- Details
- Category: Industry News
Newly installed 2018-2019 TLPA President Terry O’Toole (right, with Past TLPA President Dwight Kines to his immediate left) chats with conference attendees
Las Vegas — Last month’s 100th Annual Convention & Trade Show of the Taxicab, Limousine & Paratransit Association (TLPA) offered a jam-packed schedule, top-notch speakers, and all that Vegas has to offer, over the course of this historic three-day event, which was held October 27-29.
People tried to crash a car. They partied at a mansion overlooking Sin City. They played golf just off the city’s world-famous Strip. They signed business deals, made new friends, soaked up knowledge in educational sessions, and forged new partnerships.
The Taxicab, Limousine & Paratransit Foundation Golf Tournament, sponsored by Atlas Financial Holdings, Inc. kicked off the convention at the Bali Hai Golf Club Saturday morning. Golfers hit the links on the beautiful 18-hole course, a tropical oasis just off the Vegas strip.
Outgoing TLPA President Mike Pinckard addresses the audience in one of his final speeches as the association’s president
Dueling Pianos entertained hundreds of top transportation executives from around the world at the convention’s Kick-Off Party. The performing pair provided the perfect ambiance of recognizable musical covers as attendees caught up over hors d’oeuvres and an open bar from, the latter of which was sponsored by The Black Car Fund.
Sunday morning got underway with a delicious aroma of breakfast. Then, during three sets of concurrent Learning Labs, transportation experts delved into the latest industry topics, including innovative technologies, market trends, and workforce and driver management—all while a hot breakfast was served in each meeting room.
Ford Motor Company let attendees get behind the wheel of a vehicle with automatic braking capabilities designed to prevent collisions, which was part of a hands-on driving exhibition featuring Ford’s All-New Taxi vehicle line-up.
TLPA’s 100th annual convention brought together ground transportation professionals from all walks of the industry
The Transportation Solutions MarketPlace was buzzing! Dozens of exhibitors packed the exhibition floor to showcase their products and services. The Grand Opening Party came complete with an open bar and Ford Motor Company-sponsored hors d’oeuvres.
Convention attendees were invited to the Monster Mansion overlooking Las Vegas. The evening had live music, food and drinks, as well as a collection of high-end cars available for viewing and cameos by a few celebrities.
The convention hosted three in-demand speakers from outside of the industry to share their strategic insights and best practices. They included Dennis Snow, a 20-year veteran from Walt Disney, Chris Jones, co-founder of Canalys, and Scott McKain, author of Create Distinction.
TLPA’s centennial convention concluded with a silent auction and reception, the perfect event to cap a packed-to-the-brim convention program.
Check back with the December 2018 issue of Chauffeur Driven for an in-depth look and tons of photos from this centennial event.
TLPA’s 2019 convention will return to Las Vegas from October 16-18.
Visit tlpa.org for more information.
[CD1118]
- Details
- Category: Industry News
BCAC President Diana Clemente of Big Apple Car
Long Island City, N.Y. — The Black Car Assistance Corporation (BCAC) began a new chapter in leadership, as Diana Clemente of Big Apple Car recently assumed the position of BCAC president.
Clemente has been a long-time active BCAC member, as well as having previously served as BCAC president. Her industry experiences and new approach to management make her perfectly poised to bring the BCAC to new heights during such tumultuous times.
Set on bringing in new members, Clemente has made it clear that she understands the complex tasks which lie ahead of us, and the value in recruiting new voices with unique experiences, and therefore, unique and valuable insight.
Outgoing BCAC President Berj Haroutunian issued the following statement:
“It’s been one of the greatest pleasures of my career to have served as president of the BCAC. During my tenure as president, I’m proud to have taken part in efforts that have greatly benefited our industry, and the thousands and thousands of drivers who keep clients moving, day and night, and deserve the fairest of treatment.
As I pass the gavel to the BCAC’s next president and a long-time personal friend of mine, Diana Clemente, I do so with a profound sense of not just confidence, but excitement to see the revolutionary new heights she will bring this association to. Her vast experience within the industry, as well as her true and overwhelming desire to better the lives of the drivers of this industry are just two reasons she is a phenomenal choice.
