- Details
- Category: Industry News
NLA Co-Founder Scott Solombrino of Dav El/BostonCoach New York — The National Limousine Association (NLA), in conjunction with the Limousine Association of New Jersey (LANJ), is urging New York City to halt its plan to enforce a limit on the number of private ground transportation vehicles allowed in the city.
The ban, intended to reduce traffic, would irreparably harm business owners, their employees, and the customers who rely on commercial vehicular transportation when navigating the city. Before instituting legislation of this type, the NLA demands that the City Council assemble a working group to study the economic impact of such a cap on each segment of the ground transportation industry.
"To institute a blanket cap on an entire industry, without even considering the economic impact on families and business throughout the Tri-State Area is a haphazard solution to a complex problem," said NLA co-founder Scott Solombrino of Dav El/BostonCoach. "Myriad factors have led to the overcrowding of New York City's streets, and I completely agree that it is a problem worth solving; however, the solution must not impose undue hardship on industrious workers and the people who rely on their services. The city needs to conduct a comprehensive economic study before moving any further with this plan."
The NLA agrees with Uber, Lyft, and other ride-haling companies that this cap is not the solution to the region's transportation problems. It will limit the options available to passengers and do little to reduce road congestion. Additionally, the city's public transportation is ill-equipped to handle a rise in usage as a result of this ban.
NLA operators employ tens of thousands of individuals across the region, providing fully-benefited jobs that families rely upon. This cap would not only threaten jobs, but likely raise prices for consumers across the board.
Visit limo.org for more information.
[CD0818]
- Details
- Category: Industry News
Marlton, N.J. — Chauffeur Driven is thrilled to welcome back a familiar face to their team. After a short respite, Jessica Pavlow has returned to her past position as Director of Events.
A beloved personality in the industry, Pavlow started with CD in 2013 as a temp, performing telemarketing for the CD Show. She quickly established herself as an invaluable resource within the company, becoming CD’s first circulation coordinator, and then ultimately being named director of events in 2015.
Chauffeur Driven Director of Events Jess Pavlow The two CD Shows in Washington D.C. and Orlando that fell under her supervision were both home runs, not to mention the wildly successful CD Executive Retreats in New Orleans and San Francisco that she planned. Pavlow is returning as the CD Team is ramping up the preparation for our show at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, held just outside of D.C. on October 8-10. The transition will be smooth, as she was instrumental in putting this show in motion over a year ago.
“During the last few months I had the opportunity to work with operators directly and see what they go through day to day, says Pavlow. “I think this experience has made me a more well-rounded director of events, and I look forward to applying what I’ve learned to our upcoming shows. I’m happy to be working with the CD Team again and I can’t wait to see everyone in October!”
In addition to the all the work she puts into the organization of our upcoming Show and Retreat, Pavlow will also continue to manage the Affiliate Central directory in the pages of the magazine.
“Jess did such a phenomenal job for us in the past—in many different capacities—so we were elated at the opportunity to bring her back full time,” says CD Publisher Chris Weiss. “She’s already making an impact well beyond the office, as the friendships she’s built and support she has from the industry was evident from the buzz on social media about her return
Joining Pavlow in our events division is recent hire Kathy Suckiel, who will serve as events/billing assistant. While new to the luxury ground transportation industry, she has an extensive background in meeting planning, association management, and non-profit work—all of which make her an instant asset in the planning of our upcoming events.
“I’m happy to be working with Chauffeur Driven,” says Suckiel. “And I’m looking forward to meeting the many representatives of the industry in October at the show.”
Pavlow can be reached jess@chauffeurdriven.com or 856.452.0323. Visit chauffeurdrivenshow.com for more information and updates on the 2018-19 events.
[CD0818]
- Details
- Category: Industry News
Founder & President of Create-A-Card and Managing Director of Driving Results Arthur Messina Charlotte, N.C. — Industry mainstay Arthur Messina, founder & president of Create-A-Card and managing director of Driving Results, has announced the relocation of his two companies. The native New Yorker recently moved to Charlotte with his wife/partner Kathy, and will house the office of the Driving Results global operator peer groups in his new hometown.
Meanwhile, Create-A-Card has just moved into a larger office in Smithtown, N.Y. Messina and his wife will telecommute with the office, while their son Drew Messina has been promoted to director of operations and will oversee the activities in-house.
Vice President of Create-A-Card Kathy Messina “I’m excited to have Drew running the office,” says Arthur. “He’s been with the company part-time for several years, but has been learning the ropes full-time since the beginning of the year. Kathy and I are still very hands on with day-to-day operations, so it’s business as usual.”
Driving Results’ new base of operations not only gives Messina and his wife a break from the hustle—and brutal winters—of New York, but also offers him a quicker route to the airport and travel in general.
“Moving to Charlotte gives us easier access to be on the road and see operators around the country,” explains Arthur. “We are centrally located, which is great for flying out to the Driving Results meetings. Even better, now we have a 20-minute door-to-terminal commute to the Charlotte airport, as opposed to the 90-minute drive we had in New York. You can’t buy back time, and this will improve our work-life balance, allowing us to work smarter, not harder.”
Director of Operations of Create-A-Card Drew Messina Although the move was a bit of a culture shock for the long-time Long Island resident—finding good bagels and New York-style pizza required a bit of effort—they are moved by the reception they are receiving by operators and clients in North Carolina.
“Our clients and friends in the Charlotte area have welcomed us with open arms, and I feel that we now have family in this area,” he says. “I always talk about our ‘limo family,’ but it’s really true.”
Visit createacardinc.com or drivingresults.org for more information.
[CD0818]