Chamber’s small business of month: Yes! Go Travel

Yes! Go Travel, a company that specializes in motorcoach and cruise travel planning for large groups, has been named the Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business of the Month for January 2024.

“With a leap of faith and love for travel, Suzie Housley opened Yes! Go Travel in August 2022,” a press release said. “They offer group travel opportunities, including one-day and multiple-day trips in the United States and international locations. Additionally, the company can assist in booking affordable motorcoach and cruise line transportation. The owner has even recently joined the Cruise Line International Association (CLIA) to become further educated for her clients, reach new vendors, and ultimately expand her business.”

The press release said Housley has 14 years of travel industry experience as a travel director of a now-disbanded program.

“When that opportunity came to an end, she bravely chose to branch out and build her own business, knowing her travel family would be among the first to offer support,” the press release said. “Suzie gives special thanks to her mother and long-time friends who have supported, encouraged, and helped her along the way. She would also like to recognize and thank the following people who have been a blessing to her life and company, including Jill and Randy Jarnigan, Sherri Dickens and Gail Martain, Karen and Rick Slagle, Phil and Angie Poe.”

Housley said: “Without these fantastic people’s support and encouragement, I could not do half of what I need to allow this business to grow and thrive.”

To differentiate Yes! Go Travel from the average travel agency, Housley has taken a personal approach, ensuring she is with you every step of the way and that no detail goes unaddressed, the press release said.

“From the upfront planning all the way to the departure date, she will make sure all your needs and concerns are addressed, and that you leave with lasting memories,” the release said. “In fact, the company’s motto is ‘Come as strangers, leave as friends.'”

Yes! Go Travel’s mission is to provide affordable travel opportunities for every budget, the press release said. While there is currently no store front, you can visit www.yesgotravel.info to find over a dozen future trip opportunities already available and contact information for the owner, the release said.

The press release said Housley actively participates in the Chamber community through their Ambassador Program and networking devotion. Her community involvement also included making contributions to the Anderson County Senior Center, as well as being a member of the nonprofit, Women in Nuclear and the private membership organization, Federal Employed Women.

This is the fourth year the Chamber has recognized local small businesses as a Small Business of the Month. Enrichment Federal Credit Union has been the Small Business of the Month award sponsor since its inception. To nominate a business for Small Business of the Month, visit the Chamber’s website at www.oakridgechamber.org or email the membership director at [email protected]. Qualifying businesses must have 50 or fewer employees, be current members of the Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce, and show active involvement in the community and/or the Chamber. Per the new guidelines set by the Chamber’s Board of Directors, winners within the past 3 years are not eligible to receive the award again. The Small Business Council will consider all nominations, but qualifying and/or winning is not guaranteed, the press release said.