ABC Corporate Services News

Morrison International Joins ABC Global Connect Network

lnelson — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 15:04:16 GMT

August 20, 2010 – The ABC Global Connect membership grew recently with the addition of Morrison International, a boutique-style travel agency based in San Mateo, California.

A travel agency leader since 1946, Morrison is dedicated to providing excellent customer service with a unique personal touch. In 2009 the agency was recognized by The Business Journal as the “seventh largest agency in Silicon Valley.” While Morrison’s primary focus is the corporate travel market, the agency operates leisure and incentive divisions. To best support its diverse customer base, Morrison’s configuration includes several off-site agents, an on-site agency and affiliates worldwide.

“We have been a long-time subscriber to ABC Corporate Services’, successfully using the ABC Premier Hotel Program and ABC Travelers Emergency Service System (TESS) for years. ABC is a wonderful organization to work with, and Global Connect is a natural fit for us at this time,” says Daniel Hanes, chief operating officer, Morrison International. “ABC is honored to have Morrison as a customer and we welcome them to this prestigious group of leading travel organizations,” adds Cynthia Kropp, executive vice president, sales & service, ABC Corporate Services.

About Global Connect. Global Connect is ABC Corporate Services’ international alliance program. It offers networking and information exchange opportunities, providing members with an ongoing platform through which ideas, experiences and successes can be shared. Members include a powerful network of independently owned and operated travel management companies located in the major business centers of the world. Representing thousands of worldwide locations, members contribute their in-depth knowledge of local markets to support individual and group objectives.

About ABC Corporate Services. ABC Corporate Services is a leading provider of services to the global travel agency and corporate communities. Providing progressive solutions for the business of travel, ABC Corporate Services offers the ABC Premier Hotel Program™ (including the EZ Book with ABC hotel booking engine), TESS – Traveler Emergency Service System™, ABC GlobalFares/International Rate Desk™, Travel Risk Management solutions, ABC Global Connect™, and a host of preferred supplier programs. For more information about ABC Corporate Services, visit www.abccst.com, contact info@abccst.com or call 1-800-722-5179 / +1-402-885-8900.

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Contact: Laura Nelson

lnelson@abccst.com

+1-402-885-8938

Intouraero Travel Management Company Joins ABC Global Connect

lnelson — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 15:36:18 GMT

Intouraero Travel Management Company (www.intouraero.ru), headquartered in Moscow, Russia, has joined ABC Corporate Services’ global networking organization, ABC Global Connect. The agency, a market leader for more than 17 years, specializes in corporate travel as well as meetings & incentives business.

Intouraero provides its clients with experienced counselors, high service levels and a strong network of supplier direct programs that includes the Russian Railway System, Aeroflot and Transportation/Clearing House companies. In addition to its headquarters in Moscow, Intouraero maintains branch locations in St. Petersburg, Ekaterinburg, Togliatti, and Cheboksary.

“We are very excited about participating in Global Connect,” notes Artem Chernyshov, principal, Intouraero. “The concept of an open and progressive networking environment where we can share ideas and concepts with like-minded travel executives in an effort to grow our business internationally is what we liked most about Global Connect, and we look forward to working with the other members,” he added. “ABC is thrilled to have Intouraero on board; the agency’s participation significantly extends Global Connect’s reach into an important market, benefitting the membership’s corporate client needs there,” says Fred Goldberger, international sales manager, ABC Corporate Services.

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UPFRONT - from ABC's President & COO

hawk3ye — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 03:59:00 GMT

LIVE INTERACTION IS OUR BUSINESS

Be Prepared: ABC’s Travelers Emergency Service System (TESS) HAS YOUR BACK

Web conferencing, video conferencing and email marketing are cost-effective technologies that help us meet business goals. These technologies are part of our day-today business arsenal and have their place assisting sales, product management and operations, but will never replace important “in person meetings.” The very essence of business is live interaction between people and building relationships, especially in travel.

Professionals getting out and meeting people in person will always be essential when developing long-term partnerships borne of trust and likeability—intangible variables that are key to business success. This is poignantly highlighted in results from a study by the global research firm Oxford Economics, in concert with the US Travel Association: “for every dollar (USD) invested in business travel, companies realize $12.50 in incremental revenue and $3.80 in profits.” The same study also surveyed business travelers across all industries “who reported that 25% of their existing customers and 28% of their revenue could be lost to competitors if customers were not met in-person,”—powerful justification for the need for live meetings.

