International Society of Transport Aircraft Trading Selects SmithBucklin for Full-Service Management
CHICAGO - Jan. 26, 2007 &nash; SmithBucklin has been selected by the International Society of Transport Aircraft Trading (ISTAT), the premier air transport industry association, as its full-service management company. ISTAT has relocated from Fairfax, Va., to SmithBucklin's offices in Chicago.
Founded in 1983, ISTAT represents more than 1,200 individuals and companies involved in the fast-growing field of commercial aviation, including major airframe and engine manufacturers, airlines, lessors and financiers, appraisers, equipment manufacturers and remarketers, maintenance and repair providers, insurers, consultants and brokers. The ISTAT Foundation funds scholarships, educational programs and grants to individuals and institutions that promote the advancement of commercial aviation.
"One of our Board's primary objectives was to seek a management solution that would offer both the professional services and international reach our organization requires as we operate in the virtually border-free aviation industry," said ISTAT President Tom Heimsoth. "After a thorough examination of various options, the Board was pleased to select SmithBucklin to manage ISTAT's operations. We also are pleased that ISTAT will be able to enhance
our offerings to our international membership through the SmithBucklin + MCI Global Partnership."
The SmithBucklin + MCI Global Partnership brings together U.S.-based SmithBucklin, the world's largest association management company, and MCI, the
foremost global association, communications and event management company. The Partnership affords associations, corporations, and government institutions and agencies with ready access to leading expertise, as well as unmatched purchasing and negotiation power.
SmithBucklin President and COO Julie Silverstein said, "Working with a preeminent organization such as ISTAT is an honor for us. We are confident
that SmithBucklin's knowledge and resources will help ISTAT achieve its goals."
SmithBucklin's Ronald E. Pietrzak is serving as ISTAT's Executive Director. Pietrzak joined SmithBucklin in 1992, where he has served as executive director of the Association of Steel Distributors, the Wallcovering Association and the American Ladder Institute.
Pietrzak began his career in association management in 1979 as executive director of the Decorating Products Association of Greater Chicago, which was
the largest local chapter of the National Decorating Products Association (NDPA). In 1985, he was named executive vice president of NDPA, a position he
held until joining SmithBucklin. Pietrzak is a member of the Association Forum of Chicagoland 2006-2007 Board of Directors.
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About SmithBucklin
SmithBucklin is the world's largest association management and professional services company providing flexible, tailored full-service management and function/project-specific services to more than 235 trade associations, professional societies, technology user groups, government institutes/agencies and corporations. SmithBucklin's mission is to drive growth and build sustained competitiveness for client organizations. Founded in 1949, the company employs 750 professionals specializing in all phases of association activity including executive management, member and chapter administration, convention and trade show management, marketing and branding, Web services, education and programs, government relations and financial management. SmithBucklin manages more than $250 million in annual client budgets from offices in Chicago, Washington, DC, St. Louis and Durham, NC. SmithBucklin is 100% employee owned. For more information, please visit www.smithbucklin.com or call 1.800.539.9740.
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