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Several members of the GCLA board were among those attending the association’s meeting at the CD Executive Retreat San Diego — The Greater California Livery Association (GCLA) has been taking its meetings on the road to ensure that its more-than-300 members hailing from all over the state are able to attend, and held its San Diego meeting at The Pendry in conjunction with the Chauffeur Driven retreat. Nearly 50 members made the meeting space a packed house on the afternoon of May 8.
The meeting came on the heels of the April 26 announcement that the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) ruled that Uber is both a TNC and a charter party carrier (TPC). This means that the company must pay not only any fees it’s accumulated in the past three years for operating as a TPC but also the remaining back fees from that same three-year period for any TNC permit-holders providing TNC services through the Uber platform separate from Raiser-CA (a subsidiary of Uber that has been assessed CPUC fees). Uber has 30 days from April 26 to register as a TNC and TCP.
Despite this victory, there remain numerous issues for California operators, and the meeting provided an opportunity to both address them and assist others with their own pain points. Chief among those issues is how Uber has recently given Los Angeles International Airport $35M for prime curbside real estate, making it difficult for the industry to operate at the country’s second busiest overall airport. While the much-maligned TNC has been enjoying curbside pickup, traditional operators are relegated to waiting nearly two miles away for their passengers.
GCLA President Mo Garkani of The COTS Group assured members that the National Limousine Association and AFT have joined the fight against this unfair practice, and that he, too, is committed to this battle that arose from LAX’s determination to combat traffic by 50 percent. Garkani explained that the association has at least two airport contacts who are amenable to hearing the GCLA’s proposal appealing for the reinstitution of the curbside pickup for non-Uber vehicles.
Executive Director Tom Garrett assured members that “the GCLA’s never had a stronger financial position,” which bodes well for the battles that the association is facing.
As meeting attendees individually sounded off about their own personal concerns, a few items emerged as dominant frustrations, particularly insurance, worker’s comp, the cost of doing business, drug-testing in a state where marijuana is legalized, and the hiring and training of quality chauffeurs. To that last point, Garkani plans to hold a workshop wherein qualified trainers will offer chauffeur certification.
GCLA Director Perry Barin of Music Express and Past President Kevin Illingworth of Classique Limousines reminded everyone that it’s imperative to keep boosting association membership, as 300 members is disproportionate to the thousands of livery operations in the state. Garkani reminded those in attendance that “an association is stronger than one person and can help make things happen” for those grappling with significant issues.
The next GCLA meeting will be July 31 in Los Angeles.
Visit gcla.org for more information.
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Group Manager Daniel Ramos accepts the 2018 Small Business Achievement Award on behalf of GO Puerto Rico Shuttles on April 17 at an event in Washington, D.C.
Chicago — GO Puerto Rico Shuttles, a member of The GO Group network of ground transportation providers, was one of 16 companies selected by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to receive the 2018 Small Business Achievement Award for its “remarkable work in providing FEMA with services during last year’s hurricanes.” The company received its award at a ceremony held in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, April 17, 2018.
A few days after Hurricane Maria hit, FEMA was seeking a company to provide transportation for their first responders, which was difficult due to power outages, damaged and inaccessible roads, and lack of cell signals. GO Puerto Rico was able to find a signal and immediately responded. The company provided transportation for four months under extreme conditions.
FEMA was impressed by the company’s ability to create logistics for 1000 passengers while roads were blocked, no cell phones to communicate with drivers, and a fuel shortage.
According to a statement provided by DHS, “Owner/operator Mr. Jose Torres continued to offer solutions to lessen costs while meeting, or exceeding, all mission requirements—a truly effective business concern that rose above the post-disaster conflict and delivered sterling performance in aiding the effort to help disaster survivors.”
“The hurricanes left unimaginable devastation. We knew we had the right vehicles, logistical capabilities, and experience to transport help where we could,” says Torres.
“We are extremely proud of owner Jose Torres and his crew for their amazing work under such difficult conditions,” says John McCarthy, president, The GO Group. “We congratulate Jose and his entire team.”
Visit GoAirportShuttle.com for more information.
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Grace President & CEO Mike Campbell (left) and New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu
Manchester, N.H. — When you have exacting standards like Grace Limousine, it can be hard to find top-notch chauffeurs who are up to the task. So when Grace President & CEO Mike Campbell learned that New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu had long been interested chauffeuring, he jumped at the chance to hire him . . . for the day, at least!
Governor Sununu started his single day behind the wheel was a fun way to introduce him to the luxury ground transportation industry. He began his day undergoing driver training with Grace’s Chauffeur Manager Jen Goulet. Fortunately, he was quick learner, as he then drove Campbell and Elliot Health System President & CEO Doug Dean Café in Grace’s iconic Tesla sedan to a business meeting at the Purple Finch.
Governor Chris Sununu chauffeurs Grace Limousine’s Mike Campbell
“In today’s employment economy, finding qualified, professional chauffeurs is one of our greatest challenges as a business,” Campbell says. “Imagine my delight when Governor Sununu arrived on-site for his training! In all seriousness, our time with Governor Sununu as our celebrity driver-for-a-day was the experience of a lifetime! I thoroughly enjoyed our time together, in which we shared a stimulating conversation not just about our industry, but also about the state and the country at large. I’d also like to extend a special thank you to Doug Dean, CEO of Elliot Health System, for being a very brave passenger as the Governor completed his first run.”
Campbell and Grace were honored to have Governor Sununu’s on staff.
Visit gracelimo.com for more information.
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