Business Travelers are Hitting the Road. A recent NY Times article reported that business travel is in a recovery mode, yet on a shoestring budget and that there isn’t a substitute for hitting the road, even technology. Corporate leaders continue to scrutinize the purpose of travel, but they ARE authorizing travel and that is GOOD NEWS. Business travelers ARE hitting the road.

When Hitting the Road, Be Prepared. Members of our industry—in all sectors—from travel agents to airlines to hoteliers and ground transportation leaders—can easily recall the European ash crisis of 2010. Beyond the immediacy of the situation at the time, what did it highlight? Obviously on a large scale, it put focus on the need for national and local governments as well as commercial airlines to have disaster recovery plans; to be prepared for such disasters should they strike again (and we know they will). Closer to home, for travel agents and corporations, it shed light on the importance of having a quality emergency service to support travelers who are stranded, and on the front lines of such situations—our customers have TESS - ABC’s Travelers Emergency Service System (TESS).

TESS Had Your Back. All hands were on deck and called into action throughout the Icelandic ash crisis in April. For nine days TESS handled more than six times our normal call volume. Our overarching goal was to make sure every single stranded client was safe and offered options to meet his/her needs, be it a convenient hotel or ground transportation to an operational airport. While it certainly was a trying and exhausting experience for everyone, I am proud of our highly skilled team of TESS agents, all who stepped up to the plate, working tirelessly and with endless enthusiasm to meet our customers’ needs under very challenging conditions.

Natural and man-made disasters WILL occur in the future, yet we can take steps to prepare as best we can. We ought to use technologies when they fit business objectives and travel when deemed appropriate and necessary for business success. And like our technology arsenals, ABC’s Travelers Emergency Service System (TESS) should be in your toolbox as well…to ensure your back is covered in an emergency!

To all of our customers, we thank you for your business. If you are not presently a TESS customer, I encourage you to take a look at the Travelers Emergency Service System (TESS), where “we have your back.”

Best Regards for a warm and happy summer,

Beverlee S. Patterson
President & COO

Celebrating more than 30 years of excellence

—Published in From A to Z with ABC Corporate Services, Summer 2010. ABC subscribers: View the Summer 2010 issue online or contact your account services representative to receive by mail.

The FABULOUS FIVES - ABC Launches Annual Anniversary Luncheon Honoring Tenured Employees

lnelson — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 11:16:43 GMT

If employer/employee loyalty and commitment seem to be oxymorons in today's economy and work environment, it could be further from the truth at ABC Corporate Services' inaugural Fabulous FIVES Anniversary Luncheon. Held May 27 at the Allerton Hotel in Chicago, nineteen employees―each celebrating an anniversary of five years or a multiple of five―were honored by ABC's president and COO, Beverlee S. Patterson (herself a 20-year ABC veteran) and her executive team.

Hailing from ABC's Rosemont, Illinois headquarters and virtual offices across the USA, the tenured employees were brought together in celebration of their hard work, dedication and pursuit of excellence throughout the years. They truly represent what fuels the company's success!

Following a welcome presentation taking employees on an entertaining stroll back in time to the year they joined ABC, honorees enjoyed a delicious lunch and received special Thomas Cook service awards and ABC-specific keepsakes selected for each year. Finally, as the employee with the longest "25-year" tenure, Cynthia Kropp, executive vice president, sales & service, was bestowed with a unique appreciation gift. Kropp notes, "It was a PROUD day! For me, 25 is a big number but the 25 years went by in a blink. So much has changed but so much has stayed the same. Our core products still hold up as the best in the industry. We have many loyal customers and many loyal employees. And it was just wonderful to have so many of our talented team members together in one spot!"

In addition to the recognition of their achievements and efforts over the years, employees enjoyed the chance to get to know a little better some of their colleagues and friends who they know via phone and email but don't see often in person. For others, the luncheon presented a wonderful opportunity to meet fellow ABC colleagues for the very first time.

That evening the employees joined customers and preferred suppliers for another smashingly successful UpClose with ABC Corporate Services trade show at the rooftop of the Allerton Hotel.

