December 23, 2003
Seasons Greetings To My Colleagues and Friends

The holiday season always arrives with a little reflection, a hint of promise, and a lot of hope. Reflecting on the past year, ACTE Canada members strengthened the bonds of the business community. Our programs and planning weathered the pressures from SARS and an aviation industry in change. We learned what we can accomplish when driven by a common objective. Our commitment to service -- not only to each other, but to the international travel community -- has given us the highest percentage of corporate members in any region. Our promise at ACTE is to continue to serve in an even greater capacity. Please help us by filling out and returning your needs analysis survey. It's your wish list for next year.

If I had one wish for the travel industry in Canada, it would be for simplified fares and distribution for air travel. The benefits, opportunities, and complexities posed by Air Canada's web fares are challenging travel managers who must sell the value of managed programs. And if I could give all of you a gift... Well, a gift is supposed to be something you'd never get for yourself and a special token that brings joy and delight to someone else. My gift to you would be a crystal ball, to predict the future. Since that's not possible, the next best thing is a more robust educational and networking program from ACTE, to keep you slightly ahead of the future. A Townhall Webcast -- led by new Regional Chair Susan Deacon, plus ACTE President Garth Jopling, and ACTE Board Member Sally Mahoney (all ACTE Canada members) -- to be held in February 2004 will introduce the details.

This is my final communication as regional chair of ACTE Canada. It has been an honour to represent this vocal, energetic, and inspired segment of the international business travel community. I'd like to personally thank the hundreds of volunteers who supported me in this office, and who have advanced our profession in Canada.

My warmest holiday wishes to you, and to your families.

Sincerely,
Sylvia Gray