Aloha HVCB Ohana,

As we approach the end of 2006, we marvel at what a phenomenal year it has been for tourism despite floods, sewage spills, earthquakes and tsunamis. We were also fortunate that labor negotiations in Waikiki went smoothly and there was no hotel strike. It seems that HVCB has spent almost as much time this year managing and preparing for crisis as it has in marketing the islands.

To get a head start on the next possible emergency, we have prepared a news release that begins,

“Hawaii Tourism Remains Open for Business Despite Locust Swarms”

Of course, I’m kidding.

We have a lot to be thankful for and many people to thank.

The marketing of Hawaii is very much a synchronized team effort and no one entity can do it all. First and foremost, let me express my deep gratitude and appreciation to our membership for supporting HVCB in its mission. A special thanks to those of you who volunteer your expertise on the boards and committees of HVCB central and the Island Chapters, and particularly to Don Takaki for his wisdom and leadership as chair of HVCB’s board for the past three years.

Mahalo also to the Hawaii Tourism Authority -- Rex Johnson and board members -- for their direction and support. Governor Lingle, Marsha Wienert, Mayors Hannemann, Kim, Baptiste and Arakawa have all been great partners. Thanks too to outgoing tourism chairs Sen. Donna Kim and Rep. Jerry Chang for their dedicated work at the helm of the Senate and House Tourism Committees. Both have shown great commitment to our industry during their long tenures and we wish them well in their new roles.

I’m grateful to our Island Chapters for their tremendous contributions to our marketing success. Sue, Les, Terryl, George and their staff work long and tirelessly to help expand Hawai‘i’s presence in North America and around the world.

They and the rest of the bureau’s outstanding staff have my greatest appreciation and kudos. They are as dedicated a group of hardworking professionals as you will find anywhere. In particular, I would like to thank Jay Talwar, recently promoted to Senior Vice President, for his skilled leadership of the bureau’s marketing programs. Mahalo also to our extended ‘ohana at McNeil Wilson Communications, Milici Valenti Ng Pak and Firefly Interactive for their expert counsel in public relations, advertising and interactive marketing.

The dynamics of marketing Hawai‘i and the competition in the marketplace requires HVCB to be constantly at the cutting edge of change. Even in these good times, we must keep pushing that edge. I can assure you that in 2007, we will continue to build a modern and effective marketing organization that is second to none.

We trust that you will all have an enjoyable holiday season and we look forward to sharing in a prosperous and happy new year.

Mele Kalikimaka a Hauoli Makahiki Hou,

John Monahan
President and CEO