Comments from some of the honorees:

"I had a great time at the tenure party. It's hard to believe it's been almost 16 years for me. ABC is just like a family and it was great to see my co-workers that I rarely get to see in person, but only talk to on the phone...and I had a lot of fun." -- Lisa Dunbar, Training Manager

"It was really wonderful to meet some of the people we have been working with for so many years; it was time well spent, and meeting our colleagues from corporate helps to build stronger working relationships and create a better understanding of all the roles ABC plays in the industry. Thank you to all involved in the planning and preparation! -- Shannon Neuhaus, TESS Agent

"ABC's dedication to its employees during these trying times is what keeps me motivated after nearly 16 years!" -- Klayton Killion, Executive Vice President, Operations

"It is truly amazing when you consider how many of our people have been around and contributing for such a long time. It's great to be working with such great people." -- Harry Gates, Operations Manager

Travelers Emergency Service System (TESS) - The Quiet Champion in a Crisis

lnelson — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 12:20:59 GMT

April 27, 2010 -- Seamlessly and with little fanfare, ABC Corporate Services' 24-hour emergency service team, TESS, came to the rescue of customers stranded during the Icelandic ash crisis that halted most travel within European air space.

For more than nine days, the ABC Travelers Emergency Service System (TESS) responded to calls from its international client base, going to extensive and creative lengths to assist travelers, becoming a quiet champion in an emergency situation. TESS reports call volumes for this period totaling six times its normal amount, experiencing one of its highest service capacities ever, to meet demand.

"Once our intelligence indicated the magnitude of the situation, we immediately augmented our staff, with agents working around-the-clock to service customers, both those stranded in various parts of Europe as well as those in route or otherwise affected in different areas of the world by the reduction in flights," notes Klayton Killion, executive vice president, operations. "Our primary focus was the safety and comfort of our customers, and to ensure them workable options until flights were available," he continued. "For some travelers, we provided hotel accommodations that best met their needs in terms of cost and location. We used the ABC Premier Hotel Program, tapping into Premier Block Space, that offers guaranteed rooms in sold out situations. For others, we assisted with ground transportation alternatives, in some cases taking them to functioning airports where possible―and in other cases―to their final destination," Killion added.

"While it certainly was a trying and exhausting experience, I am proud of our highly skilled team of TESS agents, all who stepped up to the plate, working tirelessly and with endless enthusiasm to meet our customer needs under very challenging conditions," noted Beverlee S. Patterson, president & COO, ABC Corporate Services. "In fact, in some instances, our agents spent 2-3 hours or more on calls," Patterson concluded.

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ABC Corporate Services Announces Partnership with The Luggage Club

lnelson — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 15:48:52 GMT

Provides ABC Subscribers Door-to-Door Luggage Delivery Service - Offering a New Revenue Stream

April 9, 2010 -- ABC Corporate Services announces a new supplier partnership with The Luggage Club, providing ABC's customers worldwide and their clients/travelers with access to door-to-door luggage delivery and a new revenue stream opportunity. It is the solution to the airlines' harrying, confusing, and ever-changing checked luggage fees, as well as long airport check-in lines. The Luggage Club provides cost-effective shipment and specialized logistic services to 220 countries and territories worldwide. Shipping traditional luggage bags, as well as recreational gear, strollers and wheel chairs, no special packaging is required. One thousand dollars (USD) worth of insurance per bag is included at no additional fee.

Headquartered in Waunakee, WI, The Luggage Club's online booking process is simple, with a generous commission plan. Dedicated customer service with every reservation supports tracking of all baggage from point-of-origin to final destination, in an effort to avoid loss or late arrival.

"The Luggage Club is excited about this new partnership, "notes Tim Macht, president, The Luggage Club. "ABC Corporate Services, as a reputable industry leader and distribution channel for over 30 years, supports our needs with a network of experienced travel organizations and companies throughout the world," Macht continued. "And, we believe our services deliver to travel agents and CTDs the perfect solution in today's chaotic travel climate, complemented with an unmatched customer service team and a value-added revenue incentive."

"ABC Corporate Services is very happy to be partners with The Luggage Club," says Beverlee Patterson, ABC's president & COO. "Not only do they provide ABC's worldwide customer base with an innovative and highly needed service, but the organization offers an expert team of support staff and a great commission component." Patterson adds. "It's a win-win all around," she notes. "We look forward to the development of a long-term relationship with The Luggage Club," concludes Patterson.

