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MLA President Joanna FridingerHalethorpe, Md.—The most recent, bi-monthly meeting of Maryland Limousine Association (MLA) took place at American Legion Post 109, and will be new home of all MLA meetings, moving forward.
As seems to be the way of things throughout the industry Uber, and other ridesharing companies, are a topic of great concern to operators in the Old Line State. MLA President Joanna Fridinger of The Limo Lady stated that the Maryland Public Service Commission is not trying to shut down these companies, but rather make them go through the same requirements that those in the chauffeured ground transportation industry have to in regards to licensing, insurance, etc. Fridinger also remarked that these companies (especially Uber) have deep pockets, so it is up to MLA members to let their local and state representatives know how important this issue is, and how it directly effects the livelihood of those working in the transportation industry. To that end, Fridinger sent out a “form” letter to all MLA members that addressed these issues and several others. It was Fridinger’s hope that MLA members would put their own signatures on this letter, then send it off to their political representatives. Lastly, Fridinger stressed the importance of the MLA’s vendor members to take part in this form letter campaign as well because they need to present a united front in this effort.
The Baltimore City Tax (which would impose a proposed $1.50 fee per SUV and a $1.50 per passenger fee for vans) was bandied about the room as the next point of discussion. There still seems to be a great deal of confusion about this tax, on both sides of the issue, mostly in regard to what amount the actual tax will be, collection, payment, and the ultimate enforcement of this tax. It was suggested by Jeff Wyvill of Flynn Executive Limousine that the MLA should contact the Maryland Restaurant Association to advise them of this new tax, which would also impact restaurant owners, to see if they could offer insight and/or assistance. The course of action proposed by Wyvill was taken under advisement.
Guest speaker Robert Testoni from J.J. Keller & Associates spoke about how electronic logs are now mandatory if you travel outside the 100 miles radius of your base at least eight times a month. Testoni also talked about his “Build a Smarter Compliance Program,” which focuses on eliminating risks and saving lives.
Finally, a vote was taken on whether or not the MLA should remain NLA members. After some discussion on the pros and cons of this membership the vote was taken, and a majority of MLA members agreed to remain in the NLA.
The next meeting of the MLA will be held on May 20.
Visit mdlimoassoc.org for more information.
4/14
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The HHRVB award winnersHarrisburg, Pa.—The Hershey Harrisburg Regional Visitors Bureau (HHRVB) held its annual Meet the Partners & Tourism Awards Event in April at the Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course. Approximately 70 partners attended the annual event that celebrates the start of prime tourism season in Pennsylvania’s Hershey Harrisburg Region, and provides members of the official destination marketing organization with an opportunity to meet new partners and network with their peers and counterparts in the regional tourism industry.
The HHRVB presented eleven awards to partners, including the "HHRVB Partner In Tourism - V.I.P Award." This special award was presented to Jonathan Snavely, business development manager at Premiere #1 Limousine Service. Jonathan was recognized for being highly active and engaged in bureau initiatives, events, and programs. This award also recognizes his regular participation on the bureau's social media channels, his attendance at partner networking events and professional development seminars, his investment in cooperative advertising campaigns, his volunteer work at bureau-sponsored booths and exhibits, and his assistance with sales familiarization tours and client visits.
“This was an evening to welcome our new partners and kick-off the travel season ahead,” says Justin Martsolf, HHRVB director of partnership. “But we also use the night to recognize a select group of individuals, regional businesses, state and national organizations, and tourism stakeholders for their outstanding efforts, and noteworthy accomplishments from the previous year as our partners in tourism.”
Visit premier1limousine.com or visithersheyharrisburg.org for more information.
4/14
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GCLA Vice President Kevin Illingworth
San Diego, Calif.—The Greater California Livery Association (GCLA) held its most recent meeting at Phil’s BBQ Restaurant in America’s Finest City. The meeting was sponsored by Grech Motors, Mercedes-Benz of San Diego, Integrate IT Media Group, and Penske Professional Vehicles.
Kevin Illingworth of Classique Worldwide Transportation, and GCLA vice president, spoke at length about the upcoming “Day on the Hill” in Sacramento. Illingworth’s main thrust was to rally the California operators around the GCLA when they go to Sacramento at the end of April in support of the chauffeured ground transportation industry as a whole. He also stressed the fact that it was imperative that livery operators need to get in front of the state lawmakers and politicians.
The topics that will be addressed while in Sacramento are: 1. The law stating that limousines should have fire extinguishers in the front of the vehicle only; not in the back due to the possibility of intoxicated passengers discharging the extinguisher and injuring others. 2. The requirement for all windows in livery vehicles to be removable so that they may be used as emergency exits. The main issue with this being that this requirement could/would allow additional oxygen into the vehicle if it is on fire, and fan the flames, as it were. 3. The possibility of doing away with the special “livery license plate" in the state of California.
The next issue on the agenda was the San Diego International Airport (SAN), and Adrian Kwiatkowski of the Strong Mayor-Council Institute, addressed the new, “green fees” for operators who don't have green vehicles in their fleet. The airport wants to raise this green fee on offending vehicles, and the GCLA wholly opposes this measure.
Marci Rosenblum, a GCLA vendor and founder of Integrate IT Media Group, then gave a short workshop to members on ways to enrich Facebook, and other social media outlets. The tips and tricks that Rosenblum suggested are things that members can immediately apply on their business social media pages.
As a cherry on top of a most productive and informative meeting, Chauffeur Driven’s West Coast Editor David Hartson was on hand to give away upcoming show passes. A pass to the Toronto show was won by Heather Terlaak of Classique Worldwide Transportation, and a pass to the Atlantic City show went to Joe West of Torrey Pines Transportation. Congratulations to both of the winners…we look forward to seeing you at the shows!
Visit gcla.org for more information.