Press Release

For Immediate Release
20 November 2007

ACTE Canada Honors Four Volunteers For Exemplary Service To Colleagues, Industry, and Association

Calgary --

The Association of Corporate Travel Executives honored four of its members with awards of special recognition and professional acknowledgement on November 19, 2007, the second day of the group’s national conference in Canada. The presentation was made before almost three hundred travel managers, procurement specialists, travel management companies, and industry suppliers assembled for the ACTE Canada Education Conference in Calgary (18-20 November 2007).

The 2007 ACTE Canada Volunteer Of The Year Award is presented to individuals who demonstrate unbridaled team spitit in dedicating time, effort, or thought to meeting association objectives in serving the industry.  Team spirit is defined as a willingness to serve on committees, man a booth, make calls, attend events, or respond to a call to action.

“Each of the three individuals honored with this award embodies the concept of ‘willingness’ and ‘volunteerism’” said Annemarie Reininger, ACTE Canada’s Regional Chair, who made the presentations with Rick Robert, the ACTE Canada Board Member.

This year’s award recipients were Gillian Cody, American Express, Calgary; Deborah Legroulx, Air Canada, Montreal; and Tina Steinfals, Atlific Hotels, Toronto.

Gillian Cody was cited for bringing her leadership and organizational skills to dozens of projects, along with a great sense of humor. She has given countless hours of her personal time to the association and is just as willing to serve behind the scenes as well as in front of the membership.

Deborah Legroulx was acknowledged for an outstanding performance as an ACTE City Champion, and for her commitment on many levels from program development to implementing local educational events. She is known as a great source of ideas.

Tina Steinfals was recognized for her contributions to onsite registration, and for a prominent volunteer presence at more ACTE Canada events than any other member. Her willingness to serve extended to any task that needed doing.

The 2007 ACTE Canada Ambassador Award is presented to a member that has distinguished themelves as an all-around champion, spokesperson, and advocate of the association. According to Rick Robert, “Recipients have incorporated ACTE’s founding principles of objectivity and fairness in all business dealings, while continually working to advance the industry through innovation and positive change.”

Onita Dey-Frankian, BCD Travel, Toronto received the award to thunderous applause. She has held nearly every office in ACTE Canada, participated on more committees, and provided the drive to more association projects in Canada than any other ACTE member. Dey-Frankian was honored as one of the most recognizable ACTE personalities in Canada.

“This association is fortunate to be able to draw on such inspiring individuals from such a high-level membership.  These four ACTE members motivate everyone around them, and bring excitement to every project,” said ACTE Executive Director Susan Gurley. “ACTE is proud to honor their achievements.”

For more information, contact:
Monica Hailstone
Regional Director, ACTE Canada
t: 613-836-7652
[email protected]

Jack Riepe
Global Communications
t: 610-719-8396
c: 610-952-0763
e: [email protected]

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