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Rockville, Md. — The Taxicab, Limousine & Paratransit Association (TLPA) will host its Spring Conference & Expo in Palm Springs, Calif., from April 25-28. The event will coincide with the annual meeting of the Taxicab Paratransit Association of California (TPAC), which is held in the same location.
TLPA CEO Alfred LaGasse
“We are thrilled to join forces at this conference with our colleagues from TPAC,” says Alfred LaGasse, TLPA CEO. “Our agendas align on so many pressing issues of our time, and this sort of ‘big tent’ gathering is extremely valuable as we move our fleets forward through all of the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.”
The Spring Conference is TLPA's first meeting of 2017—it’s 100th year in operation—and provides many innovative educational programs and networking opportunities. Its Expo will feature tabletop and floor exhibits from the industry's leading vendors, showcasing the newest products and services designed to help members grow their businesses. TLPA’s committees and board will also carry out the association’s agenda at meetings held during the conference.
To register for the event, visit tlpa.org/Spring-Conference.
Visit tlpa.org or tpac-ca.org for more information.
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L to R: Troy Snyder from Berkshire Coach, Mike Curtin and Kevin King from Don Brown Bus Sales, and chauffeur with a Berkshire 28-passenger coach Saugus, Mass. — The Kowloon restaurant was once again host to the New England Livery Association (NELA) general membership meeting on February 28. More than 70 members, vendors, and guests were in attendance for the evening event.
Meeting sponsor Don Brown Bus Sales was on hand at Kowloon with a 28-foot Berkshire coach. Dealer representatives Mike Curtin and Kevin King were joined by Berkshire’s Troy Snyder to demo the vehicle.
After a cocktail hour sponsored by Royale in Haverhill, Mass., the meeting was turned over to Emily Nelson and Andrew Eisenberger, two attorneys from the labor and employment firm of Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete. Their presentation dealt with the recent marijuana legalization in Massachusetts, and how it may affect the chauffeured ground transportation industry. In addition to discussing pot’s potential impact on employer/employee relationship, the councilors also provided legal perspectives on clients who want to smoke in a vehicle.
Tom Quill (left) and Steve Edelmann from Royale Next, NELA Executive Director Rick Szilagyi of Lexian Management gave a brief update on some upcoming events, including impending legislation in Connecticut to establish regulations on the TNCs. Szilagyi and other NELA members testified in Hartford before the state Insurance and Real Estate Committee two days after the meeting. While word has trickled out that Governor Dannel Malloy is largely in favor of the TNCs, there were a number of representatives and senators on the panel who were sensitive to the safety and level-playing field issues that our industry is campaigning for.
L to R: John Lane from Dav El/Boston Coach, NELA Executive Director Rick Szilagyi, and Laurie Cantwell from MV-1 The evening concluded with raffles sponsored by Convenient MD of New Hampshire, which provides medical transportation and services around the state. Steve Edelmann of Royale donated five high-quality Patriots championship hats that were given away, and the evening’s 50/50 cash prize was won by Jeff Brodsly of Chosen Payments, who donated the money back to the association.
Upcoming events for NELA include its annual Chauffeur Appreciation Day on June 8 and next general membership meeting June 13.
Visit nelivery.org for more information.
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HALCA President Ismail Abed of LaBresse Limousines
Houston — After enjoying a surge in business and smiles all around post-Super Bowl, Houston Area Livery & Charter Association (HALCA) started the year with a meeting February 21 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Newly elected President Ismail Abed of LaBresse Limousines presided over the meeting.
A major topic of conversation was the association’s goal to increase membership this year. “We hope to build a stronger voice for our association,” said Abed. “We’ll be reaching out to other major cities in Texas in order to work together and help each other with common issues and problems. We hope to build a network among these operators.”
Abed started with HALCA in 1988 and has seen the membership increase to its now-present 75 operators. To help foster new growth, the association offered small educational meetings as well as Q&A sessions last year. Guests were invited to attend the open meetings throughout the year, and this also helped to increase interest in membership.
Another agenda item was the recent WAV deadline on January 12. After some tough questions and back and forth with City of Houston, the board was able to offer clarification for the membership. “We went through the turmoil of confusing information about requirements, approved vehicles, and the prices these approved companies could charge,” reported board member Jon Ouazdi of TransGates Limousine. The WAV-approved companies are currently noted on the HALCA’s website.
Local operators are now gearing up for rodeo season in Houston and will have their next meeting later in the spring.
Visit the houstonlimos.info for more information.
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