Greetings Skålleagues,

It is with great sadness that I write this column to mention the loss of Past SI USA President, Tom White, SI Orlando. I honestly feel that I would not be the SI USA President today if not for Tom. Early on, he spoke with me about getting involved on the national level. I was proud that he recognized my enthusiasm, and he advised me more times than I can count. His guidance and encouragement were instrumental in my journey, and his absence will be profoundly felt by all who knew him. Our thoughts and condolences go out to his family, friends, and Skålleagues during this difficult time. Skål USA has contributed in his memory to the Florimond Volchaert Fund.

On a brighter note, the SI USA Executive Committee has made significant progress in our efforts to enhance service to our organization and its members. We are currently developing a strategic plan that outlines steps for future growth. Some of the steps are being implemented now and others will be more long-term.

I look forward to presenting this plan to you in August, along with other essential information for the National Committee Meeting (NCM) on September 25 at 2:00 p.m. Eastern. This meeting will be held virtually, allowing every club to participate. To facilitate the voting process, we need to know each club's voting delegate so that the voting links can be sent to their email addresses. The Vice President of Administration is gathering this information.

I wish you a joyful and safe summer!

2023 Bill Sweet Member of Distinction Award

Skål International USA finds a member that epitomizes what Skål stands for and has devoted their energies to making the organization even better than it was before. Recently, at the North America Skål Conference (NASC) in Winnipeg, Canada, Skål International USA bestowed their top honor, "The 2023 Bill Sweet Member of Distinction Award," to Holly Powers of Skål International Boston and Florida. This distinction is given to a Skål International USA member recognized for their time and dedication to the Skål movement as a "Trusted Voice in Tourism" and an outstanding community leader. Holly is so well deserved of this distinction through her countless efforts in making Skål International USA a stronger organization by setting a great example for future Skål leaders and using her experience and knowledge of Skål International to bring Skål International USA to a higher level of success.

Holly has been a leader in the travel and tourism industry for almost 50 years. She has held many elected positions for Skål USA from being a club member to club Secretary, Treasurer, Executive Secretary-Treasurer, SIUSA Representative, Skål International USA VP of Administration, Skål International USA President in 2017, and soon after Skål International Councilor from 2018 till 2023. Holly has been in Skål USA Membership, Fund Raising, Change and Standard and Procedure committees for many years and just recently helped in updating the new Skål International USA Governance plan. Holly has been going to Skål NASC conference since 2014 and Skål World Congress since 2013. She has been awarded the Skål Boston Presidential Award in 2013 and was awarded the Skål International Order of Merit in 2019. Holly has helped organize many Winter Board Meetings, Welcome World Congress committees, and Club of the Year committees. Not to mention, all her community involvement with Skål Boston and Skål Florida and all her associations with Tour, Travel Advisors, and Corporations in past many years.

Skål International USA is very proud and honored to bestow Holly Powers as the 2023 Bill Sweet Member of Distinction Award recipient – Congratulations Holly!

Previous Skål USA Bill Sweet Member of Distinction Recipients

Jim Dwyer of Skål New Jersey, left, was named the 2022 Skål USA Bill Sweet Member of Distinction Recipient. In its first in person event since 2019, previous winners Valerie Davis of Skål Hawaii who was named the recipient in 2021, and Alton Hagen of Skål Kansas City, who was given the honor in 2020, were also given their awards.

Skål International USA Launches Project Future to Cultivate the Next Generation of Tourism Leaders

Skål USA aims to cultivate the next generation of tourism leaders by forging strong alliances between the educational community and the professional business world.

June 20, 2024 -- New York City, NY -- Skål USA is excited to announce the launch of Project Future, a groundbreaking initiative unveiled during the recent North American Skål Congress (NASC). This program aims to "connect tourism globally" by forging strong alliances between the educational community and the professional business world. The goal is to create mutually beneficial programs that offer students real-world work experiences and insights as they embark on their careers while providing Skål members with access to a pool of talented and enthusiastic students seeking internships, mentorships, and jobs in the travel and tourism industry.

Skål International, the only professional organization dedicated to promoting global tourism and friendship, unites all sectors of the business world. Founded in Paris in 1934, Skål International continues to thrive with over 12,000 members in 83 countries. Recently, the organization has placed a stronger emphasis on identifying and recruiting bright young hospitality students worldwide to sustain future growth.

