Newsletter
Hello Business Travel Professionals!
On behalf of our board and committee chairs, I would like to wish you all a Happy New Year!! We have so much to be thankful for over the past couple of years. None of which wouldn't have been possible without the leadership, commitment, and direction of our President, Joni Doiron. As a result of her efforts, Joni was named Global Business Travel Association Volunteer of the Year for 2018! Thank you for your time and effort in helping our organization accomplish so much over the last couple of years. You've certainly left some big shoes to fill!
Some accomplishments from 2018 that I wish to highlight include:
- Full Chapter status with GBTA
- First ever Chapter Education Day (September)
- Membership size has doubled
- Attendance Increase
- Overwhelming Positive responses to speakers and education topics
As we turn the calendar forward to 2019, I want to thank all of our members for their continued support. We have some exciting speakers, events, and topics already scheduled for the new year. Beginning immediately in January with Executive Travel, Founder and CEO, Steve Glenn. Steve will be giving a Travel Policy presentation that was one of the top rated events at GBTA 2018. It's going to be one you don't want to miss!
As always, please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any input regarding speakers or topics that you would like to dive into. My goal is for this chapter to be as engaged as possible and with your support, I know we can make that happen.
Thank you again for your support and I hope to see you at the Cambria Hotel in a few weeks!
Ryan Shrum, Chapter President
December Newsletter 
Happy Holidays from GBTA Nebraska Iowa Chapter
Dear members and fellow travel professionals,
As we bring 2018 to a close for our chapter, I am reflecting as I wind down on my role as president. This year has been one with many accomplishments for our awesome chapter and over my tenure, I'm proud of our many successes.
The first major change was to become a full chapter of GBTA and with that brought many additional educational opportunities as well as scholarships for our members. The chapter status also now provides streamlined administration for our board to manage more efficiently. The board take our roles seriously and are truly committed to the overall succcess for our members.
It is very exciting that our chapter has also doubled our membership size! With that, many new travel buyers are now members. As with most GBTA chapters, we strive to achieve a balance between buyers and suppliers. We are getting there! Our increase in membership builds networking opportunities as well as the sharing of best practices and industry knowledge.
Our chapter also presented the first education day in the history of our chapter. The response and support from our sponsors was overwhelming. I am particularly forever in the debt of my many personal contacts who were featured speakers and donated their time and delivered their brilliant wealth of knowledge to the attendees. I have been told by many that our event rivaled that of even the largest chapters. Way to go for our local chapter!
The attendees to our meetings have responded positively to the content and speakers which is our ultimate goal. As I began my leadership role, it was my strategic purpose to always bring value to our members. With continuing increase in attendence, I believe we are on the right track. Having said that, we are always open and seeking the input of our members for ideas on additional topics.
We have an incoming board with Ryan Shrum as our new Chapter President, Levi Stork, Vice President, Kristie Gray as Treasurer and me as I move to Chairwoman. We are poised to continue the positive momentum as we transition into 2019.
It has truly been my honor and priviledge to serve as your chapter president. My very best wishes to everyone for a blessed holiday season.
Joni Doiron, Chairwoman, GBTA Nebraska Iowa Chapter
joni.doiron@frosch.com
