If pictures are worth a thousand words, these might be worth a million.  Thanks to Dorothy Trainer, and the entire Courtyard Austin Airport staff, for ensuring Philipp and the Bauer family had a once in a lifetime experience.  ”Our sweet housekeeping staff took it upon themselves to leave special surprises everyday” said Dorothy, “Some of which I still do not know about!”

At the track, Philipp was treated like a “rock star” and provided extra attention from Circuit of the Americas and the Red Bull Race Team.  In closing, Dorothy mentioned “Philipp has plans to return next year as a volunteer.  I told him he is only allowed under the condition that he visits me!”

Book Rooms. Change Lives.

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Not a week goes by without Austin showing up high on a best-cities list.

When our city can be named a best place for barbeque and burgers one week and then be deemed a haven for vegetarians the next, we must be doing something right. Here’s a list of the lists Austin has conquered so far this year.

Forbes ranked Austin No. 1 on its list of the best big cities for jobs.

The Fiscal Times just ranked Austin No. 2 on its list of The 10 Top Cities People Are Moving to in 2012.

A study from U-Haul backs that up.

And even for those who don’t — or can’t — move here, I’d like to point out that Austin is the second-best investment market in the United States, according to Realtor.com.

Census number crunchers peg Austin as the third-fastest-growing city in America. We’re gaining about 150 people a day. Round Rock was No. 2.

Austin is one of the best U.S. cities to find work, according to Adecco Staffing U.S.

Austin is the ninth-best city in the country for business and careers, Forbes found.

Forbes also ranked Austin No. 8 on a list of cities where a paycheck stretches the furthest.

Stretching that money here is good, because Austin is among the 25 best cities for shopping, according to Lucky magazine.

Austinites like to veg out, according to GrubHub Inc., which ranked the 10 most vegetarian-friendly cities in the United States. The Capital City took the No. 6 spot on the list, behind Seattle, San Jose, Calif., San Diego, Houston and Dallas.

But don’t fret, meat-eaters. We also have some of the country’s best barbeque and burgers. Austin ranks No. 13 on Travel + Leisure magazine’s 2012 America’s Best Burger Cities list and U.S. News pegged our barbeque at No. 5 in the country. Travel + Leisure also dubbed two local outdoor bars to be among the best in America.

Given all that, it’s no wonder why Austin was named a top foodie city by Hotels.com andRichard Sandoval, a renowned Mexican cuisine chef.

Austin, with about 6 percent unemployment, was ranked by Rent.com to be the 10th-best city for college grads due to its low cost of living, interesting neighborhoods and burgeoning tech industry.

The No. 2 hotspot in the United States for technology startups is Austin, according to a list compiled by Payscale.com.

Austin retained the South’s small-business crown for the third straight year back in April.

Austin has been named a great place to retire by CBS Moneywatch.

With over half of the city’s men and women single, Austin ranked among the top five U.S. cities to find a date for 2012.

Austin was named the No. 6 most tattoo-friendly city in America by TotalBeauty.com. It based the rankings on the amount of tattoo and permanent makeup shops listed in several public directories such as Yellow Pages and Google Inc.

Austin has been ranked the ninth-fittest large city in the U.S., based on data compiled by MapMyFitness Inc.

Austin is in a six-way tie with Dallas, Fort Worth, Nashville, Tucson and Washington, D.C. for the No. 17 spot on a list that ranks the greenest cities in the United States.

But the EPA ranks Austin No. 8 for green power.

Austin has moved up one spot on a list of the largest cities in the United States, replacing San Francisco at No. 13. The Capital City had 820,611 residents on July 1, 2011, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. That’s up from 790,390 in 2010.

At the start of the year, Austin was dubbed by TheStreet.com to be among 10 cities poised for greatness in 2012. So far, looks like they got it right.

Austin is No. 38 on Sperling’s BestPlaces 2012 list of the most stressful U.S. cities. That’s pretty low for such a blooming city, so keep up the laid-back attitude, Austin.

And allow me to point out Austin’s absence on a list: Orkin’s top 50 cities for bed bugs. Phew.

Of all the universities in the world, Austin’s flagship school, The University of Texas at Austin, was ranked No. 30 by the Center for World University Rankings in Saudia Arabia — though I’ll bet if those folks came to a Longhorn football game we’d get a bump in their poll.

