b'MEMBER NEWS ingandsecurityprograms,while earninghiscaptainslicenseatthe same time. In 1991, he and wife Holly foundedMercuryssistercompany, ChicagosFirstLadyCruises,which has been home to the official Chicago Architecture Foundation Center Riv-er Cruise for 30 years. The cruise was named the Best Boat Tour in North America by USA Today in 2021.Underhisleadership,thefleetgrew from three small passenger vessels to a total of nine carbon neutral vessels, pro-vidingChicagoresidentsandvisitors with cruises that are both scenic and educational. The voyages offer views of Chicagos skyline and insightful knowl-edge of the citys historic architecture. Throughout his career, Captain Bob hastransferredhisloveofpiloting MEMBER NEWS boatstonumerouscaptainsand Monday, June 12, Proclaimedoversaw the design and construction offourofthecompanyssignature Captain Bob Agra, Jr., Day vessels, which have garnered praise for the architectural merit.in Chicago his50-yearcareeron Throughout Chicagoswaterfront,CaptainBob I n honor of PVA member Captaineducation in the family business startedwasthedrivingforcebehindthe BobAgra,Jr.s50-yearcareeratat a young age, as he grew up riding thegrowthandexpansionofthefami-thehelmofMercury,Chicagosboatsandspendingtimeatthedockly-owned and operated business, leav-Skyline Cruiseline and its sister com- with his father and grandparents. TheinganindeliblemarkonChicagos pany Chicagos First Lady Cruises, thecompany became a success and remainstourismindustry.Asthecompanys mayor and members of the city councilthecityslongestcontinuous-runningChief Financial Officer, he has guided proclaimed Monday, June 12, 2023 assightseeing boat company.the business through challenges, such Captain Bob Agra, Jr., Day in the Cityastheglobalpandemic,fluctuating PHOTO COURTESY OF CHICAGOS SKYLINE CRUISESofChicago.ThedayrecognizedhisOn June 12, 1973, at the age of 15,weatherconditions,andevolving service and contributions to ChicagosCaptainBobbeganhisofficialem- regulations, while always prioritizing maritime and tourism industries. ployment in the family business. Hepassenger safety and comfort.took over as the head of the company Captain Bob Agra, Jr., is the son andat the age of 18 in 1976 following theCaptain Bob is excited to witness the grandsonofmaritimeentrepreneursdeath of his father. He quickly adapt- direction of the business, now led by and is deeply rooted in the familys mar- ed to the responsibilities of runninghis two sons, Bob Agra Ill and Cap-itime legacy as the owners of Mercurythe company, managing all aspects oftain Tim Agra Esq., representing the Sightseeing Boats in Chicago which be- the business, including maintenance,fourth generation of the family-owned gan as a single speedboat operation. Hislicensing, financial accounting, train- and operated enterprise.FOGHORN 46'