Twenty five years ago, I "Dared to be Remarkable" and embarked on a journey to create a new company, one to meet the needs of a growing, innovative incentive and meeting industry.

Today a team of thirty creative and enduring individuals, including full time staffing, consultative specialists and independents, continue to "Dare to be Remarkable" with me.

I am most thankful for many friends and colleagues, but there are two remarkable clients and mentors who have passed away that I wish to especially remember:

Jewell Lewis, Chairwoman of the Board of KTVK TV in Phoenix believed in my fledgling company and early on entrusted me with her 150 person Advertiser Incentive program. Jewel and I traveled the globe looking for extraordinary opportunities and through her, I discovered the wonders of our planet - from Istanbul to Casa Blanca, from the Taj Mahal to Bergenstock, Switzerland, from the Orient Express to Berlin before, during and after the Wall came down.

Her father, the late Senator McFarland, a former Democratic Governor and Senator for the state of Arizona, was instrumental in introducing the G. I. Bill of Rights which still represents the best in our American society by unstintingly providing for our military servicemen. Jewell's generous husband, Del Lewis, introduced me to a new world of insightful people.

Dodie Londen, co-founder of Londen Insurance Group in Phoenix, passed away in 2006. Her funeral was attended by many current and past Governors and Senators and her eulogy was given by Reverend Jerry Falwell. As Chairwoman of the Republican Party for Arizona, she was also revered and influential.

It was through her and her extraordinary husband, Jack Londen, that I met President Bush. Dodie was decisive and a true visionary: She hired me after a half-hour meeting on the spot for her 250 person incentive program. That was over fifteen years ago and I am proud that ADI still has the Londen Insurance Group as a valued client. Her son is LIG's President and he has many of his mother's valued attributes.

These powerful women could not be on more opposite ends of the political spectrum, but they were more similar in their desires, beliefs, values and style of business than you would expect. They taught me that our two party system is the backbone of our balanced and just country. To them I offer tribute and thank them for their inspiration, trust and loyalty. I would not be here, 25 years later, without them. I miss them dearly. And to so many more clients and friends who have touched me deeply, inspiring us to new heights, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

My goal in the next 25 years will be to inspire and give back as much as I have received. In this endeavor, I ask you to join me in the great adventure the future presents to us all.

May you "Dare to be Remarkable" along with me and the ADI Team in 2007.

Sincerely,

Ann d'Eon, President
ADI Meetings & Incentives, Inc.