And because we’re the capital of this state, I’ll lay claim to these kudos: Texas is No. 1 for job gains and it’s the best state for business. A third study said CEOs think so, too.

But you can’t win them all. In the interest of balanced journalism, here are the lists that Austin didn’t fare so well on.

The Live Music Capital of the World missed the top 10 on a list that ranks the top musical cities in the United States.

Austin motorists wasted an average of 30 hours stuck in traffic last year, ranking high among other U.S. cities with the worst commutes in the nation.

Apparently to some, Austin has a second-class social scene.

The Brookings Institute said Austin ranks No. 78 out of 100 U.S. cities when it comes toconnecting employers with potential workers by mass transit.

For the sixth year in a row, Austin is ranked among the 10 U.S. cities with the highest percentage of residents who waited until the last two weeks to file their taxes. Although, this is perhaps the only procrastination I’d condone.

And finally, at the top of my list of head-scratchers, Austin was ranked the ninth unhappiest city for jobs, according to a list put out by Forbes.com.

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There are ways for a startup with limited resources to get involved in charitable activities without continually asking employees for donations. It’s a topic I’m passionate about, as I believe doing good helps the community as well as feeds a positive corporate culture. It also helps establish trust and a solid reputation for your company that ultimately impacts how you do business and support customers. Ultimately, goodwill to the community contributes to the success of your company.

Focus your philanthropy

When determining how to integrate social responsibility into your company, it is important to map out a program to support this activity in the long term. One of the best ways I’ve found to build in philanthropic work is to focus on one or two beneficiaries for the company as a whole. Often, startups can barely afford support staff let alone have a whole barrel of money to donate. By limiting the focus, you can have a greater impact. At the same time, you can keep the company-sponsored charitable activity lighter so that your employees do not feel overwhelmed with the number of events to participate in. In our early years, we’ve typically tried to have one or two events per quarter.

In addition to the sweat equity your team can provide an organization, there are also programs in existence, like the Entrepreneur Foundation, that enable startups to allocate private equity to a donor-advised fund. Such programs can be interesting options for companies that don’t have extra money to donate. And, as entrepreneurs, we hope our donated stock, once we have a liquidity event, will have significantly more value to that organization in the long run than we initially thought.

Philanthropy contributes to culture

Beyond the rewards to your community, philanthropic activity can significantly benefit your corporate culture when used properly. It allows for opportunities to build relationships both within your company and across your industry.

Building a company culture is all about building relationships and respect, and charitable activity is great for team building. For example, whether you host an internal fundraiser or gather a group to clean up a community park, the activity requires individuals to interact across departments. Especially when the project is focused more on a group activity, it encourages employees to get to know each other on a different level — and with colleagues they may not interact with day-to-day.

Beyond your own company, community events can also provide opportunities for your employees to interact with their peers in the Austin area; the tech industry has the Austin Cup and the Entrepreneur’s Foundation Service Day, for example. Having a network within the community helps your employees feel they are part of the larger Austin community and can establish linkages to like-minded companies and people.

At the same time that we foster our corporate philanthropy, SailPoint Technologies    Inc. also makes a point to encourage and allow our people to take time off for their personal charitable projects. This creates a balance for employees to remain dedicated to their own personal causes while feeling good about contributing to the company’s efforts.

Social responsibility attracts, retains talent

Providing opportunities for community involvement can also help you attract and retain talent. I have found this to be especially true for the under-30 crowd, which is a very socially aware age group. Companies like TOMS have reminded people of the importance of doing good for others while building a company. While we don’t all have a business model like TOMS, the younger generation expects their employers to give back in other ways. My experience has also taught me that when you bring people onto your team who care about the community, they are more likely to get passionate about the work you are doing and the team you’ve built. A dedication to helping a community thrive translates to a dedication to seeing our company grow and thrive and to making our community a better place.

As entrepreneurs, we all strive to creatively solve problems, build great companies and, most importantly, work with talented, committed and humble people. Philanthropic work is one of the components to help you do just that.

But remember that regardless of how you translate being socially aware for your company, you need to be authentic in your actions. Outsiders and your employees will see through any lip service you give to charity work. Get out there and plant a tree, serve a meal or paint something, and spend time with your team outside the office. You might be surprised what you learn and how it will impact you and your business in the long run.

