YOUR ASTA CHAPTER NEWS

A letter from your SoCal ASTA President
 
Hello wonderful, busy, and successful SoCal ASTA Members!
 
Who would have every imagined this past year?  That being said, we’d better be prepared for the pent up demand for our invaluable service…so take a deep breath, take good care of yourselves, and know that ASTA has your back!
 
What has ASTA done for you lately???

Just this past week, with 170 of your fellow ASTA Members lobbying on our behalf, the Alaska Tourism Recovery Act, passed unanimously by the House, it had passed by the Senate –  while our terrific ASTA Board of Directors were meeting. It was a happy moment and it had to do with all of us making that effort, at the chapter level writing letters and our voice on the Hill.  The grassroot campaign of writing sending emails to our legislators was a major contribution to its success!
 
The Alaska season for this year will take place!    
And what else is being done for our mutual benefit???
 
The other two issues that we made asks for are:
 
1. Securing Access For Venue Equity(Save) Act H.R. 2120
The Shuttered Venue Operators Grant ( SVOG) program was established by the Continuing Appropriations Act at the end of 2020. 
Under this program, eligible business can qualify for grants of up to $10 million or 45 percent of their 2019 gross revenue, whichever is less. 
Under the SAVE Act, eligibility for the SVOG program would be broadened to include attractions, meeting ad event organizers and travel agencies. 
This support for the travel agency sector is sorely needed and would help bridge the gap between the expiration of the current relief programs and the resumption of agency revenue expected later this year.
 
The ASK: 
House: Co-Sponsor H.R. 2120
Senate: Support H.R. 2120/Targeted Relief for Travel Advisors
 
2. Hospitality and Commerce Job Recovery Act (S.477/H.R. 1346)
Hospitality and Commerce Job Recovery Act is designed to support the recovery of the travel and hospitality industries and their workers. 
The bill would create a tax credit to offset the cost of attending or hosting conventions, business meetings or trade shows in the U.S. through 2024. 
 
It would also create a tax credit for certain domestic travel expenses of up to $1,500 for many Americans. 
 
For individuals making up to $75,000 or a combined income of $150,000, with additional credits of $500.00 per child with a maximum of $3,000. 
 
The Hospitality and Commerce Job Recovery Act will be critical to the recovery of the travel industry which is central to the overall U.S. economy. 
 
The ASK: 
House co-sponsor H.R. 1346
Senate Co-sponsor S. 477
 
So, what can you do to aid in the success of these bills which directly impact your success????

1. Respond when you receive a request from ASTA to contact your legislators.
2. Keep your membership in ASTA active…
3. Donate to ASTAPac now…these efforts on our behalf do require financial support, our advocacy team, legal advisors and lobbyists require our assistance!  They are our ever present voice!

Donate to ASTAPAC

As for advocacy, it’s being done for us in terms of enhancing our image with the consumer as well…ASTA was recently able to have two, pro-travel advisor articles published in the New York Times, not to mention countless articles in regional print and online publications…this happens with the proactive determination of the staff and volunteers of ASTA.
 
Your involvement with us, your local chapter is always welcomed…please let me know if you would like to assume a role on the board or simply assist with membership or events!
 
With all the best wishes for a healthy, happy and prosperous “New Year”…because most of us don’t want to relive the last one!
 
An honor to serve,
 
Tama Willetta Holve, CTC, CTIE
President, SoCal ASTA

SoCAL ASTA Chapter Executive Board

President:  
Tama Holve CTC, CTIE, 
[email protected]

Vice President:  
Patty Thorington VTA, 
[email protected]

Treasurer:  
Rhonda Shumway VTA, CTC  
[email protected]

Secretary/YPS Liaison:  
April Perez   
[email protected]

DONATE to ASTAPAC:  Text ASTAPAC54  to 71777  to donate
Chapter Email:  [email protected] 
 FB:  @astasocal