FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    

April 13, 2002                        

CONTACT: Patricia M. Lonsbary
Vice President & General Manager

Sounding the Horn for Tradition

There are all kinds of traditions.  Most are associated with holidays like going to Grandma’s for Christmas Dinner or launching fireworks after dark on the 4^th of July.

Organizations have traditions too.  For example, some Rotary Clubs give new members a blue name badge to wear until their first year anniversary to be traded for the traditional red badge worn by those who have been around for awhile.  And, Boy Scout Packs in the northern US have become known for the tradition of starting each day at summer camp in the icy waters of the pool or lake for a 6 AM “Polar Bear Swim.” Brrrrrrr!

Traditions can be unique to ethnic groups.  The Irish celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with gusto.  Germans have their Octoberfest.  And, Canadians have Boxing Day.

Family tradition can dictate that a college bound youth go to an Ivy League School; that a cedar chest made by an ancestor be passed to the oldest daughter in the family; or that on a specific date each year they gather for a family reunion.

Businesses adopt all kinds of traditions too: a turkey at Thanksgiving, a birthday card from the President/CEO, and a watch given in honor of a retirement.  Why there is even a business that has a traditional way of passing out bonus money at the annual staff conference.  The consultants count aloud, “One, two, three, four….” as the sales manager lays down hundred dollar bills on the table in front of the hard working persons earning the cash commissions. 

Private Motor Coach, Inc. has its tradition as well. The tradition is simple: Each time a state line is crossed, the vehicle horn is tooted.

This simple tradition started before the company even existed. Ed Lonsbary, now President and Founder of Private Motor Coach, Inc., thought it fun to toot the horn of his Crown Vic every time he crossed a state line. The sound would celebrate that he and his passengers were coming closer and closer to their destination.  He even did this toot when cruising on his Honda Gold Wing, although this toot was just a baby one compared to the sound he makes now going across the state borders.

The loud BLAST now comes from the pair o f Buell Classic Air Horns mounted atop “Patty’s Charm” – a vintage 1982 MCI-9.  There is no telling how many times the deafening blast has announced the arrival of Private Motor Coach, Inc. and its passengers into a new state or province.  “Let’s just say a lot!” says Lonsbary.

“It’s a jubilant sound,” Lonsbary laughs aloud. “I try to make all trips fun in some way no matter how serious the passengers may be.  I just love getting a rise out of people and this is just an innocent way to get a smile. When I tell someone why I have sounded the horn the first time, it is not unusual for me to get a friendly reminder as a new border nears. Everyone – young and old - wants to hear that double ‘TOOT’ when they read ‘Welcome to Alabama or Pennsylvania’ wherever we may be! ”

Private Motor Coach, Inc. is the travel innovation of Ed Lonsbary. Since 1999, he has been taking 2 to 10 people aboard his luxury motorcoach anywhere roads can be traveled for vacations, business, special health needs, or simple day trips.  The website: http://www/privatemotorcoach.com will entertain you and show you a new way to travel. “TOOT…TOOT!”

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