The New Year represents a new start, a fresh view; you are full of Holiday Spirit- have been embraced by loved ones- and are now ready to return to your routine. Ready to push forward and ready to show our convention goers and tourists why San Antonio is a top destination choice.
 
Though I believe the above statement with all my heart, I can’t help but wonder why the New Year starts in January. According to MSN.Com, Jan. 18th is voted “The most depressing day of the year.” Today is beautiful outside in San Antonio, but I can understand why Jan. 18th is depressing. It is in the heart of winter. The skies have been gray since October (in some places), the first snow was fun but is now turning gray also, and it is cold outside! So why do we try to begin saving money, start the new diet, and begin trying to achieve our goals when mother-nature herself is against us (seriously Mom Nature- I am not running in 30 Degree weather).
 
I believe it is because of this, if you can still get ramped up even with gray skies in your life, when the blue skies come back you will be going more than full force with a smile on your face. Isn’t that the same with our economy right now? Try and think outside of the box for solutions for your clients. Keep those creative juices flowing- and when the skies are blue again you will be all the better for it.
 
Take time this year to applaud the good in your life and try not to think of the bad. Or, if a negative thought enters your mind- take pencil to paper and try and figure out how to make it better…if you can’t change it, forget it and move on!
 
We work for a wonderful industry in an awesome city. Our industry is still the life blood of our city. According to the recent Economic Impact Study, “In FY 2008, more than 400,000 people attended conventions at the Henry B. Gonzalez Center.  These convention delegates spent more than $416 million in San Antonio.   Many conventions have grown with San Antonio – for example, Breast Cancer Symposium started in 1978 with 141 physicians and surgeons from a 5-state area.  By 2008, the Symposium boasted more than 8,000 attendees from 83 countries.” Additionally, the Hotel Occupancy Tax funded 46.7% of the City’s $125.6 Million in revenue for 2006. Conventions are alive and well in San Antonio and as long as they are here, we will provide them with our southern hospitality and South Texas flair.
 
I am excited about being your 2010 AAHA Chairperson and am looking forward to rolling out some new initiatives with our Board of Directors this year. We want to serve YOU and be here for YOU. Any feedback is appreciated and we thank you all for being dedicated members (or future members).