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The National Limousine Association (NLA) announced last week that it has postponed its annual Day on the Hill, an important event in the association’s calendar for members to gather and collectively lobby members of Congress on behalf of the industry. While the current conditions in the capital forced the NLA to rethink its event, the association’s efforts behind the scenes have been robust to ensure that the need for aid for the industry is being recognized.
“While we had to postpone this year's Day on the Hill (originally scheduled for June 10th), I have never felt more confident that our industry is being strongly represented in Washington, D.C.,” said NLA President Robert Alexander of RMA Worldwide in his weekly President’s Letter. “The most important aspect of Day on the Hill is representing our industry with a specific ‘ask’ and fortunately, our voice is definitely being heard, thanks in large part to our lobbying team at Cornerstone Government Affairs and hard-working Legislative Committee. Knowing we have the support of Cornerstone working on our behalf, made the right decision of postponing this event easier.”
Since the national emergency began, NLA has been working closely with Cornerstone and other associations to ensure that the industry’s broad interests are fully represented. NLA’s COVID-19 resource page includes near-daily updates on the legislative front. It also recently co-signed letters to Congress through the U.S. Chamber in request for aid and liability protections for those businesses on the frontlines. Those letters and other COVID-19 resources are available on its dedicated page.
Looking ahead, NLA has also been ramping up efforts with its various committees and recently announced its new members for the 2020-2021 term.
It includes:
CD/NLA Show Education: Tracy Raimer of Windy City Limousine & Bus (co-chair), Jason Sharenow of Broadway Elite Worldwide (co-chair), Alan Candeub of Park Avenue Limousine, Ken Carter of Aadvanced Limousines, Chad Casey of Casey Corporate Transportation, Colin Devine of Devine’s Worldwide, Sami Elotmani of Destination MCO, Robyn Goldenberg of Strategy Leaders, Athena Grimm of BAC Transportation, Andy Hernandez of CTA Worldwide, Douglas Schwartz of Executive Ground Transportation, and Scott Woodruff of Majestic Limo & Coach.
Technology & Social Media Committee: Ken Carter of Aadvanced Limousines (co-chair), Jay Erlich of Europe Limousine Service (co-chair), Gary Arrington of 540 Party Bus, Mike Denning of Elegant Limousines, Tracy Raimer of Windy City Limousine & Bus, and Josh Roman of Heaven on Wheels.
Recognizing the hardships that all industry operators are currently facing, and the importance of sharing knowledge to protect and advocate for chauffeured transportation when it needs it the most, NLA has announced that it has extended its deferred membership dues until August 31 (originally June 30) for all new members who join between now and the deadline. New members would have immediate access to “test drive” all of the association’s benefits, programs, and offerings (except voting rights until paid in full) at this critical time, with no obligation to continue membership after the end of August. Operators can join here.
Visit limo.org for more information.
[05.26.20]
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Vice President Mike Pence joined Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) and leaders from the Florida tourism industry this past Wednesday, May 20, for a roundtable in Orlando devoted to the recovery of hospitality and tourism, which is a large part of the Sunshine State’s economy and one that has been severely impacted during the COVID-19 crisis. As the state begins to emerge from its lockdown, including plans to reopen many internationally visited theme parks in Central Florida, the leaders addressed ways that the government could continue to help the travel and tourism industries that will be slower to recover in the coming months.
Among the gaggle of industry professionals urging common-sense precautions during the reopening was U.S. Travel Association President & CEO Roger Dow, who most recently participated in the NLA’s No Operator Left Behind Virtual Summit, as well as Transportation Management Services (TMS) CEO Frank Sherman, who spoke on behalf of the motorcoach industry. TMS coordinates global, large-scale events in more than 250 cities and calls on motorcoach operators to help him move attendees.
“Mr. Vice President, we couldn’t do our job without the motorcoach industry,” Sherman said. “And we believe the tourism industry can’t come back without bus operators.”
Sherman noted that the industry represents 3,000 companies and 100,000-plus employees that contribute $8B in direct and indirect impact to Florida’s economy—but also $100B in impact that intersects with more than 2 million jobs nationwide. Sherman commented that Florida operators make the lion’s share of their profits in the early part of the year, but that the shutdown “completely wiped that out.”
“The American Bus Association tells us by October, 75 percent of those businesses will be gone, will be shut down. They cannot make it unless they get a $10 billion grant. I felt like I needed to speak for my vendors in the bus community … and whoever I can talk to I want to talk to them because it’s going to be important,” he said.
Calling Sherman a “great champion” for the industry, the Vice President acknowledged the scope of the challenge, noting that operators “do great work” and have a record of safe operation.
“I'll carry that back as we think about going forward, but opening up America is how we fill up buses too,” said Pence. Adding, “We’ll go to work.”
The full clip of Sherman’s address to the roundtable can be heard here.
[05.21.20]
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The American Bus Association (ABA) expressed thanks to the 120 Congressional Representatives and Senators who demonstrated their bipartisan support for the U.S. motorcoach industry by signing onto “Dear Colleague” letters to leaders of the U.S. House and Senate highlighting the need for federal assistance for the industry.
ABA, in conjunction with the United Motorcoach Association (UMA), held a Motorcoaches Rolling for Awareness rally in Washington, D.C., on May 13 to draw attention to the industry and its critical function within the economy. The event represented all 50 states and featured hundreds of participating companies. All told, more than 800 coaches rolled through the capital and garnered nationwide press coverage. Pictures and a recap of the event are available at busesmoveamerica.com.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic hit the U.S., more than 90 percent of the industry’s 36,000 buses are sitting idle and its nearly 100,000 strong workforce has been furloughed. According to the American Bus Association Foundation research, the industry will lose more than $8 billion dollars before Americans are clear to start traveling again.
“As demonstrated at the National Bus Rally held last week in Washington, D.C., our industry needs direct assistance from Congress and soon or it will fail, leaving millions of Americans stranded without a means of transportation,” said ABA President & CEO Peter Pantuso. “These Representatives and Senators heard us and want to help—they care about their constituents, workers, and travelers alike, and understand the importance of our industry to average citizens across this country. They also understand that transportation needs are not a partisan issue but affect every walk of life—and that transportation needs to be up and running when this country is ready to get back to work.”
The House Dear Colleague letter was led by Reps. Albio Sires (N.J.-8) and John Katko (N.Y.-24). Sens. Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) led a similar letter in the Senate. The full list of those who signed can be viewed here.
“We give thanks and want to specifically recognize Sens. Daines and Van Hollen and Reps. Katko and Sires for their leadership on this bipartisan effort support,” said Pantuso. “We now look to them, as negotiations begin on the next legislative relief package, to fight for desperately needed funding to bridge our industry through this unprecedented crisis.”
Visit buses.org for more information.
[05.21.20]