HCI Monthly News & Updates
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Message from our New Board Chair
I love this time of year when everything is green and fresh and new! Our advisory board will be getting together this month in Independence, MO to begin preparations for the 2020 Peer Conference! This is a time for us to look over the evaluations from this year’s conference in La Vista, listen to your comments and put together fresh, new educational pieces and sessions that will help everyone in HCI!
I appreciate that HCI is an organization that strives to help their members do their jobs well by really listening to their needs and creating tools and resources based on those. One way they have shown they are listening is changing the date of Peer Group next year. We hope you are considering attending Peer Group in Independence, MO next
February 24-28, 2020! The more that attend, the more great people you meet, the more great ideas are shared, and the more fun we can have together!!
Mark it on your calendars and put the bug in your management’s ear; we want you to come!!
Melanie Davis, CBCD
Farmers Savings Bank & Trust
Vinton, IA
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Let's Do Something Good Together
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Help Midwest Flood Victims
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Spring 2019 has brought some of the worst flooding in over 50 years to Nebraska. We were right there in Sarpy County when it began on March 14, the final day of Peer Group.
HCI wants to encourage our members to help the victims of the Nebraska flooding, and is partnering with the Salvation Army of Omaha to provide food, resources and equipment through their disaster relief fund where 100% of every dollar goes directly to local flood relief.
HCI will match donations of our members up to $1500.
To contribute, send your check which is made payable to "Salvation Army" to HCI at PO Box 1866, Maple Grove, MN 55311.
All donations received by
June 30
will be forwarded to the Salvation Army in Omaha along with a check from HCI in an amount equal to the total donations from our members - up to $1500.
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HOT TIP OF THE MONTH!
Mobile travel apps to help you when you're on tour with such things as:
Emergency Aid
Foreign Currencies
Dining Options
And Much More!
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STAY UP TO DATE
You may have met Kristi Eckfeld from Visit Independence at Peer Group in March. We want you to know that she has a new last name and email address. Please update your records to Kristi Criswell at KCriswell@indepmo.org.
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SAVE THE DATE
The
HCI
2020 Peer Group Conference
will be held in
Independence, Missouri
February 24 - 28, 2020
Make plans now to join us!
Independence loves welcoming visitors and helping them map their journeys — they’ve been doing it for generations! Whether you’re seeking a relaxing, getaway destination, an action-packed adventure, or an immersive, yesteryear experience, exercise your right to a fun, educational and entertaining experience in Independence, Missouri.
In order to avoid Spring Break conflicts in March, you told us that it is more convenient for you to attend Peer Group in February, so this year we've moved it up. Save the date so you don't miss out on this amazing conference experience.
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Rob Callahan, CBCD
First Midwest Bank
Poplar Bluff, MO
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Rob Callahan, CBCD spent a fair amount of time in the spotlight during the 2019 Peer Group conference. For starters, he was one of the Travel Task Force members who presented many of their new motorcoach games throughout the conference and during the education session on Wednesday. Then, he was presented with his CBCD certificate during dinner that evening as HCI’s newest graduate. The next day he was voted in as a new HCI Advisory Board member. Finally, he was surprised to learn that he was the winner of the Volunteer of the Year award on the final night of the conference. I guess he meant it when he said, “I can’t imagine being an HCI Club Director, and not being an involved member in it!”
Rob is the full-time director of the GOLD Club (Great Outings, Lively Destinations) which he founded in 2005. Prior to that, Rob was working at a church where he planned activities and trips for the Senior group there. He learned that First Midwest Bank was going to start a travel club through an acquaintance who also worked with Seniors in their community. This acquaintance reached out to Tucker Davis at the bank on Rob’s behalf and set up a meeting for the very next Monday morning. Tucker and Rob actually knew each other from going to church and Sunday School together. During the meeting, Rob shared with Tucker of his experience working with Seniors and of planning events during his years in the United States Air Force (picnics, Christmas parties, fundraisers, and helping coordinate the yearly air show). When Tucker called Rob one evening a couple of weeks later, he said, “Come put this travel club together.” Since then, the club has grown to 1500 members. In addition to travel around the world, Rob plans picnics, bingo games and educational seminars. Currently, Rob is putting together a seminar on technology so the members can learn how to use iphones and ipads to take pictures and store them. He loves caring for his members, and is always ready to do what it takes to show them a great time – even if it is at the expense of his own pride (see "Elvis" photo).
