Dear Fellow Skålleagues,

As we are all getting ready for the Holiday Season, I would like to remind you on few important upcoming events and developments:

* As you all know the Skål International USA 2019 Annual General Meeting (AGM) will take place in Hawaii between April 25-28 along with the North American Skål Congress (NASC). We would like to encourage you to complete your booking in advance if possible, by December 31st to take advantage of slightly lower rates. Here is the direct link for booking: https://hawaii2019nasc.com/registration/ .

* Our Skål USA Benefits/ Discounts page is up and running. This is the platform where Skål USA members are offered special discounts. This is also a great platform where you can promote your members to fellow Skålleagues at no cost. The platform is available under members area and here is the direct link: If you are interested to post a discount please email skalusa@buses.org

* SI Central California (aka SI Fresno) is on its way for officially being reinstated before end of 2018! The Club under Jackie Cross's leadership has reached the required number and is now finalizing the paperwork. After SI Southwest Florida and SI Valley of the Sun (aka SI Phoenix), SI Central California will be the third official new Club in Skål USA established/ reinstated in 2018.


* A little over a month ago announced to our membership that we are very close to hit 2000 members. Many of you have been working hard to support this goal and organizing membership Recruitment Events! I am very happy to announce that we now have achieved 1991 members. We are very close to hitting the number 2000 before end of the year! Thank you for all your efforts and commitment.

* While we are focused on recruiting new members, I would like to remind you that Membership Retention is as important as recruiting new members. This has been a topic that our membership Team has been working on and discussing with Club's during the year. Please make sure to reach out to every member you have, especially to those who have not been to the meetings lately. Take advantage of the upcoming Holiday season and invite them to your Holiday Party and remind them about their Skål Family! 

This is the time of the year when we gather around the table with our families and pause to reflect that which we are thankful. This year, in addition to family and friends, I'm thankful for the privilege to serve as your Skål USA President. It has been an honor to work with dedicated and supportive Skål USA members, Skål USA Club President's, Skål USA Representatives and Skål USA Executive Committee members.

This week's Thanksgiving holiday offers a special opportunity to reflect on our many blessings and to be grateful for the gifts we have received. We are mindful of those less fortunate and struggling in our country and our world. We also express our gratitude to the men and women and their families who selflessly serve to protect our country and the American way of life. 

On behalf of the Skål USA Executive Committee, I would like to wish all of our Skalleagues a happy Thanksgiving holiday. We are thankful for you and we hope to have your continuing support with us in 2019.

With Happiness, Good Health, Friendship and Long Life!

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your families.

In Friendship & Skål,

Burcin Turkkan
President - Skål International USA 2018