The idea for Project Future emerged in 2023 from an alliance between the NY Skål Club and the University of Florida in Gainesville, FL. This initiative quickly gained interest from other Skål Clubs, and the committee grew to over 30 Skålleagues from various clubs across the country. Project Future has since become one of five key committees within Skål USA.

"Our mission is to bridge the gap between education and the travel and tourism industry by building partnerships that immerse students in real-world experiences," explained Burcin Turkkan, M.B.A., CHE, and past president of Skål USA and Skål International. "Additionally, we aim to provide the travel and tourism sector with access to fresh, talented individuals. By fostering these connections, Skål enhances academic learning with practical insights, ensuring students are well-prepared for their professional journeys and equipping the industry with innovative thinkers ready to meet its unique challenges."

While many Skål Clubs have successfully implemented Young Skål Student programs, there was a need for expansion. Project Future Chair and Past President of the NY Skål Club, Carolyn J. Feimster CMD/CRX, states, “Project Future is a successful way to revitalize this membership category by effectively addressing its challenges and introducing fresh ideas for Clubs to adopt.” One significant achievement was revising the by-laws to allow for seamless membership transitions (assuming certain requirements are met) from Young Skål Student to Young Skål Professional, Active member, and eventually, to retirement. “Our student and young Skål members can now look forward to a lifelong journey, ensuring lifelong networking and friendships. No other travel and tourism organization allows for this easy transition from student to retirement. Plus, we provide networking opportunities, education, events, and more to assist anyone in hospitality throughout their career,” added Feimster.

To ensure all Skål Clubs benefit from Project Future, useful tools have been developed or are in the process of being created. For Clubs interested in on-campus Chapters, there is a detailed Organizational Plan, initially created for the University of Florida, that can be adapted by any Skål Club and educational institution. Additionally, there are rack cards, PowerPoint presentations, website information, and an upcoming Business Plan to help Clubs enhance their existing Young Skål Student membership programs or launch new ones.

Future plans for Project Future include expanding the on-campus program nationwide, with the goal of establishing three Student Chapters by year-end and at least six more in 2025.

Skål International USA is currently the largest National Committee in Skål International, with over 1,420 members and 38 clubs nationwide. For more information about Skål International and membership, please visit SkålUSA.org.

For Skål International USA membership, please write to: skalusadmin@skalusa.org.

Press Release and Project Future Contact;

Carolyn J. Feimster, CRX | CMD, Past President of the NY Skål Club

+1 718-757-8489

Carolyn@CJFMarketingInternational.com 

A message from VP of Membership,

Wayne Lee

2024/25 Membership Plan

Our Goals

o  Generate new club members across the board, with emphasis on mid-size clubs (15-68 members)

o  Engage and educate current and new members about club benefits and networking opportunities

o  Increase members in Student Skål for future membership pipeline (Young Professional, Active, Retired)

o  Create and implement a comprehensive plan including Training, Promotions, and Digital/Social Ad Campaign

o  Increase total USA Membership to 1,600+ by December 31, 2024

Campaign Components

A. Training

o  For New Members (orientation)

o  For Current Members

o  For Club Board Members

B. Promotion/Contest

o  To be launched in September 2024, lasting through January 2025 (16-months for the price of 12!)

Membership driven with cash winnings for both the club member and club

C. Digital/Social Advertising Campaign

o  RFP creation to agency selection

o  Campaign Flight: September/October through December 2025

o  Increase club memberships in target mid-size markets

o  Raise awareness of Skål Club benefits among travel industry professionals

o  Drive engagement and conversion through targeted advertising on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Google ads

o  Retain current members

Ad Campaign Details

- Platforms: Facebook (40%), Google (40%), LinkedIn (20%), with optimization based on conversion performances

- Target Audience: Travel industry professionals, focused on established business professionals in established and growing markets

- Creative/Visuals: Skål Logo, appealing human-based images, written text for desktop, tablet, and mobile devices, plus landing page

- Copy Points: Growing your business, helping those in need (FVF, human trafficking, sustainability), database lead generation, networking (local, regional, national, international), price points (prorated membership, 16-months for the price of 12 starting September 1)

Call to Action

Volunteers are needed to join a committee to assist with logistics, creative, administration, and training initiatives (club level) under one unified voice.

Interested members should contact (by June 30):

Wayne V. Lee, Jr.

