Alexandria, VA (May 16) -- Four business travel experts were cited by the Association of Corporate Travel Executives for their efforts in sparking recovery and innovation in the business travel management industry. The presentations were made before an assembly of 1100 travel management professionals during the association's Global Conference in Las Vegas, earlier this month.

The President's award -- given to members from each of the organization's four global regions for outstanding service to their colleagues through association programs -- was awarded to Yvonne Kerns , global travel manager, CIBC (representing Canada). Kerns served on the 2002 Toronto Executive Forum Planning Committee, the Munich Steering Committee, and the 2002 Nominations Committee. She was honored for her commitment to professional education.

Caro L. Cook, senior transportation officer for the International Monetary Fund (representing the United States) received the President's for her continued involvement in association planning and educational programming. She has served on the Washington DC Executive Forum Committee in 2002, as well as conference advisor and member of numerous steering committees. Cook also served as co-host of the 2002 LAS Conference.

President's awards for outstanding association service in Asia and EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) will be presented in October at ACTE's Global Conference in Dublin.

Kathy Pavelich, director, travel and administrative services, TELUS, was the honored recipient of the Advancing The Industry Award, presented to ACTE members who demonstrate the highest degree of initiative and innovative thinking as an example to the industry. Kathy Pavelich led a team from TELUS to a best-in-class booking solution for the company's business travelers. Her management strategy and communication skills resulted in an 80% adoption rate. Canadian peers now benchmark against TELUS in cost savings as a result.

The second winner of this year's Advancing the Industry Award from the United States was Eric Peter, manager, travel services, Merck & Co. Inc. Peter was honored for leadership skills exhibited throughout the Merck Travel Services e-Solution initiative. He served as the project manager for an e-solution initiative that consisted of four interdependent technology-driven projects -- profile management, online booking, a mid-office solution and supplier access to a secured Merck Travel Web site. The success of the project was based on solid teamwork -- encompassing the efforts of 70 members.

The Distinguished Fellow Award is presented to the membership team that conducted the highest-rated educational session at a previous ACTE Global Conference. Reverse Online Auctions, conducted in Munich last fall, received the greatest number of outstanding reviews of any qualifying educational session.

The title of Distinguished Fellow was conferred upon the following ACTE members:
Matthew Davis - Moderator -- director of global consulting, American Express Corporate Services, and presenters:
David Ogilvie -- vice president, global corporate travel, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
Hanna Murphy -- director, travel management, Siemens Shared Services LLC
Peter Schmid -- managing partner, Impax - Advanced Travel Management

"These are the leaders of our industry," said ACTE President Mark Williams. "Professionals who illustrate by example and shape their destiny, while changing the direction of our profession."

The special contributions of ACTE members in the EMEA and ASPAC regions will be honored this October, at the ACTE Global Conference in Dublin. Nominations will be accepted until September 12, 2003. To choose your candidate for the upcoming award presentation, click here.

For more information, contact:
Jack Riepe
Communications Director
Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE)
t: 610. 719. 8396
f: 610. 719.8397
e: [email protected]