Mark McClain is CEO and co-founder of Austin-based SailPoint Technologies Inc. He was finalist for the 2011 and 2012 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards for Central Texas.

AUSTIN, Texas (May 1, 2012) – Circuit of The Americas™ and Hotels for Hope, the Austin, Texas-based social enterprise that raises funds and awareness for nonprofit organizations that positively impact the lives of children, are teaming up to raise money for Central Texas youth-focused nonprofits through hotel rooms booked for the 2012 FORMULA 1 UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX™. The Grand Prix will be the first Formula 1™ event held in the United States since 2007 and is set for Nov. 16-18 at Circuit of The Americas in Austin.

Guests booking hotel rooms for the FORMULA 1 UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX™ can make their reservations through the official Circuit of The Americas website, www.CircuitofTheAmericas.com, which will interface with the Hotels for Hope online reservations tool. Travelers securing accommodations through this process automatically generate a donation to two Central Texas nonprofit organizations that provide important services to young people and their families. The designated recipients for the 2012 Grand Prix event are Austin Partners in Education and Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area. Monies donated to the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area will be dedicated to the Boys & Girls Club program now being developed in the Del Valle Independent School District.

Participating hotels will make a $1 donation per actualized room night, with Hotels for Hope matching that donation. That means $2 for every hotel room night booked through Hotels for Hope in relation to the FORMULA 1 UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX™ will go to the Hotels for Hope Fund, which will then distribute those monies to the youth organizations designated above.

“Giving back to the Central Texas community that supports us—and making special provisions for children and young adults—is very important to Circuit of The America’s owners and employees,” Bruce Knox, the Circuit’s executive vice president said. “Tens of thousands of guests, including motorsports enthusiasts from around the world, will be visiting Central Texas as part of the return of Formula 1 racing to the United States. This collaborative effort with Hotels for Hope allows us to capitalize on the tremendous boost to regional tourism that the FORMULA 1 UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX™ will bring to our area by also creating a way for visitors to support local nonprofits that make a real difference in the lives of young people.”

“Hotels for Hope is excited to work with Circuit of The Americas to provide this important community service in conjunction with the FORMULA 1 UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX™, an international sports and entertainment event,” Hotels for Hope founder and owner Neil Goldman added. “Since its inception just two years ago, Hotels for Hope has already made a significant contribution to our partner beneficiaries, all of which make a direct impact on the lives of children. We look forward to helping guests plan for their trip to Central Texas while raising funds and awareness for two very special organizations that help local kids lead healthier, happier and more fulfilled lives.”

About the Designated Recipients for the 2012 Initiative

Austin Partners in Education
Austin Partners in Education (APIE) delivers innovative reading, math and college readiness programs that raise student academic performance. By recruiting, training and deploying a diverse cadre of volunteers serving as tutor-mentors, students receive small group (1 – 3 students) instruction aligned with the Austin ISD curriculum.

In the last year, more than 2300 students in 17 schools received a minimum of 45 minutes per week of academic and personal support in elementary and middle school reading and math from more than 1000 dedicated APIE volunteers. Another 250 high school seniors received individualized tutoring and test preparation support to ensure they graduate from high school college-ready. APIE also prepared more than 800 caring adults to be mentors to support Austin students district-wide. For more information, visit www.austinpartners.org.

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area is Austin’s leading youth development agency, serving 12,000 kids per year and 1,700 per day via 17 Clubs in the most economically distressed areas of Austin. Each day, kids are exposed to life-enhancing programs that enrich them both academically and socially. Club members have better school attendance, make better grades, graduate at a higher rate and are more likely to attend college in comparison to their peers. Fifty-seven percent of Club Alumni surveyed nationally say the Club “saved my life.” More than a safe haven for kids “at risk,” the Clubs nurture, inspire and celebrate the limitless potential of our young people. Through the Clubs, kids are given the tools and opportunities to create great futures. Follow the Club on Twitter at http://twitter.com/bgcaustin and become our fan at http://www.facebook.com/bgcaustin

About Circuit of The Americas

Circuit of The Americas will be a world-class destination for performance, education and business. It will be the first purpose-built Grand Prix facility in the United States designed for any and all classes of racing, from motor power to human power, and be the U.S. home to the 2012 FORMULA 1 UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX™ Nov. 16-18 and V8 SUPERCARS.

