�This has been a very exciting initiative that will enhance the HFTP experience for all current and potential members,� said Tina Samson, CHAE, HFTP International president and CFO for Loews Hotels at Universal Orlando.

The plan�s finalization was completed after HFTP received feedback and suggestions from chapter leaders. HFTP accomplished this by holding a historic meeting which brought together representatives from 45 out of 54 chapters. At the meeting, held June 21 in Dallas, Texas, the task force presented their proposal to chapter leaders. The floor was then opened to questions and every representative was given the opportunity to share comments individually. Chapter representatives were also asked to submit comments and suggestions in writing.

"I think that the task force did a very thorough job and showed a lot of foresight," said Wayne McLellan, president of the HFTP Front Range Chapter and controller at the Omni Interlocken Resort in Broomfield, Colo.

Currently, members are required to join a chapter based on their geographic location and ProLinks is only available to direct members, those who do not have a chapter within their area. Membership dues comprise a base price, plus chapter dues, which vary per chapter.

The restructuring will give members the best of both worlds. Chapter activities provide members with opportunities to network and socialize with colleagues in a specific area, attend education seminars and participate in charitable acts. Chapters also provide members with leadership opportunities from volunteering for committees to sitting on the chapter�s board of directors.

ProLinks activities provide members with the opportunity to participate in discussion and education within topic-based communities, regardless of the members� geographic locations. Each community contains online discussion forums, useful links, document sharing, a community event calendar and live chats with industry experts. Members also have leadership opportunities through ProLinks including volunteering to be a community officer or sharing knowledge on a subject.

HFTP membership provides numerous benefits to the hospitality financial or technology professional, including a subscription to HFTP�s award-winning journal, The Bottomline, new benchmarking statistics from HFTP�s Research Institute, results to the 2004 Compensation and Benefits Survey with data comparisons to the 2002 survey, HFTP�s Job Mart, member discounts to educational events and more. For details, go to HFTP�s web site at www.hftp.org.

For more information or for clarification please contact Wendi Williams at (800) 646-4387 or 001 (512) 249-5333 (ext. 19) or via e-mail at [email protected].

Based in Austin, Texas, HFTP is the professional association for financial and technology personnel working in hotels, resorts, clubs, casinos, restaurants and other hospitality-related businesses. The association provides continuing education and networking opportunities to more than 4,000 members around the world, and produces the premiere hospitality technology shows HITEC and ONHTEC. HFTP also administers the examination and awards the certification for the Certified Hospitality Accountant Executive (CHAE) and the Certified Hospitality Technology Professional (CHTP) designations. HFTP was founded in 1952 as the National Association of Hotel Accountants.

HFTP®, HITEC® and ONHTEC® are registered service marks of Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals. ProLinks (sm) is a service mark of Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals.

Hospitality Financial and
Technology Professionals
www.hftp.org