L to R: MLA Director Alex Church of Acrisure, Ray Gavino, Len Joseph, and Quentin Bassey
On September 16, the Maryland Livery Association (MLA) returned to Jimmy’s Famous Seafood in Baltimore for the fall member meeting. The afternoon event attracted 25 members and guests including CD Editor Rob Smentek.
The meeting kicked off at noon with MLA President Len Joseph of On The Town Limousines welcoming attendees and introducing Secretary General Japneet Suri of Executive CLS, who provided a live demonstration of the benefits of the recently revamped MLA website.
“We want our member operators to take full advantage of services offered the webpage,” says Suri.
Show pass winner Japneet Suri (left) with CD Editor Rob Smentek
Joseph then took the floor to graciously thank the guests for taking the time out of their day to attend the meeting. He stated that it’s his goal to offer excellent takeaway and instant ROI at these events. Joseph also informed members that he recently filled out an application to receive grant money from the National Limousine Association (NLA). Last year, the MLA benefited from a $4,000 grant.
With this past July marking the debut of the MLA’s Summer Soiree educational and networking summit, MLA Vice President Ray Gavino of Translogic Executive and Treasurer Quentin Bassey of RSTQ Transportation provided an overview of the event. The officers agreed that the 2-day event was a “tremendous success,” thanks to a sold-out golf event and a second day of jam-packed education sessions and panels. The pair also recounted their experience at the CTANJ Golf Tournament/Fundraiser on September 15.
Affiliate Central ad winner Quentin Bassey (left) with CD Editor Rob Smentek
Bassey also revealed that that the MLA Holiday Party has been finalized. The popular event will be held at Jimmy’s on Tuesday, December 9. He encouraged operators to take part in the sponsorship opportunities that are available.
Suri took a few minutes to provide an overview of the upcoming CD/NLA Show at the Gaylord Texan on October 25-28. Smentek fielded questions about the schedule, and spoke a bit about what’s included in the show pass.
Joseph also discussed the success of the Soiree, highlighting the session that covered the D.C. for Hire situation, which requires operators to be permitted to do point-to-point work in Washington D.C. city limits.
Vice President Ray Gavino of Translogic Executive (left) with Treasurer Quentin Bassey of RSTQ Transportation
“It’s brutal doing business with D.C. for Hire,” says Joseph. “Operators must pay upwards of $600 a year for a permit, and face vehicle impoundment if the program is not followed to a T.”
The MLA President also stated his intention for the association to join the ongoing battle against illegal operators, with plans to establish a subcommittee to combat this issue. He encouraged everyone to use the NLA’s toolkit that was recently developed to educate the public about the illegal operators.
Joseph then announced that the MLA is anticipating three open board positions in the near future. He and Suri detailed the expectations of board members who act as “ambassadors” to the industry.
Finally, before concluding for the afternoon, the association auctioned a CD/NLA pass for the Fall Show donated by the show partners, as well as an Affiliate Central ad that will appear in CD magazine. Suri was the winner of the show pass, which raised $600 for the association, and Bassey excitedly won the Affiliate Central ad, which went for $850.
Visit marylandliveryassociation.org for more information.
[09.23.25]
