ASTA President Congratulates President-Elect
ALEXANDRIA, VA, Nvoember 5, 2008. ASTA's President and CEO, Chris Russo, released the following statement today congratulating Sen. Barack Obama on his election as President of the United States:
"ASTA wishes to extend its warmest congratulations to President-elect Barack Obama. The 2008 election was one of the most spirited contests in modern political history, and both Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain are to be commended for inspiring the American people to participate in the political process in record numbers. Our country remains deeply divided over a host of issues, but it is a testament to the health of our political system that these issues can be discussed openly and voted upon peacefully.
The next president will face many significant challenges during his first year in office. We look forward to working with President-elect Obama, Vice President-elect Biden, and the new administration in the coming months to ensure that the economy as a whole-and the retail travel marketplace in particular-is best positioned for a recovery in 2009."
The mission of the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) is to facilitate the business of selling travel through effective representation, shared knowledge and the enhancement of professionalism. ASTA seeks a retail travel marketplace that is profitable and growing and a rewarding field in which to work, invest and do business.




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