By Brad Anderson
Co-President

The key difference between a travel professional who earns $40,000 a year and one who earns $140,000 a year is efficiency. Thanks to exclusive, patent-pending Web-based proprietary software, unparalleled training, and 50-plus support staff, America’s Vacation Center (AVC)/American Express helps its network of independent affiliates work more efficiently, and therefore make 10 to 20 times the amount of the average Home Based travel professional.
In addition to its technology and support, AVC is the only Host agency to offer Live LeadsTM, under which inbound customer phone calls and Web requests are transferred directly to independently owned and operated affiliates.
AVC has invested millions of dollars and more than five years creating its patent-pending technology, Agent PowerTM 5.0, the most innovative, advanced software available for travel professionals. With this proprietary software, affiliated independent agents’ entire workflow is completely built into the system. The seamless integration dramatically decreases the margin for error for things like missed payments, losing leads due to not following up, and deadlines passing for insurance and other services. With Agent Power’s live inventory, streamlined CRM (customer relationship management), and automatic commission tracking, independent agents’ time is freed up to do what they do best — sell travel.
Beyond its revolutionary technology, AVC offers an intensive training program, America’s Vacation Center UniversityTM (AVCU). AVCU is one of the industry’s leading training programs, including AVC Summits, AVC Roundtables, exclusive vendor training, sales coaching, business development coaching, My AVC MentorTM, continued education, private FAMs, and more. AVCU also presents the Travel Executive ForumTM (www.TravelExecutiveForum.com), a free monthly online webinar where travel professionals can interact with leading industry executives.
With an outstanding commitment to customer service, AVC has received the coveted American Express Travel Representative Excellence Award every year since its inception in 1992. As a top-producing partner in the American Express Travel Representative Network, AVC was inducted into the American Express Worldwide Travel Hall of Fame in 1999.
This year, 2006, brought great success for AVC, with the recognition of three Travel Agency of the Year awards from Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Oceania Cruises — an industry first. These awards were attributed to AVC because of its impressive sales, continuing technological advancements, and outstanding excellence in customer service.
AVC is dedicated to continuing to lead the Host travel industry in developing unparalleled and innovative approaches to technology and support systems that allow travel professionals to reach their personal goals and live a lifestyle of success.
Professional travel agents interested in affiliating with America’s Vacation Center should call (800) 521-2597 or visit www.JoinAVC.com.

America’s Vacation Center/American Express

1890 Hacienda Drive, Vista, CA 92081
(866) 520-2133
E-mail: JoinAVC@AmericasVacationCenter.com
www.JoinAVC.com (Independent Affiliates)
www.AmericasVacationCenter.com (Consumer)

Brad Anderson, Co-President
Van Anderson, Co-President
David Anderson, Chief Information Officer
Jeffrey Anderson, VP of Marketing
Michael Anderson, VP of Agent Services

National Host Agency
Year Organization Started: 1964
Years in Hosting Status: 20+
Estimated 2006 sales in U.S.: $100 Million+
Number of U.S Independent Contractors: 300+
Commission splits available: Affiliates earn 80% commissions on their own customers and 30% on America’s Vacation Center customers

Initial Contracting Fee: $495
Annual Renewal Fee: $99
Consortium Affiliation: American Express

Special Services for Contractors:
Marketing: Live LeadsTM program, under which inbound customer phone calls and Web requests are transferred to affiliates. Business Development Center, helps independent affiliates grow their business.

Technology:
Free access to its proprietary software, Agent PowerTM 5.0, an unparalleled integrated CRM (customer relationship management), air, car, hotel, package, and cruise booking engine, commission tracking, calendar, E-mail, enterprise instant messaging system, custom Web site, My AVC BuddyTM, and dozens of additional integrated features.

Training:
America’s Vacation Center UniversityTM (AVCU) includes: AVC Summits, AVC Roundtables, sales coaching, business development coaching, My AVC MentorTM, continuing education, private FAMs, and more. AVCU is also the presenter of Travel Executive ForumTM (www.TravelExecutiveForum.com).

Insurance:
$5 million E&O insurance. Access to affordable health insurance in all 50 states through AVC ProtectTM.

Support:
Live support seven days a week, 24 hours a day. AVC has 50+ support staff to assist its independent affiliate network.

Organization values statement:
To provide our affiliates with unparalleled and innovative approaches to technology, training, support, community, and guidance, allowing them to effectively run their own businesses and live a lifestyle of success.

Goals for contractor network:
America’s Vacation Center is dedicated to continuing to lead the Host travel industry in developing unparalleled and innovative approaches to technology and support systems.