U.S. TRAVEL’S FIRST-OF-ITS KIND NATIONAL ADVOCACY CAMPAIGN TO ACTIVATE THE INDUSTRY AND GAIN SUPPORT FROM POLICYMAKERS AND CANDIDATES FOR INDUSTRY ISSUES
The new national advocacy campaign unveiled in January by the U.S. Travel Association is called Vote Travel and is intended to capitalize on President Obama’s call for keeping jobs in the U.S. through highlighting travel’s important role as an economic engine that supports 14 million American jobs and contributes $1.8 trillion to the economy. Through enhanced lobbying and aggressive advocacy, U.S. Travel will communicate to policymakers and the American public about travel and tourism’s significant economic impact and potential benefits as a tool for diplomacy and a better life for individuals. To be successful, U.S. Travel needs your support and has launched the Vote Travel website. The site has a brief video introducing the campaign and a place for you to cast your vote to support its efforts. For details and to vote today, visit www.VoteTravel.com.
CSI: MIAMI RANKED #6 IN NIELSEN CABLE TV RATINGS FOR WEEK OF JANUARY 23, 2012 WITH 1.6 MILLION VIEWERS
CSI: MIAMI (CBS) ranked #6 in the Nielsen Top 10 cable TV ratings for the week of January 23, 2012, with 1.6 million viewers.
7th ANNUAL JAZZ IN THE GARDENS RETURNS TO SUN LIFE STADIUM MARCH 17-18, 2012
The 7th Annual Jazz in the Gardens presented by the City of Miami Gardens returns to Sun Life Stadium the weekend of March 17-18, 2012 with a spectacular line-up of artists. The weekend activities include pre-festival events, after parties, and so much more. For details and to purchase tickets visit www.JazzInTheGardens.com
COUNTDOWN TO MIAMI WRESTLEMANIA XXVIII – 34 DAYS!
MIAMI WrestleMania XXVIII is coming to Greater MIAMI April 1, 2012! Don’t miss your chance to witness history when MIAMI’s own hometown hero The Rock battles John Cena on Sunday, April 1st at Sun Life Stadium. Plus – see all of your favorite WWE Superstars, Divas & Legends. Mike Tyson will be one of the inductees at this year’s WWE Hall of Fame! WrestleMania Week will take over our community with events such as WrestleMania Axxess, WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Monday Night RAW. To find out more about all things WrestleMania and to purchase tickets, click here.
MORE WWE NEWS…
WWE fans may have noticed that Superstar John Cena was featured as the Honorary Starter at the 54th Annual Daytona 500 on February 26th. John waved the green flag to kick off the new NASCAR season in Daytona Beach, Florida. In the most anticipated MIAMI WrestleMania clash in history, John Cena will collide with The Rock at MIAMI WrestleMania XXVIII on Sunday, April 1st at Sun Life Stadium in MIAMI. WWE fans are gearing up for an action-packed, star-studded WrestleMania Week inMIAMI!
WORLD GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS – CADILLAC CHAMPIONSHIP IS
MARCH 7-11, 2012 AT DORAL
One of the top sporting events in the world, the World Golf Championships – Cadillac Championship will take place March 7-11, 2012 at the Doral Golf Resort & Spa. This annual tournament features top golfers on the PGA Tour as they tackle the famed Blue Monster course. For details and to purchase tickets, visit www.WorldGolfChampionships.com.
GMCVB CONGRATULATES JAMES BEARD SEMIFINALISTS
GreaterMIAMIis well represented in the 2012 list of restaurant and chef semi-finalists for the prestigious James Beard Foundation Awards announced last week. The semi-finalists include: Jeff McInnis and his Yardbird Southern Table & Bar (Best Chef: South and Best New Restaurant); pastry queen Hedy Goldsmith (Outstanding Pastry Chef, Michael’s Genuine); 1500 at Eden Roc’s Paula DaSilva (Best Chef: South); and Jarrod Verbiak (Rising Star chef at DB Bistro Moderne at the JW Marriott Marquis MIAMI).
