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	<title>Irving News</title>
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	<description>Irving Convention &#38; Visitors Bureau</description>
	<pubDate>Mon, 26 Jul 2010 21:09:08 +0000</pubDate>
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		<title>THE IRVING CONVENTION CENTER AT LAS COLINAS OFFERS</title>
		<link>http://icvbmarketing.com/blog/?p=252</link>
		<comments>http://icvbmarketing.com/blog/?p=252#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 26 Jul 2010 21:09:08 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Monty</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Events]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://icvbmarketing.com/blog/?p=252</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Location, innovation and the COMPLETE meeting package
 
IRVING, Texas (July 2010) – The new Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas, slated to open January 2010, introduces the meeting planner’s dream with the Complete Meeting Package (CMP) option.
 
A perfect selection to quickly plan an impeccable program at an affordable rate, the CMP is ideal for meetings, conferences, [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;" align="center"><strong><span style="text-transform: uppercase; font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: small;">Location, innovation and the COMPLETE meeting package</span></span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;"> </span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">IRVING</span></strong><strong><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">, Texas</span></strong><strong><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;"> (July 2010) –</span></strong><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;"> The new <a href="http://www.irvingconventioncenter.com/">Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas</a>, slated to open January 2010, introduces the meeting planner’s dream with the Complete Meeting Package (CMP) option.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;"> </span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">A perfect selection to quickly plan an impeccable program at an affordable rate, the CMP is ideal for meetings, conferences, training programs, teambuilding events and offsite strategic planning. Designed for groups of 50-200, the package offers several options to suit any budget, need or goal. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">The CMP includes complimentary meeting room rental, podium, microphone, screen and projector use, breakfast, morning break, lunch and afternoon break meals, with menus designed by the executive chef of <em style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Savor…Las Colinas</em>, a meeting concierge to assist onsite, and access to the onsite full-service business center. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Tahoma;"> </span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">Costs for the standard CMP package start at $65 per person, plus tax and gratuity. The package offers a range of delicious food varieties, from fresh soups, salads and fruit to warm croissants, pastas and entrees – plus, gourmet treats. A sample menu is available on the <a href="http://www.irvingconventioncenter.com/meeting_planners/complete_meeting_package">Irving Convention Center</a> web site. </span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">Additional services are available, including video conferencing, high-speed Internet access, themed events and entertainment, and more. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Tahoma;"> </span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">Location of the Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas in <a href="http://www.irvingtexas.com/"><span style="color: #800080;">Irving, Texas</span></a>, coupled with the gleaming, world-class facility, further enhances the CMP package benefits. With a unique architecture and almost </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;" align="center"><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Tahoma;">&#8211; more –</span></strong></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;" align="center"><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Tahoma;"> </span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;" align="center"><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Tahoma;"> </span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><strong><span style="font-size: 10pt; text-transform: uppercase; font-family: Tahoma;"> </span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><strong><span style="font-size: 10pt; text-transform: uppercase; font-family: Tahoma;">the irving convention center at las colinas offers Location/page two</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">100,000 square feet of meeting and exhibit space – the Irving Convention Center represents dynamic form, crafted for function and ready for innovation.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">To view progress of the convention center, construction hard-hat tours of the center are held every 4<sup>th</sup> Friday of each month. For additional information on the CMP packages or other events at the Irving Convention Center, contact (972)252-7476 or email <a href="mailto:ccalhoun@irvingconventioncenter.com">ccalhoun@irvingconventioncenter.com</a>.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span></span></span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: underline; text-underline: black;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000001; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">About Irving, Texas</span></span></strong><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000001; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000001; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Located immediately adjacent to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and in between Dallas and Fort Worth, Irving, Texas, boasts more than 75 hotels and nearly 12,000 rooms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>Las Colinas, a 12,000-acre master-planned community within the city of Irving, is known worldwide for its quality and uniqueness. The area has a total taxable base of more than $5 billion and is home to 8,000+ companies, 30 Fortune 500 companies, plus the world headquarters of four. In the next three years, the area will see more than $4 billion in hotel, retail, entertainment, office, residential and meeting facility development.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>For more information visit: </span><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000001; font-family: Tahoma;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/mcannon/Local%20Settings/High%20Spirited%20Citizens/2010%20Recipients/Matkins/www.irvingtexas.com">www.irvingtexas.com</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">    </span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000001; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></p>
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		<title>AFFORDABLE DALLAS COWBOYS GETAWAY PACKAGES AVAILABLE</title>
		<link>http://icvbmarketing.com/blog/?p=250</link>
		<comments>http://icvbmarketing.com/blog/?p=250#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 26 Jul 2010 21:07:58 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Monty</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Events]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://icvbmarketing.com/blog/?p=250</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[AVAILABLE JUST MINUTES FROM COWBOYS STADIUM
 
 
IRVING, Texas (July 2010) - The Irving Convention and Visitors Bureau makes it easy and affordable to catch “America’s Team” through Dallas Cowboys Getaway Packages, now available with and without game tickets at more than 20 Irving hotels.
