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Our People: In The News 
Leading Travel Professionals Form Areas First Partnership
Local Travel Specialist Quoted in Forbes.com 02/26/08 – When Forbes was looking for a knowledgeable agent to interview for a feature article on Australia, New Zealand and the SouthPacific, they turned to Virtuoso, North America’s most respected network of travel agents. Virtuoso recommended that Forbes call Fran Kramer of The Deprez Group of Travel Companies.
Fran, who specializes in luxury travel to the Oceana Region, which is collective name for the islands scattered throughout most of the Pacific Ocean. Fran has lived in New Zealand and has visited the “Down Under” countries dozens of times, and was chosen as one of the Top 80 Travel Agents in the US by “National Geographic Explorer” magazine for her expertise in that area of the world.
To read the Forbes article on “Swanky Vacation Spots: Australia/ New Zealand/ South Pacific”, go to http://www.forbes.com/2008/02/21/travel-pacific-resorts-forbeslife-cx_ls_0221travelpacific.html.
The DePrez Group of Travel Companies, founded in 1929, is now the largest independent travel management organization in the 5-county Rochester area. The group includes DePrez Travel Bureau, Inc (a member of the invitation-only VIRTUOSO network), Just Cruises, Inc. (one of the top 50 cruise-only agencies in North America), Charlie Cheapseats, Whitaker & DePrez Travel Partners LLC, Wish Upon A Star Vacations, Inc., DePrez Certified Convention Management, Precision Planning and DePrez Corporate Services Division.
For More Information Call:
The DePrez Group of Travel Companies
145 Rue de Ville
Rochester, NY 14618
585-442-8900
LEADING TRAVEL PROFESSIONALS FORM AREAS FIRST PARTNERSHIP Rochester, NY 2/07/08 – Under the leadership of Stephanie S. Whitaker, 10 of the areas premiere travel professionals have created a first of its kind, professional partnership. The organization, Whitaker and DePrez Travel Partners, LLC opened to the public in its new state of the art offices on December 15, 2007. Whitaker and DePrez Travel Partners, in a collective effort, brings the areas most experienced travel consultants under one roof, offering clients a level of customer care, service and counseling never before available. “Many of my colleagues, representing the very best and longest tenured travel professionals in the area, have long been looking for the absolute best way to serve our clients. We have all reached the same conclusion, that by joining forces in the framework of a professional partnership, we can bring an unprecedented level of expertise and customer service to our clients” says Whitaker. The organization will also combine two of the area's best know brands in retail leisure travel. Stephanie Whitaker, CTC, is the best know and respected Luxury travel advisor in the area and will serve as the managing director. Whitaker has over 40 years of service to the travel industry in the Rochester market. She holds a BA in English from Hollins College and has extensive travel experience. She has served as a regular industry panelist for Virtuoso (the leading luxury travel industry trade group) and has been a long time member of the Travel Institute. Stephanie specializes in foreign independent travel, is certified with Virtuoso, and is a 'LEXPERT” with Lindblad Expeditions. Operations for the new organization will be provided by The Deprez Group of Travel Companies, founded in 1929. The DePrez Group is the largest independently owned travel management firm in upstate NY and has been regularly recognized as the leader in this areas leisure travel trade. Valerie Case Daciw, CTA(Certified Travel Associate) William Hall, CTA Maxine Krasnoff, CTA Cindy Marshall, CTA Diann J. Meek, CTC Livia Ocwieja Also affiliated with Whitaker and DePrez as direct agents are: The Deprez Group of Travel Companies includes DePrez Travel Bureau, Inc, Just Cruises, Inc. (one of the top 50 cruise-only agencies in North America), Charlie Cheapseats, Whitaker & DePrez Travel Partners LLC, Wish Upon A Star Vacations, Inc., DePrez Certified Convention Management, Precision Planning, and DePrez Corporate Services Division. Whitaker & DePrez Travel Partners For more information, please contact Stephanie S. Whitaker @ 442-8901 or swhitaker@wdtravelpartners.com LOCAL CRUISE AGENCY RECOGNIZED AS THE BEST IN THE NATION
Rochester, NY (02/6/08)Just Cruises, Inc. of Rochester, NY has been nationally recognized as an industry leading cruise agency and inducted into Carnival Cruise Lines' “Pinnacle Club.” The program was created by the cruise line to acknowledge those high-volume travel agencies that meet a certain sales criteria and exhibit excellence in promoting and selling the “Fun Ship” cruise experience. These select agencies represent the top Carnival retailers in the nation “Travel agencies are an important part of our distribution system, which is why we created the 'Pinnacle Club' to recognize those high-volume agencies like Just Cruises, Inc. who are truly experts in their field and exhibit the highest levels of professionalism,” said Carnival President and CEO Gerry Cahill. The program is limited to less than 70 of the nations estimated 25,000 travel and cruise agencies. To be eligible for the program, agencies must meet the company's sales criteria, and demonstrate exceptional professionalism, creativity in sales and marketing techniques, and outstanding support of the Carnival product. To celebrate their induction into this elite group, the staff of Just Cruises, Inc was presented with a highly detailed replica of a Carnival “Fun Ship” to display at their office.