About The Luggage Club. The Luggage Club provides door-to-door luggage and goods delivery service with a complete range of specialized logistic services to make travel stress-free. The company's goal is to give business and leisure travelers an alternative to the cumbersome method of transporting luggage or goods through the airlines. The Luggage Club commits to making travel easier and more enjoyable for individuals, families and business travelers worldwide. The Luggage Club's proprietary, real-time quoting and order entry system is completely automated, providing instant quotes, bookings, tracking, and the use of other helpful tools...anywhere, anytime. For details, visit www.theluggageclub.com.

About ABC Corporate Services. ABC Corporate Services is a leading provider of services to the global travel agency and corporate communities. Providing progressive solutions for the business of travel, ABC Corporate Services offers the ABC Premier Hotel Program (including the EZ Book with ABC hotel search engine), Travelers Emergency Service System (TESS), ABC GlobalFares/International Rate Desk, ABC Global Connect and ancillary services covering travel risk management, ground transportation, commission reconciliation, and much more. For more information about ABC Corporate Services, visit www.abccst.com, contact info@abccst.com or call 1-800-722-5179 / +1-402-885-8900.

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ABC Corporate Services Announces New Technology for Hotel Program Needs

Lnelson — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:43:12 GMT

Feeds Robust New Premier Hotel Program Search Engine & Offers New Opportunities for ABC and Its Partners

March 12, 2010 - As part of ABC Corporate Services' ongoing efforts to streamline processes and increase the efficiencies that benefit customers, we are pleased to announce the launch of the ABC Supplier and Hotel Information Platform (SHIP). This state-of-the-art database, uniquely designed for ABC, stores hotel data and geographical information, with automated uploads of hotel details to the Premier Hotel Program Search Engine and all related sites. The Supplier and Hotel Information Platform improves and strengthens the hotel contracting and negotiation processes, resulting in an ABC Premier Hotel Program that is more comprehensive and targeted than ever to our customer needs! Utilizing industrywide standards, the Supplier and Hotel Information Platform provides:

Sophisticated design with hundreds of data fields, enabling the storage and availability of more information about participating Premier Hotels than ever before
Use of the NBTA standard RFP makes the bidding process more convenient for suppliers
Enhanced technology driving the speedy import, review, acceptance and upload of more chains and properties, translating into more immediate access to the property information ABC customers require

"SHIP is the result of ongoing research and development that responds to feedback from our customers about their hotel information needs," says David Anderson, director, Hotel & Supplier Programs, ABC Corporate Services. "And, in using industrywide standards, SHIP makes it more convenient and user-friendly for hoteliers to participate in the Premier Hotel Program with a higher level of detailed, comprehensive data regarding their properties," Anderson adds.

About ABC Corporate Services. ABC Corporate Services is a leading provider of services to the global travel agency and corporate communities. Providing progressive solutions for the business of travel, ABC Corporate Services offers the ABC Premier Hotel Program (including the booking engine, EZ Book with ABC), TESS - Travelers Emergency Service System, International Rate Desk/ABC GlobalFares, Travel Risk Management solutions, and ABC Global Connect. For more information about ABC Corporate Services, visit www.abccst.com, contact info@abccst.com or call 1-800-722-5179 / +1-402-885-8900.

ABC Corporate Services Launches New Robust Search Engine

lnelson — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 15:41:11 GMT

Improves User Experience for Customers Accessing the ABC Premier Hotel Program - Provides Dozens of Enhancements

March 1, 2010 - The thousands or ABC Corporate Services' customers worldwide that subscribe to the ABC Premier Hotel Program are now enjoying an enhanced experience when they utilize the program's new search engine. Part of ABC's recently-launched new Web site, the re-engineered search engine provides an intelligent, robust and user-driven search to more than 31,000 Premier hotels around the globe, and much more. Features include:

EXPANDED SEARCH OPTIONS by postal codes and airports
MAP-BASED SEARCHES enhancing search flexibility
VARIOUS FILTERS that support more precise search results
DETAILED PROPERTY FEATURES including dozens of hotel facilities and amenities displayed to assist with cost-savings goals

"ABC Corporate Services is highly satisfied with this recent development to our Premier Hotel Program portal," notes David Anderson, ABC's director, hotel & supplier programs. "The search engine's intuitive functionality and many new features allow us to provide customers an improved experience that targets their needs. At the same time, our premier supplier partners have greater opportunities to advertise, position, and offer more specific details about their participating hotels and overall portfolios," Anderson adds.

