Chapter Chats

Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island

Bill Potuchek (the director of the OSSN Connecticut Chapter) and Ellen Paderson (who directs the OSSN Massachusetts Chapter) coordinated the first joint meeting and training session for OSSN agents in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island last month!

Bill arranged a ship inspection and morning tea aboard the "American Spirit" (American Cruise Lines) in Newport, R.I., while Ellen set up the optional lunch after the training at the Inn at Castle Hill (a Relais & Chateaux property).

More than two dozen agents enjoyed this unique opportunity to network and share their own travel stories!

(Credits: Bill Potuchek; Ellen Paderson)

Austin

The OSSN Austin Chapter welcomed 15 agents to its July 24 meeting for a presentation about Royal Caribbean. David Appleby, the chapter's director, reports that the RCI seminar was well received by the agents.

(Credit: David Appleby)

Houston

In June, the OSSN Houston Chapter took over the Bluebonnet Pavilion at Centennial Park in Pearland, Texas, for the group's annual chapter picnic.

Jeff Grieder (the chapter's director) says chapter members came together to create quite a spread.

Many thanks to Hank and Anne Schrader of Dream Destinations for firing up the pit!

Last month, the chapter held its first "OSSN Supplier Mix and Mingle." It was such a success that chapter members have asked to do this twice a year for one-on-one time with local supplier representatives in Houston.

Ten suppliers were locally represented in Houston, including (l to r) Claire Kelly (Continental Airlines Vacations), Elizabeth Hines (Cayman Islands), Hazel Morett (Trafalgar Tours), Louisa Benton (Travel Impressions), Pete Lumpkin (Multi-line Rep for Viking River Cruises, Louis Cruise Lines, Auto Europe, Almond Resorts), Gloria Ybarra (Norwegian Cruise Lines), and Jennifer Jacobson (L 'Auberge du Lac Casino and Resort).

(Credits: Jeff Grieder)

Memphis

Patricia Bannister -- the director of the OSSN Memphis Chapter -- welcomed a large group to the chapter's recent gathering with the Barbados Tourism Authority. She reports lots of questions and great sales ideas for this Caribbean destination.

(Credits: Patricia Bannister)