Message from our Board Chair
We're back from our board meeting in Branson! Yvonne Costales of the Radisson gave the advisory board a great tour of the space we will be using during Peer Group next year. Lenni Neimeyer of the Branson CVB showed us a great time and gave us a delicious taste of all that Branson has to offer. Thank you to both of our wonderful hosts! We can't wait to get back there again.
The board worked hard to identify issues that matter most to you so we can put together educational programming for Fall Forum and Peer Group that will help you be a better club director. Watch for opportunities in the next few months to register for these fun and educational events.
We need your help! Many of you were nominated to serve on HCI task forces and will be contacted soon about serving an important role on one of the three committees. Your involvement is critical to HCI's ability to create and deliver helpful club director tools that we just can't get anywhere else. It only requires one hour of your time each month for six months. Please say yes to this opportunity when asked. Or, better yet, reach out to
Tina today and volunteer to serve on a task force.
If you're on Facebook, you might hav
e noticed that the Heritage Clubs International page has become active again. Board member Ezra Wood of Sight and Sound Theatres gave Tina a tutorial, and she has been working hard to make it interesting again. Like the content or become a friend, and stay connected throughout the Summer.
Valerie Kelsey, CBCD
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KEEP AN EYE OUT
Your 2018 Membership Materials
will be coming this month
You can't attend the amazing Peer Group conference if you're not a member, so watch your email in June for your chance to renew your membership in time for the early bird discount. Save $100 by paying your 2018 membership by July 30, 2017.
Plans for the 2018 Peer Group conference in Branson are underway - it's going to be great and you won't want to miss it!! March 12 - 16, 2018
Branson, Missou
ri, is one of America's top vacation destinations and hosts over seven million people each year! With over 100 shows, 200 lodging facilities and 400 restaurants, there is something for everyone to love! Everyone is encouraged to join the Monday sightseeing tour for a taste of the treasures that await you in Branson.
Of course, you'll also love the education and networking opportunities that you can't get anywhere else. So renew or begin your membership this month so you can sign up right away when registration opens later this summer.
Registration materials will be sent out on August 15.
   
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Partner Profile: Globus Family of Brands
Globus Family of Brands provides tours to over 80 countries on 6 continents, with various travel styles like traditional motor coach touring and river cruising to more independent packages - they truly have something for everyone! The company is headquartered in Switzerland which is always a fantastic destinatio n that they like to promote, as that is where it all started for them. Rachelle Hildebrandt-Stoutt is the Groups Business Development Manager and is located in the Madison, Wisconsin area. Matt Galloway serves on the HCI advisory board and is the Direct Groups and Specialty Markets Manager for Globus. He is located in Littleton, Colorado.
They have a large variety of programs, destinations, and styles of travel available within the different brands. The 'culture vultures' amongst us love to see new and unique places with authentic local experiences, and Globus is able to give them this with any of their brands. If it's a leisurely trip you're looking for, Avalon Waterways is right up your alley. If you're more interested in doing things on your own, but have some trepidation about a new city in a foreign country, perhaps Monograms is what you need. Monograms provides the flexibility and freedom of a FIT (Free Independent Traveler) type tour, but they do it for groups and with the support and expertise of over 90 years in the touring business. Cosmos and Globus handle all of the hassles of planning motor coach tours so club directors and their passengers have all the fun.
Randy Calaguas, club director at First Citizens Bank in Mason City, Iowa, recently used Globus to plan her group's trip to Scotland and Ireland. Click here to read more
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Member Spotlight: Lisa Thompson
Kaw Valley State Bank 
Wamego, KS
Lisa Thompson has been at Kaw Valley State Bank for seven years.
She started as a teller and customer service representative, then promoted to a retail banking officer and assistant club director. As of March 1, 2017, she is the Heritage Club Director. Lisa and Charla Douglas, as assistant director are currently enrolled in the Certified Bank Club Director (CBCD) Program and are working towards their certification. Their club became a member with HCI many years ago when Lacinda Heller was the director. One thing Lisa loves about HCI is "how it brings together Tour Directors, Travel Partners and CVBs to create a network of dependable people working together towards the same goal." She also appreciates the "incredible education" that HCI provides. "Their hosting of the Peer Group Conference and Fall Forums helps everyone meet for networking, and ultimately allows us to form friendships that make it possible for us to reach out to one another when needed. Having strong support makes it possible for me to thrive in this industry."
Lisa really enjoys spending time with her members and loves planning trips and activities for them. Plus, taking the trips with them allows her to get to know them even better. One of her favorite club memories is of the last mystery trip that she did with Lacinda. Charla greeted everyone and made sure everyone was on the bus, then with Maudie and Millie (Lacinda mannequins that they dressed as escorts) firmly in place, the bus took off. When it pulled up to their first stop, the group found Lisa and Lacinda riding around in a parking lot on.... Click here to read more
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STAY CONNECTED with HCI
Phone 877-881-0229
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