Travelingking

Celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Golden Gate Bridge!

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 14:21:38 -0800

Celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Golden Gate Bridge!

Our friends at Viviani created a very unique and memorable itinerary combining the best of San Francisco and Napa Valley.

Spend Memorial Day weekend in San Francisco and the Napa Valley, to celebrate the iconic Golden Gate Bridge's 75th Anniversary.

Memorial Day weekend is full of activites in the City by the Bay to celebrate the Bridge, complete with history and festivals.

Enjoy three nights in the Napa Valley, with two day trips to San Francisco and one full day of touring the Napa Valley. Bring your friends and enjoy an exciting day on the bay, learning how to man a sailboat,

with a professional Captain.

Fly above the Napa Valley in a hot air balloon, and taste world-renown wines at exclusive wineries.

Contact Ken Marshall, Ken@greatgetaways.travel, 913.338.2244 ext 305, for more information about

this once in a lifetime experience!

Hot air ballooning above the Napa Valley

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Who is the media darling regarding villas? Our own Judi Chaitman, of course!

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 15:50:00 -0800

via travelweekly.com

Judi Chaitman knows villas! When Travel Weekly wanted to talk to an expert about villas, they called Judi! This is just one of a zillion reasons we love Judi!
Read the article now and call Judi to help you plan your next villa vacation!

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Have you seen this new aircraft? Introducing the Boeing 787

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 13:03:00 -0800

Boeing touts this plane burns less fuel----than what? It also claims an enhanced customer experience. I interpret that to mean that the number crunchers abandoned their quest to squeeze one more body in the aircraft and that Boeing decided to treat people as "living,breathing human beings (not to be confused with "corporations...). Really? I don't think so. At any rate, here she is in all her glory at the Singapore Air Show, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner:

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Be the World's Valentine!

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 15:07:40 -0800

Happy Bare Flying Baby with Bow and Arrow Day! Spread the love!

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Active Adventures and Extraordinary Experience!

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 13:02:10 -0800

Contact me today!
Barbara S. King
Great Getaways
913-338-2244 800-546-TRIP (8747)
Barbara@greatgetaways.travel
www.greatgetaways.travel

Fares, schedules, Virtuoso exclusives, events and amenities are subject to availability and blackout dates and may change without notice. All offers may not be available in all markets. Unless otherwise stated, prices are in U.S. dollars, per person and based on double occupancy. Restrictions may apply. See your Virtuoso travel advisor for more details and applicable restrictions. Virtuoso is not responsible for any errors in pricing. The trademarks VIRTUOSO, the Globe Swirl Logo and SPECIALISTS IN THE ART OF TRAVEL are registered trademarks of Virtuoso, Ltd. Virtuoso, Ltd. has a U.S. copyright registration for the Globe Swirl Logo, ©2000. All rights reserved. Virtuoso CST#2069091-50 360010 02/12

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How about this for an out of this world Valentine?

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:45:00 -0800

I just watched this video highlighting Virgin Galactic's recent test flights. Even knowing about success after success in these flights, I found myself in awe! Consider this the ultimate valentine! You might even see Cupid!

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Your Guide to Inspiring European Destinations

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:43:00 -0800

Barbara S. King
Great Getaways
913-338-2244 800-546-TRIP (8747)
Barbara@greatgetaways.travel
www.greatgetaways.travel

A Proud Member of Virtuoso ®

Europe is filled with priceless gems. Consider us your fine jeweler.
From the spectacle that is Rome to the sparkle of Paris's lights, from the lavish grandeur of St. Petersburg to Scotland's legendary golf courses, the Continent is literally covered with countless treasures. In this Destination Guide you'll find these exciting travel packages featuring Virtuoso-only fares and a host of exclusive extras, along with insider tips that will put a brilliant shine on all your European adventures.

In this issue

6: NORTH
Pay a visit to Copenhagen's Little Mermaid, then rail past Scotland's picturesque glens. Drive around Ireland's lovely Ring of Kerry, dine in Gordon Ramsay's much-lauded London restaurant, or hop across all five British Isles at once.

