Press Release

For Immediate Release
17 February 2006

ACTE Announces Merger with CBTA Eastern Region and Cooperative Agreement with CBTA Western Region

Alexandria, VA -- The Canadian Business Travel Association (CBTA) Eastern Region officially merged with the Association of Corporate Travel Executives today. According to an announcement by ACTE President Greeley Koch, CBTA Eastern Region members will now become ACTE members, increasing the organizations Canadian membership by 37 percent.

"ACTE and CBTA Eastern Region have always had a mutual respect for each other's goals and objective's. This merger represents a logical meeting of the minds and combines our strengths in a statement of stronger membership services and greater industry commitment," said Koch.

Alain Legault, President, CBTA Eastern Region said "Through this merger, we have gained a solid partner organization, more significant means to act and influence the Canadian corporate travel market, and an overall stronger voice and representation within our government."

CBTA Eastern Region has begun the process of dissolving their charter with the Canadian government, an administrative process that is expected to take from 6-8 weeks. As a result of this positive move, all previously scheduled activities are now being facilitated through ACTE. CBTA Eastern Region is well-respected for its contributions to the business travel management community. Through the merger with ACTE, its members will acquire a stronger international presence and access to a broader range of educational opportunities.

In a related action, ACTE has entered into a cooperative agreement with the Canadian Business Travel Association (CBTA) Western Region which will deliver maximum value to their respective members. Both associations will link their websites and jointly promote educational events of mutual interest. One such event will be the upcoming ACTE Executive Forum in Calgary, February 23, 2006 focusing on an interactive case study to cut T&E; spending and the anticipated impact a pandemic would have on the city, its businesses, and people. Leadership from both ACTE Canada and CBTA Western Region will be on hand to discuss this agreement with members of each organization.

CBTA Western Region President Russell Friend said, "This cooperative venture will provide multiple opportunities for joint endeavors such as addressing topics like corporate social responsibility, health and security issues, privacy, and advanced travel management techniques. These are some of the issues that affect both organizations. Others will be determined in the immediate future."

"ACTE welcomes our Canadian partners from the CBTA Eastern Region, looks forward to working closer with our colleagues at the CBTA Western Region, and regards this venture as the basis of a new idea-exchange. Nearly every issue the industry faces these days is international in scope with unique regional implications. Working agreements with organizations in other countries is the key to finding long-term solutions," said Greeley Koch.

CBTA Eastern Region and CBTA Western representatives have also been asked to join in the planning of two special "Canadian" education sessions at ACTE's Global Education Conference in Atlanta, GA, May 7-9, 2006.

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