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In an effort to increase educational offerings available to its members, the Greater California Livery Association (GCLA) is launching its new GCLA Academy, which is sponsored by Ecko Worldwide Transportation and will be led by 30-year industry veteran and Ecko’s Marketing Director Jim Luff.
The Academy—an exclusive members-only benefit—will consist of educational articles, how-to videos, and live presentations presented by subject experts. According to Luff, topics will include marketing, accounting, HR management, insurance, vehicle maintenance, and more.
Jim Luff Ecko Marketing Director
Luff is well-known in the industry as a former operator, writer, and a consultant to many operators across the nation. Luff was the CEO of the award-winning The Limousine Scene in Bakersfield, Calif., and was most recently the Publisher/General Manager of LCT Magazine. He also serves on the Arizona Limousine Association Board as its Fundraising Director.
“I am thrilled that Ecko and GCLA are able to provide this great benefit for members,” says Luff.
Ecko President Harry Dhillon, who also serves as vice president on the GCLA Board of Directors, saw this as an opportunity to offer a great value for members during particularly challenging times.
“We are happy to share Jim’s wisdom and knowledge with GCLA as part of our continued commitment to the association and the industry,” says Dhillon.
Visit gcla.org for more information.
[09.28.20]
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Dolphin Transportation recently announced the acquisition of SRQ Services located in Sarasota, Fla. SRQ is a market leader in luxury chauffeured transportation serving Sarasota and the Tampa area.
Dolphin Owners Tim Rose (left) and Fizz Papps
Fizz Papps and Tim Rose, owners of Dolphin Transportation, are excited to add SRQ Services and President Mike Robustelli and his team to the Dolphin family.
“Mike and his team have built a great brand in SRQ, and our goal will be to help expand on their success in the marketplace. We plan to do so by adding the Dolphin strength in the fleet and technology areas of the business to help take the company to the next level in transportation and tours,” says Rose.
Robustelli and his family have been leaders in the travel and transportation business for many years, going back to Robustelli World Travel located in Stamford, Conn.
Since its inception in 2001, Naples-based Dolphin has become the largest owned fleet in Southwest Florida, consisting of over 100 vehicles, including ADA-compliant vehicles, sedans, SUVs, vans, minibuses, minicoaches, and full-size motorcoaches.
Visit dolphinnaples.com for more information.
[09.28.20]
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- Category: Industry News
LANJ President Jason Sharenow
The Limousine Association of New Jersey (LANJ) is happy to report that a proposed return on sales tax for limousine services is dead in the water. Senator Paul Sarlo (D-Bergen) has confirmed that the proposed tax will not be taken up in legislature in 2020 or 2021.
In August, Governor Phil Murphy unveiled a new budget plan that included restoring sales tax on limousine service. This proposal was theorized to raise an estimated $13M over eight months.
LANJ President Jason Sharenow of Broadway Elite Worldwide was vehemently opposed to this tax increase, particularly with the luxury ground transportation being especially hard hit during the pandemic. The association had previously fought a long battle with the state to get sales tax removed from limousine service. In 2017, then-Governor Chris Christie signed a bill that eliminated sales tax on intra-state trips.
“This is a terrific win for the industry given the current business climate. Tax revenues would have been 10 percent of the state’s estimates and LANJ was able to make its case to the legislature through intense lobbying efforts,” says Sharenow. “We are grateful to have an excellent working relationship with many political and government parties in Trenton. Special thanks to Jay Erlich of Europe Limousine and Tim Rose of Dolphin Transportation. I could not do what I do without all of their help and support.”
Visit lanj.org for more information.
[09.28.20]