Get Your Head out of the Sand

When the first ever Palm Beach County Tourism Summit was being designed, organizers expected Dale Brill, Duane Knapp and me to be the speakers that challenged and provoked the audience.

While I'm sure we three did our fair share, it was Berthia Parle (former Chair of the Caribbean Hotel Association) that tossed the real gauntlet before the 300 that gathered last week.

"Make no mistake," she said (in that delightful St. Lucian lilt), "we're a sleeping giant that has awakened, and we're coming after your business."

And, as she closed her presentation, she exhorted the audience to "take your heads out of the sand. Get up, wake up and make it happen."

Berthia, you rock...and it was such a pleasure to meet and work with you last week. And I can't wait to visit you at the Bay Gardens Beach Resort.