26: SOUTH
Do you prefer a romp around Rome and the spectacular Cinque Terre, or a luxury-yacht cruise around the Greek Isles? You might taste fine wines in Tuscany, tapas in Barcelona, or a Sicilian cannoli that'll make you swoon.

56: EAST
Visit a traditional Turkish bath and the "Black Madonna" in Poland. Watch a "Swan Lake" performance in St. Petersburg, wander Moscow's Red Square, or cruise between the two along the scenic Volga. And speaking of scenic rivers, few compare to the storied Danube...

66: WEST
Stay in a Parisian palace, an ancestral Loire château with the count and countess, or an opulent hotel with views of Versailles. Waltz your way around Vienna, tiptoe through the tulips in Holland, and dine in an authentic GDR restaurant while in Berlin.

Enjoy this issue

Barbara S. King

913-338-2244 800-546-TRIP (8747)

Barbara@greatgetaways.travel

The trademarks VIRTUOSO, the Globe Swirl Logo, SPECIALISTS IN THE ART OF TRAVEL and WE ORCHESTRATE DREAMS are registered trademarks of Virtuoso, Ltd. Virtuoso, Ltd. has a U.S. copyright registration for the Globe Swirl Logo, ©2000. All rights reserved. Virtuoso CST#2069091-50 301202 US 02/12

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Have You Planned Your Summer Family Vacation?

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 07:50:49 -0800

Introducing Perfect Summer Adventures for Families

For parents and grandparents looking for a hassle-free outdoor adventure in North America, look no further than the American West. Abercrombie & Kent is introducing two exciting new small-group journeys for 2012, The Grand Canyon & Beyond and Discovering California's National Parks, which take you through the rivers and canyons of the Southwest and among the towering sequoias of the Golden State in the company of private guides and drivers.

Book Now, Save $250

Reserve either The Grand Canyon & Beyond or Discovering California's National Parks by March 31, 2012 and save $250 per person.

The Grand Canyon & Beyond
June 24 - July 1, 2012 | August 4 - 11, 2012 | 8 days
From $4,845 (was $5,095)
On this Family Holiday, view stunning desert canyons awash with color, explore the Grand Canyon, float along the Colorado River and hike Zion National Park's gorgeous trails.

•	Privately explore the Grand Canyon's rim and trails led by Grand Canyon Field Institute guides
•	Pay an exclusive visit to Emery & Ellsworth Kolb's photography studio
•	Explore Grand Staircase Escalante and Zion National Park with private guides

Discovering California's National Parks
June 21-30, 2012 | July 29-August 7, 2012 | 10 days
From $5,645 (was $5,895)
Explore the Golden State's many national parks on this Family Holiday, basking in incredible scenery that includes 2,000-year-old giant redwood trees.

•	Explore Yosemite National Park with private Yosemite Conservancy guides
•	Visit the Avenue of the Giants, Redwood National Park and Sequoia National Park
•	Take a float trip on the American River

Call us to reserve your A&K American West journey today.

Barbara King
Great Getaways Travel
913.338.2244 x301
barbara@greatgetaways.travel

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What a trio: Sun, Family & Fun

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:59:00 -0800

Please enjoy this digital edition of Virtuoso Traveler with our compliments.

Barbara S. King
Great Getaways
913-338-2244 800-546-TRIP (8747)
Barbara@greatgetaways.travel
www.greatgetaways.travel

A Proud Member of Virtuoso®

Why wait for summer to enjoy the sun and sand? The February issue of Virtuoso Traveler has an abundance of warm weather getaways for the entire family. Samba your way through Brazil, cruise the high seas, or simply lounge by the trendiest pools around. Your Virtuoso travel advisor can make it all happen, now.

In this issue

4: Why Do It Yourself?
How one travel advisor crafted the perfect family vacation.

18: Posh Pools
Our favorites from Maui to Miami Beach.

28: The Sporting Life
Active pursuits to fit your whole family.