 
Featured amenities on most getaway packages include complimentary breakfast and transportation to and [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: small;"><strong><span style="font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">AVAILABLE JUST MINUTES FROM COWBOYS STADIUM</span></strong><span style="font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 150%;"><strong><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">IRVING, Texas (July 2010) -</span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></strong><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">The <a href="http://www.irvingtexas.com/"><span style="color: #800080;">Irving Convention and Visitors Bureau</span></a> makes it easy and affordable to catch “America’s Team” through Dallas Cowboys Getaway Packages, now available with and without game tickets at more than 20 Irving hotels.</span></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 150%;"><strong><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Featured amenities on most getaway packages include complimentary breakfast and transportation to and from Cowboys Stadium, shopping venues and airports. Added value offerings in select ticket packages can include private autograph sessions with players, tailgate parties and trip souvenirs. Hotel packages with game tickets start at <strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">$275 for two-nights</strong>; prices for <strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">hotel-only packages are as low as $59</strong>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>Amenities vary at each hotel and packages are subject to availability and any applicable taxes</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma;">. </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Dallas Cowboys home games for the 2010-2011 NFL season begin when the <strong>Chicago</strong><strong> Bears (Sept. 19)</strong> fly into Cowboys Stadium for the home opener. October brings the <strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Tennessee</strong><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> Titans (Oct. 10)</strong>, the <strong>New York</strong><strong> Giants (Oct. 25) </strong><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">and the <strong>Jacksonville</strong><strong> Jaguars</strong> <strong>(Oct. 31)</strong> for Halloween football. November’s exciting lineup includes a match-up with the <strong>Detroit</strong><strong> Lions (Nov. 21)</strong> and</span> the annual Thanksgiving Day feast featuring current Super Bowl champion <strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">New Orleans Saints (Nov. 25)</strong>.<strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">   </span></strong>In December,<strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </strong>Division foes <strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Philadelphia</strong><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> Eagles (Dec. 12) </strong>make an appearance, while the bitter rival <strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Washington</strong><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> Redskins</strong> <strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">(Dec. 20)</strong> will play the final regular 2010 season game at Cowboys Stadium.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">As home to the Dallas Cowboys for 37 years, <a href="http://www.irvingtexas.com/"><span style="color: #800080;">Irving, Texas</span></a>, offers a high-spirited Cowboys getaway experience throughout the city and convenient access to and from Cowboys Stadium. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">For a complete list of packages and additional information, contact the Irving Convention and Visitors Bureau at 800-2-IRVING (800-247-8464), 972-252-7476 or visit the “</span><a href="http://www.irvingtexas.com/Meetings/HotDeals"><span style="font-size: x-small; color: #800080;">Hot Deals</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">” section of the bureau’s Web site at </span><a href="http://www.irvingtexas.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small; color: #800080;">www.irvingtexas.com</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">.</span></span></p>
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		<title>2010 Mid-South American Legion Regional Baseball Tournament</title>
		<link>http://icvbmarketing.com/blog/?p=248</link>
		<comments>http://icvbmarketing.com/blog/?p=248#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 26 Jul 2010 20:28:16 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Monty</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Events]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[August 5th thru August 9th
At QuikTrip Park
Grand Prairie, Texas
 
Tournament Information: The top eight American Legion Baseball Teams (Ages 16 thru 19) from across the Mid-South Region will meet in Grand Prairie for the right to advance to the American Legion World Series at Spokane, WA.
 
The Tournament will be an 8 team double elimination pitting State [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;" align="center"><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">August 5<sup>th</sup> thru August 9<sup>th</sup></span></span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;" align="center"><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">At QuikTrip Park</span></span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;" align="center"><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Grand Prairie, Texas</span></span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Tournament Information: The top eight American Legion Baseball Teams (Ages 16 thru 19) from across the Mid-South Region will meet in Grand Prairie for the right to advance to the American Legion World Series at Spokane, WA.</span></span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">The Tournament will be an 8 team double elimination pitting State Champions coming from Louisiana against Oklahoma at 9:30 A. M. on Thursday followed by the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>Mississippi Champion against the Arkansas Champion.</span></span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">The Texarkana Tigers will serve as the Host team and play the 7 P.M. game on Thursday August 9<sup>th</sup> against<sup><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span></sup>the Kentucky State Champion. The Texas State champion to be determined at the State tournament in Brenham on July 30<sup>th</sup> will play the Nebraska State Champion in 4 P.M. that day.</span></span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">The Texarkana Indians advanced to the World Series last year placing 3<sup>rd</sup>. </span></span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Admission for the games will be $10 for 2 game session and $5 for single games sessions for adults and $2 for children 12 and under. </span></span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">For more information about the Tournament Contact Ed Magers at 214-457-1380 or </span><a href="mailto:memagers@gte.net"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">memagers@gte.net</span></a><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">. </span></span></strong></p>
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		<title>Boy Scouts of America Prepared for Second Century of Service</title>
		<link>http://icvbmarketing.com/blog/?p=246</link>
		<comments>http://icvbmarketing.com/blog/?p=246#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:33:40 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Monty</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Accolades]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Events]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Scouts Across America Celebrate Centennial Milestone
IRVING, Texas, Feb. 8 /PRNewswire/ &#8212; When the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) was officially incorporated on February 8, 1910, Americans were driving Stanley steam automobiles, earning an average of $750 a year, and paying little more than 30 cents for a gallon of milk. The national debt was a [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2 class="seo-h2-subheadline">Scouts Across America Celebrate Centennial Milestone</h2>
