Anchorage Wins Bid For Association Of Hawaiian Civic Clubs Convention
Anchorage, Alaska – Nov. 18, 2005 – Despite stiff competition, Anchorage has won the bid to host the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs’ annual conference October 1 – 7, 2007. The conference is expected to have 700 people attending, generating an estimated economic impact of $578,700 for the city of Anchorage. This will be the largest group of Hawaiians ever to meet together north of San Diego, California. Anchorage’s major competition for this bid was Washington, D.C.
The association’s goals are to foster, encourage and develop public appreciation of Native Hawaiian culture and to instill pride in those passing on the heritage and traditions.
“This is a unique addition to our list of convention guests coming to Anchorage, and the ACVB sales team won against formidable competition from other lower 48 cities,” says Bruce Bustamante, President and CEO of the ACVB.
ACVB’s convention & meeting sales and service team was initially asked to provide three presentations during a 4-day period. After the first presentation, the association decided to vote immediately.
“The Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs has a solid community service ethic wherever it goes,” says Janine Amon, ACVB convention sales manager. “The members are very interested in connecting with local Alaska Native groups to work on common issues.”
One common issue is achieving self governance and self determination. Currently, Congress is considering Senate Bill 147, also known as the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act of 2005.
“We want to have the same kind of recognition by our government as American Indians and Alaskan Natives,” says John Jensen, president for the mainland council of the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs. “Right now, Natives Hawaiians are not recognized as being indigenous to the land.”
Among other things, the act would clarify the political ties between Native Hawaiians and the federal government. The measure is sponsored by Senators Daniel Akaka and Daniel Inouye. If passed, the law would allow Native Hawaiians to have a federally recognized government-to-government relationship with the United States.
The Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau’s mission is to attract and serve visitors to the Municipality of Anchorage. ACVB’s marketing functions are funded by half of the bed tax collected by the lodging association. The other half goes to the Municipality’s general fund. ACVB receives no state or federal funds. For more information, explore www.Anchorage.net.
Laura Tanis
Public Relations Manager
Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau
ltanis@anchorage.net
(907) 257-2331 direct
(907) 250-5285 cell
(907) 222-3752 fax
Nance Larsen, APR
Vice President, Communications & Marketing Programs
Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau
nlarsen@anchorage.net
(907) 276-4118 direct
