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Corpay, Inc. (NYSE: CPAY), a global S&P 500 corporate payments company, today announced it has signed definitive documents to acquire Gringo, a leading vehicle registration and compliance payment company in Brazil.

Gringo is a super app for car drivers that makes life easier for millions of drivers in Brazil. Gringo’s digital app and national network help drivers pay for vehicle taxes, registration and fines (i.e., “car debts”) instantly. The company is growing revenue over 30% annually.

“We’re thrilled to announce the acquisition of Gringo, our second deal in the ‘car debts’ category,” said Ron Clarke, chairman and chief executive officer, Corpay, Inc.

“We’re doubling down in this space for three primary reasons. First, the car debts addressable segment is approximately three times larger than tolls, and significantly less penetrated. So, it gives us an enormous runway.

“Second, we expect our new car debts segment (including previously acquired Zapay) to increase Brazil’s overall organic revenue growth rate by three percentage points this year. And, it will be a meaningful contributor to future growth.

“And third, we plan to offer our full suite of vehicle payment products including tolls, fuel, parking and insurance to Gringo’s 2.5 million monthly active users. We expect significant synergies from integrating it within our Brazil business.”

The transaction is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to close near the end of the first quarter of 2025.

Officials of Access Point Financial (APF), a direct capital provider focused exclusively on the hospitality industry, today announced the company has named Michelle O’Brien managing director of structured finance. In her new role, she will pursue opportunities within the capital markets community, including APF’s new mezzanine GAP financing product for hotels in the conduit world.

“Michelle is the ideal candidate to spearhead new CMBS and other structured finance opportunities for APF,” said Michael I. Lipson, CEO & chairman of the board, APF. “She will work closely with the CMBS community to provide our newest gap financing product, which will be available to CMBS and similar hotel transactions and their sponsors adding additional leverage behind such capital markets transactions.”

Prior to rejoining APF, O’Brien held multiple positions with Trilogy Investment, culminating with senior vice president, investments & operations. She previously worked with hospitality leaders Stonehill and LWHA, where she held senior underwriter and asset manager/appraiser positions respectively. A Certified Georgia General Appraiser, O’Brien brings a deep hotel background. As managing director of structured finance, O’Brien will report directly to Dana Tsakanikas, CIO, APF. She received her Bachelor of Arts from William & Mary and her Master of Science in hospitality and tourism management from Virginia Tech.

“Michelle’s addition to the APF team shows our commitment to providing a wide range of hotel capital solutions up and down the capital stack,” Tsakanikas added.

GlobalPro, a leader in insurance, real estate, construction, and technology services, proudly announces the opening of its new office in Atlanta, Georgia. This expansion enhances GlobalPro’s capability to provide prompt, on-site support for business owners, community associations, high-net-worth individuals, and insurance companies handling complex claims. With over a decade of leadership in insurance coverage expertise, GlobalPro consistently delivers exceptional support before, during, and after loss or damage events.

Daniel Odess, Founder and CEO of GlobalPro, appointed Rob Bowlby and Victor Castner to spearhead the company’s expansion in the Georgia market. Bowlby, as President of GlobalPro Texas and Georgia, along with Castner, Vice President of GlobalPro Georgia, combines decades of experience in insurance, finance, construction, and technology to ensure that GlobalPro clients receive exceptional and innovative services tailored to their specific needs.

“We are thrilled to broaden our reach in Georgia with a dedicated office in Atlanta,” stated Daniel Odess. “Rob and Victor’s vast experience significantly bolsters GlobalPro’s mission of aiding clients in their recovery from losses. Their leadership is crucial in maintaining the industry-leading service our clients expect.”

Rob Bowlby brings a wealth of knowledge in managing multi-state operations and leading teams that deliver top-quality solutions. His commercial and residential insurance claims expertise, along with his strategic vision, have been pivotal in GlobalPro’s successes across Texas and Georgia. Bowlby’s talent for strengthening client relationships and guiding businesses through complex claims processes is vital for GlobalPro’s ongoing expansion.

Victor Castner, with over 20 years of hands-on experience in adjusting and appraising thousands of claims, founded Miami Adjusting Services. Known for his dedication to empowering clients and securing substantial claims, Castner’s expertise in handling a diverse array of insurance losses—including high-value residences, yachts, and automobiles—will ensure that Georgia clients benefit from his personalized approach and deep industry knowledge.

For over a decade, GlobalPro has served as a trusted partner in Georgia, aiding clients through disasters such as tornadoes and frozen pipes. This new office will provide direct access to the essential resources and expertise needed to efficiently navigate claims and expedite recovery, supported by GlobalPro’s innovative technology and client-centric strategies.

GlobalPro’s Atlanta Office will be located 925B Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta, GA, 30309 and its phone number is 470-749-9950. For more information, visit www.globalpro.com.

