Franchise Owner Wins National Business Award In Celebration of Women’s History Month

The OPAL Award recognizes a female franchise owner who demonstrates Outstanding Performance And Leadership. The honorees are active in community and civic organizations and demonstrate leadership within Dream Vacations.

“Karen’s passion for helping others personally and professionally is apparent in the way that she has integrated herself in the Milford community, as well as within Dream Vacations,” said Debbie Fiorino, chief operating officer of Dream Vacations. “I am honored to present Karen with the 2020 OPAL Award.”

Quinn-Panzer has been a Dream Vacations franchise owner since 2013. Giving back is in Quinn-Panzer’s DNA, whether supporting other local businesses through her involvement with the Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce, where she supports new members and mentors them and membership in the Network of Executive Women, for which she hosted a fundraising cruise. In addition, Quinn-Panzer is a supporter of local Rotary Clubs, as a sponsor of the Devon Rotary Oktoberfest to raise money for BethEl Food Bank, the Literacy Foundation and Rape Crisis Center; and with the Rotary Club of Orange, where she volunteers at their annual Thanksgiving food drive, LobsterFest and reads to elementary school students.

With Dream Vacations, Quinn-Panzer is very engaged as a member of the Advisory Council and Certified Spokesperson team, and has represented the travel agency franchise by participating on a panel at the International Franchise Expo in New York City.

Dream Vacations is committed to being “Rich in Diversity” and empowers all owners, agents and employees to reach their highest potential by leveraging their broad range of talent, experiences, personalities, viewpoints and ideas to generate business growth.

Travel agents with the top-ranked home-based travel agency franchise Dream Vacations have the resources to plan and create seamless vacation experiences for their customers while offering the best value. A member of the International Franchise Association, Dream Vacations is part of World Travel Holdings and has received franchise partner of the year, a top-ranking status, by all the major cruise lines as well as national recognition for its support of military veterans.