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FLA President Rick Versace of A1A Airport & Limousine Service, who also serves as NLA treasurer, opened the meeting by enthusiastically welcoming members and onlookers to “the greatest show on Earth.” With help from Joey Wright of Royal Coach and Limousine, the meeting was livestreamed on Facebook so that members in Florida could still take part. Versace encouraged those not in attendance to make plans to come to the next CD/NLA Show by stating “if you’re in the luxury ground transportation business, this is where you should be.”
First, Versace welcomed newly elected NLA President Robert Alexander of RMA Worldwide who thanked everyone for their support before stating his admiration for the FLA and its board. Alexander pointed out that the FLA has an amazing reputation, and its members have done a “great job navigating the waters” of the oft-problematic Florida state regulations.
Versace then provided the membership and guests with FLA updates, including a recap of the Association Summit that he moderated at the show. He touched upon insurance matters, U.S. Senator Charles Schumer’s plans for a federal limousine bill, and recent association victories against the TNCs. Versace then revealed that the FLA’s lobbyist is making headway with Florida’s legislature, and a bill is moving quickly that would even the playing field with the TNCs. If the bill passes, luxury ground transportation operators would no longer have to register their vehicles locally county-by-county; there would only be a single state registration. This would be a massive game-changer for Florida operators, and, appropriately, the news was met with excitement.
Next, Versace introduced Tim Rose of Dolphin Transportation, spotlighting his role as one of the founders and respected leaders of the Limousine Association of New Jersey (LANJ), one of the largest industry associations in the country. Now that Rose is largely based out of Florida, he plans to use his wealth of experience with LANJ to help the FLA grow into an industry powerhouse. He pointed out that “events are key,” and mentioned LANJ’s success in fundraising with their annual auctions and golf outings.
Versace then welcomed another familiar face, International Association of Transportation Regulators (IATR) President Matt Daus, who gave a rundown on regulatory issues facing operators across the country, particularly the federal laws introduced by Sen. Schumer. While the SAFE Limo Act (H.R. 4708), Take Unsafe Limos Off the Road Act (H.R. 4709), and End the Limo Loophole Law (H.R.4697) each contain important guidelines that would improve passenger and operator safety, Daus was quick to point out that there are items contained in each bill that could place a stranglehold on the industry and put many companies out of business. He closed by reaffirming the commitment of his law firm, Windels Marx, to offer free legal help to industry operators and associations.
Before the last speaker took the mic, Versace introduced representatives of Chosen Payments, who presented the FLA with a rebate check of $6564. Joe Guinn of Limo & Bus Compliance then finished the meeting by providing a brief primer on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s new CDL Clearinghouse Portal, which went into effect in January. This new resource allows operators to report and research any driver who may have a drug or alcohol violation on their record.
Visit floridalimousine.com for more information.
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The idea of an association dedicated to address issues affecting luxury transportation operators across the European continent has been batted around for the past decade but received a kick-start in October 2019 at the CD/NLA Show in Boston. Conversations between charter members Stephane Bombeek of Modern Car, Colin Devine of Devine's Worldwide, Anastasios Korovesis of Limotours Chauffeur Service, Karim Maachi of Cardel Global, Claudio Neag of Mondo Limousine Worldwide Services, Michael Oldenburg of United Limousines AG, Kevin Reiss of Superb Chauffeured Services, and Ralph and Robert Van Delden of Van Delden Limousine resulted in the group establishing its charter and officers.
Executive Director: Kevin Reiss of Superb Chauffeured Services (Israel)
President: Michael Oldenburg of United Limousines AG (Germany)
Vice President: Karim Maachi of Cardel Global (France)
Secretary: Anastasios Korovesis of Limotours Chauffeur Service (Greece)
Treasurer: Ralph Van Delden of Van Delden Limousine Service (Holland)
A panel consisting of the officers, and member Michael Bell of Driven Worldwide, addressed the attendees by introducing themselves and offering a brief overview of their goals for the EPTA. Reiss made a point of thanking CD President & Publisher Chris Weiss for the magazine’s support of the organization during their formative period. As a long-time NLA Board Member, Oldenburg stated that it’s his hope that the EPTA be something of a parallel association to the NLA in that it will give the industry a voice and “harmonize the standards of operation” within the continent.
In addition to building a strong membership, although the EPTA had an impressive 100 members even before their first meeting, the association’s immediate plan is to develop a consistent standard of quality among European operators. Each perspective EPTA member will be required to submit financial and insurance records, which will be reviewed by the association. This, ultimately, will give operators something of a seal of approval, providing peace of mind for affiliates and clients, alike.
After introductions, the panel welcomed questions from the audience, which took up the majority of the 90-minute meeting. Issues discussed ranged from insurance matters to the cost of membership to the advantages of joining EPTA. While Reiss and the officers were frank that the EPTA is still in its early stages, with many details still to be finalized, they were enthusiastic about their commitment to make the organization grow. The possibility of a European summit among members was proposed for 2021. Attendees were encouraged to visit the EPTA website to join the association.
“I see a lot of good things coming,” says Maachi. “This is the beginning of a great adventure.”
Visit epta.eu.com for more information.
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In an independent recruitment survey, external training was cited as one of employees most preferred incentives for staying with a company. It can also incentivize job seekers to apply because of the potential to advance their career.
MCI Academy’s program is online, free of charge, and spans all skill levels. The program is designed around 4 levels of training. Levels 3-1 include eight hours of training per level with coursework taught via video and PowerPoint narratives. The 4th level is a Master level certificate for the most experienced coach operator.
The Level 3 Certificate helps prepare entry-level drivers to meet new Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules for Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) application. Mid-career drivers benefit by Level 2 and 1 coursework designed to improve road safety and coach system knowledge. There is also Master Level coursework for drivers who complete the three levels of certification.
“We’ve built a solid training program for drivers from a registry of industry approved sources,” said MCI Training Manager Scott Crawford. “The beauty of the program is that drivers can complete their training while waiting for their groups or during their off hours from any location via laptop or mobile device.”
The new program completed a soft rollout with nearly 100 drivers earning a Level 3 certificate and six achieving a Master certificate.
Participants in the MCI Academy Motorcoach Operator program complete their certificate training in this order:
Level 3 drivers receive basic instruction covering FMCSA theory training, safe driving habits, passenger safety, hours of service rules, and several of insurance leader Lancer presentations.
Level 2 improves driver skills, covering turns, highway and city driving hazards, along with EDL use and roadside enforcement.
Level 1 teaches drivers how braking and safety systems work, such as Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), including Collision Avoidance and Fire Suppression and Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems, and covers weather-related and fuel economy driving behaviors.
Master Level coursework covers driver knowledge on major coach systems from engines to HVAC, trouble-shooting skills, and communication with service shop personnel.
“The course structure includes something for every driver,” said Crawford. “It’s a manageable program for every level, building on and enhancing other industry sponsored driver training programs. We invite the industry to take advantage of the knowledge levels our program offers. Operators will benefit from drivers who are well-trained, engaged and proud to work in a profession that contributes to the well-being of transportation businesses, passengers and road safety.”
The program also helps tour, charter, employer shuttle programs and limousine operators recruit and develop driver talent from outside the motor coach industry for well-paying jobs with a future, advises Crawford, noting LMS training account records are never deleted and are available to employers throughout a driver’s career.
Visit mcicoach.com for more information.
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