38: Bespoke Brazil
Tailor-made experiences to make it your own.

Enjoy this issue

Barbara S. King

913-338-2244 800-546-TRIP (8747)

Barbara@greatgetaways.travel

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Consider this a friendly reminder

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 17:44:49 -0800

Ladies, we all know what coming in a few weeks, right? Guys, think hearts, chocolates, and overpriced but oh so necessary flowers a/k/a Valentine's Day. Consider creating a really special valentine, a romantic getaway!

In the January/February issue of PRIME Magazine KC, I wrote an article about romantic getaways. It's on page 46----just in case you want to read on...

Prime_Magazine_KC_January_February_issue.pdf Download this file

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It's here - the 2012 Guide to the World's Best Hotels

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 12:30:16 -0800

Barbara King, ASA
Great Getaways Travel
913-338-2244
barbara@greatgetaways.travel

A Proud Member of Virtuoso®

This award-winning publication gives you an inside look at the world's best hotels and resorts. Every property included in this collection is Virtuoso-preferred and known for its unique setting, exceptional service and remarkable attention to detail. And when you book your stay through your Virtuoso travel advisor, you'll enjoy exclusive amenities including preferred rates and availability, breakfast for two daily, room upgrades, early check-in and late checkout and complimentary extras that will make your travel experience extraordinary.

In this issue

4: Annual Best of the Best Award Winners
See the hotels that received special recognition from Virtuoso travel advisors.

5: Virtuoso Preview
Your first look at the newest gems - exclusive to the Virtuoso travel network.

6: Virtuoso Villas & Private Retreats
Private hideaways in the world's most exciting locales.

14: Africa & Middle East
Find quiet serenity in Cape Town or at a walled oasis in Marrakech.

42: Asia & Pacific
Explore the lagoons of Bali, the heart of Tokyo or the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef.

114: Canada & United States
Stay in the Canadian Rockies, the Big Apple or the Big Sur in bespoke style.

236: Caribbean & Bermuda
Heaven awaits in a posh suite in Jamaica or at a 350-year-old convent in San Juan.

260: Europe
See the Old World anew from an idyllic hideaway in Rome or a country estate outside Bath.

Enjoy this issue

380: Mexico, Central & South America
Take in rooftop views in San Miguel de Allende or the cloud forest in Costa Rica.

414: Index of Attributes & Amenities
Useful reference information including number of rooms and sought-after amenities.

441: Presenting the Newest Best of the Best
Welcome the latest hotels and resorts to join the Virtuoso network.

Barbara King, ASA

913-338-2244

barbara@greatgetaways.travel

Fares, schedules, Virtuoso exclusives, events and amenities are subject to availability and blackout dates and may change without notice. Unless otherwise stated, prices are in U.S. dollars, per person and based on double occupancy. Restrictions may apply. See your Virtuoso travel advisor for more details and applicable restrictions. Virtuoso is not responsible for any errors in pricing. The trademarks VIRTUOSO, the Globe Swirl Logo, SPECIALISTS IN THE ART OF TRAVEL and WE ORCHESTRATE DREAMS are registered trademarks of Virtuoso, Ltd. Virtuoso, Ltd. has a U.S. copyright registration for the Globe Swirl Logo, ©2000. All rights reserved. Virtuoso CST#2069091-50 2012 BoB 1/12 © 2012 Virtuoso, Ltd. | 505 Main Street, Suite 500 | Fort Worth, TX 76102

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The Best Reasons to visit China now!

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:48:13 -0800

Barbara King, ASA
Great Getaways Travel
913-338-2244
barbara@greatgetaways.travel

A Proud Member of Virtuoso®

Welcome to this special destination edition of VIRTUOSO LIFE® magazine. Read on to learn more about the Chinese history and culture featured here. If you're interested in discussing a custom itinerary, please contact your Virtuoso travel advisor.

In this issue

2: Why China?
Experience the history, beauty, art and culture of this dynamic country.

