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Windy City Limousine & Bus Founder George Jacobs
Popular Chicago-based transportation company, Windy City Limousine & Bus, founded by George Jacobs, has been acquired by TBL Group, the Houston-based transportation logistics management organization comprising ECHO AFC Transportation and owned by CEO John Ferrari. The deal was announced last week in Bus & Motorcoach News.
According to the article, Jacobs, CEO, will remain with the company through the transition along with President Kathy Kahne. The company will be known as ECHO Windy City moving forward.
Windy City Limousine & Bus President Kathy Kahne
Jacobs launched Windy City in 2006 after coming out of retirement. He told Bus & Motorcoach News that he had been considering the sale for more than a year and was struggling to find a potential buyer who would be the right fit for his company but especially his team, many of whom helped Jacobs launch Windy City from the beginning. The CD Hall of Fame inductee had already founded and sold another company in the past—American Limousine, which was sold to Carey—so he wanted to avoid the issues that arose following the previous acquisition. After being connected with Ferrari through mutual friends, they found that the businesses had a lot in common, including a focus on motorcoaches. Both businesses are known to have large motorcoach fleets in their respective markets.
“In two short weeks, we have already learned so much from Team ECHO AFC. This marriage will work really well. We think alike and have the same goals,” says Jacobs. “They got a big job in California where we sent nine chauffeurs out there to fulfill it. We have been doing something for years that will save them many thousands of dollars in Texas. Like drafting on a racetrack, we can each do more working together. My team is thrilled.”
Throughout its history, Windy City has also acquired several companies. Among its most impactful were the acquisitions of Your Private Limousine, Deerbrook Limousine, and Chicago’s Transportation Group, all of which took place in 2017.
Ferrari, who has been in the industry for more than 30 years, has also acquired several companies over the decades. In addition to ECHO AFC, East Coast Transportation is among the many companies under the TBL Group, which operates in Northeast Florida and is now known as ECHO East Coast Transportation. ECHO AFC celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2022. According to the TBL Group website, their “mission is to revolutionize the transportation and logistics industry by creating a seamless and integrated network infrastructure across the nation.”
Visit windycitylimos.com or tblgroup.co for more information.
[10.22.24]
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- Category: Industry News
The NLA Awarded $100,000 in funding to regional industry associations
The National Limousine Association (NLA) is pleased to announce it has awarded a record $100,000 in funding through its Association Grant Program. This initiative directly supports its member associations and assists the funding of vital projects and programs that align with the Association's goals and values.
“The NLA is fortunate to be able to allocate funding for this important program,” said NLA President Brett Barenholtz of Above All/Maine Limousine. “Each of the last three years we have increased the program budget, and I hope we can give back even more to our member associations next year. The Grant Program is part of the NLA’s ongoing commitment to supporting its members and member associations in any way we can.”
This year, the NLA received a record 15 applications from members showcasing a wide range of impactful projects and initiatives from coast to coast. This was up from eight applications the previous year, which shows the industry, and the member associations, are thriving, growing, and active.
“By providing grant funding to our local, state, and regional association members, the NLA is able to directly support their projects and initiatives,” stated NLA Executive Director Kyle Hammerschmidt, CAE. “These grants allow them to grow their membership, increase value, host events, educate their members, and tackle important issues."
The NLA presented a check at the CD/NLA Fall Show during its NLA Presents: Association Update and 2024 Election Preview at the Fall Show on Monday, October 14, at the Gaylord National.
"We can’t thank the NLA enough for these grant funds. This support empowers Ohio Chauffeured Transportation Association (OCTA) to continue to grow and make to make a meaningful impact in Ohio and pursue our mission,” stated OCTA President Karl Guenther of Statement Limousine. “We are focused on expanding our membership across the state by providing tangible value and strategically addressing the ongoing issues at CLE. These grant funds allow us to do just that.”
In other news, NLA will be holding a live Facebook chat with the nominees for the upcoming election this October 24 at 2:00 p.m. ET. To join, visit NLA's Facebook page here. Board elections are scheduled to begin on November 4.
Visit limo.org for more information.
[10.21.24]
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The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) and CWT, a self-described business to business for employees platform, are peering into their crystal ball—backed by a healthy dose of data—to prognosticate what the near future of business travel could look like. As a supplement to their Global Business Travel Forecast, the organizations have released a supplement called 2040: Baseline, Boom, or Bust, which focuses on three scenarios that could impact the state of corporate travel in the coming decades.
The supplement recognizes the rapid changes in demographic shifts and global volatility in addition to emerging technologies as part of its considerations. Further, it offers recommendations to businesses to navigate the changing landscape and prepare their companies for the evolution.
Among the interesting observations is the prediction that the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) for ground transportation could become standard practice as the push for sustainable travel intensifies, meaning that ground transportation could replace short-haul flights—that is, if virtual tech doesn’t replace the “need” to travel.
The potential scenarios addressed include:
- Base Case: Business travel is projected to stabilize with a moderate growth rate, reaching just over 1 billion passengers by 2040. This growth is driven by a balanced approach to sustainability and technology, with companies adopting eco-friendly practices and advanced travel management tools. Companies will prioritize essential travel, leveraging virtual meeting technologies to enhance efficiency. The percentage of the workforce involved in business travel is expected to rise to nearly 18%, reflecting a steady but measured increase.
- Boom: Under the boom scenario, business travel experiences robust growth, with the number of global business travelers exceeding 1.2 billion passengers by 2040. This surge is fueled by increased travel to emerging markets, particularly in Africa and Asia, which are projected to account for a substantial portion of the growth. The widespread adoption of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and advancements in green technology contribute to this scenario. Nearly 22% of the global workforce is involved in business travel, driven by heightened global collaboration and the integration of AI, VR, and automation in travel processes.
- Bust: In the bust scenario—the most pessimistic of the three—business travel growth slows significantly, with the number of business travelers reaching around 800 million by 2040. This slowdown is attributed to stringent sustainability regulations, slow adoption of eco-friendly practices, and the rise of remote and flexible work arrangements. Companies will increasingly rely on virtual interactions and hybrid events, focusing on essential trips only. Geopolitical instability and economic uncertainty further contribute to the reduction in travel, with stricter visa regulations and carbon taxes playing a role in the diminished travel demand.
“The future of business travel is at a critical juncture, driven by technological advancements, sustainability mandates, and evolving global dynamics,” said CWT EVP & Chief Customer Officer Nick Vournakis. “Our report emphasizes the need for businesses to be adaptable and proactive in their travel strategies. Whether navigating a boom in global travel or adapting to a slowdown, businesses that proactively integrate technology, prioritize sustainability, and stay agile will be best positioned to thrive in this shifting landscape.”
The full report is available here.
Visit gbta.org for more information.
[10.22.24]