(Ephrata, PA - March 8, 2001)   The MTS Travel Management Group (MTS) has expanded its customer reach and strengthened services to religious and non-profit travelers with the addition of a mid-West presence through the joining of Menno Travel Service of Kansas, Inc. and MTS. The integration of the two firms brings together organizations that at one time were part of the original single entity formed as Menno Travel Service, Inc., in 1955. Since the MTS Travel Management Group - the parent company - and Menno Travel Service of Kansas, Inc., separated to become independent corporations in 1980, they have competed as leading U.S. firms serving the specialized religious, non-profit and cause-related travel market. "We are excited to be reuniting with our former colleagues at a time of great strength for both of our organizations and during a period of tremendous change for our industry," says Byron Ediger, president of Menno Travel Service of Kansas, Inc. "Dialogue began over a year ago about the potential opportunities that would be created if we merged our common and individual competitive assets. As discussions progressed, it became clear an even stronger organization could result and bring new benefit to our customers at a time when demand for value in their travel investment has never been greater. "Our unique product and service strengths will be combined to create new opportunities for customers in our core market, and enhance our respective expertise in tours and group travel, vacations and meetings management services for both domestic and international destinations," adds Ediger. The agreement, which became effective February 1, 2001, calls for the MTS Travel Management Group to purchase the assets of Menno Travel Service of Kansas, Inc.; enables the owner principals of Menno Travel to buy shares in MTS; creates an additional seat on the MTS Board of Directors, to be held by a Menno executive; and establishes the mechanisms for wholly integrating operations, marketing and technology systems. "Our two companies share a rich history that began some fifty years ago when together we provided travel services to developing countries for U.S. clients who were pioneering global mission and relief work," notes Kermit Yoder, CTC, president and CEO of the MTS Travel Management Group. "Our organizations have continued to evolve in parallel, creating new ways to serve the increasingly specialized travel needs of Christian denominations, local and independent churches, and organizations supporting mission or cause-related projects," adds Yoder. "We developed a healthy competitive relationship that resulted in MTS having the highest regard for Menno Travel's well-earned reputation for excellent customer relationships and travel management service. At this point in time, with our respective positions as leading firms in our niche, our reuniting is a natural course to continuing innovation in service scope and delivery."