CoworkingCafe’s latest quarterly report on the coworking industry leverages proprietary data as of December 2024. In this study, we break down coworking space stock availability across the 25 largest markets, along with their size and distribution, subscription prices and top coworking operators.

Here’s how the coworking market performed in Q4 2024:

• More Inventory: The Atlanta market added three more coworking spaces at the end of Q4 2024 – reaching 240 – the equivalent of a 1% growth Q-o-Q.

• Increase in Square Footage: Atlanta increased its total square footage by 1.79% Q-o-Q surpassing 4.57M sq. ft. by the end of 2024.

• More Average Square Footage: Atlanta favored bigger coworking spaces in Q4. As such, average square footage increased by 1% Q-o-Q, from 18,976 in Q3 to 19,075 in Q4.

• Smaller Pricing: Atlanta saw a decrease of $14 for open workspaces, reaching $125; dedicated desks remained at $279; virtual offices lost a whopping $60, now priced at$119.

• Q4 2024 vs. Q4 2023: The Atlanta coworking market saw a 14% increase, from 210 to 240 spaces in a year. The market also increased its total coworking square footage by 4.7%, from 4.37M to over 4.57M sq. ft. Average square footage dropped by 8% by the end of 2024.

The coworking market is evolving rapidly as hybrid and remote work continue to change the traditional office landscape. And, with businesses and professionals increasingly seeking flexible and adaptable workspace solutions, the industry is positioned for sustained growth and innovation.

To explore these changes, we leveraged proprietary data from Q4 2024 and compared it to Q3 of the same year. This provides a detailed analysis of coworking trends in the 25 largest U.S. markets by using key metrics such as the total number of coworking spaces, square footage, growth rates and market leaders. For a better comparison to the previous quarter, see the Q3 report.

You can read the full industry report here: www.coworkingcafe.com

• 72% of U.S. cruise passengers are heading to the Caribbean, making it by far the most popular destination. 6% are taking Alaska cruises and 5% will cruise in the Mediterranean.

• The Caribbean’s dominance this year is on par with its pre-pandemic numbers in 2018 and 2019.

• The Caribbean’s share dipped to 68% in 2022-23 as cruises to Alaska and the Mediterranean surged, but destination shares have returned to pre-pandemic norms over the past year.

• Work with a AAA Travel Agent. They can help set up all aspects of your trip and ensure you have proper documentation, such as passports, which are required for cruises to international destinations. AAA also offers additional benefits and savings that can be combined with those provided by the cruise lines.

• Reserve activities early. Whether it’s an excursion, specialty dinner, or spa treatment, your best bet is to reserve your spot ASAP. Popular cruise activities sell out fast!

• Consider getting travel insurance to protect your investment in case of a medical emergency or another interruption during your trip. Remember, most U.S. health insurance plans do not cover you at international destinations.

• Arrive the day before. If you’re flying into your port city, arrive a day or two before your ship departs. That takes the stress out of worrying about flight delays and cancellations and gives you time to explore your departure city. AAA travel agents can help book your flights so you have a great experience from the time you leave home.

• Have a parking plan. If you’re driving to your port city, decide ahead of time where you will leave your car. Most cruise ports offer parking right at the terminal, but like airports, those spots come at a premium price. To save money, look for off-site cruise port parking options offering a shuttle service. Another option is to look for hotels near the cruise port that offer “park & cruise” options. These packages allow you to stay at the hotel the night before your cruise and park your car there while you’re gone. The hotel will then take you to the cruise port on departure day and pick you up once you return.  

• Download the cruise line’s app. You can check in for your cruise through the app, review the itinerary, complete the mandatory lifeboat drill, look at the daily program, and, in some cases, open your stateroom door, order food, make dinner reservations, and text your friends. Best of all, you don’t need the ship’s internet package to use cruise line apps – they are free to use onboard!

• Do your homework before packing. Check your cruise line’s list of prohibited items ahead of your trip. Each company has a different list, from irons and steamers to certain foods and beverages, so take the time to look up what you can and can’t bring on board. Otherwise, your items will be confiscated.

• Items that come in handy. If you’re going on a Caribbean cruise, sunscreen is a must, and bringing it from home saves you money. In general, sundries onboard are more expensive. If you take prescription medications, bring extra if there is a delay during your trip. Magnetic hooks are popular with passengers who need extra storage space. Since cruise cabin walls are metal, hooks are handy for hanging swimsuits and towels. Colorful beach towel clips are also helpful at the pool deck to keep your towel in place and help you identify your lounge chair when you come back from taking a dip!

