Award for Accent Travel

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American Express Honors ACCENT TRAVEL with"Representative Excellence" Award

	Accent Travel was honored with one of company's most prestigious awards NEW YORK - April 7, 2003- The American Express Company has announced that Accent Travel, based in Austin, TX, has been honored with "Representative Excellence," one of the company's most prestigious awards for its Representative Travel Agencies in the U.S.
	The "Representative Excellence" Award is designed to recognize outstanding members of the Representative Travel Network.

Locally owned for over 15 years, Accent Travel is an Austin,Texas based agency that has grown into a full service travel management company serving both corporate and leisure clients. Combined with their sister company - Universal Travel located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, travel consultation is provided throughout the United States. Accent's long term and experienced employees are highly trained to provide top service and guidance to our clients. With over $40 million in sales, a proven track record with vendors, and an eye for technology applications, Accent and Universal are well positioned to serve clients in today's confusing travel market.

"American Express continues to focus the expansion of its U.S. Representative Travel Network on agencies that have proven they can dramatically grow their travel business. Accent Travel is a perfect example of a company that has supported our strategic objective of expanding our presence in travel. They are leaders in their community, and they understand the importance and value of providing an array of superb products and services to their customers." said Ellen Bettridge, Vice President of the U.S. Representative Travel Network for American Express.

Edward Howes, Chairman of the Board at Accent Travel, added, "We are delighted to have won this award. Our staff and management have worked hard to achieve this. Austin has always been a creative and competitive marketplace, where some of our best competitors have been unable to survive. Accent's combination of dedicated service and new technologies has enabled us to succeed. Solutions such as AccentRes, our corporate web booking engine and American Express negotiated rates continue to bring value to our clients.
We thank our clients, vendors and staff for their continued support. Now that times of increasing uncertainty are behind us, I am optimistic for the future, and look forward to serving our clients with both our local presence and our online presence."

Travel agencies that represent American Express provide a wide range of travel and financial service products to travelers and to American Express ® Cardmembers. The American Express Company, headquartered in New York City, is a diversified worldwide travel, financial, and network services company founded in 1850. It is a leader in charge and credit cards, Travelers Cheques, travel, financial planning, investment products, insurance, and international banking.