Just as you receive this issue, ASTA will be sending out ballots
to its members for a vote on a restructuring plan that will have a
major impact on that organization. Each chapter will be
coordinating the voting in its region in the case of Southern
California ASTA, for instance, the ballots will be sent out on
Sept. 7, and the deadline for voting is Sept. 21. National results
will be announced on Sept. 22.
As we go to press, ASTA’s leadership is actively working to answer
questions and better inform its members on what this vote means to
the organization. I encourage all of you who are members to take
advantage of some of the things ASTA is doing along these lines
whether it’s participating in a conference call with chapter
presidents, doing your own research on ASTA’s Web site or simply
reading the information in ASTA’s daily Smart-Briefs electronic
newsletter in order to make an educated decision.
For our part, TravelAge West supports the reorganization of ASTA.
While it might not be an ideal turn of events, and it may mean
higher fees for some agents, we believe it is the best solution for
the future of the organization.
The plan has been unanimously approved by both the Board of
Directors and the Chapter Presidents Council. After hearing ASTA
president Kathy Sudeikis explain the issues behind the
restructuring and the efforts that went into formulating the plan,
there is no doubt in my mind that this move was not taken
arbitrarily or without carefully weighing all the options.
Regardless, however, of how you vote, it will behoove all agents to
get the best understanding possible on this topic, and of course
participate in the process of deciding the group’s future.
