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| News Release The Grand Rapids Press Wednesday, October 06, 2004 By Mary Radigan "We did not have the capabilities to provide that client with what they expected, so I met with Professional Travel about purchasing some of their services," Donovan said. "But I felt so comfortable with them and it seemed like such a perfect fit, that we decided to merge the two firms." The merger follows changes at another travel agency, DeVries Travel, which was sold in August. Founded in 1964 by Gerald DeVries, the business and its four branches were sold to Shari Biesbrock, former vice president and agent at DeVries since 1982. Donovan said she still owns 55 percent of Dolphin Vacations, which also carries the Professional Travel name. The agency is in the process of adding four employees to its 22. "We'll still be providing the same services for our leisure travelers," Donovan said. "We expect a tremendous expansion and could produce $9 million within the next few months." Despite the prospects for growth, she doesn't want to become a mega-agency. "But we'll have the buying power of a mega-agency," Donovan said. "Because of the merger, my cost of ticket service fees have gone down and, best of all, the money stays in West Michigan." © 2004 Grand Rapids Press. Used with permission
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