Chapter Chats

Mesa Phoenix

Paula Goldsmith -- the director of the OSSN Mesa/Phoenix Chapter -- welcomed a dozen agents to her group's Nov. 4 meeting to discuss the Dolly Steamboat. Cindi Busboom with the steamboat company discussed the world-class cruises down the inner waterways of the "Junior Grand Canyon" on Canyon Lake (Apache Junction, Ariz.).

(Credits: Paula Goldsmith)

Houston

Jeff Grieder -- OSSN's Midwest Regional Manager and the director of the OSSN Houston Chapter -- held two great meetings recently in his area. First, His Oct. 23 gathering served as a planning session for the group to discuss everything from training ideas to future chapter meeting topics and locations. Along with its regular meetings in 2009, this chapter will host networking socials!

Then, on Nov. 20, the chapter welcomed two special guests: OSSN President Gary M. Fee and Lisa Presley (Royal Caribbean's business development manager for southeastern Texas). This event drew three dozen agents, as Gary discussed taking your home-based travel business to the next level and Lisa talked about her line's plans for 2009.

(Credits: Jeff Grieder)

San Antonio

The OSSN San Antonio Chapter met on Oct. 14 to discuss the latest programs and promotions from Royal Caribbean International with Lionel Garcia, RCI's local business development manager. Brenda O'Leary, the chapter's director, reports a good crowd for this session.

Then, this chapter welcomed Hazel Morett, the business development manager for Trafalgar Tours, to its Nov. 11 gathering to discuss the tour company's 2009 products.

(Credits: Brenda O'Leary)

OSSN seminar at sea

John Grygalonis -- the director of the OSSN Richmond/Norfolk Chapter -- reports on a very successful OSSN seminar at sea aboard the "Celebrity Infinity" Nov. 2-15. His group sailed from San Diego for stops in Cabo San Lucas, Acapulco, Huatulco, Puntarenas, the Panama Canal, Cartagena, and Fort Lauderdale. The agents took part in several onboard seminars, including a discussion of OSSN benefits and a networking session.

(Credits: John Grygalonis)

Oklahoma

Pam Brown -- who directs the OSSN Oklahoma Chapter -- represented the association at trade shows in her region. She did an excellent job promoting OSSN and explaining membership benefits to the agents attending these events. There's nothing better for agents who don't belong to OSSN yet than talking directly to an OSSN leader at any trade show!

(Credits: Pam Brown)