INDIANAPOLIS -- Ross & Babcock, a $65 million agency with
headquarters here, joined the Carlson Wagonlit Travel Associate
Program, ending a 12-year relationship with the American Express
Representative Network.
Jeff Merritt, Ross & Babcock's president, said the agency is
focused on growing its leisure business, and that Carlson's
marketing expertise and CRM (customer relationship management)
technology swayed his agency away from American Express.
"Carlson is making the outward push to consult us and help us
sell leisure travel better," Merritt said. Ross & Babcock's
business mix is 59% corporate, 37% leisure and 4% group.
CWT said Ross & Babcock is the company's fourth largest
franchisee.