Peach Beat
September 2014 ● October 2014 ● November 2014
GA PEACH SUPPLIER HOTEL’S FLEXIBILITY GAINS IT
MORE GOVERNMENT BUSINESS:
Kudos to Courtyard by Marriott Decatur
By Ruth E. Harris, CMP, CTAS, CGMP
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is smack, dab in the middle of working
with the Ebola crises. This crisis has caused an increase in the number of meetings being held
by CDC. Many of the CDC meetings that were scheduled to be convened at the CDC campus
now have to be moved off-site. Whenever CDC has to respond to crises such as this, meetings
are often bumped from the main conference center.
Inside this issue:
President’s Post
2
Treasury Corner
3
SGMP National Information 3
Membership Update
4
Member Spotlight
4
Charleston Hosts...
5
Chapter Meeting Recap
6
SREC 2014: Xtreme Fun
6
Set Yourself Apart:
Become a Certified
Government Meeting
Professional
7
The Grapevine
7
Upcoming Events
8
Newsletter Chair:
Twanda Broughton
Editor:
Sajata Outin-Blenman
The Courtyard by Marriott, Downtown Decatur, has been able to offer some meeting space to
those CDC meeting professionals who with very little notice and time had to find an offsite
location for their meetings. Since the hotel opening in 2012, they have hosted numerous CDC
Programs and affiliates such as the CDC Tuberculosis Consortium, Council of State & Territorial
Epidemiologists, CDC TBETN/PEN, Task Force for Global Health and the CDC Tuberculosis
Program Manager’s Course.
Thomas Harrison, Director of Sales, and Sayida Beal, Sales Manager, have worked tirelessly to
get their management to be flexible in accommodating these meetings on such short notice.
They have been flexible in discounting meeting room rental, discounted audio visual, and offering
planners creative ways to meet per diem requirements for lunch, such as offering pre-selected
lunch options in the hotel’s restaurant so that attendees will not have to leave the hotel. The hotel
has even allowed caterers who had already been contracted to provide food service at the CDC
conference center for a meeting to bring this food to the meeting attendees at the Courtyard.
An added benefit for food and beverage is the fact that downtown Decatur offers over 50
restaurants within a 3 mile radius of the hotel; varying from fast food to fine dining. Downtown
Decatur also offers a variety of unique boutique shops to satisfy the trendiest shopper.
This is an excellent example of the Georgia Peach Chapter of the Society of Government
Professionals (SGMP) supplier members and CDC meeting professionals working together to
make a Win-Win out of what could be a disaster. We
applaud the Courtyard by Marriott, Decatur, for rising
to the challenge and assisting the CDC meeting
professionals during this time. This cooperation is
certainly what Sam Gilmer must have envisioned
when he as a federal government employee started
the Society of Government Meeting Professionals
(SGMP) over 30 years ago.
Stay Connected:
@SGMPGAPEACH
SGMP GA Peach Chapter
www.sgmpgapeach.org
www.sgmp.org
Peach Beat
Page 2
The President’s Post
As we head into a season of giving thanks and gratefulness, I wanted to take this time to thank our
members for their continued support and to show my gratitude to each of you. The board and I have
been working hard with our committee chairs to bring you the type of benefits you seek; such as good
programming with contact hours.
We know you want better programs on advanced topics and we have lined up programs you can truly
use in your day-to-day operations. You want to know the future of government business and we will
keep you inform about how you can still gain business from the federal government – even now. In addition, of course you want to know how to get your return on investment for your membership dues. Look out for an upcoming message that will explain how you can still benefit from federal business right now with the Ebola issue.
Headquarters has revamped its website and updated the information you asked to be visible on the site. In addition, we are working
to update our chapter’s site and add in resources that you can use to plan better meetings and tradeshows.
