In the News

– Politics: Wagner hits the airwaves
– Local News: Mayor hosting sustainability summit
– Event: Task force to talk smoking cessation
– Local News: Crozet travel pro honored 

 

Politics: Wagner hits the airwaves

Today, former State Treasurer and Secretary of Finance Jody Wagner released the first advertisement of the Democratic primary for lieutenant governor. The 30-second advertisement, “Experience,” will run on stations in the Charlottesville, Norfolk, and Richmond media markets.

The ad features Senate Majority Leader Richard Saslaw and House Minority Leader Ward Armstrong, and highlights Wagner’s success as part of the Warner and Kaine administrations, which resulted in Virginia being named the “Best Managed State,” the “Best State for Business,” and the “Best State to Raise a Child.” The ad to be shown in the Richmond market includes Mayor Dwight Jones.

“Jody Wagner’s fiscal management kept Virginia moving forward,” says Majority Leader Saslaw.

“Jody Wagner was on the Warner-Kaine team that made Virginia the best state to raise a child. We need her experience,” says Mayor Dwight Jones.

 

Local News: Mayor hosting sustainability summit

Harrisonburg Mayor Kai Degner is hosting an innovative Sustainability Summit on Saturday May 30 from 9am-5pm. Over 200 people and 60 partner organizations are anticipated to join the conversation. Topics may include local foods, renewable energy, bike share programs, etc.

The attendees will determine in the morning a schedule of 30-50 breakout sessions on issues of interest to them – and then take the conversations into dozens of downtown restaurants and venues.

Degner, the youngest mayor in Virginia, is hosting this summit to connect people, projects, businesses, policy and ideas to focus on more sustainable living in Harrisonburg and the central Shenandoah Valley. “I have had more people come speak to me on issues of environmental and energy sustainability than any other. They are wonderful ideas, and many will take root only with citizen-driven efforts. This summit will facilitate idea-sharing and networking,” says Mayor Degner.

More information: www.HarrisonburgSummits.com, www.WhyKai.com, www.KaiDegner.com, www.HarrisonburgVA.gov.

 

Event: Task force to talk smoking cessation

The Tobacco Free Campus Task Force at Augusta Medical Center is hosting a seminar on the benefits of smoking cessation on Tuesday, June 2, from noon-1 p.m. at the Augusta Community Care Building on the AMC campus in Fishersville.

Lunch will be provided.

RSVP to 540.332.4190 or [email protected].

 

Local News: Crozet travel pro honored

A Crozet travel professional has achieved prestigious Commodore status in the Cunard Academy training program, certifying her as a Cunard Line expert for booking travel on the company’s flagship Queen Mary 2, iconic QE2 and newest liner, Queen Victoria. As a Commodore, Thelma Fleming of Off 4 Fun Travel joins an exclusive group of travel professionals who are now recognized by Cunard at the Academy’s highest level for their unique qualifications and knowledge as a voyage planning professional. Fleming earned this distinction after completing the minimum 25 courses necessary to graduate from the programme.

“We at Cunard are very proud of Thelma Fleming’s dedication, as she put in extra effort to offer clients exceptional knowledge regarding the legendary ocean liners of Cunard,” said Jan Swartz, senior vice president of customer service and sales for Cunard. “Travel professionals who reach this top level in our Academy program have completed hours of course work to become an expert on the company’s legacy, traditions and unique voyage experience and can provide their clients the opportunity to be a part of an iconic Cunard travel adventure.”

Cunard Academy is the cruise industry’s most comprehensive online training program available to travel professionals in the U.S. and Canada. Travel professionals who complete the extensive coursework become experts on a wide range of topics, offering travelers full knowledge of important details about a Cunard voyage aboard Queen Mary 2, QE2 and Queen Victoria. Courses educate travel professionals on such areas as the line’s legendary Transatlantic Crossings and World Cruises, exclusive Grill accommodations, compelling enrichment programmes (Cunard Insights), world-class dining and renowned White Star Service.

“I’m thrilled to be a Cunard Commodore and expand my expertise about these iconic ships. The knowledge I’ve gained makes me a more valuable resource for my clients, and helps me to match a Cunard voyage to sophisticated travelers who seek the quintessential ocean liner experience,” said Fleming.

To become a Commodore, travel professionals must fulfill 25 required and elective classes, representing approximately 15 hours of total course work covering worldwide destinations, onboard programs, and customer service skills. As they complete courses, travel professionals earn their “stripes” through four levels: First Officer, Staff Captain, Captain and finally Commodore, and can continue to take elective courses to expand their knowledge and keep their Commodore status current.

For further information, contact Thelma Fleming at Off 4 Fun Travel, 434.566.9381, [email protected] or use the Cunard.com travel professional locator at www.cunard.com.