Letter From the President, By Anita Chapman, CMP

Dear VAMPI Member:

I have been a member of this wonderful organization since 1994. During the past thirteen years, I have gained knowledge of the industry and professional contacts from VAMPI but I have also formed relationships with some of my favorite friends as a result of this membership. I cannot think of a more well-rounded group of people than in our organization.

And we have much to be proud of…two back to back Chapter of the Year awards makes our chapter well known on an International level. Achieving and taking advantage of the Foundation funding to do the Disney program increased our database of potential new members drastically and I sincerely hope we can utilize this information to grow our chapter. We have a new Chapter Business Manager, Krista Rogers that has moved in the DC area and I am confident she will help direct us to success. I am thrilled to have our new management company, PAC Event Management, with Tricia Cavallo, CMP, CEM and Mary Cavallo. Please make certain to introduce yourself to both of these special ladies and give them a warm VAMPI welcome.

Personally, I am so proud of all the Award Winners we recognized at the June Awards program. It was a beautiful and special night for me thanks to the efforts of Jo Heath and my great friends at Colonial Williamsburg Hotels. Please continue to congratulate the winners as they worked hard throughout the year on a volunteer level.

I am so proud of the Education team that put together such a fantastic Annual Education Conference. Susan Elam and gang did a bang up job from the word go. In looking at the months ahead, I am even more thrilled with the educational topics. I cannot forget to gush about the hospitality and wonderful service we received as a group from Stephen Scarborough and the team at the Westin Arlington Gateway! What a fantastic property and staff!

As your President, I want to assure you I am completely committed to the satisfaction of your membership. My goal is to have everyone feel an active and vital role in VAMPI…because each and every one of you are just that! I would again like to charge you with the responsibility of becoming active in an committee and become a voice. We need you in order to grow.

With your help, we will continue our Chapter's success!

All my best,

Anita Chapman,CMP

Every August VAMPI members and guests gather for VAMPI's Annual Educational Conference for education, fellowship, and a chance to rejuvenate both mind and body. This year's Annual Educational Conference, held August 1-3, 2007, at The Westin Arlington Gateway Hotel was a great success!

MPI's Shift in Direction

Recently, all MPI members received a number of communications from MPI outlining the organization's newly announced Vision, Mission and Strategic Imperatives. These essential elements have been developed by MPI management and the International Board of Directors to take the MPI Community to the next level. They are the obvious next steps to ensure that MPI is providing the members the products and services they desire.

Read on...

CMP certification is a proven way to improve your performance in the industry in which you earn your living and are directing your future. It can also increase your opportunities for advancement and greater financial rewards. It does require time and study, however. In our area over ninety-five percent of our study group students pass the exam. Applications for the Winter 2008 International exam must be submitted to CIC by January 7, 2008.

Read on for more details on all of these programs...

December Basket Auction - Call for Donations!

Mary Cavallo, PAC Event Management

Mary joined VAMPI in July, 2007 in conjunction with her role as the new Chapter Administrator for VAMPI. Mary's past experience includes paralegal work, homemaker (the hardest job of all!) and an independent business owner. She started with PAC Event Management in Richmond, Virginia in 2005 to join her daughter in the growing event management company. Her specialties include administration, finance and volunteer coordination.

Mary has lived in Williamsburg, Virginia for 23 years after having moved around the world with her husband, Michael and three daughters as part of her husband's corporate career. She has fond memories of living in different places, even as far away as Sydney, Australia.

Her interests include interior design, sewing and the occasional trip to Atlantic City. Mary and her husband Michael enjoy cruising to exotic locations. She is active in her church and serves on the fellowship committee. She has t hree grown daughters and seven grandchildren ranging in age from 1 1/2 to 12 years old.

Welcome, Mary!!!

CONGRATULATIONS TO VAMPI 'S 2006-2007 AWARD WINNERS!

Chapter Manager of the Year: Stephen Scarborough

Supplier of the Year: Bridget LaPorta, CMP

Planner of the Year: Anita Chapman, CMP

Lifetime Achievement Award: Harriet Harris

Torchlight: Award Abby Sipe, CMP

Rising Star Award: Allison Boehm

New Member Award: Kelly Wilkes

Mentor Award: Mary Masella

Committee of the Year: Education-Programs

Host Facility: Kingsmill Resort & Conference Center

On behalf of the Board of Directors and the Membership Committee of the MPI Virginia Chapter, we would like to recognize the following VAMPI All- Stars:

June, 2007: Kristy Geiger, Pocahantas Foods

August, 2007: Susan Elam, Embassy Suites West Broad

September, 2007: Debbie Shreck, The Martz Group

October, 2007: Kate Murer, Kingsmill Resort & Spa

and

Connie Knisley, Wachovia Securities

The efforts of members like these make VAMPI the wonderful organization that it is!

Students in the Introduction to Meetings and Conventions Management class are available to provide on-site assistance with your meeting, conference, convention, or trade show during September – November 2007. This is a required, graded laboratory assignment for the course. Students can work with you for 1 – 3 days without pay, but do need to receive room and board plus auto mileage reimbursement from Blacksburg. Contact: Howard Feiertag, CMP, CHME, CHA Department of Hospitality & Tourism Management Pamplin College of Business Virginia Tech Blacksburg, VA 24061-0104 email: howardf@vt.edu phone: 540-231-9459 fax: 540-231-0117

http://www.jmu.edu/hospitality/legourmet.shtml

Have some Virginia Views news to share? Please email to tricia@pacevent.com for inclusion in future issues of the VAMPI Voice