Our chapter was fortunate enough to be the host chapter for the recent Southeast Regional Education Conference in Peachtree City
at the Wyndham Hotel and Conference Center this past August. We were successful in that each chapter made a profit of a little
over $2,500. In September, the chapter met in Charleston, South Carolina for our September meeting. It was wonderful to see our
current and many of our past members who traveled with us. We learned the benefits of using our convention and visitor bureaus
(CVBs) as well as social media when you want to get the word out about your event. There was a lot of knowledge gained on how to
target your demographics so that your meeting will have the participation you desire. Then in October, we celebrated our chapter’s
suppliers. We allowed each of them to provide an overview of their properties. If you missed these events, we appreciate you and
hope we get to meet up with you as we make our rounds to our suppliers’ hotels in the coming weeks.
November is the month we set aside to show particular thanks giving to those around us. This is a time to be thankful for our family
and friends. This is a time to be grateful for our jobs and health. As well as a time to say thanks for those big and little things that
have touched our lives.
So as you wake each day, give thanks for those things you take for granted as I give thanks for all of you. Our members are a vital
part of our chapter, we hope you will continue to participate in the monthly activities and we hope you will join one of the committees.
Please do not forget about our holiday extravaganza in December at the Doubletree Hotel in Buckhead on December 13, 2014. If
you have not registered already to attend, please register now! We want to see you there. We are asking each member to bring a
guest(s) for this fun-filled event.
As I close out my message, I would like to wish you all a wonderful holiday season. I would like to wish you continued blessings and
hope they are abundant and your joys be plentiful. Have a safe and wonderful holiday.
LaTonya Blount, CGMP
President
Volume 1, Issue 1
Page 3
Treasury Corner
Balance as of April 30, 2014:
Checking: $30,419.54
Savings: $11,667.45
Income/Expenses - First
Quarter 2014
Income: -$4,231.23
Expenses: $2,261.20
Difference: -$6,492.43
*Balances reflected are inclusive of the financials until
September 30, 2014 and do not includes income and
expenses for the regional conference. The balances will adjust
once all the expenses clear.
If you have any questions regarding the treasury report please
feel free to contact Andrea Scott Murphy, (agp8@cdc.gov) or
LaTonya Blount, President (sheplanevents@live.com).
SGMP National Information
SGMP has launched a redesigned and enhanced database
and website as a key component of our enhanced
communications and marketing efforts. MEMBERS: Go to
"Member Login" on this page. Your new username is the
primary email address we have on file and your new and
temporary password is Password1. Once you login, create a
new password.
2015 National Education Conference (NEC) & Expo in
Minneapolis, MN
The 2015 SGMP NEC & Expo will be held April 28–30, 2015 in
Minneapolis, MN. This will be the 33rd Annual NEC — the
biggest annual event in the government meetings industry —
where government professionals from across the country
come together for one-stop and non-stop education,
resources, and networking. Additional information can be
found here: http://sgmp.org/conference/minneapolis.cfm.
SGMP Announces San Diego as the
host of the 2016 National Education
Conference & Expo. The 2016 NEC &
Expo will be held in San Diego,
California, on May 17-19, 2016, at the
Town and Country Resort & Convention
Center.
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SGMP GA Peach Board
Members
President
LaTonya Blount, CGMP
She Plan Events
Email: latonya@sheplanevents.com
1st Vice President-Planner
Andrea Scott Murphy, CMP, CGMP
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
Email: agp8@cdc.gov
2nd Vice President
Tifanie Haun
Georgia International Convention Center
Email: trhaun@gicc.com
Director - Planner
Sharon Dickerson, MPA, CGMP
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
Email: shd2@cdc.gov
Director - Planner
Sajata Outin-Blenman, CMP, CGMP
Carter Consulting, Inc.
Email: s_outinblenman@yahoo.com
Director - Supplier
Clarence Boone
DeKalb CVB
Email: clarenceb@dcvb.org
Secretary
Leza Young, CGMP
ICF Macro
Email: leza.young@icfi.com
Peach Beat
Page 4
Membership Update
Welcome New Members
Erett Falkie
Terry Maddlone
Carolyn Davis
Carolyn Headley
GA Peach Chapter Membership
Emory Conference Center Hotel
Veeam Software
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Other
11%
Suppliers
36%
Planners
53%
Member Spotlight!
