Outgoing SKAL World President, Burcin Turkkan, delivered this powerful New Year message to her members.

Founded in 1934 SKAL International has more than 13057 members, entailing industry managers and executives. They meet at local, national, regional, and international levels to do business among friends throughout more than 311 Skål Clubs in 85 countries and are stronger together as one was President Burcin Turkkan’s presidential theme for SKAL in 2022.

 

Burcin’s article published in SKAL’s magazine Tourism Now says: Apart from the powerful symbolism of number one, representing unity, new beginnings, and achievements, the guiding force behind the ground-breaking and one of the most important decisions in Skål International history is the restructuring of our governance Plan, which has been the power of number three.

This number symbolizes creativity, communication, optimism, and curiosity, as well as good things always come in 3’s:

  • Past, Present, and Future
  • What was, what is, what will be

The 3 goals our 6-member Executive Team focused on this year were:

  • Restructure the Governance Plan
  • Better Fiscal Financial Policies
  • Strategic growth of membership

The first goal was of utmost importance as the other two goals would be linked to the first directly and indirectly.

A committee of 15 members led by 3 Co-Chairs set out to introduce a new plan that would enhance the representation of Skål International members globally, allowing every club, country, and area to be heard.

After many hours of discussions, the proposed plan was approved by two-thirds of our members at the World Congress in Croatia. The next step is implementation and training now that the Governance Committee has identified and devised a new structure.

2023 is the year of transition for Skål International

The new Governance Transition Committee, with 15 members and a 12-month strategic plan, will assist the Skål International Executive Board and Skål members in understanding and then implementing the new policies and procedures.

I have always related our 3 goals to 6 human needs:

1. Certainty - Our organization is the guiding light in our industry, and in 2023 we must continue to set the tone for change which is a certainty, as well as the adaptability and flexibility towards change.

2. Variety - We have a variety of member talents who will have a variety of ways to overcome the obstacles facing change. In 2023, we must continue to encourage our members to invest their time and expertise in projects to enhance the relevance of Skål International.

3. Significance - The comprehensive media visibility this year has magnified the relevance of belonging to Skål International while promoting our brand globally….This needs to be continued in 2023.

4. Connection - This has always been our most important membership benefit as our tagline of Doing Business Among Friends states. The connection between members needs to continue. The latest technological platforms that have been designed specifically for Skål International members will assist with the constant evolution of change and connection.

5. Growth - Several new clubs have been formed, new countries have been added and membership figures have increased for the first time in many years. We need to continue the growth with new countries, and new clubs in 2023.

6. Contribution - More than 125 members have contributed their time, expertise, and knowledge in the 8 committees set up by the Executive Board this year which has added to the growth, contribution, significance, and variety of the achievements of our organization. Inclusion and diversity must be our top priorities moving forward at all levels.