4: The New China
A trip down the Yangtze River reveals the superpower's intrigue.

13: China Connection
Following a VIP trip to the country, Virtuoso's top travel agency executives share advice and insight on visiting this dynamic destination.

Enjoy this issue

Barbara King, ASA

913-338-2244

barbara@greatgetaways.travel

The trademarks VIRTUOSO, the Globe Swirl Logo and SPECIALISTS IN THE ART OF TRAVEL are registered trademarks of Virtuoso, Ltd. Virtuoso, Ltd. has a U.S. copyright registration for the Globe Swirl Logo, ©2000. All rights reserved. Virtuoso CST#2069091-50 360172 01/12

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Holy Media, Batman, look at this front page story!

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 05:47:00 -0800

Sometimes a person gets lucky and sometimes there's double luck! The Kansas City Star featured a story about me representing Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic. Great ego fluff for me and mega special for Great Getaways! Post 1 in the Luck Column!!!

The second stroke of luck was getting to meet Lee Hill Kavanaugh, a features writer for the Kansas City Star. She is a delight and oh so interesting! A multi-degreed talent, Lee spent a few years sailing the oceans aboard some legendary cruise ships, entertaining guests with her music. She and her artist, musician husband, have two children.

Lee is a woman of many interests and passions and I look forward to getting to know her better. Here's her story about me, which was prominently placed on the FRONT PAGE, by the way:

Click on the link below to read Lee's story about my passion for space travel and Virging Galactic:

http://www.kansascity.com/2012/01/07/3358123/leawood-travel-adviser-offers.html#storylink=cpy

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Fly me to the moon...

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 19:27:00 -0800

That song is getting closer to reality! While many of you know that I represent Virgin Galactic, this may be "NEWS" to some of you. Yesterday the New York Times ran an article about the burgeoning industry of consumer space flight, featuring Virgin Galactic, http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/04/science/space/spaceflights-prepare-to-expand-customer-base.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=virgin%20galactic&st=cse . I've given two media interviews thanks to that article and that spurred this blog post. Maybe I could remind people that I sell flights into space as well as flight within the world's atmosphere!

In 2009 I attended the gala unveiling of Virgin Galactic's Spaceship, the VSS Enterprise. 850 people from around the world gathered in Mojave, California to be part of that historic moment, the beginning of a new frontier of the consumer travel industry. As the mother ship, with the spaceship securely attached, rolled into the viewing area, I remember the whole crowd became silent, in anticipation and awe. When Governors Schwarzenagger and Richardson joined Sir Richard Branson in christening the ship, the crowd erupted in cheers and applause. Tears rolled down my cheeks as I realized I was experiencing a significant milestone in history. Years from now, when my toddler-aged grandsons are older and space travel more commonplace, I hope the boys will brag, "My grandma was at the christening of the first consumer spaceship!" Then again, by that time, rather than the exception, people traveling in Space will be the norm and its beginning might be a long-ago faded memory. How cool would that be? Either way, Virgin Galactic gave me an incredible life experience.

What are your thoughts about Space flight?

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Ready for a vacation? 2012 Travel Ideas

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 16:31:54 -0800

These offers brought to you by:
Barbara King, ASA
Great Getaways Travel
913-338-2244 913-338-2244
barbara@greatgetaways.travel

Greetings from Barbara King, ASA —
Now's the time! Escape the winter doldrums with a spontaneous weekend getaway, or plan an epic adventure for later in the year. No matter where you want to go, you'll find exciting vacations from all over the world — sail across the Atlantic on a fabulous cruise ship, zip line through the rainforest canopy in Costa Rica, or slip away for a romantic spring weekend in New York City. Call today for the best rates and availability!