The Circuit of The Americas’ master plan features a variety of permanent structures designed for business, education, entertainment and race use. Its signature element will be a 3.4-mile circuit track with capacity for 120,000 fans. Other support buildings will include an expansive outdoor live music space, a conference center, a banquet hall as well as a state-of-the-art medical facility. Future proposed amenities include a driving/riding experience, a motorsports driving club, kart track, grand plaza event center and tower, and a trackside recreational vehicle park. For more information and downloadable video, audio and photos, visit: www.CircuitofTheAmericas.com.

About Hotels for Hope

Hotels for Hope is an Austin-based social enterprise, dedicated to creating a large charitable footprint through the simple act of booking hotel rooms. By brokering, and managing, large blocks of hotel rooms during different meetings and events, Hotels for Hope’s clients turn travel expenses into cost savings while making a direct social impact. Since 2010, Hotels for Hope has saved clients 26.9 percent off of best-available rates and donated $80,765 to charity.

Each of Hotels for Hope’s contracted hotels is asked to include a $1 charitable contribution, which Hotels for Hope then matches, dollar for dollar. The organization’s social mission is to benefit children through their partner charities. Currently, Hotels for Hope’s portfolio includes A Glimmer of Hope, LIVESTRONG, Special Olympics Texas and Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors. For more information, visit www.hotelsforhope.org.

Contact(s):

Neil Goldman – neil@hotelsforhope.org  (512) 691-9555 x 1

Ali Putnam - Ali.Putnam@circuitoftheamericas.com  (512) 301-6600

Working with Circuit of the Americas, Hotels for Hope has negotiated discounted hotel rates for the inaugural F1 weekend, November 16-18, 2012 in Austin, TX.

Blocks of rooms have been allocated for FCA members at the following two hotels, and will remain on hold until the given cut-off date, or until all allotted rooms have been reserved. Reservations can be made by selecting one of the following options, which will forward you to Ferrari Club’s private booking page(s).

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Renaissance Austin Hotel

$389

Minimum length of stay: 5 nights

Book Rooms – CLICK HERE

Cutoff date to reserve rooms at this hotel: 4/9/2012

Holiday Inn Austin Arboretum

$249

Minimum length of stay: 3 nights

Book Rooms

King Bed – CLICK HERE

2 Double Beds -CLICK HERE

Cutoff date to reserve rooms at this hotel: 4/13/2012

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If you wish to reserve ten or more rooms, or would like to discuss alternate hotel options, please contact Kyle Sorensen at (512) 691-9555 x2. Reservations are on a first come-first serve basis for Ferrari Club America members.

To learn more about Hotels for Hope and The Hotels for Hope Fund, click here.

BOOK ROOMS. CHANGE LIVES.

1. Brand value and reputation – benefits realised from responsible business that improve the value of the brand and/or the reputation of the brand or organisation.

2. Employees and future workforce – benefits from responsible business practice that affects the working life of employees, and the ability to attract and hold on to talent. This includes employee motivation, productivity, recruitment, satisfaction, retention, engagement, and loyalty.

3. Operational effectiveness – improvements and innovation in an organisation’s practices and processes as a direct result of being more responsible and sustainable, creating more effective operations and higher levels of efficiency.

4. Risk management – benefits resulting from CR efforts that improve the organisation’s ability to identify and reduce exposure to risk, and prepare for and manage risks better.

5. Direct financial impact – direct benefit to the financial performance of an organisation. For example improving access to capital, reducing costs, and improving shareholder value.

6. Organisational growth – an opportunity for overall organisational growth derived from being a responsible business, whether through new markets, new product development, lateral expansion, new customers, or new partnerships/alliances.

7. Business opportunity – new opportunities or innovation generation created for all stakeholders specifically because of their efforts in being a responsible business. This can result in new business development, but critically it is about win-win opportunities for a variety of stakeholders.

8. Organisational leadership – defined as “leadership achieved through helping society” which results from a radical change in the internal corporate values and external market reconstitution.

9. Macro-level sustainable development – defined as “the impact and responsibilities an organisation has to higher level economic, social and environmental issues”.

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By: David Grayson.  Originally posted on Ethical Corporation

The standards have been in development since 2007, when Subcommittee E60.02 on Hospitality, part of ASTM International Committee E60 on Sustainability, partnered with the Convention Industry Council through its Accepted Practices Exchange (APEX) initiative to address the tremendous need for uniform standards that measure environmental performance in the meetings, conventions and exhibitions industry. APEX promotes development of industry-wide accepted practices to enhance efficiencies throughout the meetings industry.

