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ILLBA Nominating Committee Co-chair Scott Delheimer
On November 18, the Illinois Limousine and Bus Association (ILLBA) held elections for their 2020-2021 Board of Directors. Coordinated by Nominating Committee Co-chairs Scott Delheimer of Class Act Limousine and Brian Sheely of Epic Limo, the association is welcoming new blood to the Board alongside incumbent members.
ILLBA Nominating Committee Co-chair Brian Sheely
The 2020-2021 ILLBA Board of Directors are:
Kaya Armagan of Flash Limousines and Buses (New for 2020-2021)
Beth Cox of Cox Livery Service
Paula DeBiasi of Chicago CoachWorks
Scott Delheimer of Class Act Limousine
Lynn Kafkes of Galaxy Limousine Service (New for 2020-2021)
Michael McDaniels of Shriver Transportation Insurance (New for 2020-2021)
Chris Norlin of Nationwide Bus Sales
Tracy Raimer of Windy City Limousine & Bus
Art Rento of Pontarelli Companies
Brian Sheely of Epic Limo
In accordance with the ILLBA bylaws, the 2020-2021 officers will be elected by the Board at the association’s December Board meeting.
“We look forward to our returning Board members as well as the addition of three new directors. The 2020-2021 Board is totally balanced with representatives from small to large companies, which complements our membership well,” says Executive Director Paula DeBiasi. “As the challenges of COVID carry into 2021, the ILLBA will continue to work tirelessly to bring members pertinent, timely education and information to help them to weather the storm.”
“During these challenging times, it is refreshing and hopeful to see so many operators wanting to be involved and help guide our industry into its next chapter. Congratulations to all who won, and I am looking forward to working with each of them,” adds ILLBA President Tracy Raimer. “We are certainly going to miss Ron Hoye of Carey and Chris Weiss of Chauffeur Driven. In all the years they have been on the Board, their input, ideas, and collaboration has always been an asset to our association. They will be missed; however, we know where to find them.”
Visit illinoislimousineassociation.com for more information.
[11.24.20]
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With tens of millions of Americans expected to travel for Thanksgiving this week despite spiking COVID-19 numbers nationwide, the U.S. Travel Association released an update to its guidance for healthy and safe travel—along with a plea for everyone to closely heed recommended best practices if traveling.
At the press conference detailing the revised guidelines, U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow discussed the relatively new challenge of “pandemic fatigue”—which is reportedly causing many Americans to lower their guard against the coronavirus because they are tired after eight long months of evolving restrictions and lifestyle adjustments.
“It is extremely important to not become complacent about our health and safety practices,” Dow said. “If we do, the longer this pandemic will go on.”
U.S. Travel Association Health and Safety Guidance
The fatigue phenomenon is partially apparent in the fact that strong numbers of Americans are expected to travel for the Thanksgiving holiday despite the persistence of coronavirus. AAA Travel projects that up to 50 million Americans will take to the roads and skies for the November holiday.
The newly updated “Travel in the New Normal” health and safety guidance was developed in May in a collaboration between health and medical authorities and a broad array of business voices and reflect the most up-to-date information about the virus—including its airborne nature. The goal: keep travelers focused on their own practices that contribute to a safe environment for all—and demonstrate the travel industry’s commitment to the same. Accordingly, the new guidance outlines practices that should be embraced by both travelers and travel businesses alike.
“Public health is a shared responsibility that requires a phased and layered approach, and if you’re choosing to travel, you have a major role to play,” said Dow. “First and foremost: wear a mask in public spaces. That needs to be universal at this point.”
Dow emphasized that the need to stay conscientious about health and safety applies to all travel environments—not just air travel. This is especially true because 95 percent of Thanksgiving trips are expected to be by car this year, according to AAA—an increase from 90 percent last year.
“The same best practices apply in every phase of travel,” said Dow. “If you’re in an airport, at a rest stop, or entering a restaurant, or if you’re staying in a hotel, please wear a mask in public spaces, without exception.”
Beyond the strong emphasis on mask-wearing, other practical advice for travelers in the updated guidance includes:
- Decide if you can travel safely. Do not travel if you are sick or if you have been around someone with COVID-19 in the past 14 days.
- Get an annual flu vaccine.
- Before travel, check information about your destination. Check health departments for local requirements and up-to-date travel information about your destination.
- Practice physical distancing. Stay six feet from those who do not live with you, both indoors and outdoors.
- Wash your hands frequently. Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol if soap and water are not available.
Click here to read the full updated travel health and safety guidance.
Visit ustravel.org for more information.
[11.23.20]
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Charter bus reservation platform CharterUP announced it ranked 8th on Deloitte’s Technology Fast 500, a ranking of the 500 fastest growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences, and energy tech companies in North America.
CharterUp CEO Armir Harris
CharterUP CEO Armir Harris credits CharterUP’s growth on its continued investment in customer service and technology.
“We are honored to rank on Deloitte’s Technology Fast 500. It’s humbling to see how much we’ve grown in such a short amount of time. We’ve processed hundreds of millions of dollars of trips on our platform and that number keeps increasing,” Harris said.
“No one has ever built a transparent motorcoach marketplace like CharterUP. We’re creating an ‘Expedia for buses.’ In one stop, customers can visit our platform, request quotes, and see all the bus options in their area right away. There was clearly a hunger in the market for the type of aggregation and booking service CharterUP provides,” Harris continued.
To be eligible for Deloitte’s Tech Fast 500 recognition, companies must own proprietary intellectual property or technology that is sold to customers in products that contribute to a majority of the company's operating revenues.
While this marks CharterUp’s first appearance on the Deloitte Fast 500 list, it has seen consistent revenue growth every year since its inception.
“We created CharterUP as a way for bus operators to regain their market share online,” Harris said. “It’s exciting to see our technology embraced.”
Visit charterup.com for more information.
[11.19.20]