Has the MAR system improved because we are tracking it?  Maybe, but I think it has more to do with the bad economy.  All our members are all suffering but they are the kind of people who will reach out to help other members who they know are also suffering.  Plus, they know that next week it may be them that is asking for help.  If you want to get assistance you have to give it.

Interestingly, it is our newer members that seem to have quickly grasped the concept of cooperative help. They have not hesitated to launch MAR's to tap the worldwide ICOM network to help them with new business pitches and other business questions.  And, they are some of the best responders.

Second, we've had more membership inquiries from independent agencies around the world than ever before.  That's not what you'd expect in these belt-tightening days of recession.  However, again, I think it is these difficult times that have prompted agencies to look for a supportive international resource that can help them manage through.  Some say they've heard about our mutual assistance culture and want to be a part of it.  Unfortunately, most are from markets where we already have a good member so we send them on to other independent networks.

So you see 2009 was not all bad.  I believe if we keep this ICOM spirit of cooperation going 2010 could be a much better year for all.