ACTE Cites Four For Industry Innovation And Excellence

Alexandria, VA (May 7) -- Colleen C. Guhin, Strategic Sourcing Manager, Travel & Telecommunications, ON Semiconductor; Howard Z. Brooks, Vice President, Travel and Procurement Services, Sony Music; Rick Robert, Associate Director, Travel & Expense Management Fleet Services, Bell Canada; and Scott Guerrero, Vice President, Maritz Corporate Travel,received the Association of Corporate Travel Executives' highest awards for dedication to the profession and performance within the industry, at ACTE's Global Conference in Orlando.

In a ceremony before 1200 delegates from 37 countries, Guhin became the first executive to receive ACTE's Lifetime Achievement Award. According to Executive Director Nancy Holtzman, this is the highest award the association confers on a member. "It took 16 years to present the first one, it may take that long before we issue a second."

Guhin, a veteran member of ACTE, was honored for her continuous contributions to the association as a volunteer, a presenter, and a leader during the past 1r years. During her tenure as an officer, she redesigned the association's governance structure (enhancing ACTE's ability to respond to member needs) and played a leading role in the organization's expansion into Europe.

"Colleen Guhin has never stepped away from a challenge and has never left an issue undecided," said Holtzman.

The "Advancing The Industry Award" is presented to ACTE members who demonstrate the highest degree of initiative and innovative thinking as an example to the industry. This year's recipient was Howard Z. Brooks. Described as leading the vanguard of procurement specialists, Brooks was honored for his efforts in educating his colleagues on both sides of the issue.

"It takes great insight to predict a major industry shift," said Holtzman. "And it takes a strong sense of commitment to prepare yourself -- and your colleagues -- for that change. Hoard Brooks has proven himself as a man of insight and commitment."

The President's award is given to members from two of the organization's four global regions (at each bi-annual global conference) for outstanding service to their colleagues through association programs.

Rick Robert, Associate Director, Travel & Expense Management Fleet Services, Bell Canada, received the President's Award for ACTE Canada, in recognition of his leadership skills and commitment to the association's objectives.

"Canadian travel managers have brought travel management to a new level of strategic significance," said Garth Jopling, ACTE President and a native of Toronto. "Rick Robert has been in the forefront of that awareness process."

Citing his efforts to further the global principles of travel management, ACTE President Garth Jopling named Scott Guerrero, the winner of the President's Award for ACTE U.S. Trilingual, Guerrero was instrumental in creating a series of education programs for travel executives in Latin and South America.

"A key objective of ACTE's international educational program is understanding. Scott Guerrero was instrumental in the planning and implementation of forums designed to accelerate the implementation of advanced travel management techniques in a new region."

The Association of Corporate Travel Executives was founded in 1988 as the education and research resource to the international business travel management industry. With 2500 members in 37 countries, the association is recognized globally for its travel industry studies, statistics, and stances.

Jack Riepe
ACTE Communications Director
t: 610-719-8396
c: 610-256-0124
email: [email protected]