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President’s MessageRachael Streek-Buma, The Fairmont Royal York Hotel

Fall has arrived and I’m so excited as this is my favourite time of the year. By mid-September I had my gardens all cleaned

out, mums planted and fall decorations dis-played throughout the house. I can just smell the scent of the pumpkin-spiced candle burn-ing in my kitchen.

Fall is a time of harvest and of gathering together. This certainly parallels where we as a board and chapter are right now.

We have been harvesting and reaping the rewards of all our hard work in the past nine months and I would like to highlight what we’ve accomplished since my last report in June:

1) SITE Summer Social held at the Ontario Science Centre on July 16th – SOLD OUT EVENT!

As a result of the event attendance and generous donations for our live and silent auction, we raised over $30,000 dollars for SITE Canada and the Childhood Cancer Foundation. The goal was set high this year and we achieved it all because of your support. Thank-you!

2) New and improved SITE Canada Chapter Website – a fantastic tool for members to stay connected with all the exciting things both the chapter and SITE International are doing. Check it out at www.site-canada.org.

3) Launch of the SITE Canada Student Scholarship Program – applicable to students who are currently enrolled in a

post secondary institution in Canada as a qualified part-time or full-time student in 2nd, 3rd or 4th year of completing their program. The scholarship is valued at $1,000.00 and will be awarded to two successful applicants.

Students are the future of our industry and in the coming months you will hear and see how the SITE Canada board is reaching out and connecting with them in unique ways.

Our next gathering is going to be BIG and one you will not want to miss!

The SITE Canada Educational Conference will be held at the Park Hyatt on October 15th. Attracting knowledgeable and experienced professionals, the conference will define what the current Global Travel Trends are within the incentive industry. I encourage all of you to invite your associates to a day of profes-sional development.

As we finish out the remainder of the year and start preparing for 2009, I would like to challenge each of you to continue providing feedback to the board. One of our main goals is to increase our membership and we place high value on the education, networking opportunities and member benefits we deliver to you and the organizations you represent. How are we doing?

We look forward to hearing from you! Rachael Streek-Buma The Fairmont Royal York SITE Canada, President

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2008 BOARD OF DIRECTORSPRESIDENTRachael Streek-Buma, Corporate Sales Manager, The Fairmont Royal YorkT: (416) 860-4584 E : rachael.streek-buma@fairmont.com

PRESIDENT-ELECTSusan Prophet, Manager, MC&IT, Destination QuébecT: (416) 203-6651 E : susan@isabelgil.com

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENTMarsha Jones, CMP, CMM, President, MCC Planners IncT: (416) 621-6622 x223 E: mjones@mccplanners.com

SECRETARY/TREASURER & DIRECTOR SOCIALCathy O’Connor, Director National Sales, Carlson Hotels WorldwideT: (416) 498-4410 E: coconnor@carlson.com

DIRECTOR PUBLIC RELATIONS & SPONSORSHIPLesley Boughen, Tourism Manager, Vaughan Mills T: (905)879-2117 E: lboughen@ivanhoecambridge.com

DIRECTOR EDUCATIONMichael Drake, Director Worldwide Accounts, Hyatt Hotels & ResortsT: (416) 324-5811 E: mdrake@hyatt.com

DIRECTOR PUBLICATIONSJoanne Keating, Special Projects Manager, Meridican Incentive ConsultantsT: (905) 477-7700 ext 309 E: jkeating@meridican.com

DIRECTOR MONTHLY MEETINGSJoe Orecchio, Director of Travel, CWT Meetings and EventsT: (416) 408-7138 E : jorecchio@carlsonwagonlit.com

SECRETARIATLeslie Wright, Vice President, Fletcher Wright Associates IncT : (905) 567-7190, F : (905) 567-7191E : office@sitecanada.org

Focus on site canada events

Education Day - October 15, 2008The Future of Global Travel “Which Border to Cross and How?

Come out and join SITE Canada colleagues for a great day of education and networking. SITE Canada is hosting Canada’s only Incentive Educational Conference on Wednesday, October 15, at the Park Hyatt Toronto.

Operational and sales executive personnel from three tour-ist convention boards elaborate on how to plan and sell an incentive programme into their country.

With the never-ending roller coaster ride in oil prices these days, you will want to hear what our International Airline panel has to say about the future of their industry and what kind of an impact it will have on yours.

Finally, our Corporate Perspective Panel will elaborate on cor-porate policies driving the incentive industry in the financial, technology and pharmaceutical industry sectors.

