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VLA Board (L to R): Member Recruitment Officer Harrison Akasiaka of Elite Moves, 2nd Vice President Mauricio Trigo of Infinity Limo Car, President Bill Kerr of Camryn Limousine, Sergeant at Arms Claude Cristea of Williamsburg Chauffeur, Secretary Hope Newcomb of James Limousine, Treasurer Andre Ferreira of A Goff Transportation, and Vice President Anton Dagner of Ambassador Limousine
On Monday, April 29, the Viriginia Limousine Association (VLA) held a membership meeting at the Holiday Inn in Ruckersville, Va. Designed to revamp the organization, the meeting welcomed 25 members, and included guest speakers from both national and regional associations.
VLA President Bill Kerr of Camryn Limousine welcomed everyone and went straight into the program by introducing National Limousine Association (NLA) Director Shawn Glasgow of Peak Limousine. Glasgow, who represents the Southeast Region for the NLA, informed the group about the NLA allocating funds for local associations to assist with local issues. He also mentioned a current $99 one-car membership option. Glasgow then focused on the upcoming Day on the Hill on May 14-15 and the need for members to step up. He also stressed the importance of contributing to PAC fundraiser for Senator Jean Shaheen (D-NH), who has been instrumental on behalf of the industry by championing and getting relief from the overtime on gratuities issue. Glasgow presented a CD/NLA Retreat pass for a silent auction that was won by Andre Ferreira from A Goff Transportation. Finally, he proudly mentioned the recent Vegas conference and that the NLA had granted 30 scholarships to operators.
L to R: VLA President William Kerr of Camryn Limousine, Treasurer (and Executive Retreat pass winner) Andre Ferreira of A Goff Transportation, and NLA Director Shawn Glasgow of Peak Limousine
Next up was Philadelphia Regional Limousine Association (PRLA) Secretary Tracy Salinger of Unique Limousine, who also serves on the NLA Board of Directors. She updated the attendees on the Marine Semper Fi & America’s Fund charity and encouraged all to contribute. Salinger also provided important updates on N.Y. congestion pricing as well as opening a discussion on the 3-minute idling rule in NYC and how to avoid getting cited by a video.
Maryland Limousine Association President Len Joseph of On The Town Limousines opened the discussion regarding issues in Washington, D.C., related to point-to-point travel vs. drop and go. He shared that Department of For Hire Vehicle (DC FHV) enforcement is being done by independent operators and they are very strict to the letter of the manifest carried by the chauffeur, even down to the end times listed. Not only must the company complete the “clean hands registration process” at $650 per vehicle, but the chauffeurs need to be registered as well. With the inauguration coming, there will be more discussion and dialogue with DC FHV as to how black cars and SUVs can co-exist in the district. Joseph also discussed the MLA and their successes with frequency of meetings, vendors, and providing valuable content through education, communication, and networking at their meetings.
To close out the evening, VLA Board nominations were accepted, and seven people have stepped up to form the new Board going forward. They are:
- President Bill Kerr of Camryn Limousine
- Vice President Anton Dagner of Ambassador Limousine
- 2nd Vice President Mauricio Trigo of Infinity Limo Car
- Secretary Hope Newcomb of James Limousine
- Treasurer Andre Ferreira of A Goff Transportation
- Sergeant at Arms Claude Cristea of Williamsburg Chauffeur
- Member Recruitment Officer Harrison Akasiaka of Elite Moves
“As a second-generation owner, I’ve been grateful for the advice I’ve received from the VLA membership. I’m proud and excited to step up and take a seat on the board so I can give back to the other members,” says Dagner.
Visit virginialimousineassociation.org for more information.
[05.06.24]
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With the CD/NLA Executive Retreat just a month away, you might be experiencing a bit of FOMO. But have no fear—there’s still time to join us at the Fontainebleau this June 2-5. Just head on over to cdnlaexecutiveretreat.com to register. Your admission price includes our Opening Dinner & Party on the beach with open bar, two days of on-point education from experts both within and outside the industry, a dinner cruise with open bar aboard the Biscayne Lady yacht, breakfast and lunch on Monday and Tuesday, a vendor/sponsor meet-and-greet, and all the one-on-one networking you can pack into four days… not to mention plenty of opportunity to sit by the pool or ocean and unwind. Whew! Now, that’s what we call a getaway!
