Dear Colleagues and Friends of Les Clefs d’Or,
What a pleasure and honor to address you for the second time on our wonderful web site as your new president.
My first words of immense gratitude will be addressed to General Secretary Michael Romei who maintains all the communication channels open from our Blog to our upcoming Revue which you should be
reading over the Christmas holidays. Secondly, my sincere appreciation goes to my entire Executive Board; from our 3 Vice Presidents, Emmanuel Colin & Simon who work diligently across the
world in their different duties to our Assistant General Shujaat Khan who so actively assists us with special projects such as The Andy Pongco Award, The Book of Members, etc.
My invaluable Treasurer Jean-Roland who keeps the accounts, and our French President, Lionel who maintains our Paris office all in good order. Our Past President Robert, maintains his
contribution on many levels and will be part of the Andy Pongco committee at this upcoming congress. My seven Zone Director Heroes also need to be mentioned; Maurice, Tamas, Federico,
Gregory, Michael, Simon and Sami. Our Sages: Marjorie, Aldo, Denis, and Roger who are the advisors and keepers of our statutes, follow us always with great passion.
Our last Executive Meeting brought us for the first time in Vissoie, and we were so grateful to have among us two
other Sages: Walter Freytag and Albert Ostertag. After so many years it was an incredible reunion for our Sages to have this moment together and we as an association directly benefit
from this because they are a wealth of knowledge. My sincere appreciation goes to our President d’Honneur Aldo Giacomello and Claudio Caser, President of the Swiss section for making
this meeting a reality. Mayor Simon Epiney, our host and the Swiss authorities with Chancellor Casanova, welcomed us so gracefully. This was a return to our roots in our very
fast paced world. As our communication is getting easier with the latest technology and we feel closer and closer with Blogs, Facebook, Twitter, etc; we should never forget our past.
Vissoie represents our heritage, the spirit that started after the first world war which is still alive today. We are also entering the celebrations of our 60th Anniversary in
2012 as an international organization and what a better way then to launch it from Vissoie, le Village de l’Amitié, what a perfect setting.
The British section is busy finalizing what promises to be another incredble Congress which will mark our
history. President Crowdy, Paul Still, Simon Thomas among others are leading the troops for success and already the numbers have been achieved in registration. The educational
component is bridged to Toronto, and we shall see again our dynamic Gerald Parent facilitate the event with Roberta Nedry from Hospitality Excellence. Our long time partners American
Express, IHT, Chabé Limousines will be among us and will support us one more time. Past President from Japan, Etsuko Higashide is heading a special report on Women Concierges… we are very
proud to announce the Charte of our Values which was presented in Vissoie and so much more to come in London… . Last but certainly not least I thank also our Administrative Assistant Muffin
Spielman who assists us with dictation and minutes at our global meetings.
Let us march together towards London united for another memorable congress. In the meantime may you have a
wonderful Holiday Season with your families in peace & harmony and start a 2012 with good health & love in your hearts.
I remain always yours in Service through Friendship & Excellence
Vive Les Clefs d’Or !!!
Virginia Casale
President Les Clefs d’Or “U.I.C.H.”
Concierge Sofitel Montreal Golden Mile