On-Site Report From the Ensemble Conference

TORONTO–Ensemble President and Chief Executive Officer Jack E. Mannix implored his membership to exceed the sales growth targets of the consortium's preferred suppliers—and to develop more personal relationships with clients during his opening statements at the group's annual conference here in Toronto on Thursday. "We have to hit growth targets...We have to be more effective at directional selling," says Mannix. "We (as in Ensemble's directors) have to create products and services to make sure customers keep coming to you...That puts money in your pocket." Mannix stuck to those same themes during much of his hour-long speech. "You're the stars," he told the gathered throng. "That's why you're surviving and prospering. You are doing it (now) and you can do it in the future." About 800 or Ensemble agents, and Travel Agent, are at the conference, held at the classy Fairmont Royal York in Toronto.