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The day’s agenda had numerous important topics up for discussion, such as the construction-induced traffic issues at LaGuardia International Airport (LGA) and statewide TNC expansion details.
Regarding updates to the arrangement at LGA, the new FHV Pick-Up Area will be closing daily from 10 PM to 6 AM as of May 20. While the lot is closed, all FHVs will be able to conduct pick-up operations at Terminal B at the departures level only. The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey (PANYNJ) will place additional traffic guards on both the arrival and departure levels of Terminal B to manage the traffic, while both Port Authority Police and the Taxi & Limousine Commission will continue to conduct Hustler Enforcement in front of the Terminal.
The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey (PANYNJ) has created a system to make it simpler for passengers to meet their chauffeurs at Terminal B's departure level under the new new plan. There will now be signage with numbers ranging from 1 to 7 across all of the departure level’s structural columns: BCAC advises all operators to tell their clients the number column where they can meet up with their chauffeurs.
If any chauffeurs encounter a problem with the new arrangements, BCAC urges operators to email BCAC Executive Director Ira Goldstein at igoldstein@nybcac.org.
BCAC also announced that it has launched its updated, more user-friendly website. The new site aims to unite its members even further, introduces offerings like the BCAC Member Forum, which will serve as a message board exclusively for BCAC members.
Also newly updated is the BCAC Membership Application. The online form can be found at nybcac.org/prospective-members and aims to make submission simpler.
Visit nybcac.org for more information.
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GOLA President Isaac Hernandez opened the meeting by introducing vendors. Next, CD Industry & Brand Ambassador Philip Jagiela gave a presentation on the value of building and maintaining successful business relationships with vendors. His discussion also included tips for operators on establishing a consistent brand, adapting with changes, and the benefits of networking at trade shows and with fellow association members. Jagiela also stressed the importance of being active in both the industry and your local association.
Next, the always complicated situation at Orlando’s MCO international airport was broached. With Florida’s statewide regulations for TNCs taking effect on July 1, the association planned to take part in a meeting with airport officials on May 23. Matters to be debated are the new Port Canaveral procedures and how the airport plans to deal with TNCs under the new guidelines. Meanwhile, the City of Orlando is taking a “status quo” approach until July, and may still enforce using its own standards.
Technology was the next topic of the evening, as the association talked about how a website is a value-added proposition for all members. Also, there was a discussion about FalconX, a new mobile app that offers many of the same benefits as the TNCs for the chauffeured ground transportation industry along with the offer of more compensation for companies that sign up for the platform.
Before the meeting was adjourned, a pass to the upcoming CD Trade Show & Conference was raffled off. The winner was Rene Garcia of Rencia Luxury Transportation. The evening ended with a live internet broadcast of “GOLA Vision,” which included interviews with Jagiela, vendor spotlights, and a vehicle showcase.
GOLA’s next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 20.
Visit getaroundorlando.com for more information.
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ILA President Tracy Raimer of Windy City Limousine and Bus kicked off the event with a mid-year progress report and by announcing the 2017 board of directors, who include:
President: Tracy Raimer of Windy City Limousine and Bus
Secretary-Treasurer: Paula DeBiasi of Chicago Coachworks
Directors: Beth Cox of Cox Livery Service, Scott Delheimer of Class Act Limousine, Ron Hoye of Carey/Embarque Chicago, Sarah McKee of Chosen Payments (vendor), Art Rento of Pontarelli Companies, Brian Sheely of Epic Limo, Chris Weiss of Chauffeur Driven (vendor), and Brian Whitaker of Windy City Limousine and Bus
The day hosted four speakers: Richard Fertig of Brilliant Transportation, Aleja Seabron of The LMC Group, and Commissioner Samantha Fields and Deputy Commissioner Rupal Bapat of City of Chicago Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP).
Fertig took to the podium first to discuss the importance of work/life balance. He offered advice on ways to scale and automate one’s business to grow profits while also managing to enjoy life beyond the office. After lunch, Seabron delivered her presentation on providing customer service online, delving into topics such as capitalizing on increasingly web-reliant and tech-savvy consumers and how to adjust to the changing customer-service landscapes such trends create. Fields and Bapat capped off the presentation portion of the day with their report on changes to the Charter Sightseeig Ordinance and taking a variety of questions from those in attendance.
Fourteen exhibitors had their products and services on display, with nine vehicles of all kinds available for an up-close preview. The day also included an array of industry-supplied raffles.
The next ILA meeting will be its July 12 board meeting, which is open to all current and potential members.
Visit illinoislimousineassociation.com for more information.
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