Chapter Chats

Richmond/Norfolk

John Grygalonis (center, white shirt) welcomed these agents to the September “meet and greet” gathering of the OSSN Richmond/Norfolk (Va.) Area Chapter. During the meeting at a local Golden Corral restaurant, the group discussed concerns that home-based travel agents face in today’s ever-changing environment.

(Credit: John Grygalonis)

Daytona/Orlando

Natalie Hedberg and Melissa Ripple (shown left and center) joined Myrtis Rimassa -- director of the OSSN Daytona/Orlando Area Chapter -- at a Denny’s Restaurant in Altamone Springs, Fla., on Sept. 25. The chapter held a hands-on training session in using the OSSN Web site.

(Credit: Myrtis Rimassa)

Houston

Jeff Grieder (center) -- OSSN’s Midwest Regional Manager – welcomed more than 30 agents to the September meeting of the OSSN Houston Chapter. Joining him as presenters were Lindsay Sirotka (left), the Houston-based Customer Business Development Manager for Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, and Cris De Souza (right), Channel Strategy Executive for Azamara Cruises and Celebrity Cruises. In less than two hours, Lindsay and Cris introduced the agents to the three cruise lines’ upcoming itineraries, ships, and promotions. The meeting was held at a local Joe’s Crab Shack restaurant.

(Credit: Jeff Grieder)

Cincinnati

Vicki Fasick (left) chats with Monika Hopkins (right) during the September meeting of the OSSN Cincinnati (Ohio) Chapter. Monika represents Royal Caribbean Cruise Line in the Cincinnati region. Melody Gaskins, the chapter’s director, reports a great turnout at the Blue Goose Sports Cafe for this event.

(Credits: Melody Gaskins)

Kentucky

Bobbie Murphy (second from right) held an organizing meeting for the OSSN Kentucky Chapter in September. The agents gathered at a Panera Bread restaurant in Louisville to discuss OSSN’s services and to network with each other. Vicky Spenser of Vacation by V won the free membership given away during the meeting! The chapter’s next event will be held in Frankfort, the state capital, in October.

(Credit: Bobbie Murphy)

San Jose/Bay Area

Keith and Martha Powell (shown smiling) joined members of the OSSN San Jose/Bay Area (Calif.) Chapter recently for the group’s meeting. Anita Pagliasso (OSSN’s Western Regional Manager) reports that Keith – one of the travel industry’s most well-known trainers and motivational speakers – delivered a lot of valuable information and insightful advice before the group enjoyed dinner at Anita’s home.

(Credits: Anita Pagliasso)

Austin

Lionel Garcia with Royal Caribbean Cruise Line explained the workings of his line’s CruisingPower and CruiseMatch programs at the September meeting of the OSSN Austin (Texas) Chapter. David Appleby has led the revitalizing of this chapter as its new director. These agents enjoyed dinner along with Lionel’s presentation at a Joe’s Crab Shack in Round Rock.

(Credit: David Appleby)

Minneapolis

Leona Olson -- the director of the OSSN Minneapolis Chapter -- invited Jenny Halligan with Carnival Cruise Lines to discuss her company’s plans and deals at the chapter’s September gathering. These agents rated Jenny’s presentation excellent during the event at a TGI Fridays restaurant in St. Louis Park, Minn.

(Credit: Leona Olson)

Mesa/Phoenix

These agents enjoyed presentations by representatives of the OHANA and Outrigger hotel chains during the Oct. 3 meeting of the OSSN Mesa-Phoenix (Ariz.) Chapter, reports Paula Goldsmith (the chapter’s director).

(Credit: Paula Goldsmith)