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June 13, 2000
WEST VIRGINIAN APPOINTED TO NATIONAL AVIATION BOARD
- Ted Lawson will Help Review How Travel Agencies Interact with Consumers -
WASHINGTON, D.C. —U.S. Senator Jay Rockefeller (D-W) today announced that Ted Lawson, CEO of National Travel, has been appointed to the National Commission to Ensure Consumer Information and Choice in the Airline Industry. The Commission was created as part of the recently passed Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Bill, and it will look at the status of travel agencies and how they interact with consumers.
Rockefeller, who is the highest ranking Democrat on the Senate Aviation Subcommittee, nominated Lawson for the Commission. In addition to running West Virginia's largest travel agency, Lawson is the Chairman of the West Virginia Air Service Task Force. He began his career working in the travel industry in 1967, and started National Travel in 1977. National Travel employs 80 people in West Virginia, and has offices in Charleston, Miami, Washington, Morgantown and Huntington.
"As a West Virginian who has spent more than 30 years working in the travel industry, Ted is a perfect selection for this Commission," Rockefeller said. "The work of this Commission is so important because it will take a close look at how travel agents help to provide consumers with the information they need so they can get the best prices and service. Ted will bring the perspective of someone who both has a deep understanding of the travel industry and who knows the difficulties of traveling in rural America. As West Virginians know, there are unique travel challenges in small communities, so it is important that our needs and concerns are represented."
The Commission will look at three key questions:
- Is the financial condition of travel agents declining, and, if so, what are the effects are on consumers?
- Are there impediments to consumers receiving information on the services and products offered by the airline industry and, if so, what are the effects of such impediments on travel agents, Internet-based distributors and consumers?
- What is the condition of smaller travel agencies?
The Commission will issue a report within six months after the appointments are made. The Commission is composed of nine members – three appointed by the Secretary of Transportation, two each by the Speaker of the House and Majority Leader of the Senate, and one each by the Minority Leaders of the House and Senate. Lawson was the selection of Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle (D-SD).
Rockefeller continued, "There are over 33,000 travel agencies, more than 50 percent of which are owned by women and minorities. This Commission is so important because of the challenges these agencies are currently facing in the rapidly changing travel industry. Ted will be an important part of making certain that travel agencies continue to play a vital role in keeping businesses and consumers moving."
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