“This is a major accomplishment representing collaboration between ASTM International, the Green Meeting Industry Council (GMIC), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and hundreds of volunteers across North America and Europe,” says Sue Tinnish, Ph.D., chairman of Subcommittee E60.02. “Sustainability is a strategic concern for planners, suppliers and the organizations they represent.”

Eight Areas Covered

The approved standards cover the evaluation and selection of the following topics as they relate to sustainable meetings, events, trade show and conferences: ASTM E2741, destinations; ASTM E2742, exhibits; ASTM E2743, transportation; ASTM E2745, audio visual (A/V) and production; ASTM E2746, communication and marketing materials; ASTM E2747, on-site offices; ASTM E2773, food and beverage; and ASTM E2774, meeting venues.

A ninth standard on accommodations (ASTM WK22056) is still under development and will be available at a later date. To see more information, including the scopes of the standards, visit www.astm.org/COMMIT/SUBCOMMIT/E6002.htm.

“The level of specificity required and accountability of both the planner and supplier that is built into these standards is unprecedented,” Tinnish says. “The standards provide planners and suppliers a path to jointly support more environmentally sustainable meetings.”

To purchase ASTM standards, visit www.astm.org and search by the standard designation number, or contact ASTM Customer Relations at (610) 832-9585, or service@astm.org.

COLLEGE STATION

JUNE 7-10, 2012

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Best Western Premier – College Station

Rooms: 2 Queen Beds ($109.99 + tax), King + Sleeper Sofa ($109.99 + tax)

Cancellation Policy:  Standard (see below)

Cut-Off Date:  5/24/2012

To Make Reservations:  Call (979) 731-5300 and reference the “Great American Shootout” block

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Four Points by Sheraton College Station (SOLD OUT)

Rooms: 2 Queen Beds ($95 + tax)

Cancellation Policy:  Standard (see below)

Cut-Off Date:  5/25/2012

To Make Reservations:  Either call (979) 693-1741 or Click Here 

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Hampton Inn Texas Ave.

Rooms:  2 Double Beds ($119 + tax)

Cancellation Policy:  Standard (see below)

Cut-Off Date:  5/24/2012

To Make Reservations:  Call (979) 846-0184 and reference the “Great American Shootout” block

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Howard Johnson College Station

Rooms:  2 Queen Beds ($85 + tax), 2 Double Beds + sleeper sofa ($95 + tax)

Cancellation Policy:  Standard (see below)

Cut-Off Date:  5/18/2012

To Make Reservations:  Call (979) 693-6810 and reference the “Great American Shootout” block

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Knights Inn College Station

Rooms:  2 Queen Beds ($85 + tax) or 2 Double Beds + Sleeper Sofa ($95 + tax)

Cancellation Policy:  Standard (see below)

Cut-Off Date:  5/18/2012

To Make Reservations:  Call (979) 691-6300 and reference the “Great American Shootout” block

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La Quinta College Station

Rooms:  2 Double Beds ($79 + tax)

Cancellation Policy:  Standard (see below)

Cut-Off Date:  6/6/2012

To Make Reservations:  Call (979) 696-7777 and reference the “Great American Shootout” block

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Towneplace College Station

Rooms:  2 Queen Beds + Sleeper Sofa ($110 + tax), 1 Queen Bed + Sleeper Sofa ($95 + tax)

Cancellation Policy:  Standard (see below)

Cut-Off Date:  5/21/2012

To Make Reservations:  Call (979) 260-8500 and reference the “Great American Shootout” block or Click Here and enter Group Code “GASO”

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STANDARD CANCELLATION POLICY ADOPTED BY HOTELS

All hotels have agreed to the following policy unless stated otherwise

• Up to 14 days prior to arrival:  Reservations may be cancelled with no penalty.  (After teams withdraw, this should allow enough time for properties to resell rooms)
• 13-7 days prior to arrival:  Teams may cancel up to 35% of individual reservations from their block without penalty. One night’s room and tax will be charged for each additional reservation cancelled thereafter.
• 6-2 days prior to arrival:  Teams may cancel 20% of remaining reservations without penalty (48hr prior to arrival).  One night’s room and tax will be charged for each additional reservation cancelled thereafter.
• Less than 48 hours prior to arrival:  Any reservations cancelled after 6pm, 48 hours prior to arrival,  or No Shows are charged one nights room + tax charge.