About ABC Corporate Services. ABC Corporate Services is a leading provider of services to the global travel agency and corporate communities. Providing progressive solutions for the business of travel, ABC's core products include the ABC Premier Hotel Program (including the booking engine, EZ Book with ABC), Traveler Emergency Service System (TESS), International Rate Desk/ABC GlobalFares, and ABC Global Connect. Additional services supporting travel risk management, commission capture, itinerary management, and more, are offered. For more information about ABC Corporate Services, visit www.abccst.com, contact info@abccst.com or call 1-800-722-5179 / +1-402-885-8900.

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Travel Solutions International (TSI) Taps ABC Corporate Services

Lnelson — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 11:45:34 GMT

Effective November 1, 2009 agencies within the Travel Solutions International (TSI) alliance have access to the ABC Premier Hotel Program. With locations throughout Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, New Zealand, Nigeria, Singapore, the UAE, UK and US, TSI represents an estimated $1.3 billion USD in global purchasing volume.

Through this new partnership, TSI alliance agencies will realize the following value:

A comprehensive hotel program and geographic coverage with rates at 30,000-plus properties in over 6,500 cities worldwide; 207 hotel chains represented
Broad program accessibility via all major GDS, ABC’s Web site, and online booking engine, EZ Book with ABC
Premier Block Space – to support travelers when hotels and/or cities are sold out; ABC Corporate Services centrally manages and tracks this inventory for optimal allocation
Premier Perks – Special savings and unique services, including amenities such as upgraded rooms, free wireless Internet, and complimentary breakfast – often adding up to deep bottom line savings
Premier Communiqués – media providing product updates, special promotions and strategic news about ABC Corporate Services’ and its supplier partners
Hotel Help Desk – industry experts providing professional assistance

“The ABC Corporate Services Premier Hotel Program is recognized within the travel marketplace as having the leading hotel program,” notes Mervyn Williamson, Chairman of TSI. “Tapping into their strength in this area aligns with our philosophy of local market expertise with global support,” Mervyn added. “We are thrilled to be using the Premier Hotel Program, and know its many benefits will help our agencies succeed.”

“ABC Corporate Services welcomes TSI and is pleased to be supporting this leading global agency alliance,” offers Cynthia Kropp, executive vice president, sales & service, ABC Corporate Services. “The Premier Hotel Program is global, and is perfectly positioned to support the unique and varied needs of TSI,” Kropp continued. “TSI is an important customer for ABC and we welcome the opportunity to truly exceed their expectations, and those of their clients,” added Kropp.

About Travel Solutions International (TSI). Travel Solutions International (TSI) is a network partnership of privately owned travel management companies with a proven record of professionalism, growth and profitability. With administrative headquarters in the UK, TSI partners are equal shareholders in the network and appreciate that the alliance’ success is based upon finding solutions that support its customers travel management needs. Understanding the importance of local market expertise combined with global an experienced global network, TSI is the alternative solution to traditional global TMCs. For more information about TSI, contact Hazel Dawson (hdawson@tsi.biz).

About ABC Corporate Services. ABC Corporate Services is a leading provider of services to the global travel agency and corporate communities. Providing progressive solutions for the business of travel, ABC Corporate Services offers the ABC Premier Hotel Program (including the booking engine, EZ Book with ABC), TESS – Traveler Emergency Service System, Rate Desk/ABC GlobalFares, Travel Risk Management solutions, and ABC Global Connect. For more information about ABC Corporate Services, visit www.abccst.com, contact info@abccst.com or call 1-800-722-5179 / +1-402-885-8900.

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Upfront - Message from ABC's President & COO

jreitz — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 11:13:00 GMT

P Squared… Plan… Prepare

As a society, we prepare and make contingency plans for those events or situations that are beyond our control. That’s what insurance—health, car, homeowners, flood, etc. is for. Similarly, on the financial front, there are emergency savings accounts and retirement plans that help us plan and prepare for our financial futures and unanticipated circumstances.

And, today, as I’m writing this, the world is about to confront yet another potential crisis into uncharted waters: H1N1 (Swine Flu), and we are being asked to plan and prepare. In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has a plethora of information geared to personal and business use, and so does the World Health Organization (WHO), as do many healthcare providers. Simple precautions like washing hands frequently, covering mouths when coughing, using hand sanitizers, getting the flu vaccination, and staying home from work or school should we experience symptoms, are those things we can do to be prepared. ABC Corporate Services has implemented a simple policy regarding this unique health crisis so that all employees are informed and aware of steps to take.

