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The CLA has been holding its general membership meetings at a local college, but President Jason Ramsey of Prestige Worldwide Transportation has been planning to try something new by putting on more of a show.
“We just wanted to do something different than a standard meeting: We wanted to pull out the stops and encourage more participation,” said Ramsey.
The three-hour meeting began with a 30-minute networking session that allowed local operators to connect and form new affiliate partnerships.
A catered lunch immediately followed, during which Stu Williams of Denver International Airport (DIA) made his presentation. With the airport going through major construction, there are many changes happening to the way operators handle airport services; as Williams included diagrams, plans, and timelines in his conversation with meeting attendees, local operators got deeper insights into and more specific details about the multi-year Great Hall Project at DIA. His willingness to answer questions provided an even greater understanding of the changes operators will have to make in training their chauffeurs and educating their clients.
Representing meeting sponsors South Point Risk Advisors and Research Underwriters were Nathan Spears and Robin Friedberg, respectively, who both gave short presentations about what their companies are doing for not only the CLA but also the industry.
The meeting’s highlight was its keynote presentation from National Limousine Association (NLA) President Gary Buffo of Pure Luxury Transportation. Buffo provided a wealth of knowledge for operators, and was willing to speak on the tough issues and answer the hard questions. Additionally, he updated attendees on the current NLA projects and the benefits of NLA membership. His attendance brought out less-active CLA members and non-member attendees alike.
Because of this event, not only did the CLA gain a few new members for the state organization, but also several attendees opted to join the NLA. Colorado operators were introduced to new local affiliates while the CLA hosted its largest meeting in more than a year.
The next CLA event will be its general membership meeting November 20.
Visit cololimo.org
for more information.
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A full ground transportation provider, Dean Trailways and its sister company Dean Black Car operates 34 vehicles ranging from black car service to 56-passenger motorcoaches. Its services include line runs, charters, casino trips as well as travel for educational institutions, sporting event, church groups, and tour groups. It is a family-owned and -operated company led by Kellie Dean and his two sons Patrick and Christopher.
Dean Trailways has worked with ABC Companies since the introduction of the Van Hool CX model in 2014. Today, the company operates eight CX45s as well as one CX35 and adds Van Hools to its fleet as replacement coaches, maintaining its late-model fleet.
When asked what he liked most about the CX models, Patrick Dean, vice president for Dean Trailways explained, “the CX models have come to offer some standard amenities that are a premium option on others. We take great pride in offering our riders the most amenities and best riding experience possible and these coaches offer exactly what we need."
Dean further explained his experience working with ABC Companies, the exclusive distributor of Van Hool coaches, as another reason for their fleet change. “We have been very happy with the reliability and support provided from everyone at ABC. They excel beyond the product purchase in follow-up and support and truly understand the value of building solid relationships.”
Pete Bachrach, senior account manager with ABC Companies, described the Dean family as a true class act. “The family is always flexible and willing to look at options, which provide a better end-product for their riders. They are such a pleasure to work with and we are honored that they have chosen to work with ABC over the past few years.”
The company is an active member of Trailways, United Motorcoach Association, American Bus Association, National School Transportation Association, Lansing Economic Area Partnership, and Michigan Small Business Association.
Visit deantrailways.com for more information.
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With the continued rise in the demand for bus and coach services, many luxury ground transportation companies are increasingly expanding their fleets into this market. As such, Driving Results recognizes the need to help guide and educate these operators. After many requests for direction and advice in this fast-growing market, Driving Results is introducing its new educational group, BIG Wheels.
BIG Wheels will offer educational opportunities to help operators expand their bus business. Members of this educational group will consist of owners, general managers, operations managers, and fleet managers. In order to be accepted into the group, each company must have a minimum of 10 buses (seating 14+ passengers) in their fleet, a current DOT number, and be in satisfactory status.
The group will be co-facilitated by Driving Results Managing Partner Arthur Messina and Educational Partner Tom Holden of Rose Charters. Major motorcoach manufacturers, such as ABC Companies, VanHool, MCI, and Prevost, have overwhelmingly received of the BIG Wheels group. During the first year of meetings, each meeting will be located at one of the above motorcoach facilities.
“It will be my pleasure to help educate and facilitate the BIG Wheels group, as there is so much to learn within the Bus industry,” said Holden. “By having the support of VanHool, MCI, and Prevost, I will be able to tap into their expertise and resources and help many companies learn so much more about the bus and motor coach industry,” added Holden.
Messina believes that many companies who have ventured into this bus market will join and see the benefits of this specialized group.
The BIG Wheels group will launch in 2019 and will require companies to pass an application process in order to join the group.
Visit drivingresults.org for more information.
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