<p><span class="xn-location">IRVING, Texas</span>, <span class="xn-chron">Feb. 8</span> /PRNewswire/ &#8212; When the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) was officially incorporated on <span class="xn-chron">February 8, 1910</span>, Americans were driving Stanley steam automobiles, earning an average of <span class="xn-money">$750</span> a year, and paying little more than <span class="xn-money">30 cents</span> for a gallon of milk. The national debt was a mere billion dollars. While all of these things seem out of place today, the BSA remains a vital organization with a mission and purpose that is even more relevant today than ever before.</p>
<p>Throughout 2010, the Boy Scouts of America celebrates its centennial anniversary milestone with a rallying call that will be heard across the nation as Scouts gather in their communities to pay tribute to the rich history and tradition of Scouting.  </p>
<p>Having served more than 100 million members since its founding, the Boy Scouts of America has made a lasting and positive imprint on the fabric of the nation. Its mission: &#8220;Preparing young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law<em>,&#8221; </em>enables Scouting to address many issues that are important to young people and families, including health, civility, education, leadership, diversity, and service to others.</p>
<p>&#8220;This country needs strong leaders and healthy young people more than ever before, and that is what Scouting is all about,&#8221; said <span class="xn-person">Bob Mazzuca</span>, Chief Scout Executive of the Boy Scouts of America. &#8220;This is our time in history to remind the nation that Scouting is more vibrant, more vital, and more relevant than ever before. Every day, millions of Scouts and adult leaders make a huge difference in our society. We look forward to continuing that commitment in the next century.&#8221;</p>
<p>Though firmly rooted in an unchanged set of core values, the BSA is committed to remaining current and relevant by adapting how it delivers programs and reaches it audiences, including:</p>
<ul class="discStyle" type="disc">
<li>Going green! In addition to publishing the first &#8220;green&#8221; <em>Boy Scout Handbook</em> in 2009, BSA magazines <em>Boys&#8217; Life</em> and <em>Scouting</em> have been certified by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative.</li>
<li>Multicultural outreach: In 2008, the BSA launched a national Hispanic Initiatives program that aims to increase the number of Hispanic Scouts, adult volunteers, and professional staff. In its first year, the program saw an increase of more than 30,000 Hispanic Scouts.  Additionally, the BSA has publications in 21 different languages.</li>
<li>Adopting social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter as core communications tools to reach volunteers and connect with Scouts.</li>
<li>Updating the Scouting uniforms to include a cell-phone pocket, offer SPF 50+ sun protection, and keep moisture away from the skin.</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p>The BSA centennial celebration goes far beyond a day on the calendar. Mazzuca pointed to a number of national events that have already helped kick off Scouting&#8217;s 100th Anniversary year. On <span class="xn-chron">January 1</span>, the BSA kicked off its centennial with an award-winning float in the Tournament of Roses Parade, and launched Adventure Base 100, a mobile, immersive Scouting campus. Adventure Base 100 is currently embarking on a more than 40-city nationwide tour, and features a traveling Scout Museum, an IMAX-like video in its GOScouting! Dome, a high-adventure ropes course, and a variety of interactive displays and activities. At any time, from anywhere in the country, the public can experience Adventure Base 100 virtually, and find out where it&#8217;s going next, at <a href="http://www.adventurebase100.org/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">www.advent</span><span style="text-decoration: underline;">u</span><span style="text-decoration: underline;">r</span><span style="text-decoration: underline;">e</span><span style="text-decoration: underline;">base100.org</span></a>.  </p>
<p>In all, eight major national 100th Anniversary engagement programs have been designed to reintroduce Scouting to the next generation of young leaders and reconnect millions of alumni with the organization. BSA councils across the country are actively engaged in local 100th Anniversary Celebration programs. Just a few examples include:</p>
<ul class="discStyle" type="disc">
<li>The Central Florida Council&#8217;s &#8220;Scouting for Change&#8221; program to raise funds to build schools in <span class="xn-location">Africa</span></li>
<li>The Evangeline Area Council in <span class="xn-location">Louisiana</span> spearheading one of the largest tree-plantings in the state&#8217;s history</li>
<li>The nearly 1,000 guests that will join the Patriot&#8217;s Path Council at the Ellis Island Immigration Museum as the council recognizes outstanding Scouting citizens, and TLC&#8217;s &#8220;Cake Boss&#8221; delivers an edible replica of the McKenzie Scout Statue.</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p>&#8220;During this year we recognize the achievements of our past, but our focus is on the future of millions of young Scouts, their communities, and the nation as a whole,&#8221; Mazzuca said. &#8220;Scouting is ready for the next 100 years!&#8221;</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>About the Boy Scouts of America</strong></span></p>
<p>The Boy Scouts of America is the nation&#8217;s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training. The Scouting organization is composed of 2.7 million youth members between the ages of 7 and 20, 1.1 million volunteers and nearly 300 local councils throughout <span class="xn-location">the United States</span> and its territories. For more information on the Boy Scouts of America, please visit <a href="http://www.scouting.org/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">www.s</span><span style="text-decoration: underline;">c</span><span style="text-decoration: underline;">o</span><span style="text-decoration: underline;">u</span><span style="text-decoration: underline;">ting.org</span></a>.</p>
<p>More information about 100 Years of Scouting can be found at <a href="http://www.scouting.org/100years" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">www</span><span style="text-decoration: underline;">.</span><span style="text-decoration: underline;">scouting.</span><span style="text-decoration: underline;">o</span><span style="text-decoration: underline;">rg/100years</span></a>.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>SOURCE Boy Scouts of America</p>
<p>RELATED LINKS<br />
<a title="Link to http://www.scouting.org" href="http://www.scouting.org/" target="_blank">http://www.scouting.org</a><br />
<a title="Link to http://www.adventurebase100.org" href="http://www.adventurebase100.org/" target="_blank">http://www.adventurebase100.org</a><br />
<a title="Link to http://www.scouting.org/100years" href="http://www.scouting.org/100years" target="_blank">http://www.scouting.org/100years</a></p>
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		<title>IRVING, TEXAS HOTELS OFFER ATTRITION-FREE PROGRAM</title>
		<link>http://icvbmarketing.com/blog/?p=244</link>
		<comments>http://icvbmarketing.com/blog/?p=244#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:00:16 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Monty</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://icvbmarketing.com/blog/?p=244</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:  Diana Pfaff 
972-252-7476 
dpfaff@irvingtexas.com
 
IRVING, TEXAS - More than 100 North Texas hotels, including several in Irving, are offering special incentives, such as attrition-free clauses, for group meetings booked and held in Irving and the Dallas/Fort Worth area through June 2010.
