Travel Agent - March 3, 2008 - (Page 78)

NEWS IMPACT Here’s to Those Volunteer Agents Who Step Up to Lead THE VALUE OF VOLUNTEER LEADERS TO TRAVEL INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS and consortia is a topic often dismissed as “old” news. The reality is very different—volunteer leaders provide professional expertise, insights and a genuine commitment to the industry. They are truly indispensable and win too little recognition from their peers. There are many examples of effective volunteer leadership, more than there is space to cover. But a good place to start is to look at the travel agents who lead the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA). ASTA is a nonprofit association that has been led by volunteers since its founding. Agency owner Cheryl Hudak, CTC, Travel Dimensions, Boardman, OH, serves as president and CEO of ASTA. Now in her second one-year term, Hudak has been an ASTA member for decades serving in a variety of volunteer posts. As with other volunteers, a tally of the thousands of hours she’s spent on ASTA’s business is impossible. Forget travel time or calculating any short falls in managing her agency. The reality is that Hudak provides real time skills, as has a succession of ASTA officers. Special mention should be made of volunteer agents who testify before Congress on industry issues or before state government agencies. Grass roots participation and viewpoints are indispensable. ASTA, TIA, ARTA and the NTA all benefit. They provide a perspective that the best of professional staffs can’t offer. Another example is Nexion, the host agency group part of Sabre Travel Network. The members of Nexion’s board, all independent agents, offer real insights into the needs of other agents including new technologies and marketing. Still another is Carlson Wagonlit Travel members who recently rallied in support of the management buyout by Travel Acquistions Group (TAG). Another notable volunteer programs is Tourism Cares. George Dooley, contributing editor Agent Dedication Often volunteer leaders serve on advisory boards. Some may or may not be compensated with travel expenses or an occasional trip. But the investment of time and talent rarely match the rewards offered. Volunteering often involves complex issues, endless phone calls, e-mails and time-consuming meetings. And lest it be forgotten, it means taking risk-taking responsibility for the direction of an association. Volunteers also serve on the boards of agency marketing groups—cooperatives, consortia and franchisers. Groups such as Ensemble Travel, MAST Vacation Partners, Signature Travel and Virtuoso (to name a few) benefit from agency member stakeholder participation. Vacation.com has an excellent board—including regional representation—that gives Vacation.com a competitive edge. Industry suppliers also benefit from volunteers. They sometimes test new products and promotions, for example, or serve on task forces and committees. The associations also benefit from supplier executives who loan their skills to the associations. The involvement of NTA Destination Management Organizations (DMO), representing cities and states, is noteworthy. What drives volunteers? Making a difference may be the key motive. Sure some posts have status and prestige. But most volunteers want to give something back to an industry that they have devoted their lives to. Even the most competitive agents will share insights and business practices with other agents. At its root, there is a generosity of spirit and professional dedication that is remarkable. Thank you, volunteers! —GEORGE DOOLEY Villani Promoted Travel Agent is pleased to announce that Jonathan Villani has been promoted to the role of Publisher/National Advertising Sales Director for Travel Agent and Home-Based Travel Agent magazines. In his new role, Villani, who has been with Questex Media Group for five years and who most recently held the position of Associate Publisher, assumes an oversight role of the day-to-day sales activities for the team. He can be reached at jvillani@questex.com. CONNECTING YOU For more information on agent leadership and activism, visit www.travelagent central.com/agentleadership 78 | TravelAgent March 3, 2008 http://Vacation.com http://Vacation.com http://www.travelagentcentral.com/agentleadership http://www.travelagentcentral.com/agentleadership

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Travel Agent - March 3, 2008 Online Now Contents Contributors From the Editor From the Publisher Special Supplement: Planet Hollywood Florida: We Checkout Four Hotels in Key West, the Southernmost Point in the Continental U.S. Europe: Ruthanne Terrero’s Tuscan Adventure Pacific/Asia: Five-Star Hotels in Bangkok Las Vegas: Where Your Clients Go for Golf Outings Central & South America: Starwood Leads Expansion by Hoteliers in Latin America Pacific Northwest: The Fairmont Empress Celebrates its 100th Birthday this Year Alaska: Take a Tour of Anchorage Alaska Briefs Caribbean & Bahamas: La Romana in the Dominican Republic Offers Fun and Pampering Cruises: The Key to Success for River Cruise Lines Full Panama Canal Transits Cruise Briefs Cover Story: Hot Hotels Special Supplement: Spa Specialist Hotels: Venice Beach Eco-Cottages Hotel Briefs Auto Europe: Company Offers Competitive Prices and High Commissions Agency Profile: The Travel Society Charts a Course for Expansion Revelex Revolution: Deal with Am Ex affirms status as Major Provider in Travel Industry Agenda: Fam Trips, Deals & Incentives, Calendar Volunteer Leadership Future of Hawaii’s Cruise Industry Panda Travel, USA Caribbean News In the Spotlight Classified Marketplace Editorial Index Advertising Index Trendwatch

Travel Agent - March 3, 2008

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