L to R: Asst. Secretary for Intergovernmental Affairs (Long Island) Rob Calarco, LILA President Tom Gouldsbury of Azure Limousine, and LILA Public Relations Director Anthony Manetta
On April 28, the Long Island Limousine Association (LILA) held its spring membership meeting at Viana Hotel & Spa in Westbury, N.Y. Close to 50 members and guests were in attendance for the dinner event to network and discuss industry news and legislation. The association was proud to welcome featured speaker Rob Calarco, assistant secretary for intergovernmental relations–Long Island, who works directly with N.Y. Governor Kathy Hochul.
The meeting kicked off with networking during a cocktail hour, allowing the members to reconnect and socialize. Then LILA President Tom Gouldsbury of Azure Limousine & Transportation welcomed Calarco, who spoke about fraudulent operators and how the governor is trying to address the problem. As many are aware, Long Island has been a hotbed of illegal car services that operator without the proper authority or insurance. Gouldsbury was quick to address the speaker, asking Calarco for a direct meeting with the governor.
“At one point New York had a limo safety board following the Schoharie tragedy,” says Gouldsbury. “For better or worse, they dissolved the board, which seems like they’re putting our industry on a shelf.”
LILA Board of Directors
Gouldsbury adds that on a more positive note, LILA announced the formation of a new three-person committee devoted to addressing the illegal operator issue.
“We have three dedicated members who are willing to step up and pull the weight,” he says.
The association has designated a QR code with a distinct email in which chauffeurs and owners can report illegally operating vehicles. This is in conjunction with a hotline that is shared by the three-man committee. Members are encouraged to send photos and reports of the fraudulent cars in action.
Gouldsbury also stated that LILA will work closely with the new motor vehicle commissioner to deal with this challenge. He also reported that Babylon, N.Y., has successfully raised $12,000 in fines through sting operations directed at illegal operators.
“We’re trying to push hard to make things happen,” says Gouldsbury.
LILA Board Member Doug Schwartz of Executive Transportation was on hand to represent the National Limousine Association (NLA) in an update about the recent Day on the Hill event. He also offered clarity about the No Tax on Tips exemption that appears in the “One Big, Beautifull Bill.” Schwartz was pleased to share that the Treasury Department responded favorably to the NLA’s efforts to include chauffeurs in this legislation. Board member Joe Marotta of Acrisure addressed the members as well, encouraging them to keep up to date with their dues.
Also at the meeting was LILA Public Relations Director Anthony Manetta, who provided a presentation of recent PR activity within the association. The association also used the meeting to announce their calendar of activities for the year, including May elections, a July 28 BBQ fundraiser, an October general meeting, and the December holiday party/Toys for Tots drive.
Visit facebook.com/longislandlimoassociation for more information.
[05.04.26]
