Michelle gazed in awe at the setting sun’s reflection on the ocean water. She thought about the family she helped that day by planning their trip to Catalina Island. With a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, Michelle knew the family was looking at the same sunset she was, and she was glad to be a part of that.

Ten years ago Michelle Manire became president and founder of Catalina Travel Connection. While Michelle’s company began by planning trips to Catalina Island, her business quickly blossomed to include meeting and event planning, weddings, honeymoons, and trips for families and individuals. In response, Michelle changed the name of her company to CTC Destination and Meeting Management. While 30 percent of her business is still planning trips to Catalina, Michelle’s company does much more. Because they are located in Southern California, many groups travel there for citywide conferences. CTC coordinates travel arrangements to and within the city, activities for conferees and their spouses, and more.

Finding Help

Although Michelle was raised in the church, there was no depth of Christianity in her home. When she went to college Michelle stopped going to church altogether. After she graduated and entered the work force, she realized life was a bit challenging. She began attending churches but never found what she was looking for. Then a friend invited her to a church where she loved listening to the sermons. The sermons were scriptural and related to everyday life. After attending for a time Michelle was baptized into Christ.

Michelle had been working in the hotel business since graduating from college. She worked in the business 18 years and was a general manager for 10 years. Her business was her life and she enjoyed the wealth and power that went with it. But Michelle grew tired of moving every one to two years and realized it was time to put down some roots. On faith Michelle left the hotel business and began her own business. When she did that, her faith and commitment to God grew even greater.

Helping Others

Michelle has many opportunities to share her faith in the event planning business. Whether it is with employees, vendors, or clients, she never shies away from the fact that she is a Christian. She is open about the impact God has made in her life and has even offered to take her employees to church. In addition to being open as a Christian, Michelle remains calm under stress, a common occurrence in this type of business. Running her own business has taught her that you do not have to be tough with your employees—just firm and fair.

Each day Michelle trusts God with every aspect of her life. In one situation Michelle wanted to work with a specific vendor and worked hard to make her goal a reality. Her attempts were unsuccessful, however, something she could not understand at the time. She finally let the situation go, realizing she had to trust God for his timing. Six months later the vendor filed bankruptcy and Michelle was relieved she had not pushed the matter but had trusted God instead.

In addition to exciting opportunities Michelle also faces challenges as a Christian. One Sunday morning she was listening to her minister preach a sermon titled “Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People?” She listened intently and took notes, thinking she might be able to help someone who was going through a difficult time. Soon after she heard the sermon, one of Michelle’s clients stole $40,000 from her and her company. She quickly realized the sermon was exactly what she needed to hear at the time. As a Christian Michelle knows everyone has value. She treats people ethically and with respect and is not afraid to stand up for what she believes. If an employee or client is doing something unethical, Michelle is sure to let them know.

Michelle’s faith in God has been essential to her success. In addition to running a successful company, Michelle volunteers at church and recently organized a church picnic for 2,000 people. Her greatest impact, however, is one-on-one. Her employees know they can talk to her and trust her. “God has been so important in my life—knowing that I am not alone,” Michelle adds. Michelle’s faith at work is far-reaching as she helps clients plan the perfect events, trips, and weddings—while she trusts in the Perfect Planner. |L

To learn more about CTC Destination and Meeting Management located in Long Beach, California, visit ctc4u.com.

Susanne Dacus graduated from Pacific Christian College with a degree in Christian Education. She and her husband Brad work with Pacific Justice Institute in Citrus Heights, California. Brad and Susanne reside in Sacramento, California with their two children.

OTHER COLUMNS:
June 15, 2008 - A time saver who knows the soul saver
May 18, 2008 - Working by faith 24/7
April 20, 2008 - Motown, music, and ministry
March 23, 2008 - Be One Sportswear
February 24, 2008 - Fighting for the faith
January 27, 2008 - Healing for the Healer
December 30, 2007 - Parenting faithfully
December 2, 2007 - Building physical and spiritual strength
November 4, 2007 - Taking Christ into the classroom
October 7, 2007 - Changing lives through music
August 12, 2007 - Strategies for business and life
June 17, 2007 - Finding fulfilling work
May 20, 2007 - Faithful to his calling
April 22, 2007 - An unstoppable witness
February 25, 2007 - Teaching with faith
January 28, 2007 - Changing a community—one event at a time
December 24, 2006 - Business by the book
November 26, 2006 - Growing through life’s storms
October 29, 2006 - Giving God his best