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"Through the support and participation of our members we can truly make a positive impact on both our community and our financial bottom line." ~Steve Hyslop, President, GSBLRA

December 2010

Dear Prospective Member:
Enclosed is an application for 2011 membership In the GSBLRA. Our organization plays a vital role in representing the financial best interests of the local hospitality sector. We are a non-partisan group with a strong voice in the tourism industry, our business community and with our local government.

Our recent general meetings included the following speakers / events:

• City of Santa Barbara Officials: Jim Armstrong, City Administrator; Cam Sanchez, Chief of Police; Cameron Benson, Creeks Division Manager
• County of Santa Barbara Auditor/Controller Bob Geis
• Jim Abrams, Past- President & CEO, California Hotel & Lodging Association
• Jot Condie, President & CEO, California Restaurant Association
• Nancy Rapp, City of Santa Barbara Parks & Recreation Department
• Santa Barbara Mayoral and City Council Candidate Forums
• Mobile Marketing Seminar

These meetings were very well attended and provided our members with information that directly impacted our industry, as well as opportunities to reach out directly to those in the political arena. The GSBLRA has also been active with attendance at meetings for the Committee on Youth and Gang Violence, the Sub-Committee on Homelessness and Community Relations, the South Coast Business Forum, and in providing information on the recently approved TBID.

In 2011, the GSBLRA will take a new increased role in identifying and supporting individuals running for local elected office who demonstrate an absolute belief in the importance of the Tourism Industry to our local area, and who pledge to be strong advocates in office for issues directly impacting the health and well-being of our industry with our new GSBLRA Candidate PAC.  The GSBLRA Candidate PAC, with a PAC Board of Directors that cuts across party and ideological lines strives to look beyond left and right, and rather focus on issues that directly impact and unite our industry.  We hope you will add the suggested minimum contribution (match your membership dues) to your renewal or new membership.

For those members who wish to help us grow and strengthen the organization, we have added a new voluntary tier of membership, the Tourism Leadership Council.  Annual dues in this tier are $500 (in addition to your normal membership dues). Of this $500, 50% goes to the GSBLRA to enable us to expand our offerings and outreach, and 50% goes to the new GSBLRA Candidate PAC, to help launch our new effort to identify and support candidates who will be strong advocates for our industry.  Hospitality Leadership Council members will be recognized as such on our Website, Newsletter, and at a General Membership Meeting, and will also be invited to annual Tourism Leadership Council-only meetings to discuss important current issues with local elected officials and other policy makers.

The GSBLRA is fortunate to have a very capable and motivated Board of Directors, each of whom gives willingly of their time. Our Board will continue to advocate causes for our members and our industry. We hope you will choose to be a part of our organization and join the GSBLRA today.

Please provide your contact information on the enclosed application, offer any suggestions for the organization on the reverse, and return it with your membership check.

Sincerely,

Steve Hyslop
President, Greater Santa Barbara Lodging & Restaurant Association
info@gsblra.org
(805) 564-1200