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The Limousine Association of New Jersey (LANJ) held its 15th annual fundraiser meeting and auction at the Wilshire Grand Hotel May 10. Among the more than 100 members and supporters in attendance at the packed-room event were CD Industry & Brand Ambassador Philip Jagiela and Editor Rob Smentek.
Thanks to the event’s premier sponsors—Complete Fleet Livery Sales, Ford Motor Company, and Maple Crest Ford Lincoln—and months of hard work and planning by Complete Fleet’s Barry Trabb and Bruce Cirlin, the evening was a massive success with a record-setting $33,175 raised through the generosity of LANJ members and guests who took part in an auction, contributed to a 50/50 raffle, and donated cash to the association.
L to R: Pete Corelli of Lakeview Custom Coach, Barb Chirico of Gem Limousine Worldwide, Tim Rose of Flyte Tyme Worldwide, Jason Sharenow of Broadway Elite Chauffeured Services Worldwide, Jim Moseley, Bob Schiavo of Albert’s
Transportation, and Jon Epstein of Royal Coachman Worldwide
The total raised was an impressive 54-percent increase over the previous year’s impressive amount.
“We’re thrilled by the generosity of the association,” says Trabb. “It’s always great to see operators come together and have fun. We’re in for the fight of our lives with TNCs, so we need the industry to work together and support LANJ.”
Following a cocktail hour sponsored by Grech Motors, things got down to business as LANJ President Jason Sharenow of Broadway Elite Chauffeured Services Worldwide welcomed the more than 100 members, vendors, guests, and friends in attendance. Sharenow then invited Trabb and Cirlin to speak, followed by a few words from Craig Hall, national sales & marketing manager of the Ford Motor Company.
After a buffet dinner, the auction got underway thanks to auctioneer Pete Corelli of Lakeview Custom Coach. Attendees bid on a wealth of items, including sports tickets, home electronics, gift certificates, wine baskets, and, for the first time, out-of-state airport transfers for the association’s affiliate members. CD also contributed a number of items to the auction, including a full-page ad, which was won by Trabb; a pass to this month’s Executive Retreat in San Francisco, which went to Daniel Arias of DLA Executive Limousine; and two passes to October’s CD Trade Show & Conference in Orlando, which saw Jon Epstein of Royal Coachman Worldwide as the highest bidder.
LANJ members browsing auction items
Once the auction came to a close, Sharenow provided some recent legislative news affecting the state, and reminded members that this was the first meeting since the state “Limo Bill” went into effect, which eliminated sales tax for operators. Sharenow also updated the room on the status of the state’s background checks for TNCs. Uber has six months to propose a reasonable background check option, otherwise the onus will fall onto the N.J. State Police, who will likely require fingerprinting. Also, Essex Country legislators are seeking to require for-hire vehicles to get color-coded license plates; Sharenow said that LANJ is supporting this proposal.
Next, Pat Russo, an attorney from Windels, Marx, Lane & Mittendorf, shared news from New York’s ongoing TNC battles. While N.Y. Governor Andrew Cuomo’s support of TNCs in the upstate region paints something of a bleak picture for the ground transportation industry in the state, New York City continues to be the national model for effective regulation of for-hire vehicles.
CD Editor Rob Smentek (left) with Jon Epstein of Royal Coachman Worldwide
The evening ended on an emotional note when LANJ board members past and present honored former member Barb Chirico of Gem Limousine Worldwide for her years of loyal service to the association and the industry. She was welcomed with a standing ovation and given an award.
In statewide news, LANJ has been making a concentrated effort to bolster its membership of South Jersey companies, and has gained six new operators from the region in the past month alone. Borden Affordable Limousine Service of Woodbury, ETA Worldwide of Berlin, Joe’s Limousine Service of Mullica Hill, Lacey Limousines of Waretown, Riverfront Limousine Service of Penns Grove, and Thomas Limousine of Turnersville are the newest companies included among LANJ’s growing southern representation.
LANJ is also in the midst of planning its first golf outing, scheduled for September 18 at the Cherry Valley Country Club in Skillman. The association looks forward to making this an annual event that will attract operators from across the state.
Visit lanj.org for more information.
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Vancouver, B.C. — Among the newest names in luxury vehicle conversions and executive vans is Absolute Styling, whose moniker, says President & CEO Lorenzo Armani, highlights the company’s craftsmanship. Certified as a Transport Canada Limousine/Bus Manufacturer and by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the vehicles built by the company are designed to meet the demands of elite customers all over the world, catering to their personal preferences in style and design, according to Armani.
As a Mercedes-Benz Master Upfitter, Armani says that Absolute Styling works to exceed the customer’s expectations in each luxury Sprinter built at its facility. The company is focused on converting each vehicle into a system that provides supreme value, comfort, productivity, and the best levels of passenger protection. Each Sprinter includes all possible luxurious amenities that a top-level executive needs in a mobile office van, in order to provide the owner with the luxury of saving time and enhancing productivity.
“We handle your Sprinter conversions according to the quality and safety standards of the Mercedes-Benz Upfitter Program. With us you can live your dream of owning the world’s most luxurious Sprinter Mercedes-Benz style,” says Armani.
In addition to corporate vans, Absolute Styling can transform a Sprinter into a limousine-style shuttle, which Armani says are equipped with plenty of amenities like surround sound system, flat-screen Apple TVs, and more to create a highly luxurious setting for your group with optimal comfort and privacy. Seating options include full-powered seats with leg rests, heat, and massage.
Visit absolutestyling.com for more information.
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CLI President Joe Magnano (left) and VP of Operations Frank Casara
Irvine, Calif. — CLI Worldwide Transportation is proud to announce that long time industry veteran, Frank Casara, has joined their team as vice president of operations–chauffeur development.
"I'm extremely excited about joining the CLI team. I believe my past experience will complement the success CLI has already achieved and look forward to being a part of their continued growth," says Casara.
With more than 27 years of experience in the chauffeured transportation industry, Casara previously worked with other industry leaders Dav El/BostonCoach and Torrey Pines Transportation in roles within general management, business development, chauffeur, and reservations departments.
On Casara’s decision to join CLI Worldwide, President Joe Magnano said, “I could not be any more excited with Frank joining our team. His personality, industry knowledge and leadership skills as well as his concern for client care are some of the reasons I felt this was a great move for both of us. Our company’s culture and Frank’s work ethic will be some of the formula needed to help further enhance our customer experience!”
With CLI Worldwide, Casara will revise and manage all chauffeur training programs, chauffeur enhancement programs, chauffeur monitoring & accountability, vehicle licensing-permitting, and other operational procedures on the day to day. Frank will also work with the chauffeur mentors at both facilities. He will also work with the CLI dispatch team, events, and the fleet department to help assist in enhancing and improving day to day processes.
“He shares our values and our focus on professionalism, and places the same strong emphasis as we do on the customer experience,” adds Magnano. “He has shown himself to be an extraordinary leader throughout his career and has a proven track record.”
Visit cli-worldwide.com for more information.
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