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German Ruiz (left) and Nancy Pistorio of Madison Capital Equipment
On Tuesday, February 20, the Maryland Limousine Association held their monthly membership meeting, which attracted close to 30 operators, vendors, and guests from the region. The lunchtime event welcomed several new members as well as speakers from Madison Capital Equipment & Vehicle Financing and Advantage Remarketing Solutions.
MLA President Len Joseph of On The Town Limousines kicked off the meeting by welcoming new Board Member Quentin Bassey of RSTQ Transportation, who was elected unanimously.
“We know that Quentin will bring a wealth of enthusiasm and energy to our association,” says Secretary Joanna Fridinger of The Limo Lady.
Chris Swatt of Advantage Remarketing Solutions
Joseph also spoke about the difficulties in getting drivers licensed and vehicles added through the Maryland Public Service Commission. Also posited to the membership was the formation of new legislation and fundraising/membership committees within the association.
Next, Nancy Pistorio and German Ruiz of Madison Capital Equipment addressed the advantages of leasing vs. financing. They also shared that Madison can assist operators with bargaining your deal when buying through a traditional dealership. Chris Swatt of Advantage Remarketing Solutions was also on hand to speak about financing vehicles. He also brought a new Ford Transit van with luxury seating for the members to experience. All three representatives fielded questions from attendees and generated a great deal of interest in their services.
MLA members took part in a video conference at the lunch meeting
The MLA also welcomed a representative from Washington D.C.’s District For Hire Vehicle Non District Limousine (DFHV NDL) program via video conferencing. This safety program was created by MetroPD and DDOT and requires NDL permits for vehicles to operate in point-to-point service within the district. It also entails for chauffeurs to be registered per NDL on the respective vehicles they may drive. For instance, if your trip begins in Maryland, Virginia, or elsewhere and you only drop off in the district, the NDL is not required. However, if your trip begins in Maryland, D.C., Virginia or elsewhere going to D.C. with 1 or more stops, the NDL is required. Vehicle inspection officers of the DFHV Task Force will require to see the chauffeur’s License, PSC license (if an Md. operator), along with vehicle registration, insurance, and electronic or paper trip manifest. This program is strictly enforced and warrants towing or impounding. MLA members have been confounded by this regulation and its inconsistencies for months. This video conference offered members the opportunity to ask questions and let their frustrations be known.
Before the meeting concluded, Fridinger let attendees know that March 1 starts a new membership year for the association. Operator and vendor members are encouraged to renew their membership through this online form.
The next MLA meeting is scheduled for April 16 at a location to be determined.
Visit mdlimoassoc.org for more information.
[02.26.24]
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James Limousine retiring CEO and co-owner Randy Allen
James Limousine Service has announced the retirement of CEO and co-owner Randy Allen, effectively immediately. Co-owner Hope Newcomb, currently COO, assumes the role of CEO and welcomes a new business partner, Jimmy Koontz. Koontz is an owner of several successful service-oriented businesses in the Richmond area. The management team, employees, and headquarters of the company will remain unchanged.
Allen, along with his wife and another investor, became an owner of James Limousine in 2007. The company, which was founded in 1992, flourished under the new leadership and went on to become one of the largest and most respected chauffeured ground transportation services in Virginia serving most of the Fortune 500 Companies locally. Newcomb has been integral to the success of the business since joining the company in 2012 and becoming a co-owner in 2017.
“I am very proud of the outstanding reputation of James Limousine among our clients and peers, and truly grateful to the dedication to outstanding customer service of our employees,” said Allen. “It is largely due to the commitment of each member of our management team and our employees that I am able to step aside with confidence in the company’s on-going success and secure future.”
“We are very excited to continue the successful brand of James Limousine that so many have entrusted with their transportation needs, and look forward to what the future holds”, said Newcomb.
James Limousine is well known for providing corporate transportation, group and meeting logistics, and chauffeured services for private events including weddings and wine tours. Allen has been active and involved in the limousine industry for 20 years after retiring from executive management positions in corporate America. His attention to detail and financial knowledge has been the driving force behind the growth of James Limousine, and his confidence in Newcomb and Koontz has allowed him to enter retirement knowing the business, employees, and customers are all in capable hands. Allen will continue to represent the company in industry trade associations, including board positions in the Virginia Business Travel Association and Virginia Limousine Association.
Ken Lucci from DrivingTransactions.com was pleased to represent Allen during this process and help facilitate his transition to a well-deserved retirement. Ken and his business partner Cole Weber wish Newcomb and Koontz good luck as the business remains a family-owned success story and enters a new era of leadership.
Visit jameslimousine.com for more information.
[02.23.24]
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PAX Training, a leading provider of customizable, on-demand training solutions for the passenger transportation industry, is excited to announce its new partnership as the Preferred Training Partner of The Transportation Alliance (TTA) within the TTA Member Value Program (MVP), offering unparalleled training opportunities to TTA members.
PAX Training President James Blain
“I wholeheartedly commend the efforts of PAX Training in advancing the standards and expertise within the realm of passenger transportation,” said TTA President Bill Yuhnke. “Their commitment to providing comprehensive training programs ensures that drivers not only meet but exceed industry expectations in safety, customer service, and regulatory compliance. With their dedication to excellence, they play a pivotal role in shaping a more proficient and reliable workforce, ultimately enhancing the overall quality of passenger transportation services.”
Under this partnership, TTA members will enjoy a 30 percent discount on the initial membership cost for PAX Startup and PAX Company Memberships, giving them access to a comprehensive library of ready-to-use training courses on the PAX Training Platform. Those opting to join as Company members will also be able to create their own courses to use alongside existing PAX Training courses and will have the option to brand the platform with their logo.
TTA President Bill Yuhnke
“We are thrilled to join forces with The Transportation Alliance,” said PAX Training President James Blain. “This partnership underlines our shared commitment to developing a highly skilled and service-oriented workforce. Our goal is to make high-quality training both accessible and affordable for all TTA members, empowering them to exceed the expectations of their passengers and clients.”
TTA members can visit PAX Training’s TTA member page at paxtraining.com/TTA for more information. If you’d like more information about how you can join one of the industry’s enduring associations, visit thetransportationalliance.org/join-us.
[02.20.24]