TORONTO — Cruise CEO, Virtuoso’s cruise-centric host agency, is celebrating one of its own after winning big at the Hamilton Spectator Readers’ Choice awards.

Kathleen Penner, owner of Plenty of Sunshine Travel, an affiliate of Cruise CEO, has been awarded not one, but two awards: the top Diamond Award for Best Travel Advisor, and the Diamond Award for the Best Travel Agency.

Penner was recognized for her various local marketing efforts, which she says are definitely paying off. In the last 15 months, she started a YouTube channel where she posts weekly updates with her cruise partners, launched a new website, grown her client email list, created a weekly podcast and switched host agencies to ensure her business is aligned with a cruise-focused host partner.

“I am always looking for new, innovative ways to reach new clients and get my business name into my community,” says Penner. “Being recognized as the top travel agency and travel agent in the city of Hamilton, Ontario shows me that my efforts are producing results.

Recently, Kathleen came up with a novel idea to revolutionize her porch to get more eyes on her business.

“I realized with six people in my house, we’re always getting orders and packages dropped off. So I thought, why not turn my porch into a marketing billboard and use this location to increase awareness of my business?” she says. “I posted my logo, have supplier flyers, business cards and a tri-fold brochure showcasing what I offer. It’s great to see the response so far and the interest it’s created!”

Caroline Hay, President of Cruise CEO, says that the team is very proud of Penner’s awards and that they’re well deserved.

“Kathleen has put the time into her business over the past 15 months,” says Hay. “Her innovative approach and commitment to building her business is commendable and captures the true essence of being the CEO of her own cruise business.”