Rob is an enthusiastic supporter of HCI. He says, “The education and knowledge gained through HCI is incredible!” He feels that peers sharing both successes and things that didn't work as well as planned, is extremely valuable. He also regularly uses HCI’s PTOs to plan his extended travel. This month he is heading to Alaska for a land and sea tour with Islands in the Sun Cruises & Tours. In September, the GOLD Club will enjoy a Blue Danube River Cruise with Mayflower Cruises & Tours. And then they’ll experience Christmas in New York City with Hospitality Tours.
Even though Rob has been traveling for many years, his favorite trip occurred just two years ago when he experienced the unmatched history and beauty of the Rhine River. “It just never ended – as soon as you were overwhelmed by one castle, you’d look ahead and say, ‘Oh look, here comes another one!’”
Rob relies heavily on the help of his wife Donna who now accompanies him on every trip. The members all love her and often check to make sure that she will be going before signing up. Recently, Donna stayed behind with a member who had broken her ankle on the way home between flights. Despite not having her luggage, she stayed at the hospital for five full days while the member had 3 surgeries before helping her get her last flight home after the ordeal.
As a former member of the US Air Force, Rob is passionate about helping WWII Veterans visit THEIR memorials in Washington, D.C. Since 2007, he has organized 14 Honor Tours which have allowed 420 Veterans to experience this once-in-a-lifetime trip at no cost to them.
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Jefferson City, Missouri
, centrally located in the heart of the country, captivates visitors with its historic heritage and scenic views overlooking the Missouri River. You won’t want to miss the significant landmarks, fine dining and one-of-a-kind attractions.
“Perfectly aligned in the middle of the state, Jefferson City is the ideal destination for groups. Its close proximity to many Missouri cities allows travelers the opportunity to visit the historic city as a quick getaway or a hub-and-spoke destination,” said Jordan Rowles, group sales manager. “We offer groups unique and exciting itineraries that can be customized to their interests and will work with other cities to ensure an enjoyable and stress-free experience.”
Come see for yo
urself why Rand McNally named Jefferson City as “America’s Most Beautiful Small Town.”
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TOUR – Missouri State Penitentiary
Tour the oldest continually operating prison west of the Mississippi. The Missouri State Penitentiary was decommissioned in 2004 and now serves as a historic landmark in Jefferson City. Select from a variety of tour options including History Tours where you will learn about the 168-year history of the prison, or Ghost Tours and Paranormal Investigations where you will hear about the firsthand ghostly sightings at MSP and hunt for supernatural activity.
EXPLORE – Missouri Governor’s Mansion
The Missouri Governor's Mansion is one of the oldest and most beautiful governors' homes in the U.S., and the public can enjoy the history showcased within its walls. Guests will have the opportunity to step back in time and learn about our state’s history from docents dressed in period costume. The Missouri Governor’s Mansion is one of few executive residences in the United States open to the public.
TASTE – Central Dairy
For a refreshing break any time, stop in at Central Dairy for legendary ice cream treats. With its vintage décor and old-fashioned feel, you won’t want to miss this historic attraction. The shop is an excellent stop any time of year and is known as a longtime favorite of locals and many others throughout the Midwest.
SEE – Missouri State Capitol
While in Jefferson City, don’t forget a visit to Missouri’s State Capitol. Chosen as the “Most Beautiful Interior” by USA Today, the Capitol features stunning architecture and a magnificent rotunda. Artwork in the Missouri State Capitol includes pieces by such notable artists including Thomas Hart Benton and Sir Frank Brangwyn. The three point perspective paintings scattered throughout the hallways are a very popular attraction within the Capitol walls.
Contact Jordan at J
ordan@VisitJeffersonCity.com or 573-632-2820.
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