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The evening kicked off with a cocktail hour where the association’s guests were treated to an array of small bites, an expertly tended bar, entertainment provided by DJ Greg “Gates” Plowman of Entertainment Concepts, and plenty of opportunities for catching up with old friends and meeting new ones. Dinner then allowed for the evening’s sponsors to have a few words while representatives from both NELA and the National Limousine Association (NLA) provided updates about their organizations.
NELA’s golf committee presented a $4,000 check to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, one of the beneficiaries of the annual George Colarullo Memorial Golf Tournament held this past August. Pam Simms Spitzer and Karen Kelly accepted the check on behalf of the foundation.
Scott Solombrino of Dav El/BostonCoach spoke on behalf of the NLA after reminded all in attendance how fortunate NELA is to have Rick Szilagyi at the helm of the award-winning organization. Solombrino then discussed the upcoming IPOs for both Uber and Lyft, noting that it should be good for the industry as a whole since it will bring increased public accountability to TNCs. He also mentioned the new rule in New York City that imposes a minimum wage on TNC drivers, as well an issue currently unfolding in Los Angeles. Uber and Lyft are trying to “buy” curb space at the Los Angeles International Airport while pushing all other modes of transportation to a lot that would only be accessed via shuttle or tram for both pickups and drop-offs.
NELA President Jason Dornhoffer of United Private Car spoke on behalf of NELA, reminding attendees that not only does the association still have open seats on its board of directors but also volunteers are also invited to assist with committee work even if they do not wish to have a seat on the board. He also spoke about the importance of the Legislative Fund for Massachusetts, as last year’s removal of 8,000 TNC drivers was a direct result of its efforts. The fund works on behalf of all operators to sway public opinion and legislative agendas alike in the industry’s direction—but only a handful of larger operators are contributing to it.
Becky Laramee of All Points Limousine also advised members that there is a Federal Excise Tax credit available if you drive students or employees of schools or universities. Laramee said the info is in IRS Publication 510.
The meeting then moved onto raffling off the evening’s many prizes, which included a 50/50, gift cards, holiday baskets, lottery tickets, and books. Chauffeur Driven donated a pass to its 2019 Executive Retreat in Austin from May 5-8, which was won by Brion Svenson of Four Star Limousine.
NELA’s next meeting will be March 12.
Visit nelivery.org for more information.
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The holiday event was the debut of the newly elected 2019 board, the members of which led a special presentation to recognize longtime fellow board member Al Castagna of Quick Transportation for his many years of service to GOLA.
"Al has been a GOLA member since 2004, and served on the board for five years as secretary, as well as the treasurer for the past four years,” said Wright. “We honored him for his outstanding leadership service and dedication to the association.”
Wright added that everyone went home with a gift, which ranged from sweets to big-ticket tech items, including a 55-inch SmartTV.
As GOLA looks ahead to the future, its goal for 2019 is to increase its ranks and educate members on local and national issues.
Its next meeting will be January 8.
Visit getaroundorlando.com for more information.
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The first proposed financial transparency and protection rules which would mandate a minimum pay rate for app-based/High-Volume For-Hire Service (HVFHS) drivers—or just over $17 per hour after expenses. Second were the proposed rules on HVFHS base licensing regulations; however, until just a few days before the meeting date, another topic that was set to be voted on—the proposed congestion pricing rules—were omitted from the agenda.
The TLC Board of Commissioners declined to vote on the proposed congestion pricing rules for a few reasons. Commissioner Meera Joshi made a statement about why the Board declined to vote, as they are not entirely convinced that this is the most comprehensive policy to have put in place to address the congestion issue.
The reason being, according to the Commissioner, is because of the unjust imposition of such fee mandates on only the ground transportation industry in New York City, when there are various other industries not only heavily contributing to the city’s congestion issues—primarily in Manhattan's central business district—but also are in no way liable for any congestion pricing surcharges. The Commissioner added that there are so many current unknowns that the only sensible thing for the Agency to do is to postpone any vote.
BCAC also encourages any operator accepting work in New York City that time is running out to ask questions about the looming congestion pricing surcharges that will begin to be implemented January 1, 2019.
Tthere are still some specific situational, yet key, the industry still needs clarification on. BCAC members have been coming forward with various questions related to the congestion pricing surcharge, such as whether or not the surcharge is applied to empty FHVs entering the Manhattan congestion zone (below 96th Street).
The association’s goal is to collect as many specific questions as possible to bring to the appropriate individual in the Governor's Budget office for clarification. Members are encouraged to send an email to jfromberg@nybcac.org to let BCAC know what specific questions you have about the congestion pricing surcharge, when it is to be applied, or anything else.
Visit nybcac.org for more information.
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