VP of Membership

Skål USA

wayne@waynesworldmediagroup.com

A Letter from VP of PR & Communications, Simeon Miranda

Aloha Skåleagues!

Greetings from beautiful Honolulu, Hawaii!

As the VP of PR Communication, I had the opportunity to join Skål USA at the North American Skål Conference in beautiful Winnipeg Canada. Our host country, Canada did a wonderful job in organizing. It started On May 1st, with members checking in and a most interesting and educational tour of the Memetic Code State building in Winnipeg Downtown. Many Skåleagues gathered after the tour and dined at the Forks and later convened at the Hotel for some beverages. May 2nd was an exciting day due to the opening party at the Assiniboine Park Conservancy where we toured and experienced the beautiful Polar Bears swim taking advantage of their special surroundings, while the attendees enjoyed great food and beverage around the unique surroundings with the Polar Bears swim above and around us. May 3rd was a day when Skål International President, Annette Cardenas addressed Skål USA. The Connection meeting was also held for all sellers and buyers, where they had the opportunity to connect and create future business together. The same day many attendees had a most spectacular tour of the Canadian Museum of Human Rights, and soon after we all took advantage of the Dine Around all over Winnipeg. We all enjoyed our special restaurants and the regional food they served – it was a fabulous evening with fellow Skåleagues, and many Skal toasts cheered. Our final day on May 3rd was full of information from the Executive Team of Skål USA along sides of the membership. Many more group tours were happening and the finale was the Farewell Party where all Skåleagues wore their team jersey or favorite sportswear from the city they come from. All and all it was a great NASC conference, thank you Winnipeg for being our host city and Canada being the host Country for the North American Skål Conference. 

NASC

Please continue to send us articles, pictures for our News Letter and also don’t hesitate to send us messages and pictures for Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and other social media platforms.

Have great summer!

Simeon

Skål International New Orleans

9th Annual Industry Update

Skål International New Orleans just had their largest meeting ever. Their 9th Annual Industry Update had over 300 people at The National World War II Museum to hear keynote speaker, former Louisiana Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne explain "Why New Orleans Ain't Like Anywhere Else... I Should Know." The meeting also had Jay Cicero, President/CEO Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation talk about the upcoming 11th Superbowl, and Michael Sawaya President/CEO New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center discussing the changes coming to the Convention Center, and James Williams with The National World War II Museum who gave us an update on the Museum. The MC for the evening was Jennifer Crockett, reporter for WDSU TV.

The New Orleans group were also honored to have Karen Trevino, President of Skål International USA and Serge Doyon, President of Skål International Canada in attendance who gave the Skål Toast.

Latest News for Skål International

2024 Skål International

World Congress News

The 83rd Skål International World Congress, will be held from October 16-21, 2024, in #Izmir (Türkiye).

Click the Link Below to Follow Skål International USA's New Facebook Group!

Skål Philadelphia Celebrates 70 Years!

Plan to join Skål International: Philadelphia in celebrating seven decades of service and member camaraderie on Thursday, April 18, 2024 at 5:00 pm. More to follow!

2024 Quarter 2 Skål USA Anniversaries

• Skål Arkansas on 53 years - April 4th
• Skål Hawaii on 72 years - April 4th
• Skål Tucson on 58 years - April 14th
• Skål Atlanta on 69 years - April 20th
• Skål Phoenix on 7 years - May 9th
• Skål San Jose on 31 years - May 18th
• Skål Kansas City on 75 years - May 26th
• Skål Miami on 74 years - June 12th
• Skål Los Angeles on 76 years - June 23rd
• Skål Chicago on 85 years - June 26th

2024 Quarter 3 Skål USA Anniversaries

• Skål RDU/North Carolina on 43 years - August 10th
• Skål Boise on 22 years - August 13th
• Skål Myrtle Beach on 29 years - August 16th
• Skål Pittsburgh on 64 years - September 1st
• Skål Orange Coast on 48 years - September 10th
• Skål Tampa Bay on 65 years - September 25th
• Skål San Francisco on 75 years - September 29th

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Skål USA Journeys is the quarterly official publication of Skål International USA. A special edition will be sent out when there is breaking news to share. We want to share your news with SKÅL members across the country. If you have breaking news or Club news for the newsletter, please send them to info@SkalUSA.org.

Skål USA Journeys & Lightning News Editor | John Stine | Vice President PR & Communications | (407) 443-2782