PAC Partnership

Dear GBTA | Georgia Members and Colleagues,
We Are Better Together! We Did It! We achieved 2023 GBTA PAC Partner Status! Not an easy
feat to become one of the elite Chapters recognized as supporting our business travel industry’s
political goals and policies. We can do it again in 2024, but more on that later.

First, more about the PAC. I had the privilege to participate in GBTA’s Legislative Summit this
past June on Capitol Hill. I learned about the issues that face our travel industry; had the
opportunity to meet our Georgia Senators and Congressmen; and learned how they gain
support on these issues. I also learned a lot about PACs.

Through GBTA’s PAC (Political Action Committee) we, the GBTA Chapters, can pool resources
and help support GBTA’s programs to communicate with and influence our elected federal
leaders regarding our travel industry needs and goals. In other words, we are better together
and GBTA’s PAC is our unified voice.

What the GBTA PAC is not is a free checkbook to wine and dine elected officials. In 2022, GBTA
participated in hundreds of meetings, sent thousands of emails, and helped craft policy
statements. GBTA’s strategy of timely emails from Chapter members, and the annual GBTA
U.S. Legislative Summit were major drivers behind why these travel issues were ultimately
passed.

Last year, the PAC had several major victories for our industry, including:
Removing the COVID-19 testing requirement and proof of vaccines for inbound international
travelers.
Passing a tax credit to incentivize sustainable aviation fuels production.
Funding increased capacity for U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers and enhancing
passenger facilitation.
Our GBTA Political Action Committee is non-partisan, and supports Federal Congressional
candidates and incumbents who have demonstrated a commitment to our travel industry and its
policy priorities.
How does the GBTA PAC work?
Contributions are 100% voluntary.
Contributions must be personal and non-reimbursable by corporate funds.
Contributions are not tax deductible.
Contributions up to $5,000 are accepted per calendar year.
Contributions from foreign nationals who lack permanent resident status, and from federal
government contractors are not accepted per Federal law.

So, that is it about PACs and our travel industry. And, again, Congratulations on our 2023
success! We are starting on 2024 now.

How politics and education affect our industry are real passions of mine. I will be speaking more
on these topics at Education Day and monthly meetings. In the meantime, if you would like more information, please
reach out to me at any time.

Thank you!
Melody Haislip
V.P. GBTA | Georgia 
Legislative Liaison
[email protected]