Any team not qualifying for the final day/championship (if applicable) is allowed to check out 1 night early without penalty (hotels may ask for proof of elimination).  Please keep these considerations in mind…

• To qualify for early checkout, teams must check out by 12pm (noon).
• After 12pm, reservations may incur a half day charge.
• After 6pm, reservations may incur a full days charge.

Due to an Act of God (weather, floods, natural disasters, etc…) the hotel agrees to allow teams to cancel any/all rooms without penalty.

Does your team need assistance with rooms for other tournaments throughout the season (outside of GASO Tournaments)?  If so, CLICK HERE.

PEARLAND

JUNE 21-24, 2012

Hampton Inn Houston Hobby Airport  *** rooms still available! ***

Rooms:  2 Double Beds ($69+ tax) or King plus Sleeper Sofa ($69+ tax)

Cancellation Policy:  Standard (see below)

Cut-Off Date:  6/22/2012  

To Make Reservations:  Either CLICK HERE and select dates / enter GAS as special Rate Cod then click availability. Or Call (713) 641-6400 and reference the “Great American Shootout” block

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Courtyard by Marriott – Pearland

Rooms:  2 Queen Beds ($99 + tax)

Cancellation Policy:  Standard (see below)

Cut-Off Date:  5/31/2012

To Make Reservations:  Call (800) 321-2211 and reference the “Great American Shootout” block

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Hilton Garden Inn – Pearland Conference Center

Rooms:  2 Queen Beds ($89.99 + tax)

Cancellation Policy:  Standard (see below)

Cut-Off Date:  6/21/2012

To Make Reservations:  Either call (713) 340-0110 or Click Here and input Group Code: “GAS”

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Holiday Inn Express and Suites – Pearland

Rooms:  2 Double Beds or 2 Double Beds + Sleeper Sofa or King Bed + Sleeper Sofa (all room types $99 + tax) – limited availability 

Cancellation Policy:  Standard (see below)

Cut-Off Date:  5/21/2012

To Make Reservations:  Either call (281) 997-2600 or CLICK HERE and input Group Code “GAS”

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Holiday Inn Express Houston South – Pearland

Rooms:  2 Queen Beds ($79 + tax)

Cancellation Policy:  Standard (see below)

Cut-Off Date:  6/7/2012

To Make Reservations:  Call (713) 434-7373 and reference the “Great American Shootout” block

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Courtyard by Marriott Houston Hobby Airport

Rooms:  2 Queen Beds ($92 + tax)

Cancellation Policy:  Standard (see below)

Cut-Off Date:  5/31/2012

To Make Reservations:  Either call (800) 321-2211 or CLICK HERE and enter the Group Code “gasgasb”

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Marriott South – Houston Hobby Airport

Rooms:  2 Double Beds ($79 + tax)

Cancellation Policy:  Standard (see below)

Cut-Off Date:  6/7/2012

To Make Reservations:  Call (713) 943-7979 and reference the “Great American Shootout” block

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STANDARD CANCELLATION POLICY ADOPTED BY HOTELS

All hotels have agreed to the following policy unless stated otherwise

• Up to 14 days prior to arrival:  Reservations may be cancelled with no penalty.  (After teams withdraw, this should allow enough time for properties to resell rooms)
• 13-7 days prior to arrival:  Teams may cancel up to 35% of individual reservations from their block without penalty. One night’s room and tax will be charged for each additional reservation cancelled thereafter.
• 6-2 days prior to arrival:  Teams may cancel 20% of remaining reservations without penalty (48hr prior to arrival).  One night’s room and tax will be charged for each additional reservation cancelled thereafter.
• Less than 48 hours prior to arrival:  Any reservations cancelled after 6pm, 48 hours prior to arrival,  or No Shows are charged one nights room + tax charge.

Any team not qualifying for the final day/championship (if applicable) is allowed to check out 1 night early without penalty (hotels may ask for proof of elimination).  Please keep these considerations in mind…

• To qualify for early checkout, teams must check out by 12pm (noon).
• After 12pm, reservations may incur a half day charge.
• After 6pm, reservations may incur a full days charge.

