CAMTC reviewing Non-Staff Expense Reimbursement Policy at next Board meeting

The California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC) is pleased to announce that it plans to review its Non-Staff Expense Reimbursement Policy at the June board meeting to ensure that the policy reflects CAMTC's commitment to fiscal responsibility. CAMTC will release the final policy on our website at camtc.org after the meeting.

BACKGROUND

CAMTC operates a fiscally conservative organization that offers state certification for $75 a year, a cost that is significantly lower than any other California profession's certification or license fees. In addition to keeping its fees low, CAMTC has made the intervention and prevention of human trafficking a high priority. CAMTC was instrumental in passing SB 285 (signed into law on Aug. 1, 2011, and went into effect Jan. 1, 2012) that continues the fight to prevent human trafficking.

ATTENDANCE AT AMERICAN MASSAGE CONFERENCE (AMC)

AMC was CAMTC's first trade show exposition since its creation in 2009, thus it was important for CAMTC to have a strong presence. The venue provided a valuable opportunity for CAMTC to learn, teach and network with influential individuals and massage professionals from California and around the country. CAMTC reached out to hundreds of students and stakeholders and was able to have their questions answered and report any local government issues.

CAMTC is also happy to announce it was able to scale back its expenses for AMC. When CAMTC first started planning the staffing for AMC, the total conference attendance was estimated at between 2000-3000 individuals. CAMTC planned accordingly by proposing that more staff attend to handle that number of participants. Later, when it was discovered that massage professional attendance would be closer to 1000, CAMTC adjusted the staffing plan accordingly.

Only three directors from CAMTC's Executive Committee are expected to submit for reimbursement of travel expenses. The other four directors in attendance volunteered their hard work for three days and covered their own expenses. Our Board of Directors is made up entirely of volunteers whom are never paid for their efforts.

CAMTC's mission is to protect the public by certifying qualified massage professionals. CAMTC will continue to work ceaselessly to serve our constituents and protect the public.

"CAMTC's diverse Board of Directors represents various points of view, which is at the core of CAMTC's strength. CAMTC's first trade show was enormously successful. On Friday we met and communicated with over 700 students," stated CAMTC Chairperson Dixie Wall. "Only three directors from CAMTC's Board of Directors intend to request reimbursement for travel expenses, not the seven originally mentioned. Four of the seven spent their own time and money to attend and assist with the conference. The way in which the motion was framed was unclear because it gave the impression that the number of Directors attending the conference was not capped and that reimbursement was unlimited. In fact that was never the intent, as it was ultimately shown."

Chairperson Dixie Wall also noted: "CAMTC was honored in December 2011 to be the co-winners of the 'Heroes of the Profession' award by MassageToday for its human trafficking accomplishments. CAMTC looks forward to continuing its mission of protecting the public through its responsible fiscal policies and working to ensure the rights of certified massage professionals."