Member: Tracy Stewart
Employer: Chickasaw Advisory Services/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Job Title: General Manager
SGMP Join Date: Joined SGMP on September 1, 2009
Favorite Meeting Location: The Global Communications Center at CDC
Favorite Vacation Spot: Japan and St. Lucia
Hobbies: Singing, Reading and taking Sunday drives with my family.
Who is your mentor? My mother is the ultimate mentor in my life. She is God’s gift to me. She continuously inspires me to be the best me
I can be. She has always instilled in me that if I put God first and do my best, everything else will fall into place. She is the best mom
created just for me! When I grow up I want to be just like her.
Most interesting meeting/event experience. My first SGMP Southeast Regional Conference, which was held in Myrtle Beach. I met so
many people in the industry and that was great for me since I was new
to SGMP and the CDC. The educational classes were extremely
beneficial as a new government planner. We had the best time!
Most notable life experience. The day I met President Obama! It was
one of the best days in my life and career. He actually took the time to
stop, shake my hand and ask me about my day. I was as giddy as a
kid on Christmas morning!
Where would you like to be 10 years from now? I would love to
have a Bed and Breakfast.
Volume 1, Issue 1
Page 5
Charleston Hosts GA Peach SGMP
By Ruth E. Harris, CMP, CTAS, CGMP
The Charleston Convention and Visitors Bureau hosted the
September meeting of the Georgia Peach Chapter September 19th
– 21st. Bobby Pilch, Charleston CVB, worked with the Special
Events Committee to put on a special weekend for the chapter.
Chapter members who traveled to Charleston were lodged at the
Holiday Inn Charleston Airport. The bus trip was filled with good
conversation, refreshments and prizes. Prizes were awarded
every hour during the trip.
The weekend started with a welcome reception Friday evening
hosted by the Holiday Inn. The hotel also sponsored a hearty
breakfast meeting on Saturday morning with great educational
sessions. Speakers at the education session included Dan
Blumenstock, Director of Operations at Low Country Hotel, who
spoke on the Benefits of Working with your Local CVB. Jamie
Boatwright, Convention Sales Manager of the Augusta CVB, gave
some insights on how the Augusta CVB works with planners.
Bobby Pilch gave a very informative presentation on “How to
Create an RFP for Solicitation”. He even shared a copy of what he
considers to be the best RFP he has ever received. Last, but not
least, Melanie Mathos, Vice President of Lou Hammond &
Associates, taught us how to use ”Social Media for your
Organization and Meetings”. We learned a lot about the type of
venues that are available for meetings in Charleston, the number
of hotel rooms and the new hotels that will be built in the
Charleston area.
After the educational session, the chapter took a bus tour of
Charleston with a tour guide who was born in Charleston. When
the tour ended, there was still time for shopping at the Market in downtown Charleston. Many members used this time to
sample some of the low country cuisine as well as purchase sweet grass baskets made by the locals. Even the afternoon
showers didn’t stop folks from getting to the outlet mall across the
street from the hotel.
After a short breather, Saturday evening found our members and
guests at a dinner cruise on “The Spirit of Charleston”. Everyone
enjoyed the dinner and spectacular sunset as they cruised around
the Charleston harbor. A musician played music while we dined and
many of the guests “cut a rug” or sang to the music. A great time
was had by all.
Stay tuned for our next destination meeting which may be in Augusta
in 2015.
Peach Beat
Page 6
October & November Chapter Meetings Recap
Ruth Harris presenting at November Chapter
Meeting.
October’s Chapter Meeting honored the
Suppliers for their participation in SGMP.
Preston Marshall presents a token of
appreciation to the November Presenter,
Ruth Harris.
SREC 2014: Xtreme Fun
By: Sajata Outin-Blenman, CMP, CGMP
The Southeast Regional Education
Conference (SREC) was held August
10 – 13, 2014 in Peachtree City,
Georgia at the Wyndham Peachtree
Conference Center. The conference
was planned by the five chapters in
Region II; Georgia Peach,
Tennessee, Rocket City Alabama,
Florida Capital, and Central Florida. The conference was designed to
provide attendees with Xtreme motivation and empowerment as well
as new ideas and approaches to help them succeed in their work
through educational and networking sessions. The conference theme
was “Xtreme Planning” and offered sessions such as Xtreme
Leadership, Xtreme Ethics, and Protocol Matters.
