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On Tuesday, July 30, the New England Livery Association (NELA) held a networking event at the Topgolf in Canton, Mass., that attracted operators from across the region. The association occupied the third floor of the facility where friends old and new had dinner, discussed the industry, and swung a few clubs. This was the first time the NELA chose to host a networking event at such a venue.
“Unlike our usual quarterly meetings, which feel like an extension of work, this was just more informal and more fun,” said NELA Treasurer Terry Murtaugh of United Private Car.
The event was the brainchild of NELA President (and current NLA President) Brett Barenholtz of Above All Transportation/Boston Car, while the plan was executed by Committee Members Alicia Hayes of American Classic Limousine, Brittni Kirk of All Points Limousine, NELA Past President Larry White of Above All/Maine Limousine, Keith Ali of Dav El/BostonCoach, Tina Benson of L.A. Limousine, and Jim King of Waverley Insurance.
In addition to several golf bays set up with conversational seating and a driving platform, the event’s layout included a dining room right next to the golf area, where dinner was served. NELA Executive Director Rick Szilagyi of Lexian Management introduced the new Board of Directors, and Barenholtz thanked event sponsors before giving brief NELA and NLA updates.
The 2025 NELA Board of Directors:
- President: Brett Barenholtz of Above All Transportation/Boston Car
- Vice President: Tina Benson of L.A. Limousine
- Treasurer: Terry Murtaugh of United Private Car
- Secretary: Brittni Kirk of All Points Limousine
- Past President: Larry White of Above All Transportation/Maine Limousine Service
- Executive Director: Rick Szilagyi of Lexian Management
- Operator Directors: Keith Ali of Dav El/BostonCoach, Alicia Hayes of American Classic Limousine, Andrew Tighe of RMA Worldwide, Charles Wisniewski of Teddy’s Transportation, Pat Enxing of Pat’s Car Service, Katya Portnaya of Boston Carriage, and Denis Sema of Prestige Livery
- Vendor Directors: Steve Crispo of Research Underwriters, Jim King of Waverly Insurance, and Jay Pearson of eBizCharge
- Advisory Directors: Richard Tessier of Great Bay Limousine, Tami Saccoccio of Commonwealth Worldwide, Chris Weiss of Chauffeur Driven, and Anthony Renzi of Drive The People
The event’s Gold Sponsors were Above All Transportation, Grech Motors, Maine Limousine Service, and the Silver Sponsors were Complete Fleet, Freedom Assets, My Limousine Service, Park Avenue Limousine, and Pat’s Car Service. Waverley Insurance provided one of the raffle prizes, two Red Sox tickets.
To follow up the networking event, NELA held a webinar on Tuesday, August 13, to introduce the 2025 Board of Directors to those who couldn’t make the networking event and state their goals for the coming year. Topics discussed included increasing membership as well as expanding successful association events like the annual Golf Fundraiser and Chauffeur Appreciation Day.
Szilagyi stated that the Board of Directors continues to “strive and improve” while they are looking forward to a great 2025. He also informed the online attendees that they are currently updating the NELA website so it can be used as a resource for members and area operators.
Barenholtz then took the time to thank the Board of Directors for stepping up and taking action despite having busy schedules.
Visit nelivery.org for more information.
[08.13.24]
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Industry veteran Umut Aslan, currently a doctorate student at Alliant International University and former chief marketing officer for MIB Transportation, is looking for participants in his research study called The Factors That Contribute to the Success and Growth of Companies in the Limo and Bus Sector.
To participate in this study, operators must have a privately owned transportation company (limo and bus company) established in the United States and have been in business for 10 years or more. Furthermore, the business must have started with one or two vehicles, growing to 10 or more vehicles within 10 years. All the information provided as part of this study is confidential and will not be used for any other purpose outside of this study.
To take part in the study, or learn more about the project, please contact Aslan at uaslan@alliant.edu or call 619.723.8104.
[08.13.24]
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- Category: Industry News
Douglas “Doug” Donalson, a longtime pioneer in limousine manufacturing, passed away on Sunday July 28, 2024, after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He was 76.
Doug is best known from his time at Executive Coach Builders, where he led the company’s production team during the heyday of limousine manufacturing. He joined Executive when it was first launched in 1977, an event that is credited with making Springfield, Missouri, a hub of limousine manufacturing. After working for some other coachbuilders over the years, he returned to Executive in the 1990s when the company was purchased by current owner David Bakare, ultimately spending more than 40 years in the limousine manufacturing sector. He was well known and respected in the industry and received several awards and recognition for his contributions.
Born in Texas in 1947, Doug was a military brat who moved several times during his childhood due to his father’s career as an Air Force pilot. He later enlisted in the Air Force himself, serving one year in Vietnam during his 6-year career.
The self-professed tinkerer didn’t limit his talents to limousines—although his accomplishments were many, including his groundbreaking “wide body” limousine design that helped to put Executive on the map. His family says besides being a longtime motorcycle enthusiast, his real passion was cars. His life’s work and hobbies evolved around building, customizing, designing, and owning countless vehicles that ranged from dune buggies to limousines.
According to his family, Doug also liked doing home improvements for his own home as well as those of his loved ones, and he was also a talented woodworker.
Doug is survived by his wife, Lynn; his son Ryan, wife Beth, and grandsons Brody and Jude; his daughter Becky Worthy, husband Nathan, and granddaughter Sydney and her husband Ian, and grandson Riley; his brother Sterling and his wife Marsha, nephew Drew and niece Jocelyn and their families.
He was laid to rest on August 5 in Springfield.
In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to South Gate Baptist Church, of which he was a charter member.
Chauffeur Driven extends our heartfelt condolences to the Donalson family as well as his loved ones, friends, and colleagues.
[08.06.24]