Letter From the President GES®,
helping those impacted by recent hurricanes
I have said many times, the people of GES are its greatest asset and even more so in times of crisis. All of us at GES are very thankful that our Gulf Coast employees and their family members are safe. However, many of our employees were severely impacted. To provide assistance, we established the GES Employee Recovery Fund.
The fund was initiated with a significant contribution from GES and its senior management, and grew through employee and industry donations that were matched up to $100,000 by our parent-company VIAD. GES as well as Exhibitgroup/Giltspur employees who were displaced by the disaster are receiving long-term assistance including monetary aid and housing assistance.
GES and its employees also provided financial support to the American Red Cross, GES’ designated charitable organization. Our employees donated more than $20,000, which GES matched, resulting in a total donation to the American Red Cross Hurricane Relief fund of more than $40,000.
I have been touched by the outpouring of support by our employees and the industry. Although our New Orleans operations suffered moderate damage, it’s people’s lives that are of true importance during a disaster. I’m extremely proud of the way the GES team has stepped up to serve our clients under very challenging circumstances. GES looks forward to resuming New Orleans-based operations and to servicing New Orleans’ shows in 2006.
As many of you know, on January 1, 2006 I will become COO of GES’ parent-company VIAD and on April 1, 2006 I will become Viad’s President and CEO. I have enjoyed getting to know so many of you during these past five years, and since two of VIAD’s largest holdings are in the tradeshow business, I look forward to seeing you at industry functions in the years to come.
Kevin Rabbitt, currently COO of GES, will become president and CEO on January 1, 2006. Since joining GES in 2002, Kevin has done a terrific job and has shown great leadership. I know that he will make an outstanding President and CEO of GES.