• Embarkation dos and don’ts. Some cruise lines have scheduled embarkation times. Do arrive at your assigned embarkation time. Don’t try to get there early and hope they will let you on – they likely won’t. Don’t pack your passport or birth certificate in your suitcase. Always have your documentation, including a copy of your boarding pass. You will be denied boarding if you do not have proper identification when checking in at the port. If you check your suitcase with a porter, your bag may not arrive at your stateroom for a few hours. Pack a small carry-on with your swimsuit so you can change immediately and start the fun!

• Having fun? Run it back! If you’re enjoying your vacation at sea, look for the future cruise office onboard to book your next trip. There are often special promotions like onboard credits on top of the regular cruise line offers for bookings made onboard. Your travel agent back home will also be notified about your new booking. Just don’t wait until the last minute. The office gets busier as the final day of the cruise approaches, so stop by early in the trip or make an appointment if the office takes reservations.

Should You Make the Switch to a Marketing ROI Focus?

How You can Power up your SMB Marketing ROI Small business owners tiring of ineffective marketing and sales initiatives are switching the dial to the Marketing ROI channel. It’s a good thing. Because when they immerse themselves in ROI analytics, they’ll capture the insights needed to improve their content marketing strategy. Ironically, it’s often a…

Twenty-four percent of financial advisors report that more than half their clients now own digital assets, marking a 25% increase from the previous quarter, according to the latest Advisor Pulse Survey conducted by the Digital Assets Council of Financial Professionals (DACFP) and sponsored by Franklin Templeton Digital Assets.

The survey also reveals that 20% of advisors now recommend crypto to all their clients – nearly double the percentage reported in Q3 2024. Additionally, 65% of advisors have recommended crypto to 10% or more of their clients, with more than a third (35%) recommending it to at least half of their clients.

“These findings demonstrate a significant acceleration in crypto adoption among both advisors and their clients,” said DACFP Founder Ric Edelman, CBDA. “The steady increase in allocation recommendations suggests growing advisor confidence in digital assets as a portfolio component.”

Among advisors who recommend crypto, the most common allocation remains 2% of assets, recommended by almost a third of advisors (30%). Another 20% recommend a 5% allocation, while advisors recommending larger allocations of 10%-14% increased by 3% since Q3.

For advisors not yet recommending crypto, 46% plan to do so, with 33% indicating they will begin within six months. Of those planning to start, 90% intend to recommend allocations of 1% to 5%.

To support advisors in this rapidly evolving space, DACFP and Franklin Templeton have partnered to offer “Blockchain, Bitcoin, and Beyond,” an educational course providing foundational knowledge for financial professionals looking to incorporate digital assets into their practice.

Food, festivals, and fan-favorites return this February at Atlantic Station! Celebrate a month full of vibrant activities, the Lunar New Year, and the season of love. Enjoy the dazzling Lunar New Year Lantern Show, catch exciting Overtime Elite basketball games, and indulge at the Beer, Bourbon and BBQ Festival. Whether you’re here for the Hello Kitty Café Truck or a sophisticated high tea at Millennium Gate, Atlantic Station is your ultimate hub for February fun. Plan your visit and make the most of these exciting events in the Heart of ATL!

Atlantic Station’s February Calendar of Events includes:

Through Sunday, Feb. 16: LUNAR NEW YEAR LANTERN SHOW
Located on Atlantic Green | 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. EDT
Experience an enchanting celebration of Lunar New Year featuring lights, music and visuals at the top of every hour from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the Atlantic Green. The nightly show features a beautifully designed “fog” breathing dragon, known as a Chinese symbol of good fortune, emerging from a cloud of fog near Atlantic Green and over 400 red lanterns illuminating the area for a special lantern show to honor the spiritual tradition that celebrates the reunion of loved ones. Visit here to learn more.

Saturday, Feb. 1: LUNAR NEW YEAR FESTIVAL PRESENTED BY LEXUS
Located on Atlantic Green | 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. EDT
Join the Heart of Atlanta in honoring Lunar New Year with a festival full of traditional rituals and fun for the entire family. The festivities include a mesmerizing Lion Dance, a captivating Kung Fu/Tai Chi performance, a symbolic craft station, a flower truck and a reader who will tell you about your year using your Chinese Zodiac sign! Lexus will also be onsite providing custom calligraphy. Visit here to learn more.
Curfew Notice: All youth under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian after 3 p.m. No individuals under 21 are permitted on property after 9 p.m. All guests may be subject to presenting ID to verify age.

Thursday, Feb. 13: GALENTINE’S DAY EVENT
Located on Atlantic Green | 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Celebrate Galentine’s Day with your favorite gals! Atlantic Station will be offering a floral arrangement class on Atlantic Green. Stay tuned on atlanticstation.com for more information!

Saturday, Feb. 15: HELLO KITTY CAFÉ TRUCK
Located at West District Avenue | 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. EDT
The iconic Hello Kitty Café Truck returns to Atlantic Station. Come say hello and pick up some delicious Hello Kitty-themed treats and merch while supplies last! Please note that the Hello Kitty Café Truck accepts only credit and debit card payments. Visit here to learn more.

