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With the association focusing its efforts on a level playing field—especially in terms of being granted the same 1-percent-of-revenue operating fee that taxis and TNCs are privy to instead of being charged per car—lobbying efforts dominated the conversation.
While the PRLA did see its members’ Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) fees reduced at the end of 2016, it is now working with a lobbyist from the firm Malady & Wooten to continue making Pennsylvania’s operational fees fairer for luxury ground transportation companies.
“We hired a lobbyist and are going through the process now of going through the Senate Appropriations Committee,” Rhoads said, explaining that the members of PRLA had to submit some operational numbers for analysis, which should result in an assessment for how to proceed. “The problem is we’re only 30 members and there are 200 limo operators in Philly. We did explain that but it seems like they’ll have enough information to evaluate how they want to proceed.”
He added that “there was a good response from most of our members” in terms of providing the data that would help PPA get a clearer picture of real numbers from chauffeured transportation operators.
“We had to move forward and get these guys to provide their numbers, or we’d have to roll the dice with what the PPA does next,” Rhoads said. “I was happy to hear that we had a great response.”
Rhoads further explained that, on the taxi side of transportation, medallion owners and drivers are at odds over who’s on the hook for the aforementioned PPA fees determined by overall revenue: “Nobody wants to pay it—we don’t want to pay it, either, but at least only paying 1 percent would put us on a level playing field.”
He added that there has been a newly proposed PPA per-ride fee—“like the hotel taxes you pay on the final bill”—under consideration as an additional line item, but that “it’s not quite there yet.” As it would be a very small fee to pass on, Rhoads surmised that the PRLA membership would be in support of it when the time comes for serious consideration.
The next PRLA meeting is tentatively scheduled for September 13.
Visit prlainc.com for more information.
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“I’m thrilled to welcome Anna to the Reston Limousine family, and excited to be working with her on exciting new projects coming up,” President and CEO Kristina Bouweiri said. Wilkinson replaces longtime marketing manager Therese Howe, who will be moving with her family to Hawaii.
Prior to joining Reston Limousine, Wilkinson was director of communications for a national waste and recycling company where she was responsible for many groundbreaking achievements for the company, both internally and in the public eye.
Wilkinson brings the same forward-thinking creativity and relationship focused marketing and public relations to Reston Limousine. Wilkinson will be spearheading some of Reston Limousine’s many exciting new initiatives and revamps to include; expanding social media presence, cultivating important new sponsorship opportunities, focusing on community and charitable donations, and strengthening partnerships and relationships with both affiliates and internal staff alike.
“I have long admired Reston Limousine’s management and reputation,” Wilkinson said. “I believe in people- and relationship-focused communication and Reston Limousine is a company that is a leader in both commerce and relationships. Their strong emphasis on family values and teamwork are convictions that are close to my heart as well. I am honored to be a member of this team.”
Visit restonlimo.com for more information.
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After learning about the program and what a fabulous opportunity it would be to these teenagers, YPL President Tracy Raimer immediately knew that the company should be involved. She stated, "I honestly don't believe there is any greater gift than to make a difference in someone's life."
Coordinated by Jill Haggerty, marketing project manager of Discover Services, the internship program allows teenagers to participate in a variety of business-world projects, such as marketing, meeting/event planning, website content, audit committee presentations, and learning internal audit professional practices. All individuals chosen must meet specific criteria and inherently possess Discover's core values.
Founded in 2000, BGCLC works with young people, ages 13-18. It seeks to empower youth in the areas of academic success, healthy lifestyles, and good character and citizenship. In 2015 it served 1,400 youth.
“With the help of corporate partnerships, such as Discover Financial and YPL, our vision of every child having the potential to do great things is brought to life,” said BGCLC’s Brittany Hayes-Fonder. “The internship with Discover is life changing… they learn life skills that will help every future endeavor. Our partnership with YPL allows our students to understand the concept of team work—not letting them down by being on time each morning and ready to work! YPL’s dedication to the internship is extremely powerful as they are also committing to our youth’s success. Three companies have come together to change youth’s lives.”
Visit yourprivatelimo.com for more information.
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