Starcite Destination Solutions will be hosting our clos-ing reception, featuring the students Ontario Tourism and Hospitality Schools, giving you a unique chance to meet the great talent pool our schools are developing for us.

We hope you can join us for this exciting line-up of profes-sional development.

The day starts at 7:30am with breakfast. Thank you to our sponsors: Singapore Exhibition & Convention Bureau, Mexico Tourism Board, Czech Tourism and Starcite Destination Solutions.

To register please go to the following website: http://www.sitecanada.org/oct15_2008.pdf

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In 2008, SITE Canada has seen a significant growth in new members.

The Board of Directors would like to welcome the following members to SITE Canada Chapter. We encourage each of you to become active in our chapter and take advantage of the educational and networking opportunities.

WelcoMe to site canada chaPter Barbara Avery – Vintage Hotels – Burlington, OntarioTrish Buote – Carlson Marketing – Mississauga, OntarioMatthew Byrnes – Wynford – Toronto, OntarioRichard Elliott – Ignite Magazine – Oakville, OntarioJamie Keating – Fraser & Hoyt Incentives – Halifax, Nova ScotiaNicole Kelener – The Waterside Inn – Mississauga, OntarioWanda Leaf – Leaf Solutions Ltd. – Whitehorse, YukonRosemary Naccarato, CMP - Bell Canada - Toronto OntarioAndres Puente - Avanti Business Solutions – Toronto OntarioKarin Wallace - Cantrav Services Inc – Canmore, AlbertaStephanie Whiteman – Holiday Inn on King –Toronto, Ontario

Laura Wilfred – Cayman Islands Department of Tourism – Toronto, Ontario

2008 MeMbers Milestones 30 years John Rhynas - Rhynas Incentives International –Toronto, Ontario

25 years Emily Edwards - Destination Planners, Inc – Vancouver, British Columbia

15 years Morag Donald, CITE, CMP - Incentive Insight - Markham OntarioDouglas Ellison - Carlson Wagonlit Ellison Travel - Exeter, Ontario Joanne Keating – Meridican Incentive Consultants – Markham, OntarioJane Wallbridge – Carlson Marketing Group – Mississauga, OntarioCheryl Wildman – Manulife Financial – Toronto, Ontario

10 years Terry Engesser - Canadian Tours International – Toronto, OntarioMarsha Jones, CMP, CMM – MCC Planners Inc. – Toronto, OntarioMartin Van Keken Jr. – MVKA Productions – Vancouver, British Columbia

5 years Rachel Streek-Buma – The Fairmont Royal York – Toronto, OntarioSusan Lanc, CMP – Hilton Sales Worldwide Canada – Mississauga, Ontario

October 15, 2008 Education Day

Park Hyatt Toronto

sponsored by Mexico Tourist Board and

Hyatt Hotels and Resorts

November 14, 2008 SITE Canada Chapter Meeting

sponsored by Select Group Marketing

December 5-8, 2008 SITE International Conference,

Montreaux, Switzerland

www.site-intl.org/conference/

conference2008.cfm

December 10, 2008 Holiday Luncheon

The Fairmont Royal York

sponsored by The Fairmont Royal York

calendar oF events

MeMbers’ corner

Page 4

Focus on incentive destinations

Argentina is a country of incredible natural beauty. Its geographic diversity spans the most breathtaking terrain from Antarctica, through the wild, glacier-filled mountains of Patagonia and massive open plains of La Pampa to the desserts and tropical jungle in the north.

Buenos Aires, Argentina’s capital is a dynamic city-centre embracing both the European architecture of its founders and the passion of its inhabitants, the Porteños (people of the Port). Buenos Aires has an intense cultural life where long coffee klatches, tango and football are some of the daily essential elements of life.

Sometimes called the “Paris of South America”, Buenos Aires’ wide bou-levards, leafy parks and grand build-ings, showcase the handiwork of the European immigrants that built the city.

Buenos Aires is the ideal choice to start an incentive programme. A group could enjoy their first tango steps at the famous Tango Academies, then head off to enjoy the best steak restaurants located along the new Puerto Madero district.

The Colon Opera House Museum is a perfect venue for a private reception, while the charming Recoleta quarter with its Palacios, Mansiones and refined boutiques would easily lend itself to a partners programme. Enjoy the old dis-trict of San Telmo and La Boca, or plan an unforgettable wine tasting dinner with the best of Argentinean wines, or spent a marvelous day at a typical ranch in The Pampas.

