CLEAR: NO REFUNDS FOR MEMBERS The parent of shuttered paid airport security-lane operator Clear says it will not give refunds to its more than 200,000 customers. In a statement Wednesday on its web site, Verified Identity Pass Inc. blamed its financial condition for its inability to hand out refunds. T he company ceased operations at over 20 airports nationwide Monday because it failed to come to terms with a major creditor. New York-based Verified Identity Pass, which was founded in 2005 by entrepreneur Steven Brill, said it "has been unable to negotiate an agreement with its senior creditor to continue operations." Clear members paid up to $199 for an annual membership for access to designated security lanes at about 20 participating airports nationwide. Members provided biometric data, which was encoded on a card, for the promise of a speedier and convenient trip through airport security. In other company news, Verified Identity Pass said applicant and member data is currently secured in accordance with the Transportation Security Administration's Security, Privacy and Compliance Standards. It said it will continue to secure such information and will take appropriate steps to delete the information. To view the complete statement go to: http://www.verifiedidentitypass.com. REARDEN ADDS AMTRAK TO BOOKING PLATFORM Rearden Commerce has enabled the purchase of Amtrak tickets from its corporate booking tool. Travelers see the most updated rail inventory, are guided to travel options within their respective company's corporate policy and can purchase tickets immediately, Rearden said. Users can enter preferred rail stations and search for hotels near their destination. For additional information on Rearden online booking and expense management, please contact your dedicated Ovation Account Manager. OBAMA TO STAR IN MEXICO'S RECOVERY CAMPAIGN U.S. President Barack Obama and other political leaders are among those participating in the first part of Mexico's three-phase campaign to get North Americans traveling back to Mexico. The first part of the campaign, entitled "Believe It," is running during the last half of June in major TV markets in the U.S and in Canada. In the U.S., ads will run in Boston, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, San Diego and San Francisco. The campaign features "strong, impacting" statements from President Obama and other leaders, said the Mexico Tourism Board. Phase two of the campaign is entitled "Welcome Back" and is designed to remind Americans of the "magical moments that bond them to Mexico," according to the board. Phase three will be a co-op campaign entitled "Mexico -- It's Time to Go" and feature deals and packages. The campaign will run through the winter season. "Mexico is letting the world know that we are ready to welcome back travelers and continue to offer the beauty, culture, history, gastronomy, and pristine beaches our country is known for -- and of course, all within great proximity and at a great value," said Oscar Fitch, the Mexico Tourism Board's CEO. THE PRIVILEGED FEW Good afternoon. This is your pre-boarding announcement for Flight 505 to Milwaukee. All first-class and business-class passengers, passengers needing special assistance, and families travelling with small children may now board the aircraft. We also invite any Platinum Club, Apogee Plus, and Sigma Alliance cardholders to board at this time. Thank you for waiting. We now welcome members of Skyline Advantage, Priority Partners, Front Row Preferred, Exclusa, Summit V.I.P., Head of the Line, A-List Connections, Imperial Privilege, InCrOwD, Icarus Prime Choice, Top Rank Silk, and Top Rank Crystal Reserve. You may now board the aircraft. We appreciate your patience. We now welcome members of Focus One, Altius PremierPlan, Silver Platter, Jet Pack Invicta, Above and Beyond, Screaming Eagle, Canadians of Distinction, e-Go Trip, Express Wishes, Superba/FasTTraKK, Freedom Rider Élite, ¡Por Supuesto!, The Circle of Enchantment, Hegira, Hegira Mach Five, Wanderlu$t, Godhead Supreme, Godhead Burnt Offerings, Qomfort Qlub, MeFirst, MeFirst Deluxe Rewards, Out of My Way, and VelourPass. You may now board the aircraft. The rest of you? Beat it.
OVATION PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
Located on Boston's historic Waterfront - surrounded by Boston Harbor and the new Rose Kennedy Greenway - InterContinental Boston is steps away from exciting Boston attractions, including Faneuil Hall/Quincy Market, Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, North End, Chinatown, Beacon Hill and a plethora of historical attractions such as the Boston Tea Party Museum and Freedom Trail. Exceptionally convenient, InterContinental Boston sits at the base of the Financial District and is 10 minutes from Boston Logan International Airport. Relax in 424 ultra contemporary guestrooms and elegant suites with stunning Boston Harbor and downtown skyline views. Their luxurious, next generation accommodations offer distinctive style, sophistication, innovation and convenience. Enhanced by original artwork, plush furnishings, stylish architectural touches and rich fabric, each beautiful room is graciously designed to help one rejuvenate with details that complement a demanding global lifestyle. Ovation Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the InterContinental Boston is $280 through September 6, 2009 (compared to a corporate rate of $296).
OVATION PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
Soaring high above the Loop and North Michigan Avenue, the city's newest landmark is within walking distance to the best of Chicago, from the exclusive shops to the historic sites along the Riverwalk. Custom furnishings, sweeping lake, river and city views, and all the comforts of home define each sophisticated guestroom and indulgent Spa room. Sample a spectrum of flavors at Sixteen, take in the views on the Terrace or enjoy a cocktail in the elegant ambiance of Rebar. Each guest receives their own Trump attaché, providing comprehensive business and personal services. Ovation Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago is $325 (compared to a corporate rate of $395). OVATION PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM The grand lobby with mezzanine at The Standard, Downtown LA has a rich, corporate aesthetic. Inventive design features include a 125 foot fuchsia "Omnibus" sofa by Vladimir Kagan, a billiards table, photo strip booth, Calder inspired mobile and a conceptual art installation by Jenny Holzer, offset against 50's era architectural details such as a 15 time zone clock encased in stainless steel. Nightly DJ's spin while guests are served cocktails and a light menu. Take the bored out of boardroom. The Standard Downtown LA will take care of all business and meeting needs and ensure one chooses the event space that's right for each event. Ovation Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Standard, Downtown LA is $118 (compared to a corporate rate of $121). OVATION PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM Envision a place that captures the imagination and attention of the world. The moment one enters one will feel like the honored guest of a devoted Italian host. Surrounded by oil paintings, crystal chandeliers, and cherished antique furnishings, one might think they have arrived in Florence or Venice. The interiors reflect an Old World approach to guests' every pleasure and comfort. The lobby and multilingual staff set the tone. The lobby showcases rich Venetian and Florentine fabrics, lighting fixtures inspired by Roman cathedral torcheres and woodwork adapted from original Renaissance period designs. Ovation Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Michelangelo is $225 (compared to a corporate rate of $245). OVATION PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM Situated in the stylish West End district of the nation's capital, The Westin Grand, Washington D.C. enjoys an unbeatable location. Whether one is visiting for business or leisure, one is moments away from Embassy Row, the White House, and Georgetown.
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