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“Take a look at Hwy 98 these days,” said John Finch, CEO of Sunshine Shuttle & Limousine. “Hurricane Michael brought hundreds of contractors commuting back and forth to Panama City everyday. You think traffic is bad now? This will be the new normal if we don’t get our priorities straight. We see this every summer, and there are no signs of it letting up.”
Finch hopes to bring BYD’s technology and vehicles to Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, and Bay Counties.
“I invite all business and government leaders to come see this new vehicle and get a glimpse of NW Florida’s future,” added Finch. “Think of the savings to the state in fuel costs. This is not a pipe dream. Our partner, BYD, is the global leader in battery-electric passenger vehicles, with more than 35,000 buses in service across 200 cities, 50 countries, and six continents.”
In a press release touting California’s new Lancaster plant, Stella Li, president of BYD, said, “We’re proud of our BYD North America team, working every day to produce quality electric transportation that will provide a cleaner environment around the nation. Our model proves that going green can be good for the economy, good for workers, and good for America.”
Added Finch, “The time is right to get moving on this concept. The crowds keep coming and we’re doing nothing about it. The reality is, if we don’t adapt soon, other destinations will, and NW Florida will become like the old Yogi Berra joke, ‘Nobody goes there anymore. It’s too crowded’.”
Visit sunshineshuttle.com for more information.
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People tried to crash a car. They partied at a mansion overlooking Sin City. They played golf just off the city’s world-famous Strip. They signed business deals, made new friends, soaked up knowledge in educational sessions, and forged new partnerships.
The Taxicab, Limousine & Paratransit Foundation Golf Tournament, sponsored by Atlas Financial Holdings, Inc. kicked off the convention at the Bali Hai Golf Club Saturday morning. Golfers hit the links on the beautiful 18-hole course, a tropical oasis just off the Vegas strip.
Dueling Pianos entertained hundreds of top transportation executives from around the world at the convention’s Kick-Off Party. The performing pair provided the perfect ambiance of recognizable musical covers as attendees caught up over hors d’oeuvres and an open bar from, the latter of which was sponsored by The Black Car Fund.
Sunday morning got underway with a delicious aroma of breakfast. Then, during three sets of concurrent Learning Labs, transportation experts delved into the latest industry topics, including innovative technologies, market trends, and workforce and driver management—all while a hot breakfast was served in each meeting room.
Ford Motor Company let attendees get behind the wheel of a vehicle with automatic braking capabilities designed to prevent collisions, which was part of a hands-on driving exhibition featuring Ford’s All-New Taxi vehicle line-up.
The Transportation Solutions MarketPlace was buzzing! Dozens of exhibitors packed the exhibition floor to showcase their products and services. The Grand Opening Party came complete with an open bar and Ford Motor Company-sponsored hors d’oeuvres.
Convention attendees were invited to the Monster Mansion overlooking Las Vegas. The evening had live music, food and drinks, as well as a collection of high-end cars available for viewing and cameos by a few celebrities.
The convention hosted three in-demand speakers from outside of the industry to share their strategic insights and best practices. They included Dennis Snow, a 20-year veteran from Walt Disney, Chris Jones, co-founder of Canalys, and Scott McKain, author of Create Distinction.
TLPA’s centennial convention concluded with a silent auction and reception, the perfect event to cap a packed-to-the-brim convention program.
Check back with the December 2018 issue of Chauffeur Driven for an in-depth look and tons of photos from this centennial event.
TLPA’s 2019 convention will return to Las Vegas from October 16-18.
Visit tlpa.org for more information.
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Clemente has been a long-time active BCAC member, as well as having previously served as BCAC president. Her industry experiences and new approach to management make her perfectly poised to bring the BCAC to new heights during such tumultuous times.
Set on bringing in new members, Clemente has made it clear that she understands the complex tasks which lie ahead of us, and the value in recruiting new voices with unique experiences, and therefore, unique and valuable insight.
Outgoing BCAC President Berj Haroutunian issued the following statement:
“It’s been one of the greatest pleasures of my career to have served as president of the BCAC. During my tenure as president, I’m proud to have taken part in efforts that have greatly benefited our industry, and the thousands and thousands of drivers who keep clients moving, day and night, and deserve the fairest of treatment.
As I pass the gavel to the BCAC’s next president and a long-time personal friend of mine, Diana Clemente, I do so with a profound sense of not just confidence, but excitement to see the revolutionary new heights she will bring this association to. Her vast experience within the industry, as well as her true and overwhelming desire to better the lives of the drivers of this industry are just two reasons she is a phenomenal choice.
As the industry landscape continues to change rapidly, and the challenges we face grow increasingly complex and frequent, it is of the utmost importance that the Industry come together and actively participate in protective efforts; with a refreshed approach to management of the BCAC, Diana Clemente may very well be the right person to accomplish this task.”
In a letter to members, Clemente expressed her feelings on the industry and discussed the values she brings with her into the new term:
“I could not possibly feel more honored to be returning as president of the Black Car Assistance Corporation, and especially at such a crucial time. I also cannot express how grateful I am to Berj Haroutunian for his leadership over the past few years; it was a difficult road, and I know how hard he worked, as well as how much of himself he sacrificed in order to serve. As I take on the title of BCAC president once again, I assure everyone that I will tirelessly and diligently continue on with the mission of the BCAC—ensuring the fair treatment of our industry.
We all know just too well how vastly our industry has changed, just in the past few years. We also all know that moving forward, the issues we are set to face will prove to be far more complex and will carry even higher stakes than ever before. Now more than ever, it is imperative we not forget what sets our industry apart from the rest of the sector offerings back in the very beginning—and I’m talking back in the old days; quality and customer service. As we deal with the societal shift towards instant gratification and convenience as a necessity, it is the traits unique to our industry that will prove to set us apart once again.
I know at times, it can be difficult to hold on to hope with the current state of our industry. While that may be, I implore you all to make a serious effort to approach each coming day and each coming issue we face with optimism and positivity. I feel there is no need to remind anyone reading this just how many drivers—members of our communities, mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters, depend on the direction we provide and course that we set, for their very paycheck—for there to be food on their table. I enter into this responsibility fully aware of this awesome responsibility, and as such, I commit to executing my position with the utmost professionalism, honesty and pride, as any less would be a disgrace.”
Visit nybcac.org for more information.
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