As the industry landscape continues to change rapidly, and the challenges we face grow increasingly complex and frequent, it is of the utmost importance that the Industry come together and actively participate in protective efforts; with a refreshed approach to management of the BCAC, Diana Clemente may very well be the right person to accomplish this task.”
In a letter to members, Clemente expressed her feelings on the industry and discussed the values she brings with her into the new term:
“I could not possibly feel more honored to be returning as president of the Black Car Assistance Corporation, and especially at such a crucial time. I also cannot express how grateful I am to Berj Haroutunian for his leadership over the past few years; it was a difficult road, and I know how hard he worked, as well as how much of himself he sacrificed in order to serve. As I take on the title of BCAC president once again, I assure everyone that I will tirelessly and diligently continue on with the mission of the BCAC—ensuring the fair treatment of our industry.
We all know just too well how vastly our industry has changed, just in the past few years. We also all know that moving forward, the issues we are set to face will prove to be far more complex and will carry even higher stakes than ever before. Now more than ever, it is imperative we not forget what sets our industry apart from the rest of the sector offerings back in the very beginning—and I’m talking back in the old days; quality and customer service. As we deal with the societal shift towards instant gratification and convenience as a necessity, it is the traits unique to our industry that will prove to set us apart once again.
I know at times, it can be difficult to hold on to hope with the current state of our industry. While that may be, I implore you all to make a serious effort to approach each coming day and each coming issue we face with optimism and positivity. I feel there is no need to remind anyone reading this just how many drivers—members of our communities, mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters, depend on the direction we provide and course that we set, for their very paycheck—for there to be food on their table. I enter into this responsibility fully aware of this awesome responsibility, and as such, I commit to executing my position with the utmost professionalism, honesty and pride, as any less would be a disgrace.”
Visit nybcac.org for more information.
[CD1018]
- Details
- Category: Industry News
L to R: CLA Vice President Youssef Marrakchi of Centennial Worldwide Transportation, CLA Chairwoman Mary Norby of Carey Denver-GT Denver, NLA President Gary Buffo of Pure Luxury Transportation, CLA President Jason Ramsey of Prestige Worldwide Transportation, and CLA Sergeant-at-Arms Marcos Contreras of A Advantage Limousine
Denver —In a luncheon that aimed to deliver industry insight and education, the Colorado Limousine Association’s (CLA’s) September 18 general membership meeting saw a packed house that welcomed several guest speakers and their informational presentations.
The CLA has been holding its general membership meetings at a local college, but President Jason Ramsey of Prestige Worldwide Transportation has been planning to try something new by putting on more of a show.
“We just wanted to do something different than a standard meeting: We wanted to pull out the stops and encourage more participation,” said Ramsey.
The three-hour meeting began with a 30-minute networking session that allowed local operators to connect and form new affiliate partnerships.
A catered lunch immediately followed, during which Stu Williams of Denver International Airport (DIA) made his presentation. With the airport going through major construction, there are many changes happening to the way operators handle airport services; as Williams included diagrams, plans, and timelines in his conversation with meeting attendees, local operators got deeper insights into and more specific details about the multi-year Great Hall Project at DIA. His willingness to answer questions provided an even greater understanding of the changes operators will have to make in training their chauffeurs and educating their clients.
NLA President Gary Buffo of Pure Luxury Transportation (left) and CLA President Jason Ramsey of Prestige Worldwide Transportation
Representing meeting sponsors South Point Risk Advisors and Research Underwriters were Nathan Spears and Robin Friedberg, respectively, who both gave short presentations about what their companies are doing for not only the CLA but also the industry.
The meeting’s highlight was its keynote presentation from National Limousine Association (NLA) President Gary Buffo of Pure Luxury Transportation. Buffo provided a wealth of knowledge for operators, and was willing to speak on the tough issues and answer the hard questions. Additionally, he updated attendees on the current NLA projects and the benefits of NLA membership. His attendance brought out less-active CLA members and non-member attendees alike.
Because of this event, not only did the CLA gain a few new members for the state organization, but also several attendees opted to join the NLA. Colorado operators were introduced to new local affiliates while the CLA hosted its largest meeting in more than a year.
The next CLA event will be its general membership meeting November 20.
Visit cololimo.org
for more information.
[CD1018]