Just Cruises, Inc. is a Rochester based cruise agency. The firm specializes in cruise sales and consulting. It was one of the first organizations of its kind worldwide when it opened in 1984. Just Cruises, Inc. has been recognized many times by Carnival as an industry leader. “This award, created in 2004, is meant to recognize the absolute best of the best. Our selection, for the 5th consecutive year, is a clear reflection of the dedication and professionalism of our staff” said Craig Curran, President of Just Cruises, Inc. “We are honored to be recognized by the largest cruise organization in the world.” Just Cruises, Inc. is a member of The DePrez Group Of Travel Companies.
DePrez Travel Coordinates Hotel Reservations The Drum Corps Associates World Championships Rochester, NY (10/1/06) The Drum Corps Associates World Championships came to Rochester on Labor Day Week-end. DePrez Travel was proud to provide the hotel reservations for this group of Drum and Bugle Corps from all over the world. To make this enormous event a reality, over 30 hotels and 7200 room nights in the Rochester area were used. There was a full year of planning and coordination of the event with an expected draw of about 15,000 people to the event in downtown Rochester. Attendance far exceeded these expectations. It is estimated that up to $15 million was spent in the local economy. The hosts of the event, our local Rochester corps, The Empire Statesmen, finished in second place, with a mere 2/10 of a point to the Reading Buccaneers. Reservations are already being accepted for the 2007 event, also to be held in Rochester.
Fran Kramer Featured by Virtuoso Our very own Fran is the featured Virtuoso Specialist on the Virtuoso website this month. Below is her article. Travel is more than gorgeous beaches, great shopping, and getting away; it is a life-long enrichment that teaches history and geography, cultures, nature and more. I have not seen the world from my armchair, but from my deck chair, my passenger seat, and my window seat. And when the opportunity to spend a year in New Zealand as a Fulbright exchange teacher was offered to my husband Herb, it gave us a front seat to a world of exploration. From the glaciers of the South Island to the Maori culture in the North Island, and on to Australia, Tahiti, and eventually, over the years, the entire South Pacific, we found the "spirit," the essence, of each destination. We have shared all of this information, insight and inspiration with our clients again and again, cutting through the hype on the internet, and, they tell us, "We are so glad we found you." Experience, experience, experience. That is the mantra, and boy do we have it! Hot air balloon rides over Africa, museums in Shanghai, London, and St. Petersburg, snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef, touring the temples of Thailand and Bali, from the Arctic to the Antarctic, over six continents and seven seas. Over the years, cruising has become a bigger and bigger part of my travel life. I have been on over 35 cruises on 10 different cruise lines. Why? Cruises today are not only worth the best value, they are the easiest way to see the most places. Plus, combining a pre- or post-cruise land experience with the cruise maximizes the value overall. My choice is small ship cruise lines like Seabourn, with the highest guest/staff ratio in the industry. They provide the utmost service without being stuffy. And, they can get into places where the big ships cannot, for example, Seabourn docks right on the Thames near the Tower of London. No major cruise line can boast that! Also, the all suite, all inclusive cruises on Seabourn feature extras like complimentary massage moments on deck; complimentary spa/baths in your own cabin; and a complimentary shore event on every cruise, yes, every cruise, like the “Caviar in the Surf” experience I will have next year on the Seabourn Spirit, (ranked the number one small cruise ship in the world by Conde Nast Traveler magazine), on a 14-day sailing, March 23 - April 6, from Hong Kong to Singapore, when my husband and I sail as hosts for Virtuoso Voyager Club. You'll get a second complimentary shore event in Saigon, just for booking with a Virtuoso agent. Won’t you please join us! If a specialist is defined as one with outstanding experience and knowledge, then you cannot find any better examples than the agents that make up the Virtuoso network. I am very proud to be a part of it. If you have not tried us, what are you waiting for?
