August 2021

HCI Monthly News & Updates
Message from our Board Chair

Hello and Happy August to my friends in travel!

It’s that time of year again when our calendars start filling up as we approach fall and winter with all of the activities and wonderful holiday celebrations awaiting us. So, be sure to get the 2022 Peer Group Conference in the Quad Cities February 21-25, 2022 on your calendar – and we are planning to be IN PERSON! Registration is now open! You can get registered online today. I look forward to seeing you there. 

I’ve recently returned from a trip to Seattle with three of my good friends. We had a great time, enjoying the city and being together again. We stayed downtown, walked everywhere we could, and tried to take in as much as we could in the short time we were there. We stayed at the Westin, and one afternoon we were relaxing in the hotel lounge before our dinner reservation. Our server, Clarence, was wonderful and gave us some great advice on where to go and what to see in the limited free time we had allowed ourselves. While we were talking, I noticed on his name tag, of course, his name, but underneath his name was “My passion is my family”. I thought this was a very interesting concept. It prompted a conversation between us we wouldn’t have had otherwise, and made our stay that much more memorable. So much of what we do, especially now, is so transactional. This took away that feeling, inviting us to ask him more about his passion instead of the usual server/customer interaction. It felt good to connect, even if in a small way. The drink was good, I already forgot what I ordered, but I won’t soon forget the Westin’s employee Clarence whose passion is his family.

Until next time,

Allison

Allison Whalen
Summit Club Director
F & M Community Bank
Preston, MN
HCI Provides Guidance on Travel Restrictions

Last week we held an all member Rally Call that was well attended by our Bankers, Partners and PTOs. It was an active discussion on what is happening in travel today from each perspective. Destinations are open for business and welcoming tour groups to their communities. Some groups are fully vaccinated and others are mixed. Our PTOs are all actively operating tours and have a busy Fall ahead including many of our HCI bank clubs. By and large all International travel is requiring full vaccinations for all guests and that is true when Canada opens its borders on August 9th as well. Several of our banks have already operated some tours and some will begin this Fall while others won't start again until 2022. One of our bankers detailed how important it was for her to take the plunge and operate her first tour. She reported that when they got back, her telephone then was very busy as members began booking more actively for tours this year and next year. It was great for all our bankers to see the amount of activity from their Peers and to hear from the Partners and PTOs what the experiences have been like in 2021!

Click here to view the recording of this Rally Call
Click here to view the recommendations
Annual Peer Group Registration

It is time to register for Peer Group!!

It has been such a long time since we have been in the same room with each other. We are very excited about being together with you again. We hope that you have already marked your calendars and will be joining us in the Quad Cities February 21-25 for the 2022 Annual Peer Group Conference.

Let's reconnect for networking, learning and fun at the only conference in the country designed especially for bank club directors.
 
We have some great education sessions planned for you to help you be the best club director you can be.
  • Traveling with smaller groups
  • Increasing membership among Gen X
  • Diffusing conflict
  • Travel trends
  • And more!

We also have great discounts for bank presidents, succession delegates, and additional delegates from the same bank. Contact Tina to learn more about these cost saving specials.
 
Learn more on the HCI home page, or go directly to the Banker Peer Group site to sign up today.