Dear Industry Friends & Colleagues,

Given the unbelievable, horrific events our country has suffered, it is next-to-impossible for any of us to focus on "business as usual."

Courier Magazine has been monitoring the situation carefully: Are airports open?  Is aviation safe?  What is the position of the hotel and the drayage company regarding cancellation of our conference at this late date?

More importantly, are you - our valued attendees and exhibitors -disposed to participate in an event away from your homes and businesses in the midst of such chaos, concerns for family and friends, and overall mind-boggling uncertainties?

Under the circumstances, we have made the difficult decision to cancel this weekend's Courier Weekend.

• Attendees and exhibitors will receive a refund for the conference payments they've made, less $150 which we must retain to cover the substantial costs we've already incurred and keep Courier Magazine alive.
• While the deadline for refunds was August 1st, Courier Magazine is attempting to act fairly and prudently in terms of its financial commitments.  Had we decided to hold the conference, as scheduled, no refunds whatsoever would be issued to registrants.  Given the expenses and responsibilities Courier Magazine had assumed in scheduling Courier Weekend 2001, however, we felt this was the fairest solution for all
  concerned.
• Any paid Courier Weekend 2001 registrant who registers for Courier Weekend 2002 will be given a $100 credit on their registration fees.
• Room reservation deposits made with the Millenium Hotel will be refunded to you directly by the hotel, according to what we've been informed.
  

We grieve for our fellow Americans as we seek answers to almost impossible questions: How did this happen?  Why?  And where do we go from here? Our thoughts, hearts and prayers go out to the victims of this disaster,
as well as to their families, friends and associates.

God bless you,
Bruce H. Joffe
Publisher