Sunday, Feb. 16: MILLENNIUM GATE HIGH TEA
Located at Millennium Gate Museum | 12 p.m. & 4 p.m. EDT
Join the Millenium Gate Museum for authentic Valentine’s Day-themed British tea-time in the Heart of Atlanta. This immersive afternoon tea experience surrounds guests with the richness of Atlanta history and culture while highlighting the traditions of tea from across the pond. Fresh scones and sandwiches provided by The Ginger Room. All experiences include museum admission and a guided tour. Visit here to learn more and secure tickets.

Saturday, Feb. 22: BEER, BOURBON AND BBQ FESTIVAL
Located at Pinnacle Lot | 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. EDT
Indulge in a barbeque feast at the 13th annual Beer, Bourbon and BBQ Festival at the Pinnacle Lot! Spend the day outdoors soaking up the pleasures true Southerners live by – beer, bourbon, barbeque, bacon, biscuits and bluegrass! The VIP early entry begins at noon, while general admission starts at 2 p.m. Tickets include a souvenir glass and, most importantly, all-you-can-taste samples. Visit here to learn more and purchase tickets.

Throughout February: OVERTIME ELITE GAMES
Located at OTE Arena | Times Vary
Experience thrilling basketball matchups amongst the nation’s top amateur players at Overtime Elite. Launched in 2021, OTE is an alternative option for young players aspiring to make it to the NBA, offering athletes state-of-the-art training facilities, personalized education, media training and more. Throughout the season, experience exciting activities, including special performances, celebrity guests, surprise giveaways and more! See below for the February schedule and purchase tickets here.
Saturday, Feb. 1 at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 7 at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 8 at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 14 at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Throughout February: VALENTINE’S DAY DINING
Locations Vary | Times Vary
Atlantic Station’s dining scene is celebrating the month of love with special Valentine’s Day offers you don’t want to miss! Atlantic Grill will have DJ Syrian on Feb. 14 from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., along with $1 off glasses of wine and $4 off bottles. Azotea is hosting a Valentine’s Day popup bar now until Feb. 28 with three festive drink options. Join California Pizza Kitchen from Feb. 10 through Feb. 16 for the sweetest meal for two, including one starter, two entrees and one dessert. During this time, heart-shaped pizzas are also available. Gyu-Kaku is offering prix-fixe courses and a special dessert from Feb. 4 to Feb. 17. HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern has extensive offerings for Galentine’s Day on Feb. 13, a Valentine’s Day celebration with live entertainment on Feb. 14, and Valentine’s Day brunch on Feb. 15 and Feb. 16. Kilwin’s is offering a 10% discount on chocolate covered strawberries preordered by Feb. 12. NaanStop is offering a Valentine’s Day special for two, including an appetizer, two entrees, Basmati rice, samosas and a bottle of wine for $44.99. Stay tuned on atlanticstation.com for a list of full Valentine’s Day dining offers!

The City of Atlanta has chosen to “opt out” of the statewide homestead exemption program established by Georgia House Bill 581 (HB 581), prioritizing local control over property tax policies to better serve Atlanta’s unique needs.

While HB 581 aims to provide uniform tax relief across Georgia, Atlanta’s decision allows the City to preserve its existing Base Freeze (Floating) Exemption, enacted in 2019 under HB 820 and approved by voters. This exemption caps annual taxable property assessment increases at 2.6%, ensuring targeted and equitable relief for Atlanta homeowners. 

Why Opt Out?

The decision, based on detailed analysis by the Department of Finance, ensures that:

• The City of Atlanta already has in place the “CITY OF ATLANTA BASE FREEZE (FLOATING) EXEMPTION.” This exemption was implemented in 2019 through the passage of HB 820 and approved by the citizens of Atlanta in a referendum.

• Opting out of the new statewide homestead exemption maintains the existing City of Atlanta base freeze (floating) exemption. This provides an additional homestead exemption for all taxpayers currently receiving a homestead exemption in the city of Atlanta.  The City of Atlanta base freeze (floating) exemption limits the annual taxable increase of property assessments to 2.6% over the determined lowest base year value. 

Commitment to Residents

CFO Mohamed Balla emphasized the city’s focus on tailored solutions:

“HB 581’s intent to provide statewide relief is commendable, but Atlanta’s diverse communities require more nuanced and equitable policies. By opting out, we maintain a framework that directly benefits our residents while supporting the city’s growth and prosperity.” 

Public Hearings

Residents are encouraged to participate in public hearings on this matter:

• Friday, February 7, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.

• Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Location: Atlanta City Hall, Marvin S. Arrington, Sr. Council Chamber, 55 Trinity Ave. SW, Atlanta, GA 30303

For more information, visit www.atlantaga.gov.