The Business of Travel is no different. It is important to have strategic and tactical processes in place should emergency strike. TESS – ABC’s Travelers Emergency Service System is all too aware of the ways that circumstances beyond our control happen and can be handled. This team works 24/7 to support many of our customers, not only after hours, but when unexpected events occur. Recently they responded to a customer whose main offices and travel agents were incapacitated when a violent storm and record flooding shut them down for nearly 48 hours. Our TESS agents were called into action immediately to service travelers and process PNRs until our customer was back on their feet. They met a very clear customer need. Refer to the cover of this newsletter for a more detailed case study.

Does your organization have a contingency plan if your agents are unable to make it to work or weather catastrophe strikes? Make sure you do. If you need help with after hours and emergency service, feel free to contact your ABC account service representative. Seamlessly, ABC has been a part of our customers’ disaster plans for more than 30 years, and we do it for leisure as well as corporate travel.

It is equally important to make sure your clients and their travelers have the intelligence they need so they are secure as they travel around the world. On both local and global levels, events like strikes, political unrest or natural weather disasters happen. Effective travel risk management tools from eTravel Technologies, an ABC preferred partner provide, offer security updates before and during travel. Contact your account service representative for more information about eTravel’s solutions or for more details about TESS. They will help you develop the contingency plans that meet your needs, not just for today but into the future.

On behalf of everyone at ABC Corporate Services, I wish you a happy, healthy, safe and secure Holiday Season and prosperous New Year!

Best Regards,

Beverlee S. Patterson

President & COO

ABC Corporate Services and IT Group Ink Agreement

Lnelson — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 13:09:00 GMT

ABC Corporate Services Has Been Selected by IT Group to Provide Its Agency Network with Access to the ABC Premier Hotel Program

ABC Corporate Services and IT Group announce a new partnership that will provide agencies within the IT Group network access to the industry-leading ABC Premier Hotel Program. Effective August 1, the network’s more then 800 member locations with an estimated $10 million (USD) in hotel purchasing volume will be able to use the Premier Hotel Program to support their clients’ needs.

IT Group affiliated agencies will realize the following value through the Premier Hotel Program:

A comprehensive hotel program and geographic coverage with rates at 30,000-plus properties in over 6,500 cities worldwide; 207 hotel chains represented
Broad program accessibility via all major GDS, ABC’s Web site, its new EZ Book with ABC online booking engine, and CD-Rom
Premier Block Space – to support travelers when hotels and/or cities are sold out; ABC Corporate Services centrally manages and tracks this inventory for optimal allocation at all times
Premier Perks – Special savings and unique services, including amenities such as upgraded rooms, free wireless Internet, and complimentary breakfast – provide savings to the bottom line
Premier Communiqués – media providing product updates, special promotions and strategic news about ABC Corporate Services’ and our supplier partners
Hotel Help Desk – industry experts providing professional assistance

“We are not just benefiting from a hotel program with this deal,” notes Donald Gould, president, IT Group. "ABC Corporate Services brings 30-plus years of expertise to this partnership, giving me and our member agencies the confidence that they have ABC’s support and dependability at all times; that’s important to our network,” Gould adds.

“ABC welcomes IT Group and is pleased to be supporting their growing network of agencies throughout the United States, and assisting in their success with the Premier Hotel Program,” offers Cynthia Kropp, executive vice president, sales & service, ABC Corporate Services. “IT Group’s expansive affiliate base is significant for ABC and we welcome the opportunity to not only meet but truly exceed the needs and expectations of this special group of agencies,” continued Kropp.

About IT Group . With over 800 locations, IT Group is one of the largest combinations of affiliated agencies in the industry. For more information, call 888-482-4636 or email embership@itgroupnetowrk.com

About ABC Corporate Services. ABC Corporate Services is a leading provider of services to the global travel agency and corporate communities. Providing progressive solutions for the business of travel, ABC Corporate Services offers the ABC Premier Hotel Program, TESS – Traveler Emergency Service System, ABC GlobalFares, Travel Risk Management solutions, and ABC Global Connect. For more information about ABC Corporate Services, visit www.abccst.com, contact info@abccst.com or call 1-800-722-5179 / +1-402-885-8900.

