Chapter Chats

New Jersey

Hema Khan -- the director of the OSSN New Jersey Chapter -- held her group's first meeting in northcentral New Jersey on April 8. The results? A great turnout, including several new OSSN members! Shown here are (l to r) the three speakers for this session: Andy Wainer with NEST, John Klados with Homeric Tours, and Andy Christo with Monarch Classic Cruises. Hema says she'll hold her June meeting in this location as a result of the amazing turnout.

(Credits: Hema Khan)

Los Angeles

The brand-new OSSN Los Angeles Chapter is off to a roaring start! Paula Mitchell Manning, the chapter's director, held the group's inaugural function on April 8 at the famed Cicada Club. Anita Pagliasso, OSSN's Western Regional Manager, presented innovative marketing and networking tips during the session. "The Cicada Club was a great choice for a first meeting!" Paula says.

Then, on May 3, Paula organized a mini trade show with a special focus on Spain. Eurail, Eurobound, and the national tourist office of Spain set up information tables and shared sales tips with the agents. The event also included a special tour of the Autry Museum - and the agents received a museum T-shirt and a Gene Autry magnet! "It really helped to offer agents the opportunity to bring their families [to the meeting]," Paula notes.

(Credit: Paula Mitchell Manning)

Houston

More than three dozen agents attended the April 17 gathering of the OSSN Houston Chapter.

Jeff Grieder (the chapter's director and OSSN's Mid West Regional Manager) enjoys a special hat presented by Shannon McElroy (left) and Laurie Mason (right) with Carnival Cruise Lines. The April 17 crowd represented the chapter's largest attendance during Jeff's three-year tenure as director!

Shannon discussed the new "Group E Channel" with attendees. The system allows agents to manage their groups online..

Shannon and Laurie thank OSSN members for their business and support during the presentation.

(Credits: Jeff Grieder)

Mesa Phoenix

Paula Goldsmith -- who directs the OSSN Mesa Phoenix Chapter -- welcomed almost two dozen agents to her group's April 1 meeting with JoAnn Askey of Happy Vacations. As the photos show, everyone enjoyed a hearty meal and great networking!

(Credits: Paula Goldsmith)

Massachusetts

The OSSN Massachusetts Chapter drew almost 40 attendees to its April 2 gathering at the Sheraton Needham. Tim Statz with Travel Impressions discussed his company's programs in the Caribbean, with information handed out on different islands such as Barbados, Jamaica, and St. Martin. And, several agents became new OSSN members that evening!

(Credits: Ellen Paderson)

Austin

A big crowd showed up for the April 24 meeting of the OSSN Austin Chapter to hea Tammie Ausman with MSC Cruises discuss her line's itineraries, ships, and current promotions. David Appleby, the chapter's president, reports that there was "good interaction between attendees,"and he called this gathering "one of our better meetings!"

(Credit: David Appleby)

Kentucky

The April 22 gathering of the OSSN Kentucky Chapter focused on travel to Africa with a presentation from Stella and Rob Mountain (far left), the owners of Ntaba Tours. Rob and Stella shared their schedule of guided groups to Africa and tips for reaching out to potential groups of travelers. Bobbie Murphy (the chapter's director, far right) notes that Rob escorts every group himself!

(Credit: Bobbie Murphy)

Hawaii

Stephanie Karen Doane (pictured), the new director of the OSSN Hawaii Chapter, is off to a strong start with her group in 2008! These agents enjoyed one of her recent meetings in Honolulu.

(Credits: Stephanie Karen Doane)

"Serenade of the Seas" fam cruise

John Grygalonis (far left), the director of the OSSN Richmond Norfolk Chapter, and his wife Lori hosted OSSN's fam cruise aboard the Royal Caribbean ship "Serenade of the Sea" that departed April 12 from San Juan, Puerto Rico. The group enjoyed their formal night on the ship in this photo.

(Credit: John Grygalonis)

Atlanta Travel Expo

On April 10, OSSN leaders traveled to Georgia for the Atlanta Travel Expo. OSSN President Gary M. Fee presented opening remarks at the show about home-based travel businesses, and OSSN Vice President Melody Fee moderated a panel featuring four OSSN chapter directors: Phyllis Evenson (Jacksonville), Trudi Robinson (Atlanta Area), Patricia Bannister (Memphis Area [and OSSN's South East Regional Manager]), and Monique Peragine (Newburgh, N.Y. Area [and OSSN's North East Regional Manager]).

Shown in the group photo are (seated, l to r) Monique, Melody, and Hema Khan (the director of the OSSN New Jersey Chapter) and (standing, l to r) Patricia, Gary, Phyllis, and Amy Parker (who directs the OSSN Birmingham/Huntsville Chapter).

(Credits: OSSN)

Vancouver Mini Trade Show

Pamela (P.J.) Ott -- the director of the OSSN Oregon Chapter -- represented the association recently at a mini trade show in Vancouver. She's joined in one photo by John Ott (her "ever-so-reliable" partner, she says!) and, in another photo, P.J. congratulates Melissa West, an agent in Vancouver who won one of the OSSN giveaways at the show.

(Credits: P.J. Ott)