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On Thursday, December 5, Avant Garde Limousines, Coach & Transportation, based in Indianapolis, attended the 28th annual Make-A-Wish Request-A-Thon hosted by 99.5 WZPL and Dave Smiley with The Smiley Morning Show. During this time Avant Garde President Denny Leinhos along with 11 other employees volunteered their time for 2 hours to help answer phones where callers would donate money and then request a song to help 250 kids in Indiana with critical illnesses. Leinhos and HR Manager Katie Jones also spoke on air over the radio to talk about the cause and the different trips Avant Garde has helped be a part of. This event went for 36 hours and was run by nothing but volunteers. In the end, $875,989 was raised which solely goes towards supporting the Make-A-Wish mission, which is based on the belief that a wish can be an integral part of a child’s treatment, and can help them build the strength to fight their illness.
This is the sixth year that Avant Garde has partnered with Make-A-Wish in providing transportation for all Wish participants from rides to and from the airport for Disney World, to shopping sprees, wanting to be the Colts mascot Blue for the day, and the most recent event which was transporting 27 kids over 3 days to see Taylor Swift. So far Avant Garde has helped transport over 300 Wish participants and that number continues to increase. The average cost to fulfill a wish is $10,000 per child, and in the past Avant Garde has donated $4,000. However, this year Make-A-Wish was presented with a check for $10,000, which will help fulfill one full wish for a child. Along with the donation Avant Garde will also help support and sponsor the family that ends up being chosen to receive the Wish.
Visit avantgardelimos.com for more information.
[12.17.24]
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The National Limousine Association (NLA) has announced its priorities for 2025 following a strategic planning meeting with the Board of Directors in Phoenix last week.
“The insights and expertise shared during this meeting will be the foundation for an impactful year ahead,” said NLA President Brett Barenholtz of Above All/Maine Limousine. “We are united in our mission to protect and promote the interests of our members while driving innovation and sustainability in the luxury transportation sector.”
The meeting aimed to chart a bold course for the luxury ground transportation industry in 2025, establishing the following areas of focus:
- Tackling the Insurance Crisis: By partnering with leading insurance associations, the NLA aims to create a dedicated risk category for luxury ground transportation, distinguishing it from ride-hailing and taxi services to address the insurance crisis among operators.
- Implementing New Sustainability Initiatives: The NLA reaffirms its commitment to environmental leadership by supporting carbon offset programs and incentivizing the adoption of electric vehicles among members. Plans are underway to launch an NLA Green Certification Program in 2025.
- Co-Hosting the Industry's Largest Trade Show: Next year’s flagship Chauffeur Driven/NLA Show—scheduled for Feb. 23-26 at the Paris Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas—will feature innovative exhibits, engaging seminars and unparalleled opportunities to connect with peers and leaders in the luxury transportation sector.
- Commemorating the 40th Anniversary: Celebrations for the upcoming 40th anniversary of the NLA will include a major event at the annual convention, a commemorative publication and a digital campaign highlighting the association’s history and accomplishments.
- Expanding Advertising Initiatives: Building on the success of its 2024 campaign, the NLA will expand its efforts to educate the public about the unmatched safety, reliability, and luxury offered by its members.
“We are at a transformative moment in the industry,” said NLA Treasurer Rick Versace of A1A Global Ground. “This meeting wasn’t just about solving today’s problems—it was about envisioning what the future of luxury ground transportation should look like and taking bold steps to get there.”
As the NLA approaches its 40th year, its leadership remains steadfast in its commitment to advocating for the industry and equipping its members with the tools to thrive in an evolving marketplace.
In other news, the NLA is now accepting applications for the 2025 Vegas Show Scholarship Program, which provides operators the opportunity to attend the CD/NLA Show in Vegas for the first time.
The scholarship includes:
- One (1) Full Show Pass to the CD/NLA Show in Las Vegas ($549)
- Three (3) paid nights at host hotel, Paris Las Vegas ($600)
- One (1) year NLA membership if scholarship winner is not currently an NLA member ($395+)
- Networking and education to grow your business (Priceless!)
“Like so many operators, I remember how overwhelming and intimidating my first show was,” says Barenholtz. “By providing guidance and support to first-time show attendees and new NLA members, we can hopefully set them up for success, help their businesses grow, and make them show attendees for life!
To be considered for the scholarship, applicants must own a chauffeured transportation company that has at least one (1) vehicle, have the required local/state/federal licensing and proper insurance, work chauffeured transportation as your primary business, have never attended an NLA event or Chauffeur Driven Show in any capacity previously, and have not previously been awarded a Scholarship by the NLA. Furthermore, recipients MUST participate on the Scholarship Orientation Conference Call (to be held prior to the show) and attend the various sessions and events at the CD/NLA Show. For full requirements, please consult the application. In addition, the recipient must provide a written report on the experience after the show.
The application deadline is Wednesday, January 8th.
Visit limo.org for more information.
[12.16.24]
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On December 10, the Virginia Limousine Association (VLA) held their annual holiday party at Ristorante Renato in historic Fredericksburg, Va. Twenty-five operators from throughout the state and Maryland enjoyed a three-course meal and open bar while networking.
“This was a terrific meeting. It was great to see so many people come out,” says VLA President William Kerr of Camryn Executive Transportation.
Prior to dinner, Kerr addressed the group, taking a few minutes to recap the association’s year of success. Notable events included the joint meeting held with the Maryland Limousine Association at the Fall CD/NLA Show, the summer VLA fishing excursion, as well as a grant received from the National Limousine Association.
“We had an excellent year,” says Kerr. “As a result, we’re looking to expand our meetings from quarterly to bimonthly. We definitely want to have more of a presence in Northern Virginia too, since that’s where so much work is done.”
Visit virginialimousineassociation.org for more information.
[12.16.24]