Club President Steve Payerle gave a speech about his preview and vision of our club's future. In the last year, he states, that the club was fractured politically, digitally, and physically. We are now lucky to be making it out of all of the issues of the last year so we are able to come together. This sets up the perfect position to have one of the greatest years in recent memory.
Entering into this new club year is a new volume to all together maintain traditions but use this time as an opportunity to grow and evolve as a club. We can all embrace new and exciting ideas and take calculated risks. 
He wants to get back to the basics; service. Let's empower our committes. Let's lean heavily on our Executive committee, our board, and our members. 
One idea, that he said John Butterfield tried to start, is to start a vocational business oriented entrepreneurial group. Let's share our knowledge with others who want to gain that mentorship.
Steve prompted a question: 
"Our club with survive, but, will it thrive without our members stepping up and increasing their engagement?"
He ended with a promise, "I promise not to let you all down if you all promise to lift our club up.". 

Speaker

Roe Maruo then gave a presentation on the current state of the travel industry.
Roe has been in the travel industry since 1982. As a Travel Advisor, "the last 15-18 months have been the most trying of her career.". 
Roe gave some tips to us that she likes to share with her customers. These included:

1. Making 2 copies of your documents. Leave one in your carry on and one at home. Make sure to store all documents securely.
2. Take 2 credit cards and, if possible, keep them separate.
3. Pack 1-2 outfits in your carry on OR separate into a mixture of more than one suitcase in case your bag gets delayed or lost. 

Other information included that the new deadline for the "Real ID" is May of 2023, 12 oz hand sanitizer is now permitted in your carry on (all other liquids are still 3.4 oz), and arrive 2.5 to 3 hours before your boarding becuase of staffing shortages. Please remember to always pack your patience and kindness.
Roe explained the differences between Global Entry, TSA pre-check, and Mobile Passport. Knowing what things like this are will help your travel go smoothly. 
She then went over how quickly and frequently travel requirements for domestic and international travel have been changing. Every destination is different and we need to be mindful of other countries' requirements. Not everything has opened back up yet. You also still need to have a Covid test when you travel back to the US from another country. It doesn't matter if you have been vaccinated.
It is important to use a travel professional to help you with the ever changing rules. 
Contact Roe for your upcoming adventures!