 
Designed to address meeting and event planners’ most essential priorities, the DFW Meet [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2 style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Tahoma;">FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Tahoma;">Contact:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>Diana Pfaff </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Tahoma;">972-252-7476 </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Tahoma;"><a href="mailto:dpfaff@irvingtexas.com">dpfaff@irvingtexas.com</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Tahoma;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Tahoma;"></span><span><strong>IRVING, TEXAS </strong>-<strong> </strong>More than 100 North Texas hotels, including several in Irving, are offering special incentives, such as attrition-free clauses, for group meetings booked and held in Irving and the Dallas/Fort Worth area through June 2010.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">Designed to address meeting and event planners’ most essential priorities, the DFW Meet Now Promise<em> </em>co-op program includes the following incentives:<strong></strong></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><strong><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;"> </span></strong></p>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify; tab-stops: list .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">Competitive rates and proposals from Irving area hotels with a guarantee of fully-waived room attrition.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify; tab-stops: list .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">20 percent discount from participating ground transportation providers.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify; tab-stops: list .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">Additional group discounts and comps on American Airlines.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify; tab-stops: list .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">A convenient on-line solution for the meeting planner by visiting where they can register their RFP on line.  Client preferences will be matched to venues, hotels and meeting requirements. For a link to search participating hotels and submit an RFP, visit: <a href="http://www.irvingtexas.com/attritionfree">www.irvingtexas.com/attritionfree</a></span></li>
</ul>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">What is attrition and why do hotels charge attrition? </span></strong></p>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify; tab-stops: list .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo2;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">Attrition clauses are a part of standard hotel contracts used to ensure that organizations fulfill their contracted obligations. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify; tab-stops: list .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">Attrition fees are applied when a conference group cannot fill at least 80%, or an otherwise agreed upon percentage, of the contracted number of rooms. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify; tab-stops: list .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">The organization is responsible for using a minimum number of sleeping rooms per contract and if those minimums are not met, attrition penalties, meeting room and exhibit hall charges will apply.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify; tab-stops: list .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo5;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">Attrition fees are compensation to the hotel for the rooms that might have been sold had they not been removed from the market by contract.</span></li>
</ul>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">About Irving and the Dallas/Fort Worth Area</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000001; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Located immediately adjacent to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and in between Dallas and Fort Worth, Irving, Texas, (www.irvingtexas.com) boasts more than 75 hotels and nearly 12,000 rooms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>Las Colinas, a 12,000-acre master-planned community within the city of Irving, is known worldwide for its quality and uniqueness. The area has a total taxable base of more than $7 billion and is home to 8,000+ companies, 30 Fortune 500 companies, plus the world headquarters of four. In the next three years, the area will see more than $4 billion in hotel, retail, entertainment, office, residential and meeting facility development. </span><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000099; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;"></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;"> </span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">The D/FW area is the fourth-largest metropolitan area in the nation, the #1 visitor destination in the state and a leading convention destination.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>DFW International Airport, a successful collaborative venture between North Texas cities, is now the world’s third-busiest airport, offering nearly 1,750 flights daily and providing non-stop service to 134 domestic and 37 international destinations worldwide.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">For more information, contact the Irving Convention and Visitors Bureau at 972-252-7476 or on-line at <a href="http://www.irvingtexas.com/"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">www.irvingtexas.com</span></a>/attritionfree.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: black; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 150%; text-align: center;" align="center"><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: black; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">&#8211; end &#8211;</span></strong><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;"></span></strong></p>
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		<title>IRVING, TEXAS LAUNCHES CLIENT PERKS PROGRAM</title>
		<link>http://icvbmarketing.com/blog/?p=242</link>
		<comments>http://icvbmarketing.com/blog/?p=242#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:59:14 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Monty</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://icvbmarketing.com/blog/?p=242</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:  Diana Pfaff 
972-252-7476 or 800-247-8464
dpfaff@irvingtexas.com
 
IRVING, Texas (January 2010) – As the travel industry begins to recover, enticing group and business meetings has become increasingly competitive. The Irving Convention and Visitors Bureau has launched its Client Perks program to address the growing need to offer value and benefits beyond the normal bevy of [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2 style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">Contact:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>Diana Pfaff </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">972-252-7476 or 800-247-8464</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">dpfaff@irvingtexas.com</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">IRVING</span></strong><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">, Texas</span></strong><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> (January 2010)</span></strong><span style="line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> – As the travel industry begins to recover, enticing group and business meetings has become increasingly competitive. The Irving Convention and Visitors Bureau has launched its Client Perks program to address the growing need to offer value and benefits beyond the normal bevy of services CVBs typically provide. </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Client Perks program includes some of the Irving CVB’s most popular incentives and discount programs including the DFW Meet Now Promise attrition-free program, the Irving CVB Business Incentive Program, transportation discounts and group discounts to various professional sports including NBA, NHL and MLB tickets. The Client Perks program can be found at </span><a href="http://www.irvingtexas.com/clientperks"><span style="font-size: x-small; color: #800080;">www.irvingtexas.com/clientperks</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">. </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 150%;"><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Attrition-Free Program and Travel Discounts</span></span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Through the Irving CVB and the <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">DFW Meet Now Promise<strong> </strong></span>program, any new group meeting booked and consumed at one of the more than 150 participating hotels between now and June 30, 2010, is eligible for an attrition-free room contract, special discounts on air transportation, and discounts on ground transportation.  </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 150%;"><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Irving Convention and Visitors Bureau Business Incentive Program</span></span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Groups that book an Irving hotel through the Irving CVB during 2010, for select future event dates, qualify to receive a rebate to apply towards their master account. Use these special incentives to upgrade your food and beverage options, cover transportation costs or simply offset costs. </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;" align="center"><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: black; font-family: Tahoma;">&#8211; more&#8211;</span></strong></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;"><br style="page-break-before: always; mso-special-character: line-break;" /></span></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 150%;"><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Discounted Tickets and Group Rates to Professional Sporting Events</span></span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Irving Convention and Visitors Bureau has partnered up with the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks, the NHL’s Dallas Stars and MLB’s Texas Rangers to offer special group rates and discounts to games in the Dallas area. Some of these special rates can be combined with customized packages to enhance the group outing. <strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"></strong></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: underline; text-underline: black;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000001; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">About Irving, Texas</span></span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000001; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Located immediately adjacent to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and in between Dallas and Fort Worth, Irving, Texas, (www.irvingtexas.com) boasts more than 75 hotels and nearly 12,000 rooms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>Las Colinas, a 12,000-acre master-planned community within the city of Irving, is known worldwide for its quality and uniqueness. The area has a total taxable base of more than $5 billion and is home to 8,000+ companies, 30 Fortune 500 companies, plus the world headquarters of four. In the next three years, the area will see more than $4 billion in hotel, retail, entertainment, office, residential and meeting facility development.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>For more information visit: </span><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: blue; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">www.irvingtexas.com</span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: blue; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000099; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;"> <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">   </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000001; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">For more information, contact Diana Pfaff at 800-247-8464, 214-236-8885 or via e-mail to </span><a href="mailto:dpfaff@irvingtexas.com"><span style="font-size: x-small;">dpfaff@irvingtexas.com</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 150%; text-align: center;" align="center"><strong><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma;">&#8211; end &#8211;</span></strong></p>
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		<title>INCENTIVES FOR IRVING, FORT WORTH AND DALLAS MEETING SPACE</title>
		<link>http://icvbmarketing.com/blog/?p=240</link>
		<comments>http://icvbmarketing.com/blog/?p=240#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:58:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Monty</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://icvbmarketing.com/blog/?p=240</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE        
Contact:  Diana Pfaff 
800-247-8464, 972-252-7476 
dpfaff@irvingtexas.com
 
 IRVING, TEXAS –  Recognizing the growing financial burden corporate planners are currently facing in planning and executing group meetings, Irving, Fort Worth and Dallas meeting space vendors, along with the surrounding area hospitality community in Dallas/Fort Worth, have launched several offers and incentives specifically geared for group [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2 style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Tahoma;">FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;">        </span></span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Tahoma;">Contact:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>Diana Pfaff </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Tahoma;">800-247-8464, 972-252-7476 </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Tahoma;"><a href="mailto:dpfaff@irvingtexas.com">dpfaff@irvingtexas.com</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Tahoma;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Tahoma;"> </span><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Tahoma;">IRVING, TEXAS </span></strong><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Tahoma;">–<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>Recognizing the growing financial burden corporate planners are currently facing in planning and executing group meetings, Irving, Fort Worth and Dallas meeting space vendors, along with the surrounding area hospitality community in Dallas/Fort Worth, have launched several offers and incentives specifically geared for group business at an Irving, Fort Worth and Dallas convention hotel.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Tahoma;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Tahoma;">$5.00 Rebates Per Consumed Room Night</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Tahoma;">The Irving Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) is offering rebates to groups that book in Irving through the Irving CVB between now and  December 31, 2009, for <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">any</span> future event dates.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>These qualifying groups will receive rebate of <strong>$5.00 per consumed room night </strong>towards their master account. Event and meeting planners are able to use these funds in whatever way is most appropriate for their organization, such as electing to offset costs or upgrade options with food and beverage, or pay for transportation or other conference costs. For more information, on this offer or other Irving, Fort Worth or Dallas meeting space incentives, please contact the Irving Convention and Visitors Bureau at <a href="http://www.irvingtexas.com/shared/contact">www.irvingtexas.com/shared/contact</a>.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Tahoma;"><br />
<strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Attrition-Free Program and Travel Discounts</strong></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Tahoma;">Through the Irving CVB and the <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">DFW Meet Now Promise<strong> </strong></span>program, any new group meeting booked in an Irving, Fort Worth, Arlington or Dallas meeting space, at one of the more than 150 participating hotels between now and June 30, 2010, is eligible for an attrition-free room contract, special discounts on air transportation, and discounts on ground transportation.  Visit <a href="http://www.irvingtexas.com/attritionfree">www.irvingtexas.com/attritionfree</a> for more details about this Irving, Fort Worth, Arlington and Dallas meeting space program.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Tahoma;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Tahoma;">Group Promotions at Irving, Fort Worth, and Dallas Meeting Space Hotels</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Tahoma;">Several Irving hotels are offering special promotions for group meetings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>The recently-open NYLO Dallas – Las Colinas is offering discounts for groups that includes 20% off A/V rentals; 50% off meeting room rental; and a 10% discount on food and beverage. NYLO is also offering incentives for guest rooms that vary from spa certificates to a NYLO NYTE bed depending on the amount of guest rooms booked. To find out more about this promotion, and other Irving, Fort Worth and Dallas convention hotel offers, visit <a href="http://www.irvingtexas.com/meetings/hotdeals">www.irvingtexas.com/meetings/hotdeals</a> and select the “for meeting professionals” section.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Tahoma;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Tahoma;">Any of these offers can also be combined for maximum benefit and savings.  The Irving CVB provides turn-key services for any meeting or group including gathering bids, assisting with site selection, developing guest itineraries, providing marketing and media assistance and more - all at no cost.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Tahoma;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: underline; text-underline: black;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">About Irving, Texas</span></span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Located immediately adjacent to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and in between Dallas and Fort Worth, Irving, Texas, (www.irvingtexas.com) boasts more than 75 hotels and nearly 12,000 rooms. Irving, Fort Worth and Dallas meeting space hotels offer convention attendees convenience and affordability.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>Las Colinas, a 12,000-acre master-planned community within the city of Irving, is known worldwide for its quality and uniqueness. The area has a total taxable base of more than $7 billion and is home to 8,000+ companies, 30 Fortune 500 companies, plus the world headquarters of four. In the next three years, the area will see more than $4 billion in hotel, retail, entertainment, office, residential and meeting facility development.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>For more information about Irving, Fort Worth and Dallas meeting space visit: </span><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Tahoma;">www.irvingtexas.com</span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Tahoma;">. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">   </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Tahoma;"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: 150%; text-align: center;" align="center"><strong><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 150%; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">&#8211; end &#8211;</span></strong></p>
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		<title>THE BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA, NORWELA COUNCIL RECEIVES SUPPORT FROM IRVING, TEXAS AND GONDOLA ADVENTURES</title>
		<link>http://icvbmarketing.com/blog/?p=238</link>
		<comments>http://icvbmarketing.com/blog/?p=238#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 21 Oct 2009 20:11:15 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Monty</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Events]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://icvbmarketing.com/blog/?p=238</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Gondoliers Row on Cross Lake to Raise Awareness of Scout-O-Rama

Irving, Texas (Oct. 20, 2009) – The Irving Convention and Visitors Bureau and Gondola Adventures have teamed up to support the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), Norwela Council (NC) with a gondola row on Cross Lake on Friday, Oct. 23.  The gondola row is designed to [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: maroon; font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;"><strong><em>Gondoliers Row on Cross Lake to Raise Awareness of Scout-O-Rama</em></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: maroon; font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;"></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial;">Irving, Texas (Oct. 20, 2009) – The Irving Convention and Visitors Bureau and Gondola Adventures have teamed up to support the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), Norwela Council (NC) with a gondola row on Cross Lake on Friday, Oct. 23.  The gondola row is designed to raise awareness of the Council’s Scout-O-Rama on Saturday, Oct. 24 at Louisiana Boardwalk.  Irving chose to support the event because the BSA and National Scouting Museum are based in Irving, and Gondola Adventures operates gondolas along the Mandalay Canal in Irving’s Las Colinas.<br />
 </span></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #000000;">Irving</span></span><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial;"> gondoliers Greg Mohr, an Eagle Scout, and Matthew Schenk will start the gondola row at the Cross Lake Patrol pier in Shreveport, 2900 Municipal Pier Rd., at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 23, in a Venetian-designed gondola named “Rosa.”  The 32-foot-long gondola weighs approximately 1,500 pounds.  Rosa will travel around the lake at an average speed of 2-3 mph, depending on lake conditions.<br />
 </span></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial;">The Scout-O-Rama is NC’s official kick-off for the Boy Scouts of America’s 100<sup>th</sup> Anniversary celebration and showcases all the adventure Scouting has to offer.  Approximately 300 participating Scouts will display various interactive exhibits, such as back packing, archery, campsite setup, and a variety of races and games.  The free Scouting event will be held Saturday, Oct. 24 at Louisiana Boardwalk from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and the gondola will be on display for all to explore.</span></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial;"><br />
<span style="color: #000000;">Incorporated in 1925, the NC serves 130 Scout units covering the nine northwest parishes of Louisiana. With a goal of 3500 registered Scout members by the end of 2009, this accounts for about seven percent of the total youth available in the Council’s area.  The many Scouting programs keep members active by providing educational programs to build character, to train in the responsibilities of participating citizenship and to develop personal fitness.  </span><a title="http://www.norwela.org/" href="http://www.norwela.org/">www.norwela.org</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> </span></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #000000;">Located between Dallas and Fort Worth, Irving serves as the national headquarters for the Boy Scouts of America and the adjacent National Scouting Museum.  The museum is a tribute to the rich history of Scouting, with hands-on learning experiences and a historical collection that traces the Scouting movement from its beginnings.  </span><a title="http://www.irvingtexas.com/" href="http://www.irvingtexas.com/"><span style="color: #800080;">www.irvingtexas.com</span></a><span style="color: #000000;"><br />
 </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #000000;">Contact: Jean Swindell, Tucker &amp; Associates, </span><a title="mailto:jean@tuckerpr.com" href="mailto:jean@tuckerpr.com">jean@tuckerpr.com</a><span style="color: #000000;"> or 214-538-6976 cell</span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p></span></p>
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		<title>Upcoming ARISS contact with JOTA, Boy Scouts of America HQ,</title>
		<link>http://icvbmarketing.com/blog/?p=234</link>
		<comments>http://icvbmarketing.com/blog/?p=234#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:57:54 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Monty</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Events]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://icvbmarketing.com/blog/?p=234</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
An International Space Station school contact has been planned with participants at JOTA, Boy Scouts of America HQ, Irving, Texas on 17 October.
