2014 ABC Committee Report

Gloria in the office completed sending out letters and forms for submission of ballot items and registration forms to all point of contacts available on the meeting lists.  This is the first time she has tackled this job, as Scott has done it in the past.  She did a fine job and was very conscientious about accuracy and contact of all POCs.  I was happy to work with her on this project, and she has saved necessary notes so that next year will go even smoother.  Thanks Gloria!

The West Great Lakes Intergroup 2014 ABC Committee made suggestions for three different locations to hold the 2014 ABC.  Each site had pros and cons, with

the final site being chosen being the one having the fewest cons along with an affordable price. The site that was
chosen is on the campus of Trinity International University, Deerfield, IL, a suburb of Chicago. Here are the specifics: Rodine Hall:
+least cost $139/day of all rooms available.
+windows for outside sunlight
+available for our current mtg. dates, Apr 25-27.
+parking close by.
-longest walk [approx 3-4 blocks] to Waybright Center for food.
-will likely incur set-up charges for re-positioning of tables, chairs, and etc. $22.50/hr.

The committee also looked at several hotels in the area, and two were chosen that serve breakfasts. I am sure there are other hotels in the area if someone would choose to stay elsewhere. The hotels recommended due to their proximity to the meeting location, the reasonableness of the cost per night, and the fact they offer breakfast are:

Hilton
Homewood Suites, near Trinity ( A block of ten rooms has been reserved; cost is $120.99/night, including taxes, and
these are two-room suites.)  Complimentary breakfast.

LaQuinta
Hotel, Deerfield, IL. (Nearest to Trinity; Friday and Saturday nights approximately $68.82, includes taxes; other nights are $86.58 approximately, including taxes. A block of 15 of these rooms have been reserved. A limited number of double rooms are available, but there are many King-sized rooms available. A free 'Bright Side Breakfast' is served that
includes cereal, waffles, muffins, fresh fruit and all-you-can-drink coffee and juices. The hotel also has a snack market.  The ABC will begin on Fridaymorning, and end on Saturday afternoon.  Sunday is being held as a Fun Day, and the committee will have lists of great things to do and see in the area and how to get to them. The committee will be working on the menu soon, probably after the holidays. They have the menu to review from the Trinity University catering
system.
Suggestion of renting a van and base quotes have been given for a minivan or a full-sized van to transport people from the airport to the hotels. More work to be done on that aspect.
There is no expectation at this time of going over a budget of $3,500, since the conference rooms and meals are reasonably priced.
I have a question to pose to the WGLI committee regarding which LaQuinta Hotel is being recommended, as I see there are two relatively close to Trinity according to my map reading. Also, the committee will provide full addresses and phone numbers for the hotels to be posted on the website in the New Year.
Again, a pleasure for me to work with Al on this committee and see the great work he and the WGLI ABC committee is doing.  Lots of work on their part.  Thanks all.

Are there any questions?

Happily submitted by Joan B,
ACA WSO Board representative of the 2014 ABC Committee