(October 15, 2007)

Travel and Transport is saddened by the loss of their former company president, Mr. Malvin L. Hansen. Mal is survived by his wife of 66 years, Mildred (Millie) Hansen, 4 children, 9 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Mal was 91 years old.

An Iowa native, Mal served as a farm news broadcaster on WOW radio and television stations in the 1940’s and ‘50s. Mal was introduced to Travel and Transport when he started escorting farm tours throughout the world with the travel agency’s assistance. In 1959, Mal was persuaded to join the Travel and Transport staff as vice president. He later became president in 1972 where he held the position until his retirement in 1986.

Mal became a prominent figure in the travel industry as a founding member of Allied Travel, which was a research and operation center formed to help its independent carriage-trade member travel agencies with foreign international and group arrangements. In 1986, Allied Travel merged with Percival Tours to form Allied Percival International (API), bringing together the very best luxury travel agents in the country. API later became Virtuoso, which today is an upscale leisure travel organization made up of the world’s leading travel agencies in partnership with prominent travel providers around the world. Virtuoso provides travelers with luxury travel options with impeccable client service. Travel and Transport is proud to be a member of Virtuoso.

"We were blessed to have the benefit of Mal's wisdom and guidance for over four decades," said Bill Tech, President and Chief Executive Officer of Travel and Transport. "He was a visionary, who traveled to over 80 countries around the world. His positive attitude and great leadership abilities formed the foundation for Travel and Transport's culture of providing outstanding customer service. Over ten years ago we honored Mal by naming our top manager of the year the Mal Hansen award winner, in recognition of his outstanding managerial skills."

Mal Hansen helped make Travel and Transport, Inc. what it is today as we enter our 61st year of business. The employee-owners of Travel and Transport will continue on with Mal’s determination and drive for going above and beyond for all of our clients.