It goes without saying that CD Executive Retreat wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. That’s why we’re pleased to announce that EmpireCLS Worldwide has come on board as a Platinum Sponsor of the event, joining our friends at Lancer Insurance as a top-tier supporter. As one of the pre-eminent operations in the country, we couldn’t be happier for EmpireCLS to be represented at our event, and we’re honored to have Chairman & CEO David Seelinger and his team champion our retreat once again.
However, if you haven’t booked your room at the fab Fontainebleau, keep in mind that May 1—today—is the deadline to secure your accommodations as part of our exclusive block at $279/night. After the cutoff, the price is certain to increase, so click here to book your room now!
With more than 130 slots filled up for the retreat, you can bet that our Wednesday morning Everglades Tour is quickly approaching capacity. This amazing excursion that will zip you across the River of Grass in a private airboat is strictly limited to 50 people. Click here to register today. Please note that a separate $60 fee is required.
Visit cdnlaexecutiveretreat.com for more information.
[05.01.24]
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GBTA: Canadian Business Travel at Pre-Pandemic Levels in 2024
The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) is encouraged by new reports that the Canadian business travel sector is on track to best its pre-pandemic level of travel this year, according to data from its Business Travel Index (BTI). The announcement was made during the association’s Canada Conference 2024, held in Toronto April 22-24.
GBTA forecasts indicate Canadian business travel spending is anticipated to reach $25.9 billion USD, representing annual growth of 13.5 percent. This outpaces both global (11.8 percent) and United States (9.2 percent) growth forecasts. In 2019 before the pandemic, Canadian business travel had reached $25.7 billion USD.
Some additional highlights:
- Canadian travel buyers expect to spend more on business travel in 2024, with nearly three in five (59 percent) planning for their companies’ spend to be higher compared to last year. They reported spending an average of $884 USD per business trip in 2023.
- Nearly two-thirds (65 percent) of Canadian travel buyers expect their company will take more business trips this year compared to last year, but two in five (18 percent) expect the same volume of business trips.
- When asked about challenges, Canadian buyers and suppliers cited financial concerns at the top of their list, namely the rising cost of travel, overall economic conditions, and corporate budgets not keeping pace with needs.
- 55 percent said they blended travel (bleisure) more than they did in 2019.
- 82 percent said business travel is worthwhile in achieving their business objectives.
Visit gbta.org for more information.
USTA: FAA Amendment Would Undermine Aviation Security
The US Travel Association (USTA) is expressing concerns about changes to the FAA reauthorization bill, citing that certain updates would be “dangerous” for the future of passenger screening and cause unnecessary delays. The association says that the automated facial matching technology—an optional but popular feature among flyers—is being targeted by an amendment from Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Senator John Kennedy (R-La.).
According to USTA, the amendment would ban or severely restrict TSA from using biometric technology, which could result in longer wait times in security screening checkpoint lines and reduce the layers of security afforded by advanced biometric facial matching programs—such as the CAT-2 machines and TSA PreCheck’s Touchless ID partnerships with Delta Air Lines and United Airlines.
“Biometric technology is the future of air traveler screening, and it is supported by the traveling public,” said USTA President & CEO Geoff Freeman. “Misguided efforts to place blanket restrictions on facial technology only succeed in harming security, wasting travelers’ time, and costing millions in taxpayer dollars invested in developing state-of-the-art screening technology. Congress will provoke the ire of millions of travelers if it chooses to hinder innovation, slow the travel process, and reduce security.”
USTA has convened the Commission on Seamless and Secure Travel, which includes members across a variety of agencies and countries, to “recommend policies to increase US competitiveness, improve government focus and coordination on travel issues, and facilitate growth. The commission is expected to report its results in autumn 2024.
Visit ustravel.org for more information.
[04.29.24]