1996 Winter ACTE Quarterly: President's Message | Earl Foster Preview | ACTE Europe Roundtable

One of the most satisfying moments for anyone who assumes a leadership role, whether it be corporate, association, or political, comes when the term draws to a close, and you have the luxury of looking back and playing Monday (or Tuesday) morning quarterback.

Where ACTE is concerned, I'm happy to report that the game plan set in motion by my predecessor, Steve Bush, worked beautifully; and that the players-staff as well as membership-all worked as a team bonded with a common purpose: to make ACTE the premier corporate travel association.

As many of you recall, Steve Bush's chief mandate was to develop membership growth. I'm happy to report that at year-end 1995 we are one year ahead of our projected goal. As the item on page 6 in ACTE Journal shows, our membership has grown an impressive 50% since June, 1995. It's especially important to note that much of this growth was outside of the U.S. The globalization of ACTE remains one of the organization's key objectives. Another primary goal has been to improve value to the membership. I am also extremely proud of the following accomplishments, all of which help strengthen tangible and intangible benefits to members.

ACTE has expanded and improved the quality of its educational seminars and conferences. That verdict came from the surveys we held after each event, and also from the less scientific but still valid word-of-mouth feedback. We have also increased the number of regional special events, which offer members and potential members important networking opportunities. Our financial situation has also improved, with revenues putting us comfortably in the black this fiscal year. With a growing membership and increased attendance at ACTE conferences, our revenue stream continues to strengthen.

ACTE publications have increased in quantity and quality. The ACTE Quarterly has been redesigned and expanded, and its distribution has been broadened to include key business-travel decision makers around the world. In addition, ACTE produces two member newsletters, ACTE Update and ACTE Europe Update.

Also on the communications front, we have made impressive strides in strengthening our relationships with the press. In particular, ACTE is receiving solid coverage in trade publications, thanks to a dedicated effort to cultivate relationships with key editors and reporters in the U.S. and U.K. ACTE has also joined the Information Superhighway with its own Web site, launched at this month's ACTE VIII Conference in Seattle.

On the administration side, a new office, and a new staff spearheaded by executive director Terrell Mellen, has greatly increased efficiency and responsiveness. Through their creative efforts and expertise, ACTE headquarters staff provides the framework from which our organization can continue to grow and thrive.

ACTE's partnership with the American Society for Quality Control, and the joint development of Travel Management Service Standards, puts ACTE as the forefront of the quality movement in the travel industry. These service standards have been communicated all over the world through ACTE conferences, in addition to NBTA and IBTA educational programs.

Looking back, theses accomplishments may be a case of success breeding success. We've been fortunate that much of this achievement comes from improved productivity from an increasing number of our more talented and well-known members. Better still, we've created a strong forward momentum. Improved educational forums and networking opportunities have contributed to an improved reputation and larger membership.

The key, of course, has always been in ACTE's unique ability to attract senior-level corporate travel management and purchasing executives. This membership nucleus naturally attracts high-level travel suppliers from various segments in the industry. Combine the above with an outstanding officer core, energetic Board of Governors, and talented office staff, and we're well positioned for the future.

Speaking of which, that looks bright with my successor, Earl Poster, coming on board as President this month. For a preview of Earl's vision of ACTE's future, turn to page 8 for a profile of the man and his mission.

It's been a challenging, interesting, fulfilling experience-even an adventure-serving as ACTE President. I'd like to thank all of you who have had a hand in helping the association grow and mature. My last behest as President is to ensure that Earl's experience will be as rewarding as mine has been.

Armand R. LeCompte

1996 Winter ACTE Quarterly: President's Message | Earl Foster Preview | ACTE Europe Roundtable