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The meeting kicked off with the educational seminar “Understanding and Meeting Client Expectations,” presented by Rick Cavalieri of BostonCoach. The workshop focused on training one’s chauffeurs to meet client expectations, and was offered by NELA as part of its initiative to provide association members with opportunities to better their services by increasing their industry knowledge.
NELA CEO Rick Szilagyi then addressed association matters. In addition to discussing the association’s ongoing pursuit of a level playing field for transportation network companies (TNCs) and licensed ground transportation operators, he also announced that the board has voted on changes to NELA’s bylaws. One of the most significant revisions to the bylaws is that members are now eligible to run for board positions two years after joining the association.
Dawson Rutter, president of Commonwealth Worldwide Chauffeured Transportation and Political Action Committee co-chair for the National Limousine Association (NLA), spoke about the NLA and the recent publication of its stance on TNCs. Rutter called for educating the public and corporate compliance officials alike on the safety issues that unregulated transportation services present, which he said would be key to ensuring the success of the legally operating livery industry.
Weiss also addressed the ongoing TNC issue, as well as the continued improvement of the economy. He attributed the livery industry’s 10-20 percent growth year over year to key areas of the business TNCs have difficulty emulating or breaking into, such as the customer-service focus a chauffeur can offer that an unlicensed rideshare driver cannot. Weiss also offered an update on November’s Chauffeur Driven show.
Chosen Payments CEO Jeff Brodsly emphasized his company’s mission to support the NLA and the chauffeured transportation industry, and discussed the ins and outs of credit card processing.
The quarterly meeting also hosted the ongoing American Motor Products’ road show, which gave an overview of the many fleet discount programs the organization’s sponsors have designed for the industry.
NELA’s next membership meeting will be December 9.
Visit nelivery.org for more information.
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Elkhart, Indiana — Midwest Automotive Designs, a leading provider of customized luxury Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans, announced that Harry Schmink has joined the company as CEO and board member. Schmink, a highly experienced automotive industry executive, spent the previous six years as president of DACCO, a nationwide distributor of automotive aftermarket parts.
Schmink joins an established management team that includes the founder, Tim Gray, who will stay on in a leadership role as president. Gray, who founded Midwest Automotive Designs in 2004, says, "We are excited to welcome Harry to Midwest Automotive Designs. Our ability to attract an automotive industry executive with Harry's track record and knowledge reflects Midwest Auto's potential for continued strong growth. We look forward to his leadership as we execute the strategies to enhance our already leading position in the luxury automotive conversion industry."
"I am impressed with Midwest Auto's growth in recent years, which results directly from their very high quality products,” says Schmink. “The quality of this entire organization is reflected in its being named to the 2014 Inc. 5000 list of the fastest growing private companies in the United States, and in its celebrating the recent completion of its 3,000th unit. The company has an exceptional foundation in place that will enable us to accelerate our expansion. I look forward to working with Tim and the entire Midwest Automotive team. Together, we will continue to focus relentlessly on our customers and deliver industry-leading products and customer service."
Visit midwestautomotivedesigns.com for more information.
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Shrewsbury, Mass. — Knight’s Airport Limousine Service has partnered with the American Cancer Society on a campaign to promote prostate cancer awareness and raise funds toward researching the disease. Throughout the month of September, Knight’s Airport Limousine Service van drivers will swap their trademark red polo shirts for blue, while town car and limo drivers will don blue ties. Blue is the color most commonly associated with prostate cancer awareness.
“We are pleased to help promote prostate cancer awareness,” says Denise Kapulka, sales manager at Knight’s. “Cancer has affected many of our drivers, families, and friends. Any part we can take to promote awareness and early detection could make a positive impact toward changing lives for the better.”
The Hogan family, who owns the business, is hopeful that the wardrobe change will spark conversation between repeat passengers and new customers and drivers, and added drivers will have on board brochures with information on prostate cancer.
According to the American Cancer Society’s “Cancer Facts and Figures 2014,” more than 5,000 Massachusetts men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year, and more than 600 men in the state will die from the disease.
“This is a truly unique grassroots awareness campaign, and we’re proud to partner with a local business that has always been committed to serving the community,” says Patti McKone, a Worcester resident and senior community engagement representative with the American Cancer Society. “If the uniform change is able to start some conversations between Knight’s predominately male staff of drivers and passengers and just one man is encouraged to have an exam that turns out to be lifesaving, it’s an overwhelming success.”
The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends that men have a chance to make an informed decision with their health care provider about whether to be screened for prostate cancer. The decision should be made after getting information about the uncertainties, risks, and potential benefits of prostate cancer screening. Men should not be screened unless they have received this information.
The discussion about screening should take place at age 50 for men who are at average risk of prostate cancer and are expected to live at least 10 more years. For those at high risk of developing prostate cancer, they should be screened starting at age 45. This includes African Americans and men who have a first-degree relative (father, brother, or son) diagnosed with prostate cancer at an early age (younger than age 65). This discussion should take place at age 40 for men at even higher risk (those with more than one first-degree relative who had prostate cancer at an early age).
Visit knightslimo.com for more information.
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