Fran Kramer is one of over 6,000 agents in the Virtuoso network, all specializing in different destinations, cruise lines, hotels, resorts and other travel opportunities. They have the knowledge and expertise to help you get the most out of your next getaway
New Management ServicesTHE DEPREZ GROUP EXPANDS TRAVEL MANAGEMENT SERVICES Services offered by Precision Planning include:
The DePrez Group of Travel Companies, founded in 1929, and is now the largest independent travel management organization in the 5-county Rochester area. The group includes DePrez Travel Bureau, Inc (a member of the invitation-only VIRTUOSO network), Just Cruises, Inc. (one of the top 50 cruise-only agencies in North America), Charlie Cheapseats, Mainline @ DePrez, Wish Upon A Star Vacations, Inc., DePrez Certified Convention Management, and Precision Planning.
For More Information:
Catherine M. Root, CTC
Manager, Precision Planning
145 Rue de Ville
Rochester, NY 14618
585-442-8900 x212
Katrina Relief EffortsLOCAL TRAVEL AGENCY SUPPORTS KATRINA RELIEF EFFORTS The funds were donated by the employees of the firm through an internal fund raising effort. "This is typical of the travel professionals in our organization," said Craig F. Curran, President. "For as long as I can remember this group has been very supportive of charitable causes. The staff initiated this effort on their own, and responded generously."
The DePrez Group of Travel Companies, founded in 1929 and is now the largest independent travel management organization in the 5 county Rochester area. The group includes DePrez Travel Bureau, Inc (a member of the invitation-only VIRTUOSO network), Just Cruises, Inc. (one of the top 50 cruise-only agencies in North America), Charlie Cheapseats, Wish Upon A Star Vacations, DePrez Certified Management, and Precision Planning
6 New CTA's Added
The Certified Travel Associate (CTA) designation is conferred by The Travel Institute upon travel professionals who complete a rigorous certification program, demonstrate essential industry knowledge and experience, and maintain high standards of professionalism. With the current class of graduates, DePrez Travel Bureau, Inc. now has twenty-four CTA's on staff, the most of any travel organization in Western and Central NY.
"Training is the cornerstone of our mission as an organization. Without training we cannot achieve the personal and professional success of our staff to which we aspire. The Travel Institute is a critical partner", said Craig F. Curran, President of the DePrez Group of Travel Companies. Sharon Hall, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Information Officer added, "Every member of our organization is required to have at least one professional designation. Among these are the CTA and CTC (Certified Travel Counselor) conferred by The Travel Institute, ACC (Associate Cruise Counselor) and MCC (Master Cruise Counselor) conferred by CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association), CMP (Certified Meeting Planner) conferred by MPI (Meeting Professionals International) and a variety of destination specialist designations. Many of our staff hold multiple designations."
For 40 years, the industry leading Travel Institute has been serving as a community of knowledge and insight for all travel professionals. Through innovative educational opportunities, professional certification programs, and customized learning solutions, the Institute fulfills its non-profit mission to promote a standard of industry knowledge, professionalism and excellence.
The Deprez Group of Travel Companies, founded in 1929 and is now the largest independent travel management organization in the 5 county area. The group includes DePrez Travel Bureau, Inc (a member of the invitation-only VIRTUOSO network), Just Cruises, Inc. (one of the top 50 cruise-only agencies in North America), Charlie Cheapseats, Wish Upon A Star Vacations DePrez Certified Management, and Precision Planning.