MIAMI BEACH NAMED FINALIST FOR MOST ROMANTIC DESTINATION USA/CANADA ON ABOUT.COM
Miami Beach has been named a finalist in About.com‘s Romantic Readers’ Choice Awards 2012 for Most Romantic Destination USA/Canada. Now it is up to voters to determine the winner. The voting period began February 22 and extends until March 21. Winners will be announced on Honeymoons/Romantic Travel from About.com on March 30. One vote a day per email or login is permitted. Please join us in voting for Miami Beach at Most Romantic Destination USA/Canada.
GMCVB’S CONVENTION SALES @ NBA TO PROMOTE MIAMI AS A FUTURE ALL-STAR GAME SITE
One of GMCVB’s Convention Sales representatives will meet with the National Basketball Association’s (NBA) Special Events Team and scout the “lay of the land” inOrlando,Florida during the 2012 NBA All-Star Weekend, February 24-26, 2012. The NBA has expressed interest to host a future All-Star Weekend inMIAMI. It has been 22 years sinceMIAMI was host to the game in 1990. The league expects 50,000 visitors filling about 30,000 total hotel rooms and an economic impact of $100 million. Leading up to the All-Star Game is a weekend full of NBA activities including the All-Star Jam Session, All-Star Tip-Off and All-Star Saturday Night. Media from around the world converge on the host city to cover the game, affiliated events, sports figures and celebrities. WhenMIAMI is invited to bid, the MIAMI HEAT would serve as the official host for the game which would be played at American Airlines Arena. The MIAMI Marlins would serve as host to the NBA Jam Session at Marlins Stadium. All the best to our very own Three Kings: LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh — who will representMIAMI as this year’s Eastern Conference All-Stars.
GMCVB’S MEDIA RELATIONS ASSISTING GERMAN BLOGGER
GMCVB Media Relations is currently assisting Christine Neder, German travel and lifestyle blogger, March 3-6, 2012. Christine will be in MIAMI to do research on the destination and on Winter Party Festival in particular for the following blogs: www.AmyPink.com – a blog portal on life, style, party, music, art, fashion and travel and www.Lilies-diary.com – Christine’s personal blog “on everyday craziness”. Furthermore she regularly writes for Spiegel Online,Germany’s most renowned news portal (180 million visits per month) and will be pitching her story to the editor for that publication. Germany ranked #5 for international overnight visitors to Greater MIAMI in 2010 and generated an economic impact of $721 million.
GMCVB’S CONVENTION SALES RETURNS FROM GEORGIA MEETING PROFESSIONALS INTERNATIONAL (MPI) ANNUAL MEETINGS EXPLORATION CONFERENCE
GMCVB Convention Sales and partner hotels wrapped up visit toAtlanta,Georgiaon February 20-24, 2012. The team attended and exhibited at Meeting Professionals International Georgia Chapter (GaMPI) Meetings Exploration Conference (MEC). MEC is the largest southeast regional educational conference designed specifically for meeting professionals. The two-day event consisted of educational sessions, trade show, reception, and networking. The group had successful presentations to 10 corporate, association and third party companies including: US Motivation, ASME International Gas Turbine Institute, Career Builder, Meetings Expectations, and Elavon. We would like to thank the following Hotel partners for participating: JW Marriott Marquis, Fontainebleau MIAMI Beach,HiltonMIAMIAirport, Turnberry Isle MIAMI, Biltmore, Mayfair Hotel & Spa and The EPIC. Four RFPs were secured during to trip with an additional three expected within next couple of months.
GMCVB’S TOURISM SALES SELLING MIAMI IN COLOMBIA DURING ANATO TRADE SHOW
GMCVB’s Tourism Sales staff, in-market representative and participating members (Biltmore Hotel, MIAMI Seaquarium, Hard Rock Cafe, Red South Beach Hotel, Kuoni Connect and Adventure 55) will conduct sales calls to tour operators in Bogota, Colombia and attend ANATO (Asociación Colombiana de Agencias de Viajes y Turismo) tradeshow on February 27- March 2, 2012. We will also host a VIP reception on Wednesday, February 29th in partnership with Hertz for top clients and media.Colombia ranked #4 for international overnight visitors to Greater MIAMI in 2010 and generated an economic impact of $681 million.
