Welcome to Meeting Professionals International Washington State Chapter (MPIWSC)   URGENT ACTION REQUESTED! SUPPORT TOURISM NOW! IMPORTANT PUBLIC POLICY NOTE  The Washington State Legislature is working on its budget and is faced with some tough decisions on funding. As members of the economic sector that is heavily dependent upon tourism, we need to make sure that cuts in funding do not destroy sources of revenue for the state and jobs within our industry.    Your legislators need to hear from you.  You can locate the names and addresses of your legislators at http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/default.aspx?city=&street=&zip=.  If you are concerned, please send them a message similar (but not identical to) the message below plus add a bit about your particular job:    “I am one of the tens of thousands of Washingtonians who relies on the tourism industry for my livelihood.  The Washington State Department of Economic Development, specifically the Department of Tourism, is a critically important asset for our industry and for my company.  Given the tough economy, it is more important than ever before that we invest in areas where we enjoy a competitive economic advantage, and this includes the convention and tourism business. The Department of Tourism helps to generate over $1 billion in tax revenue for our State.  As the final budget is developed, please support this critical job-creating economic development opportunity that will provide significant benefits statewide. Thank you.”   RATE MPIWSC & WIN!! Please complete the survey before March 16, 10 11:59 PM EST With business shifting in the past 12 months, your local MPI Chapters plays an important role in connecting you to educational content, networking relationships and business opportunities.    MPI and your chapter leaders are interested to know how your chapter is fulfilling your needs. Please take a few minutes to complete a very brief (no more than 2 minute) survey about your MPI chapter experience. This feedback is very important to us and will allow our chapters to adjust programs and services to better address your needs. Upon completion of the survey, you will be entered to win in two drawings; one for a free MPI conference registration, the other for a free membership renewal. Please click here to take the survey or go to this Internet address using your browser: http://www.confidentialsurveys.com/chapter2010/chaptersurvey2010.asp. If you have any problems or questions regarding the survey or if there is anything else we can do for you, please e-mail us. We will use your input to deliver a richer experience and provide greater value for your MPI Membership. We thank you in advance for your help, and appreciate you taking the time. Best Regards, Junior Tauvaa Vice President, Membership & Chapter Business Meeting Professionals International   UPCOMING EVENTS Cascadia Educational Conference March 7 - 9, 2010 / Tulalip Resort Casino For more information please click here Monthly Educational Program March 30, 2010 / Cedarbrook Lodge - SeaTac For more information please click here    CHAPTER NEWS Click here for chapter news.    INDUSTRY NEWS Washington Governor Vetoes Convention Center Money Transfer...Washington State Gov. Christine Gregoire has vetoed a $22 million transfer from the Washington State Convention and Trade Center account to the state’s general fund. The line-item veto was used on May 19 to strike the item from the state budget. Local tourism officials had lobbied for the governor to veto the transfer. For additional Industry News articles, click here.