DePrez Manager Conference SpeakerLOCAL TRAVEL AGENGY MANAGER GUEST SPEAKER NATION'S LARGEST CRUISE AND TRAVEL INDUSTRY CONFERENCE
Rochester, NY (6/16/05) Rhonda Smith, of Just Cruises Incorporated has just returned from an extensive 4-day series of professional workshops, training sessions and cruise ship inspections in Seattle, Wa. While attending the 23rd Annual Leisure Travel Conference/Summer CRUISE-A-THON, conducted by Travel Trade Productions. Ms. Smith was selected as one of only four agents from throughout North America to be a guest speaker at the conference, based on her extensive knowledge of the industry.
Rhonda joined with Cruise Line, and other travel industry leaders, as well as with professional travel agents from throughout North America, for an intensive study of cruise vacation opportunities available during the coming year. Panel discussions were led by Lisa Bauer, Senior Vice President of Sales, Royal Caribbean; Rick Meadows, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Sales, Holland America Line and Dondra Ritzenthaler, Vice President of Sales, Celebrity Cruises.
Leisure Travel/Summer CRUISE-A-THON participants agreed that, of all the world's exciting and romantic ports-of-call, none is more important than the cruise ship itself, and that there is a perfect cruise out there for everyone -- from the exclusivity offered by the "Small ships" to the thrilling experience of sailing on one of the new "Mega-Ships."
According to Rhonda Smith of Just Cruises, Inc. "If Rochester residents are thinking about taking a cruise, we have the first-hand experience to guide them to the right ship, at the right cost. They can get all the information and service they need for planning an unforgettable cruise in 2005 or 2006 by contacting us at 461-BOAT (2628)”. Rhonda Smith resides in Greece and has been in the travel industry for over 17 years. She has the professional designations of ACC and MCC. Ms. Smith began her career with Just Cruises, Inc. in 1991 and has overseen the growth of Just Cruises, Inc. to one of the largest cruise agencies in North America. Just Cruises, Inc. was founded in 1984 and is a member of The DePrez Group Of Travel Companies. Just Cruises, Inc. has been repeatedly recognized as an industry leader and was recently awarded the Pinnacle Award by Carnival Cruise Lines.
Cruise for a Cause Awards Family with VacationCRUISE FOR A CAUSE AWARDS CRUISE TO DESERVING FAMILY AND PRESENTS CHECK TO GOLISANO CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL
Additionally, Cruise For A Cause organizers Graham Lodge and Patrick Booher, along with local cruise retailer Just Cruises, Inc. today announced that Ms. Stephanie LoPresti and her son have been asked to accompany the group on their Ninth Annual Cruise For A Cause as guests of Cruise For A Cause and Just Cruises, Inc. “We are so blessed to not only have come through a very difficult time in our lives with the help of the Golisano Children's Hospital, but to now be able to relax and enjoy life with my son, while sharing our Golisano Children's Hospital experience with many of those who have supported the hospital is truly a wonderful opportunity” said Miss LoPresti. Organizer Patrick Booher remarked, “We have enjoyed raising funds and awareness for the Golisano Children's Hospital for many years now, but to be able to directly improve the life of one of the patients is a great feeling. It's why we put on the event.” Craig Curran, President of Just Cruises Inc. added, “When Graham and Patrick suggested the cruise be enhanced with the invitation of Miss LoPresti and her son, we immediately agreed to help underwrite the cruise. Seeing how much Graham and Patrick care makes it easy to say yes Cruise For A Cause has been supporting worthwhile charities for the past 8 years, raising awareness and approximately $20,000.000 for local children's charities. Proceeds from the cruise have been donated to Unity Health Foundation, Hillside Children's Center, Camp Good Days and most recently Golisano Children's Hospital at Strong.
