About Us
Mission
I-GO Car Sharing is a Chicago-based non-profit committed to economical and environmentally sound transportation choices. Our goals are to reduce car ownership rates, lower family transportation costs, reduce urban congestion and improve air quality in all neighborhoods.
We offer customers access to energy efficient I-GO vehicles, often within a five-minute walk of their homes or work. I-GO members reserve a car online or by phone, they use and return the car, all for one hourly rate that covers gas and insurance. I-GO is convenient, affordable, reliable and great for the planet. We pride ourselves on superior customer service, saving Chicago residents up to $3,000 per year and reducing carbon emissions up to 28% over the competition.
Vision
I-GO is committed to expanding transportation options for all communities.
We support making Chicago’s public transportation system the premier system in
the world. Ultimately, we would like for car sharing to become an integrated part
of that system, with seamless transfers between PACE, CTA, Metra and car sharing.
We expect that lower car ownership would free up resources that could be used
to increase home ownership and business development in our region. While our focus
today is on making I-GO the best car sharing service, we are always striving to
improve the quality of life in our region.
History
I-GO was formed as a non-profit corporation to provide car sharing services
in Chicago and its surrounding suburbs. It was created by the Center for Neighborhood
Technology, a non-profit organization whose mission is to invent and implement
new strategies that make urban communities more livable and environmentally sustainable.
Launched in 2002 as a pilot project, with support from the City of Chicago and
the U.S. Department of Transportation, I-GO was the first car sharing organization
in the Chicagoland market. And is the only car sharing organization with 100%
low emission vehicles. In addition, I-GO is committed to serving all neighborhoods.
We believe that everyone in our region should have good transportation options
without having to own a car.
I-GO continually strives to make our service convenient, reliable and affordable
so that our members will prefer using our cars to owning their own.
Results
I-GO is a non-profit and grassroots program that has doubled its fleet and
membership and continues to grow.
I-GO has found through its own research that its members make significant and
positive lifestyle changes as a result of the program. Nearly 50 percent of members
who owned cars when they joined I-GO have sold their cars after six months of
participation in the program. Furthermore, 56 percent of participants have reported
that they either postponed buying a car or sold a car before they joined I-GO.
These figures indicate that as the program grows to scale, it has the potential
to produce not only significant environmental benefits, but also significantly
lower costs of transportation for families.
Automobile ownership is expensive, up to $7300 a year in the Chicago area and
it causes considerable air pollution and congestion. One-third of CO2 emissions
in the US come from the transportation sector. I-GO has already demonstrated that
it can reduce the cost of transportation for its members, up to $4000 a year,
reduce up to 17 cars for every I-GO car and at the same time increase the use
of public transportation by up to three trips a week. I-GO is now seeking to expand
car sharing to a much larger scale so that it can produce not only significant
environmental benefits, but also significantly lower costs of transportation,
particularly for moderate-income families in the Chicago region.
I-GO = Chicago
Partnership development is a key component of I-GO’s marking and growth strategy.
I-GO has established strong relationships with many government, business and community
groups throughout the region.
I-GO has the honor to participate in events like the Chicagoland
Bicycle Federation’s Bike the Drive and Boulevard Lakefront Tour, Gay Games VII
and LaSalle Bank’s Chicago Marathon. As a local organization, we’re proud to partner and sponsor neighborhood events and festivals throughout Chicago, Evanston and Oak Park. Part of our goal is to serve higher learning institutions in Illinois. A few of our University partners include: The University of Chicago, DePaul University, Northwestern University, Loyola University, University of Illinois at Chicago and the Illinois Institute of Technology.
I-GO is an active member of Local First! Chicago and several Chamber of Commerce in neighborhoods of business.
I-GO Team
We’re not just employees. We’re I-GO members! So we understand first hand the importance of having vehicles conveniently located in neighborhoods throughout Chicago, Evanston and Oak Park. We work hard to keep vehicles maintained and clean. We know the value of speaking to a live person when you need assistance and we have the latest technology for quick, easy self-service. Our goal is to build a thriving and satisfied car sharing community one member at a time. Meet the I-GO Team:
Sharon Feigon, CEO
Since taking the helm three years ago, Sharon Feigon has tripled the size of this innovative company and brought in many new partnerships and resources. Previously, Sharon was CNT’s Manager of Research and Development where she specialized in innovative market-based solutions to the problems of urban sprawl and was the Project Manager for the renovation of the Platinum-rated CNT Building. She was the Principal Investigator with the Transportation Research Board “Combating Global Warming Through Sustainable Surface Transportation Policy.” She was the lead author of “Travel Matters: Mitigating Climate Change with Sustainable Surface Transportation.” She has an MBA from DePaul University and a B.A. in Economics from Antioch College. She is a member of the Congress for New Urbanism and has served on the Evanston Plan Commission and was Chair of that Commission’s Transportation Committee. She is currently a member of the US Green Building Council’s LEED ND Committee, and lives in Evanston.
Fun fact: Sharon had a jazz radio show in Seattle!
Deb Ackles, Marketing & Communications
After spending ten years traveling for an organization where she managed global marketing, Deb is happy to bring her communications expertise back home to Chicago. Joining I-GO in 2007, she has taken positive steps toward increasing awareness about car sharing and showcasing the unique attributes of I-GO at events, on the website and in the press. Deb is committed to building the I-GO brand and understands the importance of strong relationships with I-GO members, neighborhood organizations/businesses and the media. Deb holds a B.S. in Journalism from Ball State University, enjoys freelance writing in her spare time and resides in Logan Square.
Fun fact: Deb was a guest reviewer on Chicago’s own popular TV show Check, Please! broadcast on WTTW Channel 11.
