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Austin, Texas — Although we’re less than a week away from the industry event of the spring, there’s still time to register for the Chauffeur Driven Executive Retreat in Austin. We have a few slots left for anyone who wants to join our exclusive group of operators on May 5-8 for first-class education, networking, and fun in one of America’s most unique cities.
While things kick off Sunday night with a Cinco de Mayo bash on Austin’s legendary 6th Street, we’re getting down to business after breakfast on Monday morning with a Q&A with CD Publisher Chris Weiss and NLA President Gary Buffo, moderated by Jason Sharenow of Broadway Elite Worldwide. This discussion will answer all the questions the industry has regarding the partnership between the NLA and Chauffeur Driven. You can count on Weiss, Buffo, and Sharenow to provide a detailed analysis of the new alliance, including what led up to it, how it came to be, and what it means for the industry at large in the future. We’re looking forward to the plans that CD and the NLA have in place, and by the end of this Q&A, we think you will be too.
Here’s a three-part video that provides a sneak peek at what’s in store for the live conversation in Austin.
After the Q&A, our education begins with Lead Smarter By Letting Go, a session from presenters Dean and Jolynda Ash that’s designed to help owner/operators work deliberate about where they spend your time and energy. Then, on Monday afternoon, Dr. Jennifer Beer of the University of Texas will present Reading the Signs to Be a Better Negotiator, which will reveal the verbal and nonverbal cues to read (and ignore) when trying to close a deal. When the sun sets, we’re heading to Austin’s hip Rainey Street for an unforgettable party at UnBARlievable with all-you-can-eat BBQ catered by the legendary Stubb’s BBQ.
The education continues on Tuesday with a day devoted to the ever-timely topic of Mergers and Acquisitions. An all-star panel of experts with recent experience in M&A will share their expertise in a pair of panels spearheaded by business consultant Andi Gray of Strategy Leaders. Part #1: Getting Prepared for the Deal will provide insight as to why you should be looking to sell as well as all the necessary preparation required and the pitfalls to avoid , and Part #2: The Nuts & Bolts of Making It Happen will dive deep into valuating your business and the most common obstacles many face during a buy-out. Then on Tuesday afternoon, we’re offering our first Bonus Roundtable Session—Making Your Expenses Work for You—in which operators from different markets will share tips and resources that owners can use to make their existing rewards and perks save them cash.
On Wednesday, get ready to get weird: On our final day in Texas, we’re hosting a professionally guided city tour (in Grech Buses) to give our attendees a firsthand look at what makes Austin one of the most eclectic destinations in America. You’ll visit area hotspots, locale boutiques, and historic landmarks before lunch is served at The Picnic, a food truck bonanza that offers everything from basic tacos to distinct international cuisine.
If you have any questions regarding our #2019AustinRetreat, don’t hesitate to contact our Director of Events Jess Pavlow at jess@chauffeurdriven.com or 856-452-0323. Visit austinexecutiveretreat.com for more information.
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New GBTA Executive Director & COO Scott Solombrino Alexandria, Va. — The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) announced that Scott Solombrino, has been appointed as executive director and COO, as the organization prepares for its 51st annual convention in Chicago this August. Solombrino will replace Michael McCormick, who is stepping down after 10 years at the organization to step down to pursue new opportunities. McCormick will remain in an advisory role to Solombrino and the Board to ensure a smooth transition.
Solombrino, the longtime president and CEO of DavEl/Boston Coach Chauffeured Transportation Network, recently left his position at the company after 43 years. Under his leadership, DavEl/Boston Coach grew to become one of the country’s largest privately held chauffeured transportation companies. Solombrino was the cofounder and four-term past president of the National Limousine Association. He has been a staunch force for the advancement of the ground transportation industry internationally, both through his work as president of the Allied Leadership Council for GBTA and as a member of its board of directors; positions he has held for more than 20 years.