The event is scheduled to begin at approximately 21:56 UTC.
The duration of the contact is approximately 9 minutes and 30 seconds. The contact will be a telebridge between NA1SS and WH6PN. The contact [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-size: small; color: #000000; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://icvbmarketing.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/exterior-of-the-museum.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-236" title="exterior-of-the-museum" src="http://icvbmarketing.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/exterior-of-the-museum-300x195.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="195" /></a></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small; color: #000000; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana;">An International Space Station school contact has been planned with participants at JOTA, Boy Scouts of America HQ, Irving, Texas on 17 October.<br />
The event is scheduled to begin at approximately 21:56 UTC.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small; color: #000000; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana;">The duration of the contact is approximately 9 minutes and 30 seconds. The contact will be a telebridge between <strong><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">NA1SS</span></span></strong></strong> and <strong><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">WH6PN</span></span></strong></strong>. The contact should be audible over Hawaii. Interested parties are invited to listen in on the 145.80 MHz downlink. The contact is expected to be conducted in English.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small; color: #000000; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana;">The <strong><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">JOTA</span></span></strong></strong> (Jamboree On The Air) is an annual event during which Scouts throughout the world meet each other through amateur radio contacts. <strong><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">JOTI</span></span></strong></strong> (Jamboree On The Internet) is another event where Scouts make contacts using the Computers and Internet. JOTA/JOTI contributes to better understanding and mutual respect between youngsters in different countries. This annual event is sponsored by the World Scout Bureau. Thousands of amateur radio stations around the world participate.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small; color: #000000; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana;">This event is sponsored by the Boy Scouts of America and the National Scouting Museum. For almost 100 years, Scouting programs have instilled in youth the values found in the Scout Oath and Scout Law. The Boy Scouts of America helps the youth develop academic skills, self-confidence, ethics, leadership skills, and citizenship skills that influence their adult lives.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small; color: #000000; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana;">The National Scouting Museum preserves, collects, organizes, and displays Scouting&#8217;s treasures-documenting the movement&#8217;s unique influence on American culture and the lives of more than 110 million people.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small; color: #000000; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana;">Students will ask as many of the following questions as time allows:</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small; color: #000000; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana;">1. What tools do the astronauts use in space?<br />
2. What is your favorite planet and why?<br />
3. Are there craters on every planet?<br />
4. How does it feel to be weightless?<br />
5. How &#8220;hot&#8221; is it working with all those planets? Have you ever found evidence of &#8220;cool&#8221; stuff? Have you ever found evidence of life on other planets?</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small; color: #000000; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana;">6. How do you get to be an astronaut?<br />
7. Do space suits work like diving suits? Is it hard to move in them?<br />
8. What kind of isolation do you have to go through before becoming an astronaut?<br />
9. What does it feel like to be in zero gravity?<br />
10. Do you have control over the gravity on the space station? If so, how does it work?</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small; color: #000000; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana;">11. Is it more fun to leave earth going into space, or coming back down to earth, and what&#8217;s it like coming back into earth&#8217;s atmosphere from space?<br />
12. Do the Space Shuttle engines have enough fuel to go to the moon?<br />
13. How much it will cost to go into space?<br />
14. What do you do for fun at the space station?<br />
15. How do you shower and exercise without gravity?</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small; color: #000000; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana;">16. What kind of experiments are you doing to learn about the effects of weightlessness on astronauts and/or animals; and, how are the experiments different than those you do on Earth?<br />
17. What is the type of fuel used in the rocket that took you to the Space Station, and do you recycle water and human-waste materials at the Space Station?<br />
18. How fast does the Space Station go?<br />
19. What skills did the Arctic Survival Training you received teach you that have been useful on the space station? Were you a Boy Scout, and if you were, how have skills you learned there helped you in space?<br />
20. How cool is the Space Station?</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small; color: #000000; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana;">21. How many craters are on the moon?<br />
22. How does it feel to see Earth from space?<br />
23. How long will you be in space?</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small; color: #000000; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana;">Information about the upcoming ARISS contacts can be found at <a title="http://www.ariss.org/upcoming.htm#NextContact" href="http://www.ariss.org/upcoming.htm#NextContact" target="_blank">http://www.ariss.org/upcoming.htm#NextContact</a>.</span></span></p>
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		<title>Texas-Based Luxury Hotel Brand Celebrates the Great Fare of Texas with Bison Chili, Braised Short Ribs, Texas Farmstead Cheeses and More</title>
		<link>http://icvbmarketing.com/blog/?p=231</link>
		<comments>http://icvbmarketing.com/blog/?p=231#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 14 Oct 2009 13:57:51 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Monty</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Events]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://icvbmarketing.com/blog/?p=231</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[IRVING, Texas, Oct. 14 /PRNewswire/ &#8212; 