GMCVB’S WASHINGTON, D.C. SALES OFFICE HAPPENINGS…
- GMCVB DC Sales will be hosting a table at the Destination & Travel Foundation Dinner & Dream Auction on February 27, 2012 at the Walter E. Reed Convention Center in Washington, D.C. GMCVB will have the opportunity to promote the destination and network with over 800 attendees at this premier event that will honor the 2012 Spirit of Hospitality honoree American Express for their long-term support of the travel industry. The Spirit of Hospitality is the industry’s highest recognition and is presented annually to individuals and organizations that have shown exceptional dedication and commitment to the travel and tourism industry.
- GMCVB DC Sales will be exhibiting at the Annual Destination Management Association International (DMAI) Destination Showcase Conference & Expo on February 28, 2012 at the Walter E Reed Convention Center in Washington, D.C. Destination Showcase offers the meetings industry’s largest forums bringing corporate, government, association, and independent meeting professionals together with exhibiting destination experts from across North America and beyond. GMCVB sales staff and a representative from theMIAMI BeachConvention Centerwill be selling Greater MIAMI and the Beaches to over 1,000 meeting planners expected to attend. Sales calls will be conducted with clients while in the D.C. area as well.
GMCVB’S MEDIA RELATIONS ASSISTING UNITED KINGDOM’S INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY
GMCVB Media Relations is currently assisting United Kingdom freelancer James Litston, March 1-6, 2012.
Mr. Litston has been commissioned to write a piece on the “South Beach Revival” for one of Britain’s leading weekly newspapers, the Independent on Sunday (circulation: 124,428 weekly). His visit is being sponsored by British Airways Holidays. TheUnited Kingdom ranked #7 for international overnight visitors to Greater MIAMI in 2010 and generated an economic impact of $686 million.
GMCVB’S CONVENTION SALES RETURNS FROM SELLING TO INSURANCE GROUP
GMCVB Convention Sales attended the LIMRA (Life Insurance Marketing and Research Association) Distribution Conference, February 22-24, 2012. Approximately 100 decision makers involved in the negotiation of meetings attended this year’s conference produced by LIMRA. The 2012 Distribution Conference took an in depth look at current and emerging New Faces of Tomorrow as they continue to be reshaped by recent and current events. There were opportunities for the GMCVB to network and showcase Greater MIAMI and the Beaches for meetings resulting in three leads to develop. The GMCVB also partnered with other industry colleagues to host a Hospitality Suite where numerous executives attended: Guardian Life, Metlife, and New York Life — just to name a few.
GMCVB’S TOURISM SALES SELLS MIAMI IN ARGENTINA AND CHILE
GMCVB Tourism Sales staff and in-market representative will promote the destination along with participating members inBuenos Aires andSantiago,Argentina on March 5-9, 2012. We will be visiting and hosting seminars for agencies and tour operators to educate participants about the products and provide them with updates onMIAMI. The itinerary includes VIP dinners for top clients and media in each city. Thank you to our participating members: Hard Rock Café and National Hotel MIAMI Beach.Argentina andChile ranked #3 and #15 for international overnight visitors to Greater MIAMI in 2010 and generated economic impacts of $824 million and $338 million respectively.
GMCVB HOSTS CLIENTS FOR MIAMI DOWNTOWN FAMILIARIZATION TRIP
GMCVB Convention Sales is hosting meeting planners from various regions of theU.S.next week and will be highlighting Downtown MIAMI’s hotels and venues. The annual Corporate and Association client event will be hosted by The JW Marriott Marquis, Epic, Hyatt Regency MIAMI and Viceroy Hotels and we thank them for their sponsorship. Their orientation will consist of three days of showcasing the destination hotels, enjoying time onBiscayne Bayby boat and attending an event at American Airlines Arena. We look forward to booking some meetings business from this familiarization trip.
THE CHEW / SOUTH BEACH WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL PROMOTION
GMCVB teamed up with ABC’s The Chew to promote a trip giveaway to MIAMI and the Beaches for the South Beach Wine & Food Festival. The giveaway was announced by Clinton Kelly on air in front of the studio audience and television audience (approximately 2 million). The MIAMI Giveaway included: Round-trip airfare within the continental United States toMIAMI, 3 nights’ accommodations at The National MIAMI Beach hotel and Festival Guest passes. The Festival Guest passes invited the winners to: The Q hosted by Emeril Lagasse and Guy Fieri, The Q After Dark, Friday Grand Tasting, Burger Bash hosted by Rachael Ray, Best of the Best, Party Impossible hosted by Robert Irvine, Saturday Grand Tasting, Best Thing I Ever Ate, Sunday Grand Tasting, Trucks on the Beach and Fun and Fit as a Family. Thank you to our hotel partner, The National MIAMI Beach.
