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Newark, N.J. — It was three times the cheer on Monday, December 9, at Fernandes Steak House for the first joint holiday party of the Limousine Association of New Jersey (LANJ), the Philadelphia Regional Limousine Association (PRLA), and the Long Island Transportation Association (LITA). Ninety members, vendors, and guests attended the festivities, including CD Business Development Manager Jeff Rafkin and Editor Rob Smentek. Special thanks to sponsors Chosen Payments, Complete Fleet Livery Sales, Lakeview Custom Coach, and Nielsen Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram for making the evening possible.
“Any way to bring our industry together is a no brainer in my mind,” says PRLA President Johnny Donohoe of Sterling Limousine. “LANJ President Jason Sharenow had reached out to gauge any interest level from the PRLA and without hesitation I had said that we would absolutely jump up at the opportunity.”
Though the weather was cold and a steady rainstorm pounded the Garden State, attendees, who came from as far as Virginia, were in the holiday spirit during the cocktail and networking reception that started the evening. After the members of the three associations got to mingle and meet some new faces, they were encouraged to take their seats at the dinner tables.
Sharenow of Broadway Elite Worldwide served as the de facto MC for the night, and thanked everyone for attending the party. He discussed the importance of the work that associations do for the industry, and expressed his gratitude for the time volunteered by the various board members. Event co-sponsor Barry Trabb of Complete Fleet Livery Sales then took the mic and thanked everyone for coming and participating in their associations. Next, the floor was briefly given to Smentek, who reinforced CD’s ongoing support for state associations before raffling a pass to the 2020 CD/NLA Show in Las Vegas. The pass was won by Nancy Vargas of DH2 Transportation, who also serves as secretary for LITA.
"I want to thank Jason Sharenow and the sponsors for organizing a lovely holiday party,” says Vargas. “It was great to connect with local operators as well as welcome those affiliates that travelled to be with us. There was a great energy among fellow affiliates and I walked away happy to win the show pass.”
The dinner service proved to be a unique and belly-filling experience for everyone. Rodizio servers deftly wandered from table to table, slicing of choice cuts of beef, poultry, and pork from roaster skewers. Decadent entrees like bacon-wrapped turkey followed choice cuts of steak. Moreover, a massive appetizer, salad, and dessert bar were included on the menu—not to mention homemade sangria.
“The food just kept showing up, and I tossed my napkin in after one plate,” says PRLA Secretary Tracy Salinger of Unique Limousine. “The variety was almost overwhelming, and everyone had the opportunity to enjoy whatever they liked. One of the things I love most about industry holiday parties is that they have a festive, holiday atmosphere where everyone is happy and ‘in the spirit.’ For me, there were many familiar faces as well as some new ones. I made sure to introduce myself quickly to my new friends.”
Visit lanj.org, prlainc.com, or longislandta.com for more information.
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Orlando, Fla. —More than 50 members, friends, and supporters of the Greater Orlando Limousine Association (GOLA) came together in a festively decked-out Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa December 10, and warmly welcomed CD Editor Madeleine Maccar to the year-end celebration.
The seasonal social event allowed regional operators to come together for a night of friendly company, plenty of food and drinks, and a raffle that ensured every attendee left with a present. As the night rolled on, the energy filing the event space rose to meet the holiday music and year-round staples that set a merry mood as each packed table added to the buzz of animated chatter.
Once dinner was finished, GOLA President Cliff Wright of Royal Coach Transportation Group took to the mic to thank everyone for their support of the association and dedication to the industry, and spoke a little bit about the differences many in the room have made with the experience and knowledge they bring to the association. He also highlighted the association’s members of the month, Glenn Cook of NONA Transportation and Debbie Madiedo of Professional Insurance Center, and shared some of the ways they’ve given back to GOLA, especially in terms of Cook’s “wisdom in helping us better understand the future of autonomous cars.”
Everyone had a chance to introduce themselves before the evening’s raffles began, and Maccar spoke about the benefits that the rapidly approaching February 23-26 CD/NLA Las Vegas Show has in store for operators of all sizes, as well as how the 2020 CD/NLA Trade Show & Conference will be right in many attendees’ backyard when it returns to the Gaylord Palms in October. The raffle then led off with a pass to the Vegas Show, which was won by Madiedo. The raffle continued as party-goers won and array of gizmos, gadgets, and goodies until no one was empty-handed.
The nearly four-hour event concluded with Wright once again addressing the night’s guests to thank them for a successful 2019 and well-wishings to make “2020 a successful year for everyone” as he thanked and toasted the packed room.
GOLA’s 2020 schedule will remain the second Tuesday of the month, with its next meeting slated for January 14.
Visit getaroundorlando.com for more information.
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Everett, Mass. — DPV Transportation has announced that they have expanded their operation by opening a branch in New York City. Founded in 2006, DPV has grown from a single van to a 75-vehicle operation with offices in four states.
“As a global capital of business, there is a lot of opportunity to tap into in this market,” says DPV President Daniel Perez. “I am very excited to have our vehicles in New York City.”
Perez is looking forward to bringing his extensive experience in shuttle and bus work to the Big Apple. He started DPV while a freshman in college. A professor took notice of the large passenger van Perez drove around the school and suggested he transport the college’s athletic teams. Eventually, he received referrals for other teams, and eventually entered the corporate transport world. To combat the growing surge of TNCs in its space, DPV moved into the shuttle bus sphere, concentrating heavily on corporate events, employee shuttle services, and bus charters.
DPV’s New York office has 24 employees with a fleet 14 of luxury Sprinter vans and executive minicoaches.
“In 2020, we’re looking to continue our growth,” says Perez. “We’re looking to expand in new strategic markets while providing our clients with world-class service.”
Visit dpvtransportation.com for more information.
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