This fall, Omni Hotels across Texas are giving guests and locals alike the opportunity to experience the genuine local fare of the Lone Star State reinvented by Omni Hotels&#8217; chefs.  From October 15th through December 30th, the Texas-based brand will offer menus featuring
the &#8220;Flavors of Texas,&#8221; ranging from the [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><a href="http://icvbmarketing.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/mandalay1.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-232" title="mandalay1" src="http://icvbmarketing.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/mandalay1-300x186.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="186" /></a>IRVING, Texas, Oct. 14 /PRNewswire/ &#8212; </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">This fall, Omni Hotels across Texas are giving guests and locals alike the opportunity to experience the genuine local fare of the Lone Star State reinvented by Omni Hotels&#8217; chefs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>From October 15th through December 30th, the Texas-based brand will offer menus featuring</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">the &#8220;Flavors of Texas,&#8221; ranging from the authentic yet upscale Bison Chili with Grilled Jalapeno Cheddar Bread, Dr Pepper Braised Short Ribs served with Burnt Corn Pudding and Free Range Chicken in a Whiskey BBQ Sauce to Gulf Coast favorites including Texas Surf &amp; Turf with Chili-Rubbed Shrimp and Bacon-Wrapped Tenderloin. The specialty menu features food products grown and/or made in Texas, by Texans and includes brands such as: specialty cheeses from the Mozzarella Company in Dallas, Pure Luck Goat Farm &amp; Dairy in Dripping Springs and the Veldhuizen Family Farm in Dublin; grass-fed meats from Thunder Heart Bison in Carrizo Springs and L &amp; M Ranch near Floresville; and Buddy&#8217;s Natural Chicken in Gonzales County.</span></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small; font-family: Times New Roman;">&#8220;The scope and rich diversity of the Texas terrain creates an abundance of exceptional local products and purveyors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>The depth of Texas&#8217;s culinary scene and the inventive spirit of Texas chefs mixed with these local ingredients culminate in a wonderfully flavorful and distinctive menu,&#8221; said Stephen Rosenstock, senior vice president of food and beverage for Omni Hotels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>&#8220;We are thrilled to be bringing our take on these flavors during the fall harvest season with amazing steaks, spicy chili, delicious cheeses and decadent desserts.&#8221; </span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Starters on the &#8220;Flavors of Texas&#8221; menu include Southern Fried Quail, Pot Roast Empanadas and Blue Crab &amp; Shrimp Enchiladas as well as Bison Chili, Tortilla Soup and Texas Farmstead Cheese Plates.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>Additional entrees include Texas Redfish and Cowboy Ribeye.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>Omni is also enticing guests with a delectable dessert menu of Chocolate Pecan Pie with Fresh Cream and Caramelized Strawberries and a Brown Sugar &amp; Apple Tart served with Whipped Goat Cheese.</span></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Regional Texas wines, beers and spirits, such as Llano Estacado Shiraz, Shiner Holiday Cheer Beer and Dripping Springs Vodka, will also be available to pair with these savory dishes, in addition to signature specialty cocktails also available in all bars and lounges, including:</span></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">&#8211;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>Austin Cosmopolitan - made with Dripping Springs Vodka and Paula&#8217;s</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Texas Orange Liqueur</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">&#8211;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>The Burnt Orange - concocted with Railean Reserve Rum and Paula&#8217;s</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Texas Orange Liqueur</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">&#8211;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>Texas Raspberry Mojito - featuring Treaty Oaks Platinum Rum</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">&#8211;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>Texas Sunset - mixed with Dripping Springs Vodka</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">&#8211;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>Tito Rita - prepared with Tito&#8217;s Handmade Vodka and Paula&#8217;s Texas</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Orange Liqueur</span></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Guests can also experience a unique Lone Star getaway with an exclusive</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">&#8220;Flavors of Texas&#8221; culinary immersion weekend, available on Saturday, November 14th, at select locations across the state.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>The package includes luxury accommodations, a bottle of Llano Estacado wine and Farmstead Cheese Plate welcome gift, a private afternoon cooking class with the executive chef from the &#8220;Flavors of Texas&#8221; menu, recipes, breakfast on Sunday and more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>Prices are based on double occupancy and range from $185 to $245 for the Saturday night stay. Rates do not include taxes, and the package is subject to availability.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>Details, terms and conditions are available at omnihotels.com or by calling 1-800-THE-OMNI.</span></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">About Omni Hotels</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Omni Hotels creates genuine, authentic guest experiences at 45 distinct luxury hotels and resorts in leading business gateways and leisure destinations across North America.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>From exceptional golf and spa retreats to dynamic business settings, each Omni showcases the local flavor of the destination while featuring four-diamond services, signature restaurants, Wi-Fi connectivity and unique wellness options.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>Known for its award-winning, personalized service, Omni leaves a lasting impression with every customer interaction, with a heightened level of recognition and rewards delivered through its Select Guest loyalty program and the company&#8217;s &#8220;Power of One&#8221; associate empowerment program.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>To get additional information or book accommodations, visit omnihotels.com or call 1-800-THE-OMNI.</span></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">SOURCE Omni Hotels</span></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Caryn Kboudi of Omni Hotels, +1-972-871-5625, ckboudi@omnihotels.com; or</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Stefanie Samarripa of Weber Shandwick, +1-469-375-0217,</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">ssamarripa@webershandwick.com, for Omni Hotels</span></span></p>
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