More than 80 meeting professionals and suppliers were in
attendance. Col. Marshall S. Irvin, Jr., commander of the 94th
Mission Support Group at Dobbins Air Reserve Base (GA) opened
the conference with his session on Xtreme Leadership. His energetic
and interactive session provided attendees with lessons in tactical
leadership by using scenes from the movie, King Arthur. His
presentation set the tone for the conference.
In addition to educational sessions, the conference featured a trade
show where exhibitors were
able to meet and network with
planners. Fun elements, such as
a scavenger hunt and a tour of
Cast House were integrated
into the conference as well.
Participants were able to
receive a total of 10
educational contact hours for
attending the conference.
A CGMP Class, taught by
Garland Preddy, CGMP was
offered three days before the conference began. CGMP graduates
were honored at a pinning ceremony on the first day of the
conference.
The conference was a great
accomplishment for all five
chapters. We look forward to
collaborating on another fun
and educational conference
again in the future!
Volume 1, Issue 1
Advertise with
SGMP - GA Peach
(Newsletter & Website)
We publish our newsletter four
times a year. This newsletter is sent
to Georgia Peach Chapter
members and prospective member
planners and suppliers. It is also
available on our chapter website.
Best Buy: $200.00 per year
 ½ Page Ad in Newsletter each
quarter

Company logo and link to
Company website on chapter
homepage.
Specifications for Ads
File Format: GIF, JPG or PNG
Member Rates per Quarter
(both website advertisement & link on
website)
Quarter Page: $ 50.00
Half Page: $100.00
Full Page: $200.00
Non-Member Rates per Quarter
(both website advertisement & link on
website)
Quarter Page: $100.00
Half Page: $150.00
Full Page: $300.00
If you are interested in advertising
with SGMP GA Chapter, please
contact Sajata Outin-Blenman at
s_outinblenman@yahoo.com.
Page 7
Set Yourself Apart: Become a Certified
Government Meeting Professional
By: Twanda Broughton, CGMP
The Certified Government Meeting Professionals Course and Test were
administered by SGMP’s Education & Training Director, Garland Preddy, prior to the
SREC Meeting in August 2014. The class provided invaluable information on the
history of government meeting planning, current government regulations and
industry standards. The hands-on, interactive environment made this course a fun
and information-packed weekend. The small class size allowed for invaluable
networking with attendees from other chapters.
If you are not a Certified Government Meeting
Professional, consider setting yourself apart by
obtaining the highest designation available for
government meeting professionals. Stay up to
date with industry information by investing in
the 2014 edition of the CGMP Training Manual; now available for purchase by all
SGMP members. Since taking the class I have kept my manual on hand to refer
back to pertinent government rules and regulations. The manual is $95 and can be
purchased at www.sgmp.org.
Congratulations to my fellow SGMP Georgia Peach Chapter CGMP Course
Attendee, Marguaree Durden Pyoas, on obtaining your CGMP certification. We did
it!!
The Grapevine...
Well Wishes to our Dancing Queen, Jan Hansen. Jan is home
recovering from a hip injury sustained on vacation.
Good News...Sherry Smith is doing well after her short stay at
St. Joseph.
Congratulations to Carolyn Davis, Honor Award for Excellence
as Group Leader.
New Position: Neil Hibbert, CGMP currently serves as
Associate Director of Group Sales for Starwood Hotels &
Resorts, Birmingham, AL.
SGMP GA Peach Chapter Upcoming Events
December 2014
Chapter Holiday Party
December 13, 2014 6:00 - 11:00 PM
Doubletree by Hilton Atlanta Buckhead
3342 Peachtree Road, Atlanta, GA 30326
January 2015
Chapter Transparency - January Chapter Meeting
Wednesday, January 21, 2015 5:30 - 7:00 PM
Holiday Inn and Suites Atlanta North Hotel
February 2015
Budgeting - February Chapter Meeting
Wednesday, February 18, 2015 5:30 - 7:00 PM
Location: TBD