Members Memo June 15, 2008

Cobb CVB to Host SYTA

2450 Galleria Pkwy. Atlanta, GA 30339.  John Krish with Travel Adventures and incoming SYTA president will be speak about the student and youth travel market.  Contact Judy Renfroe at the Cobb CVB for more information via email at Renfroe@cobbcvb.com.   

AMTA website launches new “Members Only” section

We are featuring a new area just for AMTA members. This area is password protected and requires a login and password. This section will not be viewable to the public and contains important resources from AMTA such as Employment Opportunities, Logos, Leads, and Meeting Minutes. We will continue to build out this section as your needs arise. If you have suggestions or need the password sent to you, please contact Victoria Jones at vjones@gcvb.org

GDEcD Update

Update courtesy of Georgia Tourism Peach Byte Newsletter 6/12/08 Edition. To subscribe e-mail peachbyte@georgia.org.

The State of Georgia's new tourism Web site, www.ExploreGeorgia.org, was recently named a finalist in the American Business Awards.

"I'm pleased that our online strategy has been recognized by the American Business Awards," said Ken Stewart, commissioner for the Georgia Department of Economic Development. "Our team has worked hard to create a customer experience which translates Georgia's attractions into a terrific visitor experience online."
 
Known as the "Stevies," the American Business Awards are compared to the Oscars in terms of prestige. GDEcD's interactive agency, Engauge Digital (formerly Spunlogic), submitted the site to the Brand Building/Promotion Web Site category. For more information on the American Business Awards, visit www.stevieawards.com/aba.

GEORGIA STATE PARKS AND HISTORIC SITES MAKES PARK PASSES AVAILABLE AT EVERY PUBLIC LIBRARY IN STATE

Georgia's public libraries and Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites are making it easier than ever for patrons to "Get Out. Get Dirty. Get Fit." in the state's great outdoors. In advance of the June launch of the "Get Outdoors Georgia" (GO Georgia) campaign, a valid library card now allows any patron to borrow a Georgia State Park "ParkPass" and Historic Site pass from their local libraries. The passes are good for free parking or admission at any of the 63 parks and historic sites statewide. 
 
Any Georgian who holds a valid library card from a participating public library system (including PINES) can check out a ParkPass folder for up to five days. Folders include an annual ParkPass that exempts visitors from paying the daily parking fee at any Georgia state park, an annual Historic Site pass good for free admission for one visitor to any of Georgia's 18 state historic sites. It also includes a copy of the "Guide to Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites" featuring descriptions, photos, directions and a map of all 63 state parks and historic sites. A joint initiative of the Georgia Public Library Service and Parks, Recreation and Historic Sites Division (PRHSD) of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the public library ParkPass Program will begin on Monday, June 2.
 
For more information about GO Georgia visit www.GetOutdoorsGeorgia.org.

STONE MOUNTAIN PARK REPRESENTS GEORGIA ON USA TODAY LIST

Last month, USA Today spotlighted one attraction per state in its article "Close to Home: 51 Fresh Summer Destinations," which offered a state-by-state suggestion for staying closer to home due to rising gas prices. Stone Mountain Park was the attraction recognized for Georgia. Specifically highlighted was the park's 25th Anniversary of the Lasershow Spectacular. To find out more, visit http://www.usatoday.com/travel/destinations/2008-05-22-summer-destinations_N.htm.

2008 Southern Living Readers Choice Awards

Ballots are now open for the 2008 Southern Living Readers Choice Awards.  People can go to the magazine’s Web site, register and then vote for their favorite city, small town, family destination, weekend getaway, hotel, beach, festival/fair, scenic view, and public garden, plus preferred restaurants for breakfast/brunch, splurging and southern favorites.  Deadline for entries is  July 21 .  Results will be published in the January 2009 issue of Southern Living. 

Visit here to REGISTER & VOTE

Thanks!
Brittney Warnock Gray

2008 MEMBERSHIP SPECIAL

AMTA Airways Flight 115 is filling up with new members!  Look at our progress!  Please help us fill the entire airplane by the end of the year! (½ window = 1 new member) The Membership Drive is flying high!  Remember, every time you sign up a new member, your name goes into the hat for a drawing for $100 cash!  Our third drawing was held on June 4 at the general membership meeting at the High Museum of Art.  Congratulations to Theresa Jenkins with the Marietta Welcome Center & Visitors Bureau for winning $100 cash!  Theresa recruited Holly Belk with “Southern Living” to join AMTA.  Welcome, Holly! And don’t forget about our MEMBERSHIP SPECIAL!!  For the first time ever, the AMTA Board of Directors has approved prorated membership dues for the remainder of the year!  Starting June 4, dues for the primary representative for new members will be only $100.  That's a savings of $95. You, too, can be the winner of $100 cash.  You, too, can be the winner of $100 cash.  See the attached flyer and 2008 AMTA Membership Application - [pdf] - for all the details.  The next drawing will be held at our general membership meeting on August 6.  So get on board now and take flight! If you have questions, call Diane Stone, Membership Committee Chair, at 770-552-2628 or Brandi Warnock-Wigley, Membership Committee Co-Chair, at 404-814-4032.  Good luck!

