ASCnet (Applied Systems Client Network) said it plans to relocate its headquarters by the end of this year after it has found a permanent chief executive officer.

In a statement, ASCnet Chair Lisa Parry Becker said plans call for the Altamonte Springs, Fla., automation standardization and technology assistance group to relocate to suburban Chicago reflecting unprecedented challenges the group has been facing.

"Like many other associations, ASCnet is facing financial pressures," she said, noting the soft property and casualty market and depressed economy taking a toll on agencies and brokers that are a source of the association's revenues.

Fewer members have attended its conferences, notably TENCon, and mergers and acquisitions have eaten into new membership and association renewals. She also noted changes in the way individuals receive their education.

While the "current situation is stable," the current location is not conducive to travel for many of the group's leaders, increasing governance costs, and does not provide a central location for chapters and members. Moving to Chicago would bring the headquarters closer to these interests and also closer to Applied Systems, it was explained.

"For 25 years we have worked hand-in-hand to solve industry issues, and our core mission remains to enhance our member' value and profitability through education, effective use of technology and advocacy," she said.

Ms. Parry Becker added that the "new proximity won't hinder our ability or willingness to advocate for our members with system enhancements and pricing issues. We will maintain our professional independence."

She said it was unfortunate that the association would probably lose valuable staff in the move, but that the move is necessary for the association's future.

Earlier this week ASCnet posted a job opening for a new CEO on its Web site.

Currently, the position is being filled by Rick Morgan who has served as interim CEO since July of last year.

He replaced Linn Wheeling, who left her post in 2008.