Other planners like to do a split pro-gramme that includes the glaciers in the very south of Argentina in Patagonia.

El Calafate …City of the Glaciers Calafate is a city at Lago Argentino, 185 m. above sea level, and receives its name from the small fruit bush indigenous to Patagonia. According to tradition, whomever eats calafate will return for more.

Trekking to the Perito Moreno Glacier is an unforgettable experience. This glacier is the only one in the whole Patagonian basin that is stable, and to get to it, visitors sail 20 minutes over the lake, all the while viewing the whimsical forms, folds and blue tones of the ice wall, rising 60 meters-high over the lake.Los Notros Inn, located in front of the Glacier or Casa de Los Sauces, a boutique luxury hotel caters to groups wishing to stay in the Patagonia area.

Starting December 3, Air Canada is offering direct non-stop service from Toronto to Buenos Aires.

For more incentive ideas visit www.argentinaincentives.travel. This site is exclusive for incentive planners and highlights, recommended venues, hotels and itineraries.

Destination - Argentina Highlights

Page 5

Imposing mountain ridges and spar-kling freshwater lakes characterize the 250-kilometre-long (124 miles) Okanagan Valley. Located in the southern interior of British Columbia, the region stretches from Vernon in the north to the U.S. border town of Osoyoos in the south. It is one of the warmest places in Canada, receiving more than 2,000 hours of sunshine per year and an average annual rainfall of just 12 inches.

This idyllic climate is perfect for the orchards and vineyards that line the hillsides bordering Okanagan Lake, a stunning body of water that spans 85-kilometres (53 miles) and as such, is a defining feature of the Valley.

The Okanagan Valley is filled with the rich fragrances of the orchards, vineyards and gardens that grace the landscape. In the midst of this oasis is Kelowna, the international gateway to the Okanagan Valley. The airport is the 10th busiest in Canada, offering daily direct service to major cities, including Seattle, Toronto, Vancouver, Victoria, Calgary and Edmonton. Convenient air access makes Kelowna an attrac-tive meetings destination for national

meetings and it is also well-suited for pre- and post-tours or two-tier incentives.

Located on the shores of Okanagan Lake, Kelowna’s downtown water-front boardwalk leads to casual and fine dining restaurants, expansive parks and sandy beaches. Named a Cultural Capital of Canada, this city is home to numerous art galleries, muse-ums, display gardens, a great variety of performing arts and a growing number of eclectic shops.

The chic downtown setting of Kelowna is also the starting point for a great number of other adventures. It’s just minutes to world-class ski hills and golf courses, orchards, vineyards and hiking trails. A bustling metropolis, paired with easy access to a near-endless list of outdoor recreation opportunities, makes Kelowna the perfect setting for meetings and incentives, any time of the year.

With about 3,000 guest rooms available and over 70,000 sq ft of meeting space to suit any budget, you’re certain to find the perfect location for your event, whether it’s for a group of 6 or 1,500.

With its pristine wilderness backdrop, a blend of recreational, cultural and culinary experiences combine to create the ideal base from to build memorable events of all descriptions. Winter, spring summer or fall, the region is a haven for invigorating, yet relaxing events and is ideal for executive retreats.

S h o p t h e Va l l e y D e s t i n a t i o n Management Services is a full service DMC offering a wide variety of ser-vices including:

Airport Meet & Greet Luggage Handling Specialty Signage Deluxe Transportation and Tour Guides Airport Gratuities Official Hotel Welcome Welcome amenities; VIP awards; speaker gifts On-Site Registration and Hospitality Services Shop the Valley Destination Management Services http://dmc.shopthevalley.ca

Tourism Kelowna http://www.tourismkelowna.com

Destination - Discover Kelowna, British Columbia

Page 6

People on the MoveStephanie Whiteman has moved from the Park Hyatt Toronto to the Holiday Inn on King. Her role will be Senior Sales Manager.

Jennifer Nielsen has moved from The Fairmont Royal York to the InterContinental Toronto Centre. She is the new Senior Sales Manager, Corporate Group Market.

Gillian Johnson has taken a position with the Renaissance Hotel Toronto Downtown as Association Sales Manager. Air Canada Route AdditionDecember 03, 2008 Air Canada will be flying non-stop from Toronto to Buenos Aires, Argentina!

