The uncertainty and turmoil of Tuesday's vicious crimes have left America and its travelers hesitant to continue plans "as normal." As the weekly events continue to unfold--with most people glued to their televisions and radios--businesses have been forced to make the decision on whether or not travel should continue. With flights needed for travelers currently in limbo, plane seats nationwide are being given up to those desperately seeking to return to their loved ones and those trying to reach the scenes of the attack to find family and friends still missing.
The first major cancellation in the water treatment industry was announced today by the Water Quality Association. "It is with a great deal of regret that I announce the decision to cancel our Mid-Year Meeting in Sedona Arizona?the first time in our association's history it has ever been done. I do not make this decision lightly, and many factors are involved," reported Pete Censky, executive director of the WQA.
The Annual Mid-Year Leadership Conference was to begin next week, Sept. 19?22 at the Hilton Sedona Resort in Sedona, Ariz.
After being grounded for approximately three days, airports are working to deal with the stranded air travel passengers that are waiting in abundant numbers?all eager to make their way back home. Airport security has created a whole different way of traveling. Flight times are delayed, flights remain canceled, high security makes for longer check-in times and anyone living near large city airports knew days ago that travel was not going to be an option for sometime.
Aside from the grief and fear stemming from the attack and inconvenience of trying to catch a flight, the threat of additional attacks still remains real.
"We must realize that it is quite possible that there are still terrorists in our country," said Censky. "I sat in the offices of the Department of Commerce on Tuesday watching flames leap from the Pentagon in one direction and looking at the nearby, vulnerable White House in another. I saw the pandemonium in the streets and I watched as troops began moving on the capitol's avenues and rooftops. We must not take chances.
"Our country has been changed irrevocably; we will not be going back to 'things as normal.' Certainly travel will be much different than we have come to expect."
The meetings now will be conducted by phone and e-mails. The WQA plans on canceling its hotel rooms, but suggests calling the hotel if you plan on continuing your travel plans.
The phone number of the Hilton Sedona Resort is 520-284-4040. If you have any questions please contact WQA at 630-505-0160.
The press release from the WQA follows.
Friday, September 14, 2001
Dear Colleagues;
It is with a great deal of regret that I announce the decision to cancel our Mid-Year Meeting in Sedona Arizona-the first time in our association's history that has ever been done. I do not make this decision lightly, and many factors are involved.
First, airlines have asked that all nonessential travel be curtailed so that tickets can be released to government personnel, injured persons, and relatives of those lost in this tragedy. (In addition to releasing your tickets for this meeting please consider canceling any air travel you have planned for the immediate future and notifying the airlines as quickly as possible.)
Second, as you are all aware, travel from New York and the East Coast is even more difficult than elsewhere. Compounding that situation is the fact that a major storm is now upon Florida and will be moving up through Atlanta, Washington D.C., and New York. Most of our colleagues in those regions would be unable to attend.
Third, we must realize that it is quite possible that there are still terrorists in our country. I sat in the offices of the Department of Commerce on Tuesday watching flames leap from the Pentagon in one direction and looking at the nearby, vulnerable White House in another. I saw the pandemonium in the streets and I watched as troops began moving on the capitol's avenues and rooftops. We must not take chances.
Our country has been changed irrevocably; we will not be going back to "things as normal." Certainly travel will be much different than we have come to expect.
The events of the past few days will not weaken us and may well strengthen us both as individuals and as an organization. We will conduct the essential business of WQA using teleconferencing, e-mail and other means. Thank you for your understanding and support.
Sincerely, Peter Censky, Executive Director
PS: We will be canceling the hotel accommodations. If you do intend to continue on to Sedona you must reconfirm your room with the hotel. The phone number of the Hilton Sedona Resort is: 520 284 4040. If you have any questions please contact us at 630 505 0160.
Source: By Wendi Hope King