Upcoming Events:

JUNE Events

Animal Encounter – Additional Summer Time!
Every Thursday and Friday in June at 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM.
30-minute live animal presentation. All ages. General admission: $5 adults, $4 seniors, $2 children 3-12, FREE for members and children 2 and under. Go to www.chattnaturecenter.com for more information.
 
Raptor Mealtime
Every Tuesday and Saturday in June at 2:00 PM. Learn the in’s and out’s of our raptors’ diets as you join them during feedings. You will find out just what our great horned owl and red-shouldered hawks eat! General admission: $5 adults, $4 seniors, $2 children 3-12, FREE for members and children 2 and under. Go to www.chattnaturecenter.com for more information.      
 
Amazing Amphibians
Every Saturday and Sunday in June at 2:00 PM
All ages. Join a CNC Naturalist as you discover the amazing adaptations of amphibians!  Find out why Georgia is home to so many of these slimy creatures! General admission: $5 adults, $4 seniors, $2 children 3-12, FREE for members and children 2 and under. Go to www.chattnaturecenter.com for more information.

Naturalist-Led Canoe Trips
Every Thursday – Sunday in June, 6:00 PM – Dusk
Additional Saturday Trips – 8:30 AM
Ages 6 & up. $30 non-members/$25 members (save $5 per person on Thursday trips). Pre-registration required.! Each canoe trip is led by a CNC naturalist, and offers a unique introduction to the ecology of the Chattahoochee River. To register, e-mail scheduling@chattnaturecenter.com, or call (770) 992-2055 ext. 237. Visit www.chattnaturecenter.com for more information.
 
Guided Hikes
Every Saturday and Sunday in June at 1:00 and 3:00 PM.
A CNC docent guides you on a journey through the CNC trails, using biofacts and activities to spark your “natural” curiosity. All ages. General admission: $5 adults, $4 seniors, $2 children 3-12, FREE for members and children 2 and under. Go to www.chattnaturecenter.com for more information.
  
LEADERSHIP TRAINING – for student entering 10th, 11th or 12th grade
Join the Leadership and Naturalist Training (LIT) Program for instruction and experience in handling animals, leading hikes, playing with kids, & leading canoe lessons. All hours are eligible for volunteer service credits.(770) 992-2055, ext 222 campkingfisher@chattnaturecetner.com
 
Possum Trot 30th Annual 10K Road Race & Fun Run
Saturday, June 21, 2008
A certified 10K course for the Peachtree 2008/09. Register in person at Big Peach Running Co. stores, or by credit card at ACTIVE.com, or mail in check with downloadable form from website:www.chattnaturecenter.com or call 770-992-2055 ext. 234.
 
Night Hike
Saturday, June 21 at 8:00 – 10:00 PM.
Ages 5 and up. $8 non-members/$6 members
Join a naturalist on a journey outdoors to see what happens at night at the Chattahoochee Nature Center, visit with a nocturnal animal and enjoy an exciting summer evening campfire! Go to www.chattnaturecenter.com for more information. 

Great American Backyard Campout
Saturday, June 28, 5:00 pm – Sunday June 29, 10:00 AM  
$20 non-member families/$10 member families            
Join us as we participate in the National Wildlife Federation’s Great American Backyard Campout.  We’ll sleep out under the stars, hang out by the fire, and have a ton of fun, all here at CNC.  We’ll provide space, water, bathrooms & a campfire; you bring the rest. For details, including a packing list and schedule, visit our website or www.backyardcampout.org.  Adults, families & (supervised) children of all ages welcome.  Pre-registration recommended: adultprograms@chattnaturecenter.com or (770) 992-2055 x222. Go to www.chattnaturecenter.com for more information.

Gone With the Wind Star Spangled Scarlett Weekend
July 5-6 $150 for the whole weekend, or you may choose to purchase tickets to individual events.Events include continental breakfast at Marietta Country Club, Team trivia contest, GWTW Swap Meet, Dancing with the Stars and Stripes at the Hilton Atlanta-Marietta Hotel & Conference Center, silent and live auctions and photo opportunities. Please see press release on AMTA website or visit www.gwtwmarietta.com. 770-794-5145

AMTA Special Offers

Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament
Kids Are Free! Starting May 23 children 12 & under are FREE when accompanied by a full-paying adult. Limit 1 free child per full-paid adult. Limit six people per coupon. Not valid for gift certificates or prior purchases. May not be combined with any other discount offer. Code KFMDO. Expiration 7/6/08.

MAKE YOUR RESERVATION TODAY!
1-888-WE-JOUST