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With the pressures of the pandemic still weighing heavily on operators around the world, the Minority Limousine Operators of America (MLOA) held a webinar on December 16 to help its members improve their coping strategies. The association welcomed Larry Ellington and Adam Thakur, two mental health professionals based in Florida, to discuss ways that operators and executives can perform daily mental self-care.
As an ex-naval engineer, Ellington discussed the importance in “monitoring equipment.” Many operators spend a great deal of time and money making sure their vehicles are in tip-top condition, but rarely put the same effort into their own mental health. With that in mind, Ellington and Thakur offered up the “Three Cs” that can be used to help survive the stresses of COVID-19:
- Connection
- Communication
- Counselling
Often, Ellington explained, people feel the need to “hold back” and not burden others with their problems. They attempted to remove the stigma that some may feel when it comes to self-care and mental health. The therapists pointed out that, in particular, men of color are reluctant to share their thoughts and feelings, but offer that using the Three Cs to establish relationships and healthy interaction is a tool in your box for wellness. The pair emphasized the importance on counseling, as it provides non-biased feedback on problems and may offer solutions.
When overcome with stress, Thakur suggested taking at least five minutes a day to recenter. This could include something as simple as taking deep breaths, taking a shower, or even an activity like going to the movies (socially distanced, of course). Ellington also pointed out the benefits of aromatherapy and bubble baths to put yourself in a good headspace.
In addition to the self-help webinar, the MLOA Board updated their members on association happenings. Membership Committee members Tiffany Hinton of MOTEV and Reggie Tymus of Capital City Limousine shared news that MLOA is working on a certification program for its members and is also formalizing plans for a mentorship program. Both of these will offer a great deal of benefit for operators looking to take their business to the next level. Stay tuned for more details as plans pan out.
Visit mlooa.org for more information.
[12.21.20]
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Election season continues as the Minnesota Chauffeured Transportation Association (MCTA) conducted a live election of their 2021 Board officers via Zoom. During the association’s December 14 membership meeting, Gus Ortis of Executive Transportation was elected to a third term of MCTA president. Joining him are Todd Anderson of Carey Limousine, who was named vice president, and Chad Peterson of Renee's Limousines, who will continue as secretary/treasurer of the association. The membership also discussed plans to add new At-Large seats in an attempt to work more closely with independent operators and increase the visibility of the industry among regulators.
In addition to the Board election, MCTA Executive Director Leslie Rosedahl of Rosedahl Public Affairs provided an overview of recent legislation within the state. On December 13, a relief package was signed into effect that includes $1M grants for each county to designate to small businesses. Rosedahl encouraged the operators to research the package as free money may be available to their businesses.
MCTA President Gus Ortis
At the time of the meeting, Governor Tim Walz’s plans gathering restrictions were unknown, and the members were very concerned about a potential lockdown. On December 16 (post-meeting), it was announced that Walz loosened the restrictions on bars, gyms, and school sports, undoubtedly assuaging the concerns of many of the MCTA members. Walz noted that the post-Thanksgiving bump decreased quicker than neighboring state, which has led to the loosened restrictions, but that he’s still vigilant about reducing the spread until the majority of the state’s residents can be vaccinated.
Zoom Happy Hour January 17
With COVID numbers still high in Minnesota, the MCTA decided to forego their traditional January holiday party in favor of a Zoom happy hour to likely take place on Sunday, January 17. Rosedahl promised something fun for the members. Before the call concluded, Ortis and Rosedahl took a minute to thank the association’s vendor partners, including Chauffeur Driven, for their continued support of the association and the industry.
Visit mnlimo.org for more information.
[12.23.20]
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NELA Director Brett Barenholtz served as host
Remember those Tonight Show segments where animal experts Jim Fowler and Joan Embry would bring their critters to the couch to mix it up with Johnny Carson? Well, during the New England Livery Association (NELA) Zoom event on December 14, host (and NELA Director) Brett Barenholtz of Above All Transportation/Boston Car Service successfully captured the spirit of those wild late night shows.
The Gulino family pups: Mia, Jaxx, Lola, Soffe, and Sobe
NELA’s Cocktails and Tales (Tails) Zoom gave operators from around the country the opportunity to check in with peers and witness the positive energy a pet can provide during stressful times. Representatives from eight different companies introduced the industry to their beloved animals, but if you were expecting it to feature all cute and cuddly house-dwellers, well, you’re barking up the wrong tree.
Sean Duval of Golden Limousine with Bo
Filling the proverbial talk show host role, Barenholtz—who was deftly assisted behind the scenes (or screen) by NELA Executive Director Rick Szilagyi of Lexian Management—kicked things off by introducing Ken Carter of Aadvanced Limousine and his cow Homer. Carter revealed that the one-year-old bovine has become a bit of an internet sensation as Homer has his own Facebook page.
Briana and Chelsea Candeub of Park Avenue Limousine with Bailey and Lily
Another operator who isn’t snuggling on the couch with a furry friend is Mike Basso from Leros Point to Point/Royal Coachman/AAA Worldwide. Basso is the owner of a thoroughbred racehorse, conveniently named Basso. The horse is a frequent winner at N.J.’s Monmouth Park, and is among the top 50 picks to win the 2021 Kentucky Derby. Szilagyi shared a video of the four-legged Basso winning a race by several lengths.
Bob Moody of Acton Fleet Sales with his boa
Of all the pets shared on the webinar, none was less cute and cuddly than the boa constrictor owned by Bob Moody of Acton Fleet Sales. While a giant rodent-devouring snake is certainly an unconventional pet, Moody’s is more so in that it doesn’t even have a name. Barenholtz fielded suggestions from the audience to find that perfect moniker.
Dawson Rutter and Tami Saccoccio of Commonwealth Worldwide with Winston
Lest one think the traditional “fur babies” were given short shrift, dogs represented the majority of animal companions on the call. The Gulino family from Gem Limousine, Dawson Rutter and Tammy Saccoccio of Commonwealth Worldwide, Briana Candeub and Chelsea Candeub of Park Avenue Limousine, Sean Duval of Golden Limousine, and NELA Secretary Teale Smith of Maine Limousine each introduced their canine companions, which ranged in size from pocket- to pony-sized.
Ken "KJ" Carter of Aadvanced Limousine with Homer
"This was a very different event from anything NELA has ever done,” said Barenholtz. “We know how difficult and crazy the last 10 months have been on everyone and thought that it would be nice to just have a little fun for a couple hours. We have such great people in our industry who are always trying to help and they stepped up once again in their support with time and money for NELA. It was a blast talking with everyone and their wonderful pets! The conversations were light, fun, and goofy to say the least. I just want to thank everyone again who participated and sponsored the event."
The night’s sponsors included Gold Level Above All Transportation, Pro Limo, Dolphin Transportation, Research Underwriters, and Lancer Insurance; Silver Level LMC Groups and Chosen Payments; and Bronze Level Transport The People.
Visit nelivery.org for more information.
[12.17.20]