18 May N.H.-Based CruCon Cruise Outlet’s Founder Named Business Leader of the Year
Sandy Cleary recognized by Business NH Magazine for outstanding leadership, professionalism and philanthropy
Moultonborough, NH (May 18, 2018) – Sandy Cleary, founder and owner of New Hampshire-based CruCon® Cruise Outlet has been named the 2018 Business Leader of the Year by Business NH Magazine. Cleary received the award at a special ceremony May 17, 2018, at the Manchester Downtown Hotel in Manchester. Businesses were nominated for the award by chamber of commerce executives, with a Panel of Excellence, consisting of other New Hampshire business leaders, selecting this year’s recipients.
“I am beyond thrilled and humbled to win one of New Hampshire’s most prestigious awards and be recognized as the 2018 Business Leader of the year,” said Cleary. “I started this business more than 25 years ago and I would be remiss if I didn’t recognize the hard work, support and expertise of my team of 135 employees who take amazing care of our clients each and every day.”
In addition to supporting the travel industry, Cleary donated over $1.3 million dollars this year to a number of New Hampshire charitable organizations. Among those is the Greater Lakes Region Children’s Auction, which funds a variety of non-profits that help children in Lakes Region communities; David’s House, which houses families of patients at the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth; and the Lakes Region Boys and Girls Club which was the recipient of a $350,000 donation from Cleary to renovate their facility.
“I am extremely proud of Sandy and CruCon, as they continue to be a shining example in the travel industry along with contributing to the community,” said John Lovell, CTC, President of Travel Leaders Network and Leisure Group. “The passion and enthusiasm both Sandy and her team has is truly instrumental for the clients they serve. I cannot think of someone more deserving of this award than Sandy.”
In addition to being recognized as Business Leader of the Year, Cleary was recognized last month by the Cruise Lines International Association with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Founded in 1997, CruCon Cruise Outlet is a full-service North American cruise travel agency working with guests from across the world. With its headquarters in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire, the company sends over 100,000 people on cruises every year.
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About CruCon Cruise Outlet
CruCon Cruise Outlet is part of Travel Leaders Group – one of North America’s largest travel agency organizations. In business for nearly 20 years, CruCon is a fully staffed cruise agency with certified cruise specialists who are all under one roof. Honors include Royal Caribbean’s Chairman’s Award, Celebrity Cruise’s Chairman’s Award and Norwegian Cruise Line President’s Club Elite Agency of the Year. CruCon has also been voted “Best” for seven years by Travelzoo, and holds memberships with prestigious organizations such as Cruise Lines International Association and American Society of Travel Agents.
2018: Year of the Travel Agent
Travel Leaders Group has named 2018 Year of the Travel Agent. Over the last decade, the travel agency industry has flourished through technology, the growth of travel options and personalized service. Travel Leaders Group represents approximately 52,000 travel agents with unmatched expertise in 135,000 destinations and 53,000 areas of interest. Travelers and suppliers have rediscovered the value a professional travel advisor delivers to the travel experience. Travel agents help to move people around the world, and keep our economy growing.