 Chapter Development
The APTA organization continues to grow with individual membership, corporate membership and also with new chapters. There is always interest expressed in forming a new APTA chapter, and it is the responsibility of the Executive Board to assist in development of new chapters.
The Executive Board has a marketing director who chairs Chapter Development. Materials are available to assist those who are interested in creating a new chapter. For further information please contact:
Kathleen Cook-Hunter
(214) 826-7045 FAX: (214) 826-4181
APTA EMAIL: NewChapter@APTA.biz
Guidelines in Forming a New APTA Chapter
To start a new chapter of APTA, you should have a minimum of four people, however, the Local Chapter Board of Directors consists of nine positions. Have organizational meeting with those interested in starting the chapter.
Organize a mailing list, which can include airlines, tourism organizations, and travel agents, multi-line reps that sell the Continent of Africa and its islands, and tour wholesalers. Idea! Ask those people attending the organizational meeting to bring ten names/addresses of industry people to start the mailing list. Dont forget to contact any local corporate members ask for their support too.
Set a date for first meeting with an interesting and informative program. Publicize the meeting in local trade publications, mail announcements to the database, make phone calls, or consider sending a fax broadcast to all travel agents in your area. Offer prizes or have a raffle, or give an airline ticket or a land package (donated by a corporate member). This will help to draw interest to the function. Idea! Contact local ASTA, PATA, NACTA, OSSN and other similar organizations; ask if they will promote your APTA meeting.
APTA.biz is the APTA website, and offers opportunities of posting information about your new board. Make sure that you send copies of all announcements and upcoming activities to the Executive Board website coordinator for updating onto the site.
You will also receive a binder, "This is APTA", which contains APTA forms, procedures, etc. The Chapter President should copy the binder for each person accepting a position on the new Board.
APTA uses Quicken Basic as its accounting system and the aforementioned binder contains an APTA Quicken manual. All Chapters are to follow these specific accounting procedures.
APTA also uses the MemberTies program as its database. Out Database Administrator has modified the program for APTA's needs. Contact the Executive Board's Individual Membership Director and Financial Director about purchase and setup of these programs.
Set up a checking account with two signatures on checks. State that you are a non-profit association. The National Board's Financial director can provide a letter and the Federal Tax number, which you will receive upon finalizing all of these procedures. Also, if needed, contact National Financial Director for financial assistance.
Do not hesitate to ask for assistance from the Executive Board and existing Local Chapter Presidents. They can provide you with a wealth of information, ideas and support!
The Executive Board Membership Director can provide a comprehensive membership kit, which includes membership application forms, sample cover letters and other valuable information. Membership cards and membership certificates are also available.
Remember, your Board Members will act as public relations and solicit membership at all travel-related functions. THINK MEMBERSHIP!
Good luck!
Kathleen Cook-Hunter
Executive Director New Chapters
Revised June 04, 2005 |