The Chew is an American talk show/cooking show, with a viewership of approximately 2 million, that airs in the United States on ABC as part of the network’s weekday daytime lineup. It is similar to The View, though centering on food-related and lifestyle topics. The program also airs in Canada on the stations of the Citytv television system. It is hosted by Iron Chef America’s Mario Batali and Michael Symon, Top Chef’s Carla Hall, What Not to Wear’s Clinton Kelly and Dr. Mehmet Oz’s daughter, author and nutritionist Daphne Oz. Evette Rios (formerly one of the host’s “buddies” on Rachael Ray) and former Food Network personality Danny Boome serve as correspondents for taped segments.
GMCVB’S MEDIA RELATIONS HOSTS AMERICAN AIRLINES VENEZUELAN MEDIA FAMILIARIZATION TOUR
GMCVB Media Relations will host a group of top travel writers from Caracas, VenezuelaFebruary 26-28, 2012. While in MIAMI, the media group will experience a variety of activities including the South Beach Wine & Food Festival, a city tour of our distinct neighborhoods, and a glimpse of our arts and culture scene. The familiarization tour is part of an ongoing partnership the GMCVB has with American Airlines. Media participants include: P&M (circulation: 8,000 monthly); Ocean Drive magazine (circulation: 20,000 monthly); El Nacional newspaper (circulation: 150,000 daily); El Universal newspaper (circulation: 150,000 daily); and Ultimas Noticias newspaper (circulation: 205,000 daily). Venezuela ranked #6 for international overnight visitors to Greater MIAMI in 2010 and generated an economic impact of $748 million.
GMCVB’S TOURISM SALES AND PARTNERS ATTEND TRADE SHOW IN TORONTO WITH FLIGHT CENTRE
GMCVB Tourism Sales along with Goldman Properties will participate in the Flight Centre Travel Expo in Toronto, Ontario on February 25-26, 2012. This major Canadian consumer show will have on site booking through the Flight Centre and only attendees of the show will be eligible for the special deals offered by the suppliers at the show site. To enhance the presence of the GMCVB at the show, 10,000 copies of Flight Centre’s quarterly newsletter will be on hand for consumers to look over the destinations that are present at the show. Attendance is expected to be more than 5,000 consumers. Canada ranked #1 for international overnight visitors to Greater MIAMI in 2010 and generated an economic impact of $841 million.
GMCVB’S MEDIA RELATIONS ASSISTING MEDIA TEAM FROM ITALY’S LEADING LGBT TOUR OPERATOR
GMCVB Media Relations is currently assisting Quiiky, Italy’s leading LGBT tour operator, February 28 – March 6, 2012. A group representing Quiiky will visit MIAMI to cover Winter Party Festival events. In exchange for hosting the group, the destination and host hotels will receive media visibility through advertorial and editorial coverage in Quiiky magazine (circulation: 10,000/readership: 30,000), online exposure for one month through www.Quiiky.com (15,000 unique users/month + 20,000 newsletter subscribers), newsletters sent to their members (20,000) and the destination and hotels will be used as backdrop for photo shoots which will be used for the overall communication of Quiiky in 2012 (including the cover and a spread in one of their printed catalogues, online, etc.).Italy ranked #12 for international overnight visitors to Greater MIAMI in 2010 and generated an economic impact of $333 million.
GMCVB’S UNITED KINGDOM SALES OFFICE NEWS…
GMCVB’sLondonsales office will be meeting with Virgin Holidays to discuss itsMIAMIproduct and the Visit Florida campaign of whichMIAMIis a partner. There are several elements to the campaign which will start shortly. TheUnited Kingdomranked #7 for international overnight visitors to Greater MIAMI in 2010 and generated an economic impact of $686 million.
