Gene’s Ventures: Travel and adventure for the fun of it

PERE MARQUETTE TWP. – Gene Jorissen has worn many hats over the years. He spent 30 years as a Ludington Area Schools teacher, he was PM Township supervisor for 16 years. He also started a golf course with his dad, Jerome. But, his latest venture is taking places.

Last year, Gene started Ventures by Gene, a local charter bus company that is for hire and also provides pre-arranged trips to destinations.

“During my time teaching, we took the kids on many trips, such as Gettysburg and Washington, D.C. I always enjoyed traveling and thought this would be a great way to share that joy with others,” he says.

Last year, after Gene retired from PM Township, he arranged a few trips and rented a bus. One of the trips was a Lions football game. The trip received great reviews.

“I’m just out to have some fun,” Gene says.

Trips so far this year have included the Holland Tulip Festival, a concert in Detroit, Detroit Tigers games and weekly excursions to Little River Casino in Manistee (first and third Tuesdays of the month).

Gene’s bus seats 14 people and includes a large luggage storage area in the back, comfortable seating and a flat-screen video entertainment system.

The bus is available for just about anything but it’s also booking up fast. For more information, see www.genesventures.com.

Story and photos by Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief