Archive for May, 2008

Sundance Vacations has been selected as a Finalist in the 2008 American Business Awards. Companies as diverse as Accenture, Acxiom Corporation, Harrah’s Entertainment, KV Pharmaceutical, and Teamwork Athletic Apparel are among those vying for a Stevie Award.  More than 2,600 entries were submitted for consideration in more than 40 categories.

Sundance Vacations received two out of three nominations that were submitted to the awards judges. The two entries that were chosen for national recognition are Best Sales Team, and Best New Product. The company was selected because of the high average scores received during more than a month of preliminary judging. The next step is the Stevie Awards ceremony that will be held in New York City on June 12^th. Mike and Barbara Kasper will represent the sales team and Christina Allen and guest will represent the company for the VIP Program. This is an exciting time for everyone at Sundance Vacations, and we can’t wait to see the results!!

How do you feel about Sundance Vacations being recognized for this outstanding achievement? What do you think about the finalists? Make sure you wish them luck!

Hello from Chicago!

I must say, this is my second time in Chicago, and my feelings haven’t changed. I am in love with this city!! There is so much to see in my short stay here. But, for those of you who know me, I’m totally a little tourist at heart. I’m staying at the most amazing hotel ever…The Drake on the Magnificent Mile..Courtesy of John and Tina Dowd of course! I almost feel like McCauley Culkin in Home Alone, you know when he was lost in New York!! Although I’m having the greatest time, I am experiencing Sundance withdrawal! I miss my little desk in the middle of the hallway. So,  you’re probably wondering, what the heck is she doing in Chicago? Well, before you get your britches in a bunch…I’m currently attending a Corporate Communications Conference. Some of the seminars I have monitored so far include: Smarter, Faster Communications in the New Millennium, Small photo budget, big image impact, Web 2.0 to keep up with and join the conversation, How to write a big story in a little time, etc. So does that answer your question? Yes..I am working!! While at the conference, I’ve realized that I have a hard time speaking up in a room full of people, especially when there are really important people in the room. It’s kind of like being scared to ask a question in high school, because you think it might be stupid to someone else. I took a chance today, and actually asked some questions. Would you believe that there were people who thanked me, because they were also curious about the same thing. It was a great lesson.. I have learned so many useful communication tools that I can’t wait to bring back to Sundance.. Well, it’s just about dinner time, and some Chicago style deep dish pizza sounds phenomenal! Humm…I wonder how many points this will cost me. Its a good thing I’m skipping weight watchers this week!

Do you have any ideas on what would make the communication better or easier at Sundance Vacations? Why do you think everyone is so afraid to speak up during meetings with the "big" people?

-Amanda