All offers may not be available in all markets. All prices shown are per person, based on double occupancy, in U.S. dollars unless otherwise stated. Prices converted from the supplier's local currency are based on the current exchange rate at the time of printing. Fares do not include taxes or other fees unless otherwise stated. While every care is taken to ensure accuracy, fares, schedules, Virtuoso exclusives, Virtuoso Voyager Club events and amenities are subject to availability, blackout dates, international currency fluctuations, and may change without notice. Virtuoso Voyager Club events require a minimum/maximum number of participants and may not be combinable with other offers. Space is limited and other restrictions may apply. See your Virtuoso travel advisor for more details and applicable restrictions. Virtuoso assumes no responsibility for the presentation confirmed within, including errors in pricing. The trademarks VIRTUOSO, the Globe Swirl Logo, SPECIALISTS IN THE ART OF TRAVEL, WE ORCHESTRATE DREAMS, VOYAGER CLUB, and RETURN ON LIFE are registered trademarks of Virtuoso, Ltd. Virtuoso, Ltd. has a U.S. copyright registration for the Globe Swirl Logo, ©2000. All rights reserved. CST#2069091-50 351201 01/12
© 2012 Virtuoso, Ltd. | 505 Main Street, Suite 500 | Fort Worth, TX 76102

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Guess what Santa brought us!

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 14:28:00 -0800

Meet Angela Di Feo, Great Getaways newest family member! Angie hails from Ohio (think Akron and Kent) and moved to the Kansas City area last month to be closer to her fiancé.

Angie, who is an active member of the Air Force National Guard, has garnered many awards, honors and degrees including Associates Degree in Hospitality Management, Fitness and Lodging (graduated with honors); National Collegiate Scholars for Academic Excellence; and Airman of the Year and Air Force Achievement Medal.

Her volunteer efforts include being a Founder of the Skye Jany Humanitarian Assistance Private Organization; participating in Homerun for the Homeless; Breast Cancer Awareness; and Harvest for Hunger.

Angie is well traveled and will be a wonderful addition to our staff. Please welcome Angie, angela@greatgetaways.travel, and let us know how we can assist you with your vacation plans.

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Bitten by Wanderlust? We have an app for that!

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 10:52:00 -0800

The Spark of Genius Series highlights a unique feature of startups and is made possible by Microsoft BizSpark. If you would like to have your startup considered for inclusion, please see the details here.

Name: Wander

Quick Pitch: Wander is a free app that connects penpals and Instagram.

Genius Idea: Gives users the opportunity to immerse themselves in new cultural experiences through their iPhones.

Do you dream about traveling or backpacking through the world and meeting people from different walks of life? Well now you can get closer to that experience with Wander, a free iPhone app that connects penpals with Instagram.

Through photo-based conversation threads, Wander allows users to view and participate in the lives of foreign peers in different parts of the world while also sharing their own lives and surroundings. The one-to-one media-sharing makes the world smaller by connecting strangers on opposite sides of the world through cultural exchanges.

“We realized most social apps are only about saying hello” says Darien Brown, CEO of Wander. “What Wander does is create impossible connections with people who you would never meet, allowing users to explore life in other countries in an interactive, meaningful way.”

To get started with Wander, users have to download the free app to their iPhone and then create a simple profile that includes their age, gender, interests and a profile image. Users can also sign in with their Facebook accounts.

Each day, Wander shows you a new available “guide” or someone in the world who you can connect with. For example, a woman from Japan named Miho may show up on your screen and you can choose whether to connect with her or not.

via mashable.com

I travel a lot, a whole lot! I've made so many new friends around the world and there are so many friends yet to meet! What's a person to do?
(Drum roll would be appropriate here...)
I just found a new app that combines penpals and Instagram allowing me to make friends from my iPhone! How cool is that? Check out this app in Mashable's Spark of Genius Series!

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Your Insider's Guide to the Best of Europe <>

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 15:43:00 -0800

Featured here: In this online guide featuring the Best of Europe, you'll find a host of exciting travel opportunities to spark your imagination, along with insider Advisor Tips and exclusives offered only to you. Click here to start planning your lavish Europe vacation.

