the view of America aboard.

http://travel.state.gov/

Joe Scarborough to Speak at Tourism Day 2008

The tourism industry welcomes former Florida Congressman Joe Scarborough, host of "Morning Joe" on MSNBC to Tourism Day 2008. Scarborough will serve as the first Tourism Day luncheon keynote speaker – "rallying the troops" during lunch before we head to the Capitol to talk one on one with members of the Senate and House.Tourism Day educates legislators, media and our communities about the importance of Florida’s tourism industry and tourism marketing.

Learn more about the 2008 issues, network with the industry's finest and meet your legislators. Join with your industry colleagues from all over Florida and let lawmakers know just how vital tourism is to our state and your area.

We invite you to take advantage of this opportunity to communicate the importance of tourism marketing and the Partnership’s request for $43.35 million in public funding for VISIT FLORIDA to your legislators.

Register For Florida Tourism Day Here

Online Registration Introduced for Florida Tourism Day

Working toward introducing technology to the Florida Attractions Association, this week, we rolled out an online registration site for Florida Tourism Day, March 25, in Tallahassee. You can view the site (and register!) here.

Virginia is for Lovers (of crack-cocaine & gangs?)

ABC News: Va. Tourism Pitch Mimics Gang's Sign

Family is back in town!

Anita, Daniel, and Emily arrived in Tallahassee for a visit.

Can't wait to sell that Williamsburg, Virginia home!

Hotwire.com Lays An Egg

Hotwire.com is a site that allows you to book a hotel of a given star rating, price, and location. The exact hotel is not disclosed until after payment is made. I've had many great experiences with Hotwire.com until recently.

I reserved a 3-star hotel in St. Petersburg. According to Hotwire.com, 3-star hotels are comparable to a Holiday Inn, Radisson, or Doubletree. The hotel I was booked into was a former (but de-flagged) Holida Inn. The place was a dive...more like a 1-star property. No restaurant (as represented by Hotwire.com), old, musty rooms, threadworn carpeting, etc.

I wrote to Hotwire.com, but they were quick to defend their 3-star rating. I've written to Hotwire.com again. We'll see if they have the decency to respond.

Remember when...

...we used to celebrate this man's birthday?

Space Shuttle Atlantis Launch at Kennedy Space Center

Following the completion of our retreat yesteday, Chairman Geis (Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex) invited Linda, Mike & I to view the launch of STS-122 Atlantis from the Saturn V Center across the Banana River from launch complex 39-B.

In spite of a dismal weather forecast, the Shuttle launched into a nearly cloudless Florida sky.

Thanks, Dawn!

Chairman Geis presents Dawn Dalziel with a token of our appreciation for her extraordinary facilitation of our planning retreat.

Downtime at the Retreat

It wasn't all work at the retreat. We had a great bar-be-que on the deck of the lodge watching the sun set over the lake, followed by a marshmallow roast over a bonfire.

Board Strategic Planning Retreat

16 Board Members, Board Liasions, and FAA Staff Members participated in a Strategic Planning Retreat at the FFA Leadership Training Center in Haines City.

Web Site Updated

Our Florida Attractions Association web site received numerous information updates today, courtesy of Tera at Kenney Communications.

Thanks, Tera!

Coral Castle on ABC News Good Morning America

Sylvia Villafana from Homestead's Coral Castle gave us a head's up about a feature story on today's ABC News Good Morning America. Congratulations, Sylvia & Coral Castle team!

ABC News.com Web Site
Coral Castle: Mysterious Monument to Lost Love

Video #1
An American StonehengeElaborate rock monument known as "Coral Castle" is creation of one man.

Video #2
Coral Castle: Labor of LoveMassive coral rock garden stands as tribute from heartbroken man