This year's event takes place on Carnival Cruise Line's Superliner, Carnival Victory. Departing from Miami on October 16, and calling on San Juan, St. Thomas and St. Maarten, this seven day cruise vacation is sure to delight all guests. Ocean View Staterooms are available at $569.00 per person, and Staterooms with Private Balcony are available for only $709.00 per person, both based on double occupancy. These fantastic rates also include cocktail reception with open bar, port charges, champagne & chocolates, canvas tote bag and a gift of $25.00 per stateroom to Golisano Children's Hospital at Strong. Additional information is available at www.cruiseforacause.org. or email scountryman@justcruisesinc.com for more details. Graham Lodge lives in Rochester and is the Director of Food & Nutrition Services for Unity Health System. Graham is passionate about cruising as well as giving back to the community with the efforts of Cruise for a Cause. Graham also volunteers for Internet travel site CruiseCritic.com where he is a moderator for the Carnival Cruise Line message board. Patrick Booher lives in Rochester and is the General Manager for B.J.'s Wholesale Club in Webster. Patrick is committed to the Cruise for a Cause concept because of his deep concern for children. Just Cruises Inc. is the largest cruise retailer in Western NY and is part of the DePrez Group Of Travel Companies. Founded in 1984, Just Cruises is among the top 50 cruise-only agencies in the United States and has been a supporter of Cruise For A Cause since 1996. Golisano Children's Hospital is the only Children's Hospital in the region and provides pediatric services to Monroe County and the surrounding communities. Pinnacle Club AwardLOCAL AGENCY INDUCTED INTO CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES' PINNACLE CLUB' Rochester, NY (04/28/05) Just Cruises, Inc. of Rochester, NY has been nationally recognized as an industry leading cruise agency and inducted into Carnival Cruise Lines' “Pinnacle Club.” The program was created by the cruise line to acknowledge those high-volume travel agencies that meet a certain sales criteria and exhibit excellence in promoting and selling the “Fun Ship” cruise experience. These select agencies represent the top Carnival retailers in the nation “Travel agencies are an important part of our distribution system, which is why we created the 'Pinnacle Club' to recognize those high-volume agencies like Just Cruises, Inc. who are truly experts in their field and exhibit the highest levels of professionalism,” said Carnival President Bob Dickinson and CEO. The program is limited to less than 70 of the nations estimated 25,000 travel and cruise agencies. To be eligible for the program, agencies must meet the company's sales criteria, and demonstrate exceptional professionalism, creativity in sales and marketing techniques, and outstanding support of the Carnival product. To celebrate their induction into this elite group, the staff of Just Cruises, Inc was presented with a highly detailed replica of a Carnival “Fun Ship” to display at their office. Just Cruises, Inc. is a Rochester based cruise agency. The firm specializes in cruise sales and consulting. It was one of the first organizations of its kind worldwide when it opened in 1984. Just Cruises, Inc. has been recognized many times by Carnival as an industry leader. “This award, newly created this year, is meant to recognize the absolute best of the best. Our selection is a clear reflection of the dedication and professionalism of our staff” said Craig Curran, President of Just Cruises, Inc. “We are honored to be recognized by the largest cruise organization in the world.” Just Cruises, Inc. is a member of The DePrez Group Of Travel Companies. Our "Top 80" Travel AgentDE PREZ TRAVEL PROFESSIONAL SELECTED AS ONE OF TOP 80 IN NATION "This is truly a great honor for me" said Ms. Kramer "I've spent 20 years traveling the world with a special focus in Australia, New Zealand, the South Pacific and Tahiti. To be recognized by such a prestigious publication is gratifying." Craig Curran, President of DePrez Group of Travel Companies remarked, "Fran is an instrumental part of our team. Along with her husband and lifetime travel partner Herb; she brings a level of knowledge to our organization that is above reproach. The expertise, coupled with her intense desire to please clients, her lifelong love of travel, and her infectious enthusiasm make Fran the Quintessential travel professional." The DePrez Group of Travel Companies was founded in 1929 and is Celebrating its 75th Anniversary throught 2004. The organization is the largest locally owned travel agency in the area and consists of DePrez Travel Bureau, Inc., Charlie Cheap Seats, Wish Upon a Star Vacations, Precision Planning, Mainline @ DePrez, Just Cruises,Inc. and the DePrez Certified Convention Management Group. DePrez Travel Group ia a member of Virtuoso, an "invitation only" organization of the top 200 deluxe leisure agencies in the United States. The DePrez Group is also one of the top 50 cruise sellers in America. Fran Kramer lives in Pittsford, NY with her husband Herb. Both are former teachers. It was Herb's Fullbright Exchange Award that first took them to New Zealand and the South Pacific. Fran has many industry designations including Certified Travel Consultant, Aussie Specialist, and Kiwi Specialist. At one time, Fran taught travel at St. John Fisher College. Her hobbies include collecting, writing and speaking on shaker furniture. |
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