New Director with Egyptian Tourist OfficeThe Egyptian Tourist Office in Canada has a new director. Mrs. Nagwa Ibrahim Korashy, a senior executive from Cairo, has been named to replace Mr. Amr Elezabi who, after several productive years in this country, was appointed Chairman of the Egyptian Tourist Authority. Mrs. Korashy can be reached at the Egyptian Tourist Authority’s new office address, 2020 University, #2260, Montreal, QC H3C 2A5 Tel: (514) 861-4420; Fax: (514) 861-8071; E-mail: info.ca@egypt.travel.

neWs, vieWs and PeoPle on the Move

site canada educational scholarshiPs

SITE Canada is sponsoring two scholarships for Chapter members to attend the SITE International Conference in Montreaux, Switzerland December 5 to 8, 2008. Each scholarship is valued up to a maximum of $3,500CAD each. Deadline for submissions is October 17, 2008. Applications forms are available through the SITE CANADA Chapter Office at 905-567-7190 or online at www.sitecanada.org

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site canada’s run the World President-elect’s Mission Possible

Our very own President-Elect has been on a quest to assist the chapter in running up miles for the cause. Susan Prophet, with Destination Quebec in Toronto, has recently completed several runs, from a 10 K, a 10-miler, and her most recent and difficult half marathon, just this past September. She claims there is still time to contribute more hours to our challenge to become the number one chapter in the Run the World cause for UNICEF. Susan believes she still has a few milestones to complete before year’s end, and trusts this will encourage more SITE Canada members to join her Mission Possible. Get running - full marathon here we come!!

Check out the web-site for stats. We are presently in second place just behind Florida. Come on everybody! Show your global friends we can Run the World. Join us in help-

ing promote health and fitness around the world and contribute to a great charity - UNICEF. http://www.site-intl.org/chapters/run/index.cfm

Training for full marathon takes dedication and commitment. SITE Canada wishes Joe Orrechio all the best with his first full marathon (26.2 miles). Joe will be running in the Toronto marathon on October 19th.

Summer may have slipped away, but the warm memo-ries of this year’s SITE Summer Social continue to linger. The 2008 gala was another resounding success. Not only did we have outstand-ing attendance numbers, but our auction also pro-duced record proceeds! Consequently a HUGE thank you is in order to

everyone who participated – our gener-ous donors and sponsors, as well as, our very enthusiastic bidders.A special thank you also goes to the Spanish Tourist Office who was our title sponsor for the evening. Without their generosity, the evening could not have happened. Once again, the Childhood Cancer Foundation was our charity of choice and the beneficiary of a significant por-

site canada suMMer social

Page 8

tion of the auction proceeds. They are the only national charity that supports the fight against childhood cancer, an extremely important cause. The staff at Ontario Science Centre, and their preferred caterer, Ginger Island Cuisine, were a delight to work with. They provided us with a very unique venue, and splendid Spanish themed cuisine. The room was awash in the colours of Spain and the guests were enthralled with the energy of the Flamenco dance. Event Fusion Inc added to the Spanish theme with décor. Another hot addition to this year’s festivities was the chance of win-ning a trip for two to Argentina, including air and luxury accommoda-tion. The triumphant victor of the draw was Tatiana Czuchnowsky of Attention Span. Sponsorship applications for the 2009 Summer Social will be distrib-uted shortly. If you are interested in next year’s event, please contact Cathy O’Connor at 416-498-4410 or coconnor@carlson.com.

Editorial Comments are welcomed. Contact Joanne Keating at jkeating@meridican.com. The next newsletter will be published in mid December.

site canada announces Winners oF the student chaMPion PrograM

SITE Canada developed a Student Champion Program for the first time to provide financial assistance to students who are in a post secondary institution studying in Hospitality Tourism and Meeting, Conferences and Incentive Travel.

Students were eligible if they were currently enrolled in a post secondary institution in Canada, as a qualified part-time or full time student in 2nd, 3rd or 4th year of completing their program.

SITE Canada received six submissions in total.

The two Student Champion Scholarship Winners of a full scholarship with a $1000 value are:

Latoya Dickenson, Ryerson UniversityJoanne Doyley-Richards, Niagara College

Four additional scholarships have been awarded for the SITE Canada Education Day to:

Leanne Haakons, Ryerson UniversityAmy Mersereau, Niagara CollegeMia Bettio, Niagara CollegeSiobhan Brennan, Niagara CollegeCongratulations to all of the award winners!