CRUISE PLANNERS’ AWARDS AIR FORCE VETERAN WITH $11,000 FRANCHISE
Cruise Planners’ Awards Air Force Veteran with $11,000 Franchise and Announces Charitable Partnership
Coral Springs-based company expands its charitable contributions and community outreach
Fort Lauderdale, Fla. – July 29, 2009 – Cruise Planners/American Express, the nation’s largest home-based travel agent franchise network in the cruise industry, reached out to the local veteran community on July 28 with an event to celebrate the donation of a Cruise Planners franchise worth more than $11,000 and the announcement of the company’s year-long charitable partnership with Royal Caribbean International and the Fisher House Foundation.
In late 2008, Cruise Planners hosted a nationwide franchise giveaway to celebrate the launch of the company’s CP Cares program, which provides veterans with more than $2,500 in discounts toward purchasing a franchise. As the deserving recipient of the franchise, Air Force veteran Chris Silman was presented with the “key” to his new business as well as a $500 donation towards his marketing efforts by Cruise Planners Co-founder and CEO Michelle Fee. In addition, Royal Caribbean International matched the contribution for a combined donation of $1,000.
Cruise Planners also announced “Voyages for Veterans,” its yearlong charitable partnership with Royal Caribbean International and the Fisher House Foundation, a charity that provides no-cost housing to families of veterans who are undergoing extended medical treatment at VA medical centers. Cruise Planners and Royal Caribbean executives kicked-off the partnership by presenting the foundation with a $2,000 donation. In addition, Fee announced that charitable efforts will continue into next year with the companies donating $50 for every booking made through a Cruise Planners agent on select Royal Caribbean Voyages for Veterans sailings throughout 2010.
“Cruise Planners believes in bringing positive impact to our industry, customers and the community that we’ve called home for our entire 15 years in business,” said Fee. “Not only is it our civic responsibility, it is our privilege to honor those that serve our country.”
Event attendees included representatives from Broward County’s Veteran Services and members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
“Companies like Cruise Planners and Royal Caribbean set the bar for social responsibility,” said Marjorie Valdes, public affairs specialist for the Miami VA Healthcare System and Fisher House Foundation representative. “Much of what the Fisher House Foundation accomplishes is a direct result of charitable contributions, and we are so honored to be the recipient of their generosity.”
Cruise Planners Gives $10,000 Franchise to ARIZONA Veteran
Company helps veterans start their own businesses with Corps Care program
Fort Lauderdale, Fla. – May 21, 2009 – Cruise Planners/American Express, the nation’s largest home-based travel agent franchise network in the cruise industry, has awarded Air Force veteran Chris Silman with a franchise worth $10,000. The Arizona veteran was notified in honor of Memorial Day.
Cruise Planners hosted the nationwide giveaway competition to celebrate the launch of the company’s Corps Care veterans program last November, which provides veterans with more than $2,500 in discounts toward purchasing a franchise. To enter the contest, which was open to all honorably discharged U.S. military personnel, veterans had to describe in 500 words why they should be awarded a franchise. A panel of industry experts at Cruise Planners selected the winner based on entrepreneurial spirit, integrity and character.
“It’s important that companies and organizations reach out to help ease the transition of the veteran community back to a civilian lifestyle,” said Michelle Fee, Cruise Planners co-founder and CEO. “It’s often challenging for veterans to readjust to the workforce and we want to support them in this process. We’re so pleased that Chris took the time to enter because his dedication and drive is exactly what we were looking for in the winner. He will undoubtedly fit our company perfectly and serve as a role model for other veterans eager to gain financial independence and to agents within our network.”
Silman, who served in the Air Force for six years, was deployed to Afghanistan as part of a combat search and rescue unit directly responsible for 22 combat rescues of downed pilots, injured Army soldiers and Afghan fighters. Upon being honorably discharged in 2005, Silman enrolled at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and completed a bachelor’s degree in professional aeronautics while working full-time at an energy management company.
“The transition to civilian life has had its challenges, but my strong work ethic is really what has seen me through to success,” said Silman. “This is a wonderful opportunity to grow my own business from the ground up, and I plan to make the most out of this experience.”
Silman will attend franchise training at the company’s headquarters in Fort Lauderdale in July and officially open his business thereafter. Moving forward, he plans on obtaining a master’s in business administration from Western Governors University in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Categories: Press Release