Since assuming the position of Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer in August of 2009, McCormick led the Association through a period of unprecedented development, expansion and growth, effectively building and advancing the operation of GBTA and building its presence internationally. Under McCormick’s leadership and with the support of the Global Board of Directors, GBTA has tripled its membership and doubled its operating revenues over the past decade. GBTA has truly established itself as a global Association during this time, fully putting the “G” in GBTA and moving beyond its days as the National Business Travel Association.
“The Global Business Travel Association sincerely thanks Mike for his leadership and for his meaningful contributions for the advancement of our organization,” said Christle Johnson, GBTA President. “When selecting the most qualified individual to serve as executive director and COO, the board of directors could not have chosen anyone more experienced, knowledgeable and respected than Scott. We gratefully appreciate his willingness to take on this pivotal role, and the Board is absolutely confident that Scott will lead GBTA into the future with great accomplishment, distinction, and success.”
Solombrino’s former role as president of GBTA Allied Leadership Council will be assumed by Dorothy Dowling, chief marketing officer & SVP, Best Western Hotels & Resorts, who previously served as the Council’s vice president.
Visit gbta.org for more information.
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ALLSTAR’s branded Van Hool CX45 motorcoach
Troy, Mich. — Luxury ground transportation provider ALLSTAR Chauffeured Services has taken delivery of two new 2019 Van Hool CX45 coaches with many upgraded amenities that compliment their premium vehicle line. Each coach is powered by a Cummins engine with Allison transmission, and include many passenger conveniences such as 110v USB outlets w/inverters, Wi-Fi, two large REI 23” monitors and four additional 15.6” monitors throughout the coach, and passenger shades. One of the coaches is also ADA equipped. Passengers will recognize the luxury before they even enter the coach with the two-tone white & grey paint and beautiful graphics around the coach. As they enter the vehicle, the full-leather seating, contoured enclosed parcel rack with hydrographic doors, wood flooring, and hydrographic lavatory door truly make a luxurious statement.
Celebrating 25 years in the transportation industry, ALLSTAR Chauffeured Services primarily services the Detroit, Michigan area, but continues to expand its area covering out of state trips to New York, Washington D.C., and Cleveland. The company currently employs 71 people and has a total fleet of 47 vehicles including eight motorcoaches. They began purchasing coaches in 2016 with two new Van Hool models.
“ALLSTAR provides a great example of how traditional limousine companies are entering the full-size coach market and succeeding,” said ABC Companies Senior Vice President of Midwest-Southwest Region Brenda Borwege. “They are offering an upscale Van Hool coach product and complimenting it with their successful business model of focusing on the service side of the business to enhance the client experience.”
Interior of the Van Hool CX45
“Whether you are riding in one of our executive sedans or a full-size coach, you will enjoy the luxury of a high-end chauffeured experience. Our clients are used to luxuries such as full-leather seating, technology, and other amenities that we are very pleased to also be able to offer on a full-size coach,” adds ALLSTAR Chief Financial Officer and Managing Partner Jason Fritz.
ALLSTAR is known for leveraging technology to improve the customer experience both pre- and during transportation. Prior to travel, clients have the ability to track their vehicles arrival via a mobile app or with the link in their email confirmation. Customer alerts can be setup by email or text to notify them of a vehicles status as well. Inside their new coaches, clients will also enjoy the onboard technologies, including Wi-Fi, Roku for streaming services, satellite radio, and on-board TV’s.
“We purchased our first two full-size coaches from ABC in 2016 and have not been disappointed. The service and support that we continue to receive from the ABC team, made where to purchase our new coach from an easy decision,” stated Fritz about his decision to work with ABC. “Getting parts and service has always been very easy. Our coach parts are shipped quickly, and someone has always been available to answer and service questions we have.”
ALLSTAR has been active members of UMA and ABA since their first coach purchase in 2016 as well as members of NLA since 1998.
Visit allstarvip.com for more information.
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