CTA Connections e-Newsletter - Summer 2009
Upcoming Events. . .
Meet & See at DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun
An exclusive event for MTCVB partners & Tucson CTAs on Wednesday, September 30 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Come celebrate the centennial of Tucson's legendary artist Ted DeGrazia at the adobe complex he designed and built-listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
View the special centennial retrospective, "DeGrazia: 100 Years, 100 Works," showcasing some of his famous originals as well as lesser-known artwork, now on public exhibition for the first time. Stroll through the cactus courtyard, the Mission in the Sun-featuring DeGrazia murals on the walls-and see his original home on this 10-acre foothills site.
***** Earn 5 renewal points by attending this event!
Meet & See at Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block
Set for Thursday, October 29 from 5-7 p.m., this MTCVB partner & Tucson CTA event features "Ansel Adams: A Legacy," showcasing more than 100 photographs by famed landscape photographer Ansel Adams (1902-1984). This tribute to one of the 20th century's most admired artists, includes many of Adams' most famous images-presented in the more intimate scale he intended them to be viewed. The works were originally printed by the artist himself in his California darkroom and given to The Friends of Photography to represent his legacy.
***** Earn 5 renewal points by attending this event!
CTA Renewal 101
Need help completing your CTA renewal?
On Thursday, September 17 we're holding "step-by-step" workshops to show you just how easy it is! Pick the time that best fits your schedule: 9 a.m., Noon or 3 p.m., and stop by the MTCVB office to sit in on a one-hour tutorial-with your favorite MTCVB characters-Vicki, Laurie & Judy to answer all your renewal questions! Munchies & free parking!
*****Earn 5 renewal points by attending this tutorial! (No Kidding!)
To RSVP for any one or all three of these events, click here and login with your username and password, then click on Manage My Events, and then Upcoming Events.
CTA Spotlight On. . . Ellen Jimenez, National Sales Manager at the Radisson Suites Tucson.
Ellen, give us a little background on your current position. "My primary job is to make new friends and to welcome them back each return trip to Tucson! I have worked in the hospitality field since 1993, and here at the RST since 2005. I was Front Office Manager until September of 2007 when I converted to the Sales department. I took an 8-month hiatus in August of 2008 to go to Washington, D.C. Since there's really no place like home and Tucson is home, I was happy to return in April. I love it here!
What was your personal experience of earning your CTA designation?
"I was invited and honored to be part of the TAP Subject Matter Expert Panel in 2006. I've been a part of the CTA program since it's beginning here in Tucson! I earned my CTA designation at one of the first classes offered."
Are aspects of what you learned in class still relevant to your job today?
"I keep my CTA binder next to my desk--I'm always referencing it for information for our guests-it's almost a virtual concierge! One of my favorite bits of information that I learned thanks to my CTA class certification - it that our Creosote Bush makes our desert smell like it does in the rain. Who would have known?"
Do you stay connected to the program? "I stay connected and up to date with Tucson info by attending the hosted events and chatting with local CTA's on property and in the area. And now we're able to communicate and keep up to date via the new Facebook link, a great avenue for the wave of the future!"
What do you hope to be doing in 5 years? "I have what I call my "bucket list." Thanks to the Ambassadors program, I've learned of so many places that I must either return to or visit and experience here in the Southwest. I've recently added the Buffalo Soldiers tour in Sierra Vista to my list. Also on my list are my longterm goals... hospitality is in my blood. I hope to one day be that Director of Sales, Regional Sales... as long as I'm in the hospitality field and working with our wonderful guests and visitors-I'll be happy!"
How has ‘exceeding expectations' made a difference at your property? "Recently we had a group site visit here by potential clients. This group was looking to hold it's meeting in a "first tier" city, but thanks to a local contact we were able to land a chance to compete. We ‘wowed' them with our property and our beautiful destination. We added in tons of other information! Do we have shopping? Eating establishments? Do we have history? Do we have casinos? Yes! Yes! Yes! Let's get you connected with . . . (you know the responses!) And guess what? Not only did we land the group business . . .we now get their individual travel as well. So not only did we win here at the Radisson Suites Tucson, all of Tucson won!"
New Features. . .
Technology Abounds for Tucson CTAs!
We're excited about the soon-to-launch changes to CTANetwork.com-stay tuned for the announcement from the Tourism Ambassador InstituteTM in the next few weeks! Locally, we continue to add events, links and new ‘Discounts & Freebies' to our Tucson page on www.CTANetwork.com. Keep checking back!
Tucson CTA on Facebook!
If you have a Facebook page too, please join the Group, Tucson CTAs Forum-click here to request to be added to the group. Post a topic on the Discussion Board or jump into one of the ongoing conversations! We'd love to hear from you!
Check Out. . .
A unique perspective on "Being A Tourist in Your Own City" by James H Gilmore, co-author of The Experience Economy: Work is Theatre and Every Business a Stage. Keep in mind the article was written for Destination Management Organizations (DMOs)-but applies to anyone who considers "visitors" to be "clients!" Login to the CTANetwork.com and click on Great Articles under Stay Informed.
*****Earn 5 points by reading this article!
Encourage your coworkers and tourism colleagues to earn their CTA designation at one of these upcoming classes. Tell them to register online at www.CTANetwork.com, click on Schedule of Classes, Tucson Metro Area.
Wednesday, September 16
8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Arizona Inn
2200 E. Elm St.
Registration Deadline: August 26
Thursday, October 8
8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Doubletree Reid Park
445 S. Alvernon Way
Registration Deadline: September 17
Thursday, November 12
12:30 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Saguaro Girl Scout Council-Hacienda Program Center
3101 N. Sabino Canyon Rd.
Registration Deadline: October 22
