Press Release
For Immediate Release
8 May 2006
ACTE Cites Four For Industry Innovation And Excellence
Atlanta, GA -- Four business travel industry leaders received the Association of Corporate Travel Executives' (ACTE) highest awards for dedication to the profession and performance within the industry at ACTE's Global Conference in Atlanta. Two travel management executives from Canada and one from the U.S. received ACTE's 2006 Advancing The Industry Award. A fourth U.S. travel executive was honored for a "Lifetime" of achievement to the business travel profession.
"These are the professionals who make ACTE the international business travel industry's educational powerhouse," said ACTE President Greeley Koch. "Their efforts blaze a trail of innovation that attracts and encourages others to do the same. Each has had a major influence on the industry through their participation in ACTE programs and initiatives."
In a ceremony before 1,166 delegates from 23 countries, ACTE President Greeley Koch presented the 2006 Lifetime Achievement Award to Rolfe Shellenberger, President, Travel Management & Marketing Consultancy.
"Writer... Presenter... Commentator... Wit... And Sage... Few individuals have had the insight to our industry nor the impact of Rolfe Shellenberger during his 50-year career," said Koch. "He has been a strong friend of this association from its inception."
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. For the first time ever, ACTE announced two recipients of the 2006 ACTE Canada Advancing the Industry Award: Garth Jopling, Travel Manager, Canada, PricewaterhouseCoopers; and Alain Legault, Manager, Travel & Relocation, NAV CANADA. The recipient of the 2006 ACTE United States Advancing the Industry Award is Eric Boulter, Senior Group Manager & Category Leader, Travel, PepsiCo Inc.
A former ACTE President and Board Member, Garth Jopling dedicated his expertise to a variety of issues, ranging from international security to the globalization of the travel management function. Jopling was the driving force behind the consolidation of the CBTA and ACTE in Canada, and presented the case for expanded onboard traveler communications to the Canadian government. He was a voice for accurate reporting during the SARS crisis in Toronto and played a crucial role in bringing ACTE Canada into the international limelight.
Alain Legault made the advancement of the business travel management function in Canada his personal crusade. He worked tirelessly to promote CBTA functions, recruit members, and to amplify the voice of the business travel manager. Legault is credited with making the CBTA a major player in the Canadian travel arena and with being the first to take on government-related issues.
Eric Boulter launched a targeted-buy hotel program within Pepsi's preferred hotel program. With hotel rates increasing and expected to remain high through 2008, he targeted high traffic markets for special negotiated programs. Pepsi was able to negotiate a reduced room rate in exchange for increased volume commitment to specific hotels. With his highly unique approach to hotel negotiation, Eric has established a new model within the industry which provides business travel management and hotel procurement with additional negotiating power.
"These industry giants lead by example, and have defined their careers through dedication to ACTE and by adhering to its principles," said Koch. "These are honors well deserved."
For more information, contact:
Debbie Flynn
CEO
Brighter Group
The Pod, London's Vertical Gateway
Bridges Wharf, Battersea
London SW11 3BE England
T: 020 7326 9880
F: 020 7326 9890
E: [email protected]
W: www.brightergroup.com