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Chief among the meeting’s topics were: airport updates, especially the four-month backlog of obtaining operational permits from San Diego International; the state’s consideration of revoking livery industry oversight from the Public Utility Commission, a move supported by GCLA for want of enforcement; and how the following day’s legislative endeavor would support the association’s prevailing theme of public safety.
With 21 attendees participating in this year’s Day on the Hill, GCLA was able to send association representatives to more than 30 meetings with elected officials between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Armed with talking points and association-supplied information, the GCLA’s team spoke with assemblymembers, consultants, senators, and committees about three primary areas of public safety, illustrating how chauffeured ground transportation’s standards go above and beyond TNCs’ considerably more lax requirements.
To emphasize its commitment to safety measures, the day’s discussions zeroed in on the GCLA’s support of SB-20 (“The Bus Safety Bill”), which would require passengers riding in a motorcoach or bus to wear their seatbelts while the vehicle is in motion. Duty of Care discrepancies between this industry and TNCs were also highlighted, as was the legislation that the GCLA will be putting forth to allow transportation providers utilization of Department of Justice background checks in an effort to ensure that all chauffeurs are thoroughly screened.
The GCLA made a video about its Day on the Hill, which can be seen at goo.gl/ZD8sWD.
The association’s next general membership meeting will be March 13 in Las Vegas.
Visit gcla.org for more information.
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After an initial networking opportunity, Walsh called the meeting to order by welcoming attendees and introducing the event’s guest speakers and sponsor, which included Jill Pongonis from the Greater Williamsburg Chamber & Tourism Alliance and Tom Penny of the Virginia DMV. Meeting sponsor Claude Cristea of Williamsburg Chauffeur Service spoke about his diverse modern fleet and the benefits of serving the Williamsburg area for the past eight years.
Guest speaker Jill Pongonis, director of tourism and events for the Alliance spoke about the Williamsburg market and included the highlights of their research showing that now women do a vast majority of vacation planning and Williamsburg is considered a drivable destination. Of particular interest to the livery industry is the fact that local business has increased by 2.9 percent in calendar year 2016, with breweries gaining in locations and popularity. Also according to Pongonis, “the wedding market is on fire,” and of course area wineries remain a constant tour opportunity for local operators.
“Jill is a fountain of knowledge and was very informative-from the deep historical aspects of the region, the emerging sports and art scenes, and shopping that make the area an in-demand place to visit-we learned a lot,” stated Walsh. “Her knowledge of the bus business also added to the overall picture for our industry.”
Pongonis’ presentation was followed by Tom Penny of the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). He updated the membership on TNCs and active sting activities for illegal operators. The department employs 15 enforcement officers for this purpose. “Our close relationship continues to be a huge benefit to VLA members,” claimed Walsh. “The field agents know us and we know them.” Penny stated that the DMV appreciates their long-standing professional relationship with the VLA—a representative from the agency is present at each meeting of the association.
First Vice President Andrea Saathoff of Albermarle Limousine reported on upcoming webinars along with a possible FMSCA compliance training day, offered by Reston limousine at their facility to a small group. A survey is currently being crafted seeking additional education topics for 2017.
VLA Secretary Glenn Stafford of Love Limousine provided the group with a legislative report that touched on the TNC identification marker bill and a drafted letter for association members to send to prompt their respective legislators’ involvement. In addition, a committee will be created to review the assessment of livery vehicles.
Stafford also offered an update on charity efforts, spearheading a cumulative report that will assist operators in their philanthropic endeavors once uploaded to the VLA site. After comment from VLA member Barry Gross of Reston Limousine, it was also agreed that members would support the NLA Limo Patriot Ride 2017 with donations pledged at the meeting and e-promotion to follow.
Gross also contributed the news that VLA membership increased by 100 percent in 2016, and he will be contacting lapsed members for renewals.
The next VLA meeting will be held April 3.
Visit vla-limo.org for more information.
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With the association approaching the anniversary of its inception, the CFLA continues to expand its influence by working with Eddie St. Clair from Port Canaveral Port Authority. The working relationship aims to find a better way to serve the transportation companies operating there, with CFLA President Wendy Kleefisch now sitting on the board of Florida’s fastest-growing cruise port.
The meeting saw the internal operations of CFLA expand, as it was announced that Rental Limo/Book.limo founder and CEO Ryan Hilberth was named its first vendor director. The addition was inspired by an initiative to build up CFLA benefits while also improving membership numbers as a whole.
“I am so confident that Ryan can help us all grow the CFLA, as well as our businesses at the same time, and we are absolutely thrilled to announce that he is joining our board,” Kleefisch said.
Hilberth was also the meeting’s guest speaker, who discussed how his products can help clients maximize the earning potential of their fleets—and announced a CFLA membership benefits program by offering extended 60-day free trials to members who are interested in becoming Rental Limo or Book.limo customers.
While the association typically convenes on the second Tuesday of each month, the next CFLA meeting will be March 7.
Visit the new cfliveryassociation.org for more information.
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