Skål International USA reaches management agreement with ABA

The American Bus Association (ABA) and Skål International USA (SIUSA) announced an agreement on a management contract for the day-to-day operations of SIUSA for 2012 and 2013, with options to secure a long-term relationship.

Over the past several months, the SIUSA Board of Directors and its Search Committee conducted a search for an association management company or an individual capable of providing management and operational services. SIUSA selected ABA from a pool of nearly 150 entities that submitted bids.

SIUSA and ABA have a long standing common history, with ABA hosting SIUSA receptions and several chapter events at its annual convention and tradeshow, ABA Marketplace, for each of the last four years.

“I know that I speak for our entire organization when I say that we couldn’t be more pleased to formalize the ABA’s management contract with Skål International USA,” said Skålleague, ABA President and CEO Peter Pantuso, CTIS. “We believe strongly in continuing to maintain the values of SIUSA. In establishing a long-term partnership, we look forward to providing top-of-the-line customer service and operational stability for SIUSA that will help support them in establishing a platform for continued success and growth.”

Skål International USA President Llana Smith, CTC added, “The ABA will bring strong association management skills to Skål International USA as well as added value that we are looking forward to incorporating into our core programs moving forward. Our account will be managed by several employees with significant experience in our industry and with some impressive expertise, including strong knowledge of accounting and communication skills.”

ABA will be providing a full range of management services for SIUSA under the terms of this agreement. ABA will offer accounting, financial management, web management, public relations, general office and technical services.

Under this management model, the day-to-day operations of SIUSA and its interaction with its more than 2,500 members and 61 local club affiliates will remain virtually unchanged. The SIUSA Board of Directors made the decision to move to a new management contractor after significant due diligence, much discussion and several rounds of debate.

“It will be business as usual,” said Smith. “We’re confident that this will be a seamless transition for all Skålleagues.”