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ABC Corporate Services Expands Partnership with Trondent Development Corp

jreitz — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 17:15:00 GMT

Provides ABC Subscriber Base with Access to TravelGUIDE —
A Value-Added Tool and Unique Revenue Opportunity

ABC Corporate Services announces the expansion of its ongoing partnership with Trondent Development Corp that will provide ABC’s base of 5,000 travel agency and corporate travel department subscribers with access to Trondent’s new itinerary tool: TravelGUIDE. Part of Trondent’s AirMAIL document delivery system, TravelGUIDE supplements traveler itineraries with city specific destination information. In addition, it provides users with advertising space to promote services, or those of key suppliers.

“Trondent has enjoyed the benefits of a partnership with ABC Corporate Services for several years,” notes Lana Parro, Trondent’s chief operating officer. “In addition to being a successful and reputable player on the travel scene for more than 30 years with a top-notch base of global subscribers, ABC Corporate Services is a wonderful organization to work with.” “We are very pleased with this expanded relationship and we sincerely believe in our product that offers users an upgraded and fully customizable travel itinerary system and revenue generating tool,” continued Parro.

“Trondent leads the industry with superb tools and travel distribution technology that exceed the growing needs of travel organizations worldwide,” notes Beverlee S. Patterson, president & COO, ABC Corporate Services. “In an ever-fluctuating marketplace, Trondent assists organizations in being more competitive.” “We believe TravelGUIDE is an exceptional product to support our customers’ needs,” adds Patterson.

About Trondent Development Corp. Founded in 1994, Trondent Development Corp. is a leading provider of web-based software applications and data management services to the global travel industry. Trondent's customers are comprised of travel management companies, on-line booking providers, meeting management companies and Fortune 500 corporations. Trondent maintains a broad portfolio of affordable services developed to be compatible with all travel distribution systems. Trondent's services are designed to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs and optimize profitability. For more information, please visit www.trondent.com.

About ABC Corporate Services. ABC Corporate Services is a leading provider of services to the global travel agency and corporate communities. Providing progressive solutions for the business of travel, ABC Corporate Services offers the ABC Premier Hotel Program (including the newly-launched EZ Book with ABC), TESS – Traveler Emergency Service System, ABC GlobalFares, Travel Risk Management solutions, and ABC Global Connect. For more information about ABC Corporate Services, visit www.abccst.com, contact info@abccst.com or call 1-800-722-5179 / +1-402-885-8900.

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ABC Corporate Services Announces Preferred Partnership

jreitz — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 14:18:00 GMT

Provides ABC Subscriber Base with Access to End-to-End Commission Recovery Solution

ABC Corporate Services announces a preferred partnership with eCommission Solutions (ECS) to provide a fully integrated commission recovery and reporting program to its travel agency and CTD customers worldwide.

The system, available to ABC subscribers at a discounted fee includes commission file consolidation, segment capture, reconciliation, tracking, 3x dunning, recovery and reporting. Available via a small application on a single customer PC, the ECS system supports all non-ARC transactions, including hotel, car, cruise, tour, limo, international phone rental, and travel insurance.

“We are very excited about this new partnership,” notes Vicki Vilardi, director, global sales, ECS. “ABC is a long-term, industry player with a strong distribution network of experienced travel organizations and companies throughout the world,” she continues. “And, in today’s business environment to leave any revenue untapped is not an option, so we look forward to assisting ABC’s customers in helping them secure the commissions they’ve earned,” Vilardi adds. “ECS’ program reduces and contains operational expenses while identifying and recovering a tangible increase in commission revenues,” adds Paul Hoffman, CEO/president ECS.

“ECS has a comprehensive approach for the recovery and reconciliation of non-ARC commissions,” says Beverlee Patterson, president & COO, ABC Corporate Services. “Their tools support efficiency and cost-effectiveness, and are appropriate for any size organization that does not want to leave travel dollars (or Euros, Pound Sterling, etc.) on the table;” she adds.

About ECS. eCommission Solutions, LLC (ECS), is a technical services and data management organization providing commission payment consolidation, segment capture, reconciliation, tracking, dunning and recovery system to travel organizations and CTDs worldwide. Headquartered in New York, ECS’ completely integrated end-to-end Commission and Data Services program ensures flexibility, efficiency and cost effectiveness. With the combined services of three established industry service providers and decades of combined experience, ECS’ commitment is to provide a quality service and information processing program for it its existing and future customers. www.ecsna.com.

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