- Details
- Category: Industry News
Global Alliance Manager, Global Partners Zena Kulikowska
Toronto — Global Alliance Worldwide Chauffeured Services is pleased to announce the appointment of Zena Kulikowska to manager, global partners.
Kulikowska began with Global Alliance more than10 years ago, beginning her career as a reservation agent. She later became reservations supervisor, and most recently held the position of client relations manager. She brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for the industry and has formed many relationships, regularly working with partners around the world.
“I am very excited about the new position of Manager, Global Partners,” says Kulikowska. “I am looking forward to expand the affiliate division at Global Alliance, and focus on providing best worldwide transportation service.”
Kulikowska says that she has enjoyed the opportunity of working with affiliates, as she has established fantastic relationships with companies around the world.
“I’m proud of what I have accomplished at Global Alliance, and I will continue helping our company grow.”
Global Alliance President Joe Ironi believes that Kulikowska is a natural fit to the position, and anticipates that she will have great success in the role.
“Zena has been a big part of our team and a great ambassador to our company,” says Ironi. “She has a really positive energy about her and has been able to build many great relationships in the industry over the past several years.”
With over 30 years in the business, Global Alliance provides services for a diverse list of high-end clients as well as many of the major events in Toronto. It is also active in the industry through support of its local association, the Ontario Limousine Owners Association, as well as the National Limousine Association.
Visit global-alliance.ca for more information.
[CD0319]
- Details
- Category: Industry News
CD Editor Rob Smentek with Executive Retreat pass winner Mark Barnett of Best of Times Transportation
King of Prussia, Pa. — The Philadelphia Regional Limousine Association (PRLA) returned to Maggiano’s Little Italy on March 13 for a packed-house general membership meeting. CD Editor Rob Smentek was one of the 50 members and guests were present for the standing-room-only dinner event, which offered attendees the latest in local regulatory concerns and parking issues, as well as speakers from in and out of the industry.
Recently elected PRLA President Johnny Donohoe of Sterling Chauffeured Transportation began the meeting by welcoming everyone and expressing his pleasure with the sizeable number in attendance. He then thanked past PRLA presents Steve Rhodes from Rhoads Limousine and Jim Salinger of Unique Limousine, who were both in attendance, for their years of service to both the association and industry. Donohoe then asked new PRLA Treasurer Bob Euler Jr. of King Limousine and Transportation to provide a brief overview of the organization’s financial status.
Next, meeting sponsor and vendor member Ken Ingram of Brightbill Body Works addressed the group with an overview of his dealership’s products and services. He also encouraged the operators in the room to tour the three buses he brought to the venue. Ingram then welcomed surprise guest Phil Tom of Turtle Tom who came in from Indiana for the meeting. Tom gave an update on Turtle Top’s recent “hard reset” that saw company return to its family-owned roots after a brief period under a new umbrella.
L to R: Larry Hershman and Kai Pfiester of Black Ciper Security, Mike Barretto of Eagle Chauffeured Services, and Jeffrey Brenner of Black Cipher
Donohoe and Euler then provided an update on developments at the Philadelphia Airport (PHL) and with the association’s oft-tenuous relationship with the Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA). A construction project at PHL is scheduled to begin in May, which will send hordes of pedestrians to the commercial lots that were previously off-limits to “civilians.” Donohoe advised operators to be prepared for the inevitable delays that will occur due to the travelers unfamiliar with these parking zones. The PRLA board members then discussed the controversial per-vehicle assessments that the PPA levies on chauffeured ground transportation vehicles. While Donohoe confirmed that the $550 per year rate is still in effect, the PPA is considering a per-ride fee of $2.00 for trips in the city limits. This is similar fees levied to TNCs, which generated a whopping $115,000 a day for Philadelphia. This new plan would require luxury car operators to self-report their rides and no stickers would be required.
The PRLA Board (L to R): Tresurer Bob Euler Jr. of King Limousine and Transportation, President Johnny Donohoe of Sterling Chauffeured Transportation, Secretary Tracy Salinger-Long of Unique Limousine, Vice President Tony Viscusi of Global Limousine, Vendor Director John Arone of HUB International, and Director Michael Barreto of Eagle Chauffeured Services
Before welcoming guest speakers from Black Cipher Security, PRLA Director Mike Barretto of Eagle Chauffeured Services kept the membership up to date on what’s happening at Philadelphia’s always-busy sports stadium area. Barretto recent met with representatives from the stadiums who said that they are actively working on improving the parking situation for for-hire vehicles. The Black Cipher team then engaged attendees with an informative, and often terrifying, discussion about improving cybersecurity measures in the workplace. Their presentation included a live hacking demonstration, an overview about how the “dark web” works, and quick tips operators can use to bolster their cybersecurity.
The meeting concluded with raffles, including a drawing for a free show pass to the Chauffeur Driven Executive Retreat in Austin from May 5-8. The winner was Mark Barnett of Best of Times Transportation in Hatfield, Pa.
The PRLA’s next meeting is scheduled for May 1 at Fred Beans Ford of Doylestown.
Visit prlainc.com for more information.
[CD0319]
- Details
- Category: Industry News
TLPA President Terry O’Toole
Rockville, Md. — The preliminary agenda for the Taxicab, Limousine & Paratransit Association’s (TLPA’s) Spring Conference & Expo has been published, offering attendees a first look at the event that’s heading to New Orleans this April.
The action starts April 24 with an exciting keynote speaker, an important discussion on a threat to nonemergency medical transportation (NEMT) funding, the exploration of new opportunities in mobility options, and the unveiling of a major rebranding effort for the association itself, among other topics.
Among the hottest of sessions will be a presentation on federal efforts to allow states to waive Medicaid-funded transportation. This funding threat is part of cost-cutting measures by the federal government that could potentially affect millions of passengers in need of transportation, including people with dialysis appointments, the elderly with doctors’ appointments and children with disabilities.
“Transportation companies across the United States are a lifeline for these passengers who otherwise could not afford these trips,” said TLPA President Terry O’Toole. “Cutting service in any way will result in increased healthcare costs due to untreated conditions and missed appointments with doctors. Our members need to be united, educated and involved in ensuring these services remain in place.”
Meanwhile, buzz is building about the conference’s much-anticipated keynote speaker, Kayvan Baroumand, a Silicon Valley venture capitalist and incubator founder, who will speak on Total Quality Management. A recent training session on delivering top-quality service he conducted for drivers in one TLPA fleet elicited a standing ovation.
Members will also have the historic opportunity to cast their vote to change the name of TLPA. An overall strategic repositioning and rebranding effort has been underway for more than a year.
The Expo portion of the event will showcase services and products of familiar faces and new vendors alike, from across North America and from as far away as India and the Philippines. From dispatching software to insurance, and from call centers to wheelchair equipment, the Expo always offers something for fleets of all sizes. Attendees will have the chance to mingle in a relaxed and casual atmosphere with exhibitors throughout the evening, enjoying an open bar sponsored by MTI Dispatch.
Some 200 transportation executives and top industry vendors are expected to attend the Conference & Expo from April 24 to 25. Exhibit space is filling up quickly, so vendors are encouraged to reserve a spot today. Attendees can also make hotel reservations through TLPA’s portal.
Visit tlpa.org for more information.
[CD0319]