At Signature Travel Network’s annual Conference, held November 11-14 at The Venetian in Las Vegas, the travel agency network announced the winners of its travel advisor recognition awards.
During Tuesday’s General Session, Shannon Garrett, vice president of member engagement, unveiled the finalists and winners of the awards. The awards and winners included:
- Travel Elevates Spirit Award (advisor): This is awarded to an advisor who leverages their local partnerships to promote sustainability, education and economic empowerment.
- Winner: Gail Woloz, Gails Travels and Safaris, hosted by TravelStore
- Travel Elevates Spirit Award (agency): This is awarded to an agency that leverages its local partnerships to promote sustainability, education and economic empowerment.
- Winner: JCo Travel
- Signature Rising Star Award: This is given to an advisor who is either new to the industry or has completely reshaped their business and is exceeding all sales and professional goals.
- Winner: Margot Leiner, Riverdale Travel
- Signature Mentor Award: This celebrates an advisor or manager who most effectively and generously gives up their time and knowledge to help others achieve their goals.
- Winner: Lisa Summer, Bon Voyage Travel
Again on Wednesday, Garrett unveiled a slew of additional winners, including the network's Michelle Morgan Leadership Award, its top honor. Morgan, the former president of Signature grew the cooperative from $30 million in agency sales to over $5 billion during her 22-year tenure. She passed away in 2013 from cancer. The network began honoring industry professionals with the Leadership Award the following year. Wednesday's winners included:
- Sales Excellence Award: This award—given to five recipients—goes to individuals who are sales leaders, either hitting a revenue goal or finding success charging fees or with Signature marketing.
- Winners: Meredith Rothouse, Edgewood Travel; Katie Cadar, TravelStore; John Gossen, Bursch Travel; Debra Dickerson, Cruise & Travel Experts; and Nathan Parr, Travel & Cruise Desk
- Michelle Morgan Leadership Award: The travel agency network’s top award honors the memory and work of Michelle Morgan and recognizes travel industry professionals who embody the qualities that made her successful in both her professional and personal life.
- Winner: Gary Murphy, co-owner, AmaWaterways
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