Richard Kosmacher, Business Development Manager
If you think finding a parking space while out shopping can be tough, try finding close to 200 permanent parking spaces throughout Chicago, Evanston and Oak Park. This is a piece of cake for Long Island native Richard Kosmacher, who manages this while developing other key business relationships at I-GO. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Richard has been involved with entrepreneurial ventures in several Midwestern cities and owned a retail business on the Magnificent Mile. A Chicagoan for the past 15 years, Richard now lives in lincoln Square with his wife and 2 children.
Fun fact: He bicycled over the highest continuously paved road in the world, Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park - where it snowed even though it was the middle of summer!
James Neils, Operations Manager
Prior to joining I-GO in April, Jim was a frequent volunteer at I-GO events having joined during its early days. He and his wife sold their car shortly after moving downtown and have been I-GO fans ever since. When the opportunity to work for I-GO occurred it seemed to be a natural fit, combining business expertise with the environmental opportunity. Jim has served a variety of non-profit organizations and businesses and brings years of logistic and operational experience to the I-GO team.
Fun fact: Jim and his wife are avid sailors and are volunteers in the City’s projects and effort to host the 2016 Olympics.
Joe Grant, Research & Program Associate
Providing data reporting and grant writing for I-GO came naturally for Joe since he is also the program manager for Equity Express, a financial literacy curriculum targeting transportation, energy and telecommunication savings for Center of Neighborhood Technology (CNT.) On board since June 2007, Joe provides the research and data necessary for I-GO’s strategic mobility.
Fun fact: Joe’s favorite color is green!
Lauren Hugel, Operations Associate
Part of the I-GO team since May, Lauren juggles a variety of tasks that keep operations running smoothly. This includes managing information on our reservation system (both online and phone), processing fleet-related paperwork and troubleshooting vehicle-related issues. As if that is not enough responsibility, you can also catch Lauren helping with various marketing events. Prior to I-GO, Lauren was a Communications Program Specialist at T-Mobile.
Fun fact: Lauren has a twin sister and she volunteers regularly at the Anti-Cruelty Society.
Sheena McNeal, Marketing Coordinator
Sheena is a native of Chicago and long time resident of the “South side”. As Marketing Coordinator, Sheena manages the Volunteer Network and plans each detail that goes into running a successful I-GO event. When she’s not hard at work, she’s usually with her large and ever growing family: three brothers, 1 niece, eight aunts and uncles, and over 40 cousins. She is also setting her sights on greater achievements and has plans to own a business someday….”it’s a secret so you can’t steal my ideas.”
Fun fact: Sheena once ate dinner prepared by her own chef at a castle in Heidelberg, Germany. The only castle left standing after the war.
Michael Neuner, Fleet Manager
Part of the I-GO team since early 2007, and currently manages all maintenance, repairs and the overall well being of I-GO vehicles. In addition to Michael managing our Fleet Assistant and weekend on-call staff, he is often on the front line troubleshooting vehicle-related issues so members have a hassle-free experience. Prior to I-GO, Michael did field work for the CDOT Bicycle Program.
Fun fact: An avid cyclist, Michael completed the first leg of a cross-country bike trip last summer.
Larry Skinner, Member Services Manager
As a veteran Member Services Associate, Larry is that friendly voice on the other end of the line when you call in a time of need or to ask a question. His ability to resolve member issues with consistency and professionalism deem him I-GO’s “smooth operator.” Larry went to business school at the Loop City College (now Harold Washington College) and before joining I-GO, he managed a reprographics team for 16 years. A proud father of three, Larry and his family live in Ashburn, near Evergreen Park.
Fun fact: Larry was in a contemporary gospel band, and then toured professionally with a secular band!
Anjuli Seth, Member Services Specialist
Anjuli’s laid-back style is surely a result of growing up near the beach in Manhattan Beach, CA! Though her family remains out West, she transferred to DePaul University in 2002 and graduated in 2004. Prior to working at I-GO, Anjuli provided member services at Crunch Fitness. We are pleased she has landed at I-GO where part of her responsibilities includes processing new member accounts.
Fun fact: Anjuli managed to work at a surf shop for 3 years without ever learning to surf!
Melanie L. Moore, On Call Specialist
Melanie has been our experienced On Call Specialist since 2003. She handles member inquiries and troubleshoots vehicle issues during I-GO’s non-regular business hours. A Chicago native and graduate of the University of Chicago, Melanie is also employed at Peoples Energy.
Fun fact: Melanie enjoys dancing and yoga in her spare time.
Michelle Y. Moore, Billing Coordinator
Born and raised on the south side of Chicago, Michelle has been an I-GO member for over 3 years and part of our emergency on call team since May 2006. Continuing to field calls on weekends and Wednesday night, Michelle is putting her 12 years of experience with Prudential to good use in her new role as I-GO’s Billing Coordinator. She currently lives in Rogers Park.
Fun fact: Michelle and her sister once owned a cookie company in the 80’s called Not Just Another Cookie Company!
Clare Wisner, Member Services Specialist
Clare is a graduate of DePaul University bringing her many talents to a fast-paced I-GO team. Her responsibilities include expanding our Chi-Town Rewards Program, managing our blog and providing daily support to I-GO members via the web and over the phone.
Fun fact: Clare loves traveling and has had her passport stamped in Australia, Canada, France, Italy and Mexico.
CHAIR
John Cleveland, IRN, Inc.
SECRETARY
Ellen Seidman, Executive Vice President, National Policy and Partnership Development at ShoreBank Corporation
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Sharon Feigon, CEO, I-GO, Alternative Transportation Services
DIRECTORS
Kathy Tholin, CEO, Center for Neighborhood Technology
Jonathan Boyer, AIA, Principal, Farr Associates
Julia Parzen, JP Consulting
Jodi Gingiss, Vice President, Community and Sustainable Development, LaSalle Bank
