L to R: Tina Benson of L.A. Limousines, Terry Murtaugh of United Private Car, and Lynda Saitta of Momentum Drives
They say there’s no such thing as a free lunch. Well, that wasn’t the case at the New England Livery Association (NELA) annual Chauffeur Appreciation Day on June 5. For more than two decades, this event has allowed the NELA Board of Directors and other members to volunteer to both prepare free lunches for and support the driving staff that serve as the public faces of livery operations throughout New England.
Jason Dornhoffer of United Private Car (left) and Richard Tessier of Great Bay Limousine
The Logan International Airport Limo Pool turned into the place to be to grab some grub, win some prizes, check out some entertainment, and be recognized for all the work that chauffeurs do to keep New England’s luxury ground transportation companies running.
“A big shout out goes to Deputy Director of Transportation Operations at Massport Mike Hadley. He always makes time to work with us and hold this annual event,” says NELA Executive Director Rick Szilagyi.
NELA Executive Director Rick Szilagyi (center) with Massport staffers
This long-running day of gratitude served up a staggering 600 free meals of hotdogs, hamburgers, veggie burgers, and sausages—and with all the fixings—to busy chauffeurs as they make airports runs to and from New England’s largest airport. New this year included an ice cream treat, courtesy of sponsor Axis Coach. What’s more, a free multi-use charger was distributed to the first 250 chauffeurs to head to the limo pool, courtesy of Great Bay Limousines.
Jim King of Waverley Insurance (left) and Pat Enxing of Pat’s Car Service
Boston-area DJ Nick Lamberti, who has become the go-to professional for NELA events, was on hand to spin popular tunes and help the association celebrate their chauffeurs, thanks to Entertainment Sponsor Avery Insurance. In addition to the music and food, the NELA Board also offered raffled prizes, which included Red Sox tickets, T-shirts, Yeti merchandise, gift cards, and more.
Alicia Hayes of American Classic Limousine (left) and Lynda Saitta of Momentum Drives
Officers and members of NELA came out to work at the food stations and booths throughout the day. But the event would not be possible without the year-after-year dedication to chairing the event from NELA Vice President Tina Benson of L.A. Limousine. Benson is always instrumental in hauling the wooden “store-front” built for the event years ago, as well as the grills, freezer, picking up most of the food to be prepared, and then working the grills all day long. Also integral was the Chauffeur Appreciation Day committee, who work hard all day and the weeks leading up to the event, including NELA Board Members Alicia Hayes of American Classic Limousine, Brittni Kirk of All Points Limo, and Larry White of Above All/Maine Limousine. And once again, much-deserved recognition goes to Lynda Saitta of Momentum Drives, whose involvement each year helps make the event a success by serving food, running the raffle tables, and ensuring that the day ran smoothly.
Mike Copans of DPV Transportation (left) and NELA Director Andrew Tighe or RMA Worldwide
“This was a terrific day. The weather was perfect, and we really appreciate our relationship with Massport,” adds Szilagyi.
Szilagyi also states that the day would not be possible without Platinum Sponsors Boston Carriage, Dav El/BostonCoach, Grech Motors, and PRO LIMO. They were joined by Gold Sponsors Above All Transportation, Aurora Payments, Commonwealth Worldwide, Grace Limousine, and RMA Worldwide, along with Silver Sponsors AOT Global, Carey Boston, L.A. Limousine, TBR Global Chauffeuring, and United Private Car.
The next event for NELA includes its June 18 quarterly meeting, held at Kowloon in Saugus, Mass.
Visit nelivery.org for more information.
[06.17.25]
