At its meeting held last week in Orlando, ASTA’s Board of Directors reviewed ASTA’s current financial position with respect to targeted year-end goals, and took the first of two votes required to change the bylaws to make Premium Managers (PRM) of Premium Members voting members with all rights as bestowed to other ASTA voting members.
It was determined that ASTA’s strategic business plan needed to be reexamined in light of recent events such as the economic downturn and that a committee of ASTA staff and members would be tasked with the project. Members of the Board of Directors reviewed potential for revenue and membership growth and examined future growth opportunities for THETRADESHOW.
The Board also was updated on the continuing CEO search, which is expected to close on September 30th. Final interviews will be conducted in late October with a Board decision expected at the November 17th meeting.
Further discussion centered on what synergies ASTA and its subsidiary, the National Association of Career Travel Agents (NACTA), can provide its membership in terms of benefits without diluting the value that members find in each group.
Other topics of discussion included: whether international members should be provided a vote and that a task force be established to examine the location, dates and program content for upcoming THETRADESHOWs.
The mission of the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) is to facilitate the business of selling travel through effective representation, shared knowledge and the enhancement of professionalism. ASTA seeks a retail travel marketplace that is profitable and growing and a rewarding field in which to work, invest and do business.
