January 2021

HCI Monthly News & Updates
Message from our Board Chair

Welcome to 2021, a new year that is filled with much more anticipation than normal. The excitement of the upcoming year and the uncertainty of what it might bring can be overwhelming. Heritage Clubs International has been with us through this Pandemic and will kick off 2021 with a strategically planned virtual peer conference on February 22-26, 2021.

Our conference will incorporate ways to combat and conquer many of the obstacles that we are all facing in the travel industry due to the Pandemic. It is in times like these that we need to take advantage of the education that HCI brings to us every year at the annual conference. In February, we will gather in a different way, but the tools and education offered during our virtual conference will be essential to prepare and carry us “on the road again” soon. You will gain so much to refuel your mind as you spend time networking and gathering with your travel peers and partners that make our industry thrive.

This year, more than ever, we need each other to rebuild our confidence and support new ideas and share ways to move forward with tour planning and activities. It’s up to us all to plan ahead for travel, have a game plan and proceed by being educated and embracing the travel challenges in advance with our peers during this virtual peer conference. The time is now to register. Let's "create new paths together" in 2021!

Happy New Year to all,
Amber

Amber Thomas
Classic Club Director
Central Bank of Illinois
Geneseo, IL


WE ARE BRINGING PEER GROUP TO YOU




EIGHT NEW BANKERS REGISTERED FOR THE VIRTUAL CONFERENCE!

We are very excited to let you know that we have 8 bankers registered to attend the 2021 Virtual Peer Group conference who did not attend the in-person conference last year.

Becky Custer, from First National Bank in Griffin, Georgia, is one of them. She is able to attend for the first time in many years.

Our bank has been a member of HCI for over 30 years. I have been the Director of our program for 20 years. For about 10 years I did not miss a conference. It is fun, enlightening and so helpful with our program. I am so very excited to be able to attend Virtually this year. The wealth of information is important, and the time spent with other directors is priceless. -Becky Custer


The 2021 conference is the perfect way to try us out if you haven't been able to attend in person.

  • The cost has been slashed to just $250 for the same great educational content.
  • There are no travel expenses.
  • You won't be wiped out by driving or flying to and from the conference.
  • You'll be home in the evenings to meet your family's needs.

Join us February 22-26, 2021 on your iPad, cell phone or computer.

We are still committed to providing meaningful presentations, engaging discussions, helpful resources, fun networking sessions, Destination Showcases and, of course, quality meetings at the Business Appointment Marketplace.


  • One-on-one business appointments where every Banker will meet with every Partner (meetings will be scheduled prior to the conference)
  • Destination Showcases by every HCI Preferred Tour Operator
  • Networking, entertainment and happy hours throughout the conference    
  • Educational sessions
  • Using Social Media
  • Working with Aging Travelers
  • Maintaining Mental Health
  • Panel of Industry Experts discussing Current State of Travel Post-pandemic
  • and MUCH MORE!! 


We hope you can join us for this incredible conference.

Registration is now open. Learn More and Sign up today!
#NashvilleStrong
Music city is crying, and we're crying with them. Nashville has had a tremendously difficult year with the tornadoes in March and now the bombing on Christmas day. While buildings have been destroyed, we know that Nashville's spirit has not crumbled. Still, we know that it is tough so we want Staci and the rest of Nashville to know that we are holding you in our thoughts and prayers. We give you a big, virtual hug and let you know that we stand with you in spirit to inspire happiness and hope. We hope you can feel our love!


Visit https://www.visitmusiccity.com/nashvillestrong if you'd like to make a donation.
3 Simple Questions

We love getting to know our HCI family members better through their responses to fun questions each month.

Here's who responded to our November questions:
Dana Howe
VisitNorfolk
Norfolk, VA
Kelly Robare
Union Bank & Trust Lincoln, NE
Amy Evans, CBCD
D.L. Evans Bank
Boise, ID
Debra VanDenBerg Primebank Good Neighbors Club
Le Mars, IA
Amber Thomas, CBCD
Central Bank Illinois
Geneseo, IL
Renee Zaiser, CBCD
Two Rivers Bank & Trust
Burlington, IA
Here's their responses:

Who will you spend Thanksgiving with this year and where? 
  • Immediate family only no friends this year (Dana)
  • At home with Paul and (hopefully) my sister. (Kelly)
  • My husband, brother, sister in law, niece and Mom. (Amy)
  • My immediate family at my home. (Debra)
  • My hubby and adult kids with their families! (Amber)
  • Husband and family we hope here in Burlington! (Renee)

If you could invite a famous person (dead or alive) to Thanksgiving dinner, who would it be and why?
  • Amelia Earhart- to tell me what happened (Dana)
  • My mom exhibited such grace; we so need that now. (Kelly)
  • Abraham Lincoln (Amy)
  • Martha Stewart,so she could help cook & decorate. (Debra)
  • Jesus! Wow, can you imagine the conversations? (Amber)
  • John Wayne, he would have good stories & opinions (Renee)

What is your favorite season and why?
  • Fall -everything pumpkin!! (Dana)
  • Spring. I love the hope, the renewal of the season (Kelly)
  • Spring - new blooms bring hope for new beginnings. (Amy)
  • Summer because of the maximum daylight hours. (Debra)
  • Summer! Flowers & warm weather; lots of sunshine! (Amber)
  • Spring, new beginnings and far from winter! (Renee)