 Message
From The President
Good Bye 2002.
Good riddance according to other OSSN agents perspective on 2002.
Hello 2003! It looks like the travel industry is on the up swing despite a stumbling economy, lingering terrorism and
the threat of war with Iraq. Many OSSN members now have a very focused niche for their business and have scaled down
their over-head. However, it would be wise for any seller of travel to have a contingency plan in the event your
niche or market destination falls victim of the times. In other words, don't keep all your eggs in one basket. As we
all know there has been a major shake out in the industry. We've witnessed mismanaged airlines that should of gone
out of business a long time ago, cruise lines and travel suppliers that have merged, sold, or closed and travel
agencies that have moved from store fronts to a home-based agency business. Where is all this leading us?
Certainly not to the demise of the travel industry or for the seller of travel. Our industry is definitely going
through a reorganization process. This reorganization process will allow the travel industry to evolve into a healthier
and more prosperous industry. So "follow the cheese." It has definitely been moved. There are many members who are
doing very well in their business. Airline traffic is up. Hotels and cruise lines are filling their beds and berths
more so now than in the last 6 months. Home sales and the auto industry are booming!
OSSN, too, has done very well in spite of all the industry negativity. With full service travel
agencies down sizing and more sellers of travel working directly with the supplier, the OSSN membership
continues to grow. Times have changed and OSSN has long been a symbol of change. Today, working from
home has become very vogue, more profitable and enjoyable. It is our continued goal as an Association to
provide our members with every bit of support possible to help insure the success of their business.
I want to thank each and every member for your continued support and wish you a very prosperous New Year!
Sincerely,
Gary M. Fee
President
OSSN
Marcelene Rucker
Dayton, Ohio Area Director
daytonOH@ossn.com
Marcy loves to travel and has traveled extensively throughout the world. She attended the University of Miami,
CLIA Institute receiving her master Cruise counselor status. She received her certificate of completion from
the international Travel Academy and attended Urbana University. Her agency has been CLIA certified since
its inception. She has served in her community on the Association for Responsible Development, Trotwood
Arts Council, and currently serving on the Trotwood Citizen Budget Review Committee.
Marcy is married; she and her husband have six wonderful children and many grandchildren. Her objective
is to continue to broaden her travel knowledge base, promote travel, and network with other agents/agencies.
Her desire is to encourage and promote the growth of the Ohio Chapter of OSSN and help provide the
resources for others to gain more knowledge of the industry.
Marcy operates and owns her home-based travel business and is a bonded seller of travel in the state of Ohio.
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Hotels.com is excited to announce our
new partnership with OSSN!
Who is
hotels.com?
Hotels.com is the largest specialized provider of discount lodging worldwide, offering
accommodations to the business and leisure traveler at over 7,000 properties in more than 300 markets in North America,
Europe, the Caribbean and Asia. In 2003 we will be expanding our hotel coverage into South America.
What is the benefit to your clients?
We offer a one-stop shopping source for pricing, amenities and availability for hotels and vacation rentals.
Leveraging our tremendous buying power, you can provide your travelers with the very best prices, as well as
hard to find accommodations during sold-out periods. It is estimated that at least
1-4% of price conscious
corporate travelers would utilize a pre-paid hotel room if offered, and the percentage for the leisure traveler is much higher.
What is the benefit to your Agency?
Through the OSSN partnership, you now have the ability to link directly to our database for ease of booking.
There is also an experienced team of travel agency trained customer support agents available for your pre and after sale
assistance.
What about commissions?
Hotels.com pays you commissions on every hotel room consumed - guaranteed. We track your commissions for you via our online
reporting system, and will send your check to your registered address monthly.
Please visit the OSSN site for your hotels.com link. Welcome!!
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Institute of Certified Travel Agents
Smart agents know that business success depends upon business savvy. They also know there is no greater
concentration of business savvy than the ICTA certification courses. Certified Travel Associate (CTA) and
Certified Travel Counselor (CTC)
From now until January 31st
The Certified Travel Associate (CTA) program tuition is
only $300 (a savings of $45) .
For course description and sample pages visit www.icta.com
Increase your compensation in 2003.... Earn your certification!
According to Travel Counselor
Magazine 2003 Salary Survey, certified agents earn 11% more then non-certified agents.
 Need to improve your customer service? CTA can guide you. Want to improve your destination knowledge?
CTA can take you there. Want better relations with clients, suppliers and employees or coworkers? CTA has
the strategies and techniques. If you need a new business or financial plan, CTC has the templates. Need to get
your marketing program off the ground? CTC covers the basics.
While all ICTA courses are designed for self-study, you don't have to work alone - here are lots of options.
Study with a Licensed School, Online study group, or enroll in an ICTA Immersion for an intensive review
and test with your peers.
The Certified Travel Associate (CTA) is specially priced at just $300 (a $45 discount) through January 31.
You may begin immediately and pay in three monthly payments!
Enroll using the attached Enrollment Form. Your contact at ICTA is
Gracie Hiett, CTC Educational Advisor
(800) 542-4282, ext. 152 or ghiett@icta.com
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Congratulations to the Younes Family! |
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Samir Khalil Younes
Born November 26, 2002
9 lbs 2oz
20.25 inches
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Chapter Director
Tracey Younes
OSSN San Antonio Director
austin@ossn.com |
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Read Past
Issues of the OSSN E-Agent!
CLICK
HERE!
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