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For the Rento family, this past Labor Day weekend was a once-in-a-lifetime experience as their patriarch, Art Rento, was honored at Wrigley Field by the very same world-class team that captured the hearts of fans the world over. Rento, founder of Chicago’s Pontarelli Companies and World War II veteran, was wheeled onto the field by his grandson (also named Art) prior to the September 3 game between the Cubs and the Atlanta Braves. Rento was all smiles on the Jumbotron as he received a standing ovation from the crowd for his service to the country. Rento, now 94, survived the famous D-Day Normandy landings.
Rento went on to found a cab company and serve the City of Chicago after his military career ended, and on July 4, 1977, he founded Pontarelli with a partner. Soon after, his young son Art joined the company as a chauffeur, and just a few years later he bought out his father’s partner in what would become a Rento family-run company. Today, the 30-vehicle company—at 40, one of the oldest in the city—is run by his son, grandson, and two daughters.
The occasion began aboard one of Pontarelli’s shuttles, where the extended family rode to Wrigley Field, documenting the day with plenty of pictures and videos. At the field, Rento received a team jersey and the entire family was treated to some of the best seats in the house to watch the game between the Cubs and Braves. Magic, unfortunately, didn’t happen that afternoon as the Braves swept the Cubs 5-1, but it will forever be a cherished memory for the Rento family.
This isn’t the first time the veteran has been recognized locally. This summer, Rento was honored by more than 200 guests during an event for the Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce. The evening marked the launch of the chamber’s Veterans Back to Work Bootcamp, a program that will help 20 veterans as they transition back to civilian life and a non-military career, and Rento was their featured guest. More than $75,000 was raised for the program by Jewel-Osco and Rivers Casino.
Visit pontarelliischicago.com for more information.
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“With Jeff’s industry knowledge and diversity within the entire passenger ground transportation business, he is a natural fit for our growing companies,” says Hill.
Shanker, a tenured industry professional is excited about joining the Black Tie team. “The vision they have, the new facility currently under construction in such a prime location, and the continued business growth and expansion is truly inspiring. It is genuinely a privilege to join Gray, the Black Tie Transportation, Black Tie Transportation Bus Charter, Blue Diamond Transportation, and Academic Fieldtrips and Tours group of companies. I look forward to the teamwork and expanding our companies’ business and brand throughout the limousine and motorcoach industry. Gray has a great team in place and we all look forward to growing and the prosperous future.”
Hill, a second-generation company owner, has stewarded his companies from a single limousine to a fleet of over 75 vehicles including sedans, SUVs, vans, limousines, buses and motorcoaches with offices across North Carolina.
Visit blacktietransportation.net for more information.
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To prepare yourself, please review the eligibility information, commitment requirements, and expectations below prior to submitting your nomination.
Make Sure You are Eligible
According to NLA bylaws (Article 6, Sections B and C), all prospective directors must meet the following criteria:
1. The individual must be a corporate officer or principal of a Regular Active Member (operator) company that has been a Regular Active Member for at least two consecutive years.
2. Any Regular Active Member sharing common ownership with another Regular Active Member can only have one representative on the NLA Board of Directors at one time.
3. A member of the NLA Board shall not be a member of another board of directors that is competitive to the NLA or the limousine industry.
4. Membership dues must be current for the Regular Active Member.
Which Board Seats are Up for Election This Year?
The following seats on the NLA Board are up for election for the 2018-2021 term:
1. At Large: 2 seats (any state in U.S.)
2. US Central Region: 1 seat (AR, IA, IL, IN, KS, LA, MI, MN, MO, ND, NE, OH, OK, SD, TX, WI)
3. US Northeast Region: 1 seat (CT, MA, ME, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT)
4. US Southeast Region: 2 seats (AL, DC, DE, FL, GA, KY, MD, MS, NC, SC, TN, VA, WV)
5. US West Region: 1 seat (AK, AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, MT, NV, NM, OR, UT, WA, WY)
Items You Will Need to Submit
Below is the list of items that you will need to submit with your application. Be sure to submit all items; otherwise, your nomination will be incomplete and not considered by the Nominating Committee.
1. A brief biography that describes your background in the limousine industry.
2. A paragraph that explains why you want to serve on the NLA Board and what your goals are for the NLA if you are elected.
3. A photograph of yourself (in electronic format).
4. Proof of legality in the cities/states/airports in which the member operates. (Example: state, city, or airport permit or license)
5. Certificate of insurance verifying Regular Active Member compliance with the state/federal requirements.
6. Proof of your corporate officer position. (Example: Corporate resolution or articles of incorporation listing officers/shareholders)
7. An explanation of anything the Nominating Committee should know about you that might reflect adversely on the NLA.
What Else Do I Need to Know?
Being a member of any board is not just a title or something to put on your resume: There are commitments that each director must make, both of their time and financially. The Board meets face-to-face four times a year and via conference call another eight times. Additional conference calls are held as needed and there is action that must be taken via email periodically.
For most members, each in-person meeting includes flights and a hotel stay. The NLA provides a per-diem reimbursement that will cover some travel and lodging costs, but each board member covers the remainder of the costs. It is important to note that these meetings also mean time away from your business and family. Please make sure that you are comfortable with this and are able to devote your time and resources to the NLA prior to submitting your application.
In addition to the Board meetings and conference calls, board members are also assigned to be a co-chair of at least one NLA committee. Some of the committees meet via conference call weekly, others monthly or bi-monthly. Your committee involvement and participation is vital to the success of the association and where a lot of the "action" happens.
What Happens Next?
You will receive an email within the next couple weeks notifying members that the NLA is now accepting board nominations. If you have any questions at any time during the process, please email info@limo.org and the NLA staff will either answer it or forward it to the appropriate person to answer.
Visit limo.org for more information.
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