Contact me to book your trip today!
Barbara King, ASA
Great Getaways Travel
913-338-2244
barbara@greatgetaways.travel

All offers may not be available in all markets. Virtuoso prepared this catalog in the USA. All prices shown are per person, based on double occupancy, in U.S. dollars unless otherwise stated. Prices converted from the supplier's local currency are based on the current exchange rate at the time of printing. Fares do not include taxes or other fees unless otherwise stated. While every care is taken to ensure accuracy, fares, schedules, Virtuoso exclusives, Virtuoso Voyager Club events and amenities are subject to availability, blackout dates, international currency fluctuations, and may change without notice. Virtuoso Voyager Club events require a minimum/maximum number of participants and may not be combinable with other offers. Space is limited and other restrictions may apply. See your Virtuoso travel advisor for more details and applicable restrictions. Virtuoso assumes no responsibility for the presentation confirmed within, including errors in pricing. MASTERCARD and the MasterCard Brand Mark are registered trademarks of MasterCard International Incorporated. The trademarks VIRTUOSO, the Globe Swirl Logo, SPECIALISTS IN THE ART OF TRAVEL, VOYAGER CLUB and WE ORCHESTRATE DREAMS are registered trademarks of Virtuoso, Ltd. Virtuoso, Ltd. has a U.S. copyright registration for the Globe Swirl Logo, ©2000. All rights reserved. CST#2069091-50 351024 12/11

To receive emails in your Inbox from Virtuoso and your Virtuoso travel advisor,
please add the domain email.virtuosoemail.com to your address book or safe senders list.
© 2011 Virtuoso, Ltd. | 505 Main Street, Suite 500 | Fort Worth, TX 76102

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Our Hearts Beat Together

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 09:08:25 -0800

A couple of years ago we sent out a YouTube video of the song "Stand by me" from "Playing for Change". The message is as valid today as it was in 2009, perhaps even more so.

Experiencing our world and making new friends wherever we go is our passion and our mission is to help you enjoy the same joy.

Our friends at Micato expressed our truth in their holiday wish to us and we happily pass it on to you: Wherever we are in the world or in life...our hearts beat together.

May your actions touch those around you with love and kindness and may peace embrace our souls...

Once again, enjoy the video of "Stand By Me":

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Congrats! Great Getaways wins another award!

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 15:09:52 -0800

Congrats to us for being selected as a member of 25 Under 25 Class of 2012! Every year for the past 10 years Kansas City companies have been nominated to become a member of this elite group. For the Class of 2012 over 1000 companies were nominated and only 25 selected.

Not familiar with this award? Here's what Thinking Bigger Business says on their website:

http://www.ithinkbigger.com/25-under-25r-awards/about-the-awards

ABOUT THE 25 UNDER 25 ® AWARDS

Awards Criteria & Selection Process

· Employ fewer than 25 full-time employees (or full-time equivalents)

· Operate a for-profit business for three or more years

· Be located within the Greater Kansas City area

Nominations are accepted from the business community from August to mid-October each year. Qualified nominees complete an application and provide additional support materials that are reviewed by a panel of third-party judges from the business community. The panel of judges reviews the applicants and selects the final 25 honorees according to the following:

· Financial stability

· Ability to overcome obstacles/adversity/challenges

· Community involvement/service

· Distinguishing or defining characteristics/qualities

· Company vision

The 25 finalists are announced in mid-December, and events are scheduled throughout the following February and year to honor the finalists. Honorees are profiled in a special 25 Under 25® supplement in the February issue of Thinking Bigger Business magazine and are invited to be guests on the “Smart Companies” radio show. In addition, a pre-gala dinner is held for the honorees in mid-February. The events culminate in a black tie optional awards Dinner & Gala held in February. The 25 Under 25® Dinner & Gala features a cocktail reception, Wall of Fame, dinner and awards presentation.

SAVE THE DATE: Dinner and Awards Gala will be held on March 3, 2012. Will you join us?

Need a flight to KC to join us on March 3rd? We can help arrange your flight and hotel stay! We might even take you to Oklahoma Joe's for the best BBQ in the world!

To quote the Pointer Sisters "I'm so excited!"

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