How do we, as travel professionals, thrive in a new world where everyone’s
Betsa Marsh
a content provider and everything’s free?
That seems the central issue as we strive to keep SATW the preeminent service organization for its members. How best to move forward through this perfect storm of technological upheaval, industry implosion and the Great Recession?
Sharing Best Practices
I believe we emphasize professional development even more, both in meetings and online. I’ve always found our SATW colleagues generous, and this is the time to share best practices.
On the newly designed SATW website, I’d like to bring two elements forward onto the home page.
- Ask an Expert would be the place for the latest on markets, writing and photography issues. It would showcase the expertise of active and associate members, and become a go-to resource for SATW members and prospective members across the web.
- Technology Tips would also be a must-read, a spot for SATW members to share their best discoveries for working smarter and faster. What new desktop application is making life easier? What new websites smooth research, writing and marketing?
Preserving Natural and Cultural Treasures
I’d like to further develop our commitment to responsible tourism. I believe SATW can become the leader in conserving the world we love to travel—both its wildlife and wild places. Some researchers now quantify tourism, if its effects were combined into one entity, as the fifth largest polluter in the world.
As individual travelers and as a Society, we can better steward the world’s natural resources. Our meetings are already becoming greener, and we can do more.
- Reduce the amount of paper and plastic we put in upstream, with more online handouts and electronic take-away information. Increased use of refillable water bottles when that is a safe alternative.
- Aggressively recycle every bit of paper, glass and plastic possible.
- Work with local food banks and kitchens to assure that any excess food serves needs in the host community.
Reaching New Members and Travelers-to-Be
We’ll extend our outreach to the broader community and potential SATW members through our digital photography and writing workshops.
And, as school budgets tighten, we’ll step up our dedication to geography education. I brought the Traveling Teddy program to SATW in 1994 and, with the support of a number of presidents, it’s become one of our most successful outreach programs.
- The bears encourage new generations to embrace diversity and explore the world beyond their classrooms. Teachers and students travel through our postcards, souvenirs, blogs and websites.
Serving SATW
SATW has been an essential organization for me, giving me opportunities I would not have had otherwise. It would be an honor to serve again.
- During my 21 years in SATW, I’ve been Central States chapter chair and membership chair. I’ve served on assorted Society committees, most recently the Code of Conduct and Strategy for the Future.
- On staff, I’ve worked as a writer and editor for such publications as the Cincinnati Enquirer and USA TODAY. During my freelance career, my work has appeared in National Geographic Traveler, Islands, Hemispheres, Midwest Living and AAA magazines, as well as newspapers across North America.
- I publish two websites, globespinners.com and Britainonthecheap.com.
- I bring 25 years’ business experience running my own small marketing communications firm.
- I’m gratified to have the support of 15 SATW Past Presidents. Here is their letter:
Letter of Support from 15 SATW Past Presidents
Dear Fellow SATW Member:
We are fortunate this year to have excellent leadership choices for President-elect. As past-Presidents, we know the dedication, time, and guts it takes to run for SATW office, as well as what it takes to stick with the job. It ain’t easy. But with the right candidate, SATW not only thrives, it grows.
That’s why we’re supporting Betsa Marsh. She’s been an SATW member for 21 years, has experience as a chapter chair and membership chair, and has served on a range of committees. And of course, she initiated the incredibly successful Traveling Teddy program. She’s innovative, she’s a consensus-builder, she’s dedicated. Most important, she’s a leader.
Betsa wants to focus on professional development during her term. In a troubled economy, we all need help with pitching ideas, developing markets, and learning new techniques. It’s how we earn our income. Betsa has run her own non-travel marketing business for 25 years, so she understands your needs as a freelancer, PR professional, businessperson.
When the SATW voting begins, please consider casting your vote for Betsa Marsh.
Thank you,
Alfred S. Borcover 1973 and 1974
Bill Hibbard 1978
Ted Ryan 1980
Barry Anderson 1985
Len R. Barnes 1988
Hilda Anderson 1992
Tom Grimm 1993
Cynthia Boal Janssens 1998
Jane Ockershausen 1999
G. Douglas Hall 2001
Marcia Levin 2004
Milton Fullman 2005
Edwin Malone III 2006
Laurie Borman 2007
Laura Daily 2008
Keep Calm and Carry On
As the Brits so famously said, “Keep Calm and Carry On.” I think it’s still good advice as we go boldly, together, into realms unknown. I would appreciate your vote.
