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With the Kentucky State Fair scheduled for August 18-28, plans for the 10-day Louisville event dominated the conversation, as the KLA is once again hosting a booth there—complete with a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter limobus and Lincoln sedan on loan from member R & R Limousine’s fleet to display for the fair’s duration, exemplifying both their retail and corporate sides.
Careful consideration was made regarding who can take metal off the road for two weeks and what vehicles are historically the biggest draws, with members noting that the fair is often an invaluable chance to let the riding public know that luxury ground transportation offers much more than just stretch limousines. And, as members shared grievances about their services constantly being confused with TNCs, those in attendance agreed that it’s also an important opportunity to discuss how their industry and its standards differ from the likes of so-called technology companies.
The association’s online presence was also discussed, as President Kent Sparks of Lake Cumberland Limousine both updated members and asked for their input about KLA’s under-construction website, and First Vice President BJ Burton put out the call for photos to add to its Facebook page.
Sparks updated those in attendance about the NLA Association Presidents’ call he had recently participated in, giving rise to conversations about the national association’s mandatory assessment fee, membership benefits, and how NLA members in good standing are invited to also become members of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, reap the benefits of discounts from affiliated chamber resources, and participate in small-business programs.
The ongoing TNC issue was, of course, also addressed, though it largely focused on their operations at both the Louisville and Lexington airports, as well as members’ firsthand accounts of Uber and Lyft driver experiences—especially those who know former TNC drivers who used to undercut the services by building up a passenger base so they could eventually fly solo and under the regulatory radar. Sparks also shared some silver-linings insight he’d gleaned from Scott Solombrino of Dav El/BostonCoach about TNC drivers, saying that their on-the-road training with ridesharing companies has been inadvertently providing the livery industry with better-trained chauffeurs.
Maccar then spoke to the group about the industry’s national goings-on and elaborated on a few discussions from earlier in the meeting. She also shared with members how Chauffeur Driven’s magazine, enews, and events aim to bring valuable information to the industry while also depending on it for guidance in the coverage it offers, issues it covers, and events it hosts. At the end of the meeting, Tom Burton of Your Chariots for Hire won the raffle that earned him a pass to the 2016 CD Show in Washington, D.C., this October 9-12.
The next KLA meeting will be October 11.
Visit kylimo.org for more information.
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The honorees were recognized by Celtics Co-Owner Bob Epstein, Boston Celtics forward Kelly Olynyk, Boston Celtics Assistant Coach Walter McCarty, Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Charlie Baker, and Treasurer of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Deborah Goldberg before a group of more than 150 invited guests. Celtics public address announcer Eddie Palladino was the emcee for the ceremony.
“I am honored to be here today to help celebrate the achievements of the 2015-16 Heroes Among Us,” said Epstein. “Each hero inspires us to continue improving the lives of others and our communities.”
“Through their collective commitment, perseverance and selflessness, these outstanding citizens of the Commonwealth are an inspiration to us all,” said Goldberg. “It is an honor to join in celebrating these true heroes who make our community a better place.”
More than 40 heroes, each of whom was celebrated at a Celtics home game during the season, were recognized individually before being called to the stage to receive congratulations from Epstein, Olynyk, McCarty, Baker, and Goldberg.
“Our fans always cheer for the team, but the loudest cheer of the night is always for the hero that is being recognized,” said Olynyk. “It is an honor to be here to help celebrate them.”
Also recognized at the event was Jerry Robbins, the owner of Weldon Worldwide Services of Auburndale, Mass., who regularly donates car service to the charity.
"With 18,000 fans in the building on game nights, our hope is to inspire many of them to serve others as a result of the Hero's story,” said Celtics Sr. Director of Community Engagement Dave Hoffman. “About 10 years ago, one of those inspired was Jerry Robbins. Jerry called the morning after a game and insisted on donating car service to every hero from then on. Since that day, Jerry and his company, Weldon Worldwide, has logged tens of thousands of miles getting award winners to and from each game. They have been so generous to us, our program and nominees. We are so grateful of our partners; the Massachusetts Lottery, Comcast SportNet, 98.5 the Sports Hub, our award winners and of course Weldon Worldwide in their commitment to this movement."
The Heroes Among Us program, created by the Celtics prior to the 1997-98 season, is sponsored by the Massachusetts State Lottery and supported by Comcast SportsNet New England , and 98.5 The SportsHub.
Visit celtics.com for more information.
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Early in the meeting, President Cliff Wright of Royal Coach and Limousine announced that the association is planning to help Chauffeur Driven promote its 2017 Show in Orlando, expressing excitement that the annual trade show will be returning to Florida before introducing both Jagiela and Vision of Flight President and CEO Mike McKenzie as the evening’s special guests.
As social media ups its claim on the marketing realm, associations’ overall digital presences are undergoing massive overhauls—including GOLA’s. Its website has been redesigned and relaunched recently to increase its consumer appeal and will be receiving the same attention the association’s Facebook page will, too.
Members discussed the Pulse nightclub tragedy and their involvement in the aftermath. In the wake of the June shooting, many GOLA members were quick to provide transportation services for the impacted families at no charge, expressing their desire to help in the way most immediately available to them.
McKenzie, who’s also a past GOLA president, offered his assistance in helping to fine-tune the association’s vision of the future. He also provided an overview of his new company, which aims to introduce students to aviation/aerospace opportunities and careers through an interactive program.
Lew Robbins of Advantage Funding, GOLA’s vendor member of the month, spoke about what kind of services his company offers to the industry and discussed the importance of thinking about and planning for foreseeable future purchases in advance. He also stressed the importance of turning to financing companies earlier in the buying process, as they can help get all of the necessary paperwork in order well ahead of time.
The monthly vendor highlights are an opportunity to demonstrate their importance to the association membership and the role they play in the industry. Cassie Tom from Nations Bus Sales will be next month’s feature vendor partner.
Jagiela then addressed the crowd, echoing the importance of operators and vendors unifying in order to strengthen the national industry, which he also commented on in regard to his opportunities to visit with operators and associations throughout the country. He encouraged members to continue participating on the playing field rather than sitting idly by on the sidelines before detailing upcoming Chauffeur Driven events and the benefits they offer. He then raffled off a pass to the 2016 CD Show in Washington, D.C., which was won by Tommy Wright of Royal Coach and Limousine.
The next GOLA meeting will be held September 13.
Visit the newly redesigned getaroundorlando.com for more information.
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