TRAVEL AGENCY OFFERS EXTENDED HOURS

Elite Travel, Inc., has opened at 354 South Silver Springs Road in Cape Girardeau, and will hold its grand opening this week.

The new travel agency is owned by Carolyn Kempf and Peggy McLain.

People can stop by and register for prizes this Monday through Friday.

"We felt there was a need here for an agency to provide extended hours and higher level of service," said McLain.

The hours for the new business will 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday.

"We also offer free ticket delivery in the Cape Girardeau and Jackson area," said McLain.

McLain has been in the customer service industry 15 years. She is a native of Cape Girardeau, and a graduate of Southeast Missouri State University with degrees in both management and computer Science. She specializes in Cancun, Jamaica and Disney travel packages.

McLain, her husband, Rick, and children, Kristen and John, reside in Cape Girardeau.

Kempf has 10 years experience in the travel industry, with a background specializing in corporate travel and group management. She has associate degrees in hospitality, tourism and theology. She is a native of Portland, Ore., and has lived in Hawaii.

Kempf, her husband, Dennis, and son, Skyler, relocated to the Jackson area two years ago.

Becky Reiker is receptionist of the new firm. She is a graduate of Southeast Missouri State University with a bachelor of science degree in business administration. She has a background in sales and marketing.