(EMAILWIRE.COM, May 20, 2008 ) Washington, D.C. – Citing her ability to develop a critical program in record time, The Association of Corporate Travel Executives has conferred its "Corporate Social Responsibility" Award on Cynthia Shumate, director of travel services for The Estee Lauder Companies, Inc. The presentation was made before 1,200 travel management executives attending the association's Global Education Conference, in Washington, D.C., 18-20 May, 2008. The award is presented to ACTE members for achievement in CSR awareness and in implementing an effective environmental program.

"Corporate Social Responsibility has become a priority in the business travel industry," said ACTE President Richard Crum. "Since ACTE introduced it as an industry-wide initiative in 2005, CSR has been the most widely-embraced concept ever presented to the business travel management profession. Yet it is not enough to embrace it. Cindy Shumate has taken the extra steps to see CSR integrated within her travel program as part of a pragmatic business decision, as well as a community obligation."

Shumate has been focusing on conservation concerns and environmental issues since 2006, becoming an authority on recognizing green opportunities throughout the business travel cycle. She developed a survey used in her Hotel RFP process that measures the amount of "green initiatives" utilized by Estee Lauder hotel vendors. Shumate is also committed to monitoring her company's carbon footprint, and to reducing it whenever possible.

ACTE has led the industry in promoting green conferences and meetings. "It is fitting to present this award to Cynthia Shumate, at one of our largest Global Conferences, an event marking our 20th Anniversary, and yet one that will have one of the smallest carbon footprints, the least amount of paper waste, and one of the strongest carbon reduction programs we've ever worked toward," said Crum.

British Airways is once again working with ACTE to measure and offset the conference's carbon footprint. Flashdrives dramatically reduced paper handouts, while boosting the detail and effectiveness of presentation material. The two "green" educational sessions filled up long before the conference convened, and a more aggressive environmental program was promised by Richard Crum in his opening remarks.

ABOUT ACTE:
The Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) represents the global business travel industry through its international advocacy efforts, executive level educational programs, and independent industry research. ACTE's membership consists of senior travel industry executives from 82 countries representing the €200 billion business travel industry. With the support of sponsors from every major segment of the business travel industry, ACTE develops and delivers educational programs in key business centers throughout the world. ACTE has offices in Africa, Asia-Pacific, Canada, Europe, Latin America, Middle East and the United States. For more information on ACTE, please go to www.acte.org.


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For more information, contact:
Jack Riepe
ACTE National Communications Director
t: 610-719-8396
c: 610-256-0124
e: riepeacte@aol.com

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Contact Information:
ACTE Inc
Jack Riepe
Tel: 610-719-8396
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