Due to an Act of God (weather, floods, natural disasters, etc…) the hotel agrees to allow teams to cancel any/all rooms without penalty.

Does your team need assistance with rooms for other tournaments throughout the season (outside of GASO Tournaments)?  If so, CLICK HERE.

DALLAS AREA

JULY 18-22, 2012

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LIMITED AVAILABILITY!! DISCOUNTED RATES BELOW ARE ON A FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE BASIS!!

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Courtyard by Marriott Lewisville

Rooms:  2 Queen Beds ($94 + tax)  or  King Bed w/ Sleeper Sofa ($89 + tax)

Cancellation Policy:  Standard (see below)

Cut-Off Date:  6/27/2012

To Make Reservations:  Call (972) 316-3100 and reference the “Great American Shootout” block

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Fairfield Inn Lewisville

Rooms:  2 Queen Beds ($79 + tax)

Cancellation Policy:  Standard (see below)

Cut-Off Date:  6/29/2012

To Make Reservations:  Call (972) 899-6900 and reference the “Great American Shootout” block

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Hampton Inn Lewisville

Rooms:  2 Queen Beds ($81 + tax)

Cancellation Policy:  Standard (see below)

Cut-Off Date:  6/27/2012

To Make Reservations:  Call (972) 315-3200 and reference the “Great American Shootout” block

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Hilton Garden Inn Lewisville

Rooms:  2 Queen Beds ($89 + tax)

Cancellation Policy:  Standard (see below)

Cut-Off Date:  7/4/2012

To Make Reservations:  Call (972) 459-4600 and reference the “Great American Shootout” block

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Holiday Inn Express Lewisville

Rooms:  2 Queen Beds ($79 + tax)

Cancellation Policy:  Standard (see below)

Cut-Off Date:  6/27/2012

To Make Reservations:  Either call (972) 459-8000 and reference “Great American Shootout” or Click Here and input Group Code: “SHO”

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Towneplace Suites Lewisville

Rooms:  2 Queen Beds ($94 + tax)  or  King Bed w/ Sleeper Sofa ($84 + tax)

Cancellation Policy:  Standard (see below)

Cut-Off Date:  7/5/2012

To Make Reservations:  Call (972) 459-1275 and reference the “Great American Shootout” block

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Holiday Inn Dallas – Market Center

Rooms:  2 Queen Beds ($79 + tax)  or  2 Queen Beds w/ Sleeper Sofa ($110 + tax)

Cancellation Policy:  Standard (see below)

Cut-Off Date:  7/9/2012

To Make Reservations:  Call (214) 219-3333 and reference the “Great American Shootout” block

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Ramada Dallas – Lovefield

Rooms:  2 Double Beds ($85 + tax)  or  King Bed  ($75 + tax)

Cancellation Policy:  Standard (see below)

Cut-Off Date:  7/11/2012

To Make Reservations:  Call (214) 638-6100

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STANDARD CANCELLATION POLICY ADOPTED BY HOTELS

All hotels have agreed to the following policy unless stated otherwise

• Up to 14 days prior to arrival:  Reservations may be cancelled with no penalty.  (After teams withdraw, this should allow enough time for properties to resell rooms)
• 13-7 days prior to arrival:  Teams may cancel up to 35% of individual reservations from their block without penalty. One night’s room and tax will be charged for each additional reservation cancelled thereafter.
• 6-2 days prior to arrival:  Teams may cancel 20% of remaining reservations without penalty (48hr prior to arrival).  One night’s room and tax will be charged for each additional reservation cancelled thereafter.
• Less than 48 hours prior to arrival:  Any reservations cancelled after 6pm, 48 hours prior to arrival,  or No Shows are charged one nights room + tax charge.

Any team not qualifying for the final day/championship (if applicable) is allowed to check out 1 night early without penalty (hotels may ask for proof of elimination).  Please keep these considerations in mind…

• To qualify for early checkout, teams must check out by 12pm (noon).
• After 12pm, reservations may incur a half day charge.
• After 6pm, reservations may incur a full days charge.

Due to an Act of God (weather, floods, natural disasters, etc…) the hotel agrees to allow teams to cancel any/all rooms without penalty.

Does your team need assistance with rooms for other tournaments throughout the season (outside of GASO Tournaments)?  If so, CLICK HERE.