Thanks to everyone who participated in our Education Day. We had great speakers, great weather, and a wonderful venue. Hopefully you came away from the American Club with a few new tools to use in your jobs, as well a new perspective on issues you deal with every day.
We will be posting all the presentations on our resource page very soon. In the meantime, please see the two articles that appeared in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel business page written by Tom Daykin who moderated our airline panel. Great to see WBTA in the press!
Wisconsin Business Travel Association was organized and began operations as an independent association in 1990 and became an official chapter of NBTA in 1992. Click to view our original articles of incorporation. The original Board of Directors were:
President Mary Ann Klabon, Sentry Insurance
Vice President Richard Wood, Oscar Meyer
Treasurer Jack Vierheilig, Johnson Controls
Secretary Barbara Ley
Director Don Draves, Miller Brewing
Director Steve Felsmann, Northwest Airlines
This certificate was presented to all members who joined WBTA in 1990
WBTA has a proud history and remains one of the most active and vibrant chapters in the country. We would like to thank all of our members, past and present, who have dedicated themselves to the business travel industry in Wisconsin. Thank you!
We also recognize WBTA Presidents for their leadership over the past 20 years.
1991 - 1992 Mary Ann Klabon
1993 - 1994 Richard Wood
1995 - 1996 Mike Caravello
1997 - 1998 Don Draves
1999 - 2000 Mary Rolph
2001 - 2002 Ron Thelen
2003 - 2004 Peter Browne
2005 - 2006 Chris Magulski
2007 - 2008 Laura Lane
2009 - 2010 Bob Gotthart
NBTA The time is now to start planning for NBTA's International Convention & Exposition, August 8th -11th in Houston, Texas.
Click on the official logo for details and information.
News and Notes
Next WBTA Meeting ...
WBTA is gearing up for a fantastic 2010 Silent Auction as we celebrate WBTA’s 20th Anniversary! This year's event will be held on Wednesday, March 10th at the beautiful Discovery World Museum in downtown Milwaukee!
Overnight accommodations are available at the Hilton Milwaukee City Center for the night of Wednesday, March 10th. Please call 414-271-7250 for reservations and reference the WBTA room block. The rate is $139 with complimentary parking.
Also ... the Silent Action Committee is looking to you for donations which help support our chapter’s scholarships, NBTA reimbursement and our local communities through our charitable giving program.
If you are interested in donating, please click here for the donation form or contact Melissa Banigan, Silent Auction Chair, at 262-527-9116 or Melissa.l.banigan@ehi.com
Thank you to those who have already sent in donations - and those whose donations are yet to come. We appreciate your kind support!
Proposed Rental Car Tax in Milwaukee Could Harm Local Economy
Alexandria, VA (January 11, 2010) – The National Business Travel Association (NBTA) and the Wisconsin Business Travel Association (WBTA) are urging civic leaders in Milwaukee, Wis., to reject a proposal that would establish a new rental car tax ranging anywhere from $2 to $18 per transaction to fund a commuter rail project. According to an NBTA report released in August 2009, Milwaukee’s airport currently ranks 3rd highest of 50 U.S. markets in general sales and travel taxes. The magnitude of the proposed taxes, if passed, would catapult Milwaukee to the top of the list.
Michael W. McCormick, NBTA President & COO, said, “Officials in Milwaukee should thoroughly consider the consequences of a new rental car tax. The city already approved an increase in the food and beverage tax last year; an additional tax on travelers would only continue to increase the burden on visitors.”
In seeking funds to build a light rail system, which benefits all residents of Milwaukee, Racine and Kenosha, the state legislature has identified car rental consumers as the people who should shoulder these costs. However, as travel budgets are currently limited due to a weak economy, these additional costs will have a negative effect on the entire region’s hospitality industry.
McCormick continued, “While raising or implementing taxes on lodging, rental car and meals services affects out-of-town visitors, cities underestimate the number of local businesses who make use of the same services. In actuality, these taxes are not only burdening travelers, but also hurt local enterprises that contribute to the local economy.”
Wisconsin Business Travel Association
Founded in 1990, the Wisconsin Business Travel Association (WBTA) provides an important forum for the exchange of information, education and ideas among its members, who include representatives from local corporations and leading travel industry suppliers. Our emphasis is on working together to better understand new and emerging travel management practices.
WBTA is committed to enhancing the travel profession by sponsoring educational and informational programs for its members, and by providing top-rated speakers to address travel-related issues, concerns and current "hot topic" items.
Our chapter is an excellent venue for the sharing of travel-related information and professional expertise, and is an organization focused on perfecting the science of business travel management.
National Business Travel Association
WBTA is an affiliate of the National Business Travel Association (NBTA), whose members represent major corporations and travel suppliers throughout the United States. Along with WBTA, the national organization provides members with information on the latest technical and service advantages within the industry, as well as current legislative issues involving travel costs and safety matters affecting business travel.
