b'national trend of families moving to the suburbs, the Com- chael and numerous members of his team can be found muter Cruiser service was born. Wendella embarked on ain industry groups, such as the Passenger Vessel Associa-bold plan to provide these men and women with an inter- tion or the Chicago Harbor Safety Committee. Working modal connection to the Magnificent Mile. The modestclosely with the U.S. Coast Guard, members of Wendel-service of yesterday has grown into an all-day, seven-days- las marine management provide valuable insight and act a-week, transportation network which is now enjoyed byas partners in developing safety systems and policies for tourists and visitors, in addition to the working men andthe entire industry.women it originally served. Renamed the Chicago Water Taxi, the iconic yellow boats also connect Michigan Ave- Looking to the future, Borgstrom is preparing his daugh-nue to Chinatown.terstofollowinhisfootstepswiththegoalofkeeping Wendella a family-run, forward thinking, industry-leading Today, Wendella continues to be one of Chicagos finestcompany.NinetyyearsisagoodstartMichaelBorg-boat tours as leadership has been passed from Albert tostrom stated, but Were not going to stop innovating in his son Bob and now remains in the family as the thirdour products, our service, or our safety. He plans to build generation is at the helm. Michael Borgstrom now pilotson the legacy of his grandfather, a Swedish immigrant who the company which is set to introduce its eleventh vesselfound his American dream, and one day see his grandchil-in 2026. Staying true to Alberts original vision, todaydren doing the same.Wendella operates a modern fleet, which includes both tour boats and dedicated water taxis. Under his steward- As far as the star on the flag, Borgstrom could only laugh. ship, Wendella remains a leader in the industry, as Mi- Then added, but I wouldnt say no.DOCK TO DOCK EFFICIENCYLET ASSUREDPARTNERS MCM MANAGEYOUR INSURANCE SO YOU CANFOCUS ON YOUR VOYAGEAssuredPartners MCM is a leading independent insurance brokerage based in the Pacic Northwest. Our combined experience placing insurance and managing the marine industrys unique risks.Whether were working with vessel operators, builders, PHOTO: WENDELLA TOURS AND CRUISESAssuredPartners MCMContact: Damon L. NasmanDirect Line: 206.262.6375Damon.Nasman@assuredpartners.com Our waterjets represent the pinnacle of all-round operational efficiency, agile manoeuvrability, for swift www.assuredpartnersmcm.com turnarounds, and durability.www.hamiltonjet.com31 APRIL 2025'