“THE NEW MIA” – MIAMI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT NEWS…
GMCVB and MIAMI International Airport (MIA) Officials Welcome Mexico’s Interjet Airline
GMCVB President & CEO William D. Talbert, III, CDME joined MIAMI International Airport (MIA) officials in welcoming Mexico’s Interjet airline on Thursday, February 23. The flights, which use Airbus A320 aircraft between MIAMI and Mexico City, will provide new service twice daily during the week and once a day on weekends. As part of the welcoming event, the GMCVB provided passengers on the inaugural Interjet flight with MIAMI welcome bags. For more information on Interjet, visit www.Interjet.com.mx.
THE CLEVELAND ORCHESTRA MIAMI RETURNS IN MARCH
March is the month for The Cleveland Orchestra MIAMI, considered one of the most exciting and accomplished ensembles in the world. On March 2 and 3 the Orchestra will perform Verdi and Prokofiev, with Nicola Luisotti conducting and soprano Dawn Upshaw as soloist. The Orchestra finishes the season March 23 and 24 with “Beethoven’s Pastoral,” with Principal Guest Conductor Giancarlo Guerro and Venezuelan-American pianist Gabriela Montero. A new reduced-price, two-concert single ticket package is now on sale. Buy both March concerts as a package and save up to 20% off single ticket prices. You get the best available seats with the option to renew those seats next year. For more information and to purchase tickets call (305) 949-6722 or visit www.ClevelandOrchestraMIAMI.com.
GMCVB AND AVENTURA MARKETING COUNCIL’S TABLE TOP EXPO AT NEWPORT BEACHSIDE HOTEL & RESORT IS MARCH 13, 2012
Promote your business at our fun and fabulous Table Top Expo at Newport Beachside Resort on Tuesday, March 13, 2012 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Aventura Marketing Council and GMCVB members are invited to reserve display tables to promote their products or services. Come enjoy free hors d’oeuvres, live entertainment, incredible networking and loads and loads of door prizes. Free self parking or $6 valet. Newport Beachside Resort is located at:16701 Collins Ave.,SunnyIslesBeach. We look forward to seeing you there! For more information and to reserve your table top, contact the Aventura Marketing Council at (305) 932-5334.
NAT MOORE 2012 FLORIDA GOLF CLASSIC CELEBRITY WEEKEND TO BE HELD MARCH 17-19, 2012
The Nat Moore 2012 Celebrity Weekend has a spectacular line-up of events, including Monday’s Golf Tournament on the Blue Monster at Doral Golf Resort & Spa, 8:00 am and 1:00 pm shot-gun starts. The event benefits the Nat Moore Foundation, which provides educational scholarships to South Florida’s graduating high school students and support to non-profits serving children and youth. For more information, call 305/770-0995, e-mail gillianm@NatMooreFoundation.net, or visit the website at www.NatMooreFoundation.net
BREAKFAST FOR THE ARTS & HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY IS APRIL 5, 2012
The 8th annual Breakfast with the Arts & Hospitality Industry is April 5, 2012 at InterContinental MIAMI from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. The arts have a billion dollar impact in MIAMI-Dade County. Cultural tourism increases visitors and attracts people that spend more time and money in a destination. The Arts & Hospitality Industry breakfast will feature updates on successful cultural tourism projects and the development of successful strategies that link the arts and tourism. Tickets are $25. Register online at www.ArtsBizMIAMI.org or call 305/326-1021.
Excitement is building for the 2012 “Around the World Dinner and Auction”, Taste the Cultures of MIAMI, sponsored by Johnson & Wales University, to be held on March 31, 2012. The dinner and auction will benefit the Academy of Hospitality and Tourism, a program currently in 13 MIAMI-Dade high schools for students interested in pursuing careers in the tourism industry. The “Around the World Dinner and Auction,” Taste the Cultures of MIAMI, will feature gourmet cuisine from around the world at themed food stations set up in the Johnson and Wales kitchens. Attendees will sample a diverse collection of international dishes prepared by university chefs and apprentice chefs along with a sampling of wines from around the world. Tickets for the VIP Veuve Clicquot Rosé Champagne Reception followed by the Signature event are $175 per person while the cocktail reception, dinner and dessert tickets are $125 and can be purchased by calling 305-995-7379. This year’s auction items will be posted for bidding online from February 29 through March 21, 2012 at www.BiddingforGood.com/aoht. The bidding will resume in a live-auction format at the event March 31. Online bidders do not need to attend the event to be a winner. For more information or to purchase a ticket or a table, call Ann Fields at (305) 995-7379 or annfields@dadeschools.net.
18TH ANNUAL INN KEY AWARDS LUNCHEON TO BE HELD APRIL 19, 2012 AT FONTAINEBLEAU MIAMI BEACH
The Greater MIAMI and the Beaches Hotel Association (GMBHA) will hold its 18th Annual Inn Key Awards Luncheon on Thursday, April 19, 2012 at the Fontainebleau MIAMI Beach. This annual event honors the outstanding employees in the hotel industry. The Business Expo is at 11 a.m. followed by lunch at noon. To RSVP or for more information, contact Vanja Majkic at Vanja@gmbha.com or call 305/531-3553.
SAVE THE DATE: 21ST ANNUAL H.O.T. CHALLENGE GOLF TOURNAMENT IS MAY 4, 2012 AT DORAL GOLF RESORT & SPA
The 21st annual H.O.T. Challenge golf tournament will take place May 4, 2012 at Doral Golf Resort & Spa. Proceeds support the Black Hospitality Initiative’s ongoing efforts for exceptional students entering the Tourism Industry in Greater MIAMI. Please visit www.BlackHospitality.com for more information on the Black Hospitality Initiative. For information about the tournament, visit www.HOTChallenge.com.
“BRAND USA” TO WELCOME WORLD VISITORS
The Corporation for Travel Promotion, now doing business as Brand USA Inc., has taken the first critical step in the development of the nation’s first unified marketing effort. Brand USA Inc. will launch their first official advertising and marketing campaign in the spring of 2012 to invite world guests to visit America. As a top international destination and gateway, Greater MIAMI and the Beaches stands to benefit tremendously from the estimated $200 million annual investment and will be looking to develop various co-op marketing programs to leverage this new global initiative. For more information, visit www.TheBrandUSA.com.
MIAMI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AMONG U.S. AIRPORTS PARTICIPATING IN TSA’S “PRE-CHECK” PROGRAM TO EXPEDITE SECURITY PROCESS
MIAMI International Airport (MIA) is among the first group of U.S. airports offering the TSA’s “PreCheck” program. Passengers allow airlines or other government agencies to share their personal information with the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) so they can be pre-screened before arriving at the airport. In return, passengers get a chance — not a guarantee — that they can move through faster lines and avoid removing their shoes, belts or light coats while keeping laptop computers and liquids in their travel bags. For details on the PreCheck program, visit http://www.tsa.gov/what_we_do/faqs.shtm .
GMCVB PARTNERSHIP VIDEO
The GMCVB Partnership Development Division wants to remind you of some of the many benefits the GMCVB offers our partners. Find out about the many great ways that your GMCVB partnership can help strengthen your business and benefit the community at large. Click here to see our video.
GMCVB’S “MIAMI AND BEACHES” APP NOW AVAILABLE FOR ANDROID!
GMCVB’s “MIAMI and Beaches” app is now available for Android phones. Helpful for visitors as well as locals, the application is a mini travel guide to our destination, providing information on hotels, dining, shopping, transportation and more in Greater MIAMI and the Beaches. Highlights include a Guided Walking Tour of the Art Deco District, special money-saving offers, and detailed listings and maps for MIAMI’s beaches, golf courses and shopping malls. For more information, click here.
U.S TRAVEL ASSOCIATION ROLLS OUT ‘READY FOR TAKEOFF’ BLUEPRINT CREATING 1.3 MILLION AMERICAN JOBS THROUGH SMARTER VISA POLICY INCLUDING VISA WAIVER FOR BRAZILIAN VISITORS
In May 2011, the U.S. Travel Association released Ready for Takeoff, a new blueprint outlining visa policy recommendations to help the United States achieve our goal of becoming more competitive in the global travel market. Implementation of the report’s key recommendations will expand U.S. exports, create one million new jobs and drive economic growth. See the press release for more details. This Blueprint among other things includes a recommendation urging Visa Waiver status for Brazilian visitors. Bravo toRoger Dow and the U.S. Travel Association for this bold blueprint. Much work needs to be done and the GMCVB is already actively involved in the grassroots efforts to secure passage of these important job-creating initiatives.
