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Winner of the CD Show Pass Deb Miner of ASL Limousine (left) with Britt Kirk of All Points Limousine
Saugus, Mass. — The New England Livery Association (NELA) welcomed 70 attendees to its March 12 meeting at Kowloon Restaurant, which was co-sponsored by DavEl/Boston Coach and Boston Car Service/Above All Transportation.
The evening started with a cocktail hour, where new and prospective members mingled with long-timers. Everyone had a chance to peruse the prize table to decide which raffle tickets to purchase for the evening’s drawing, while the networking table allowed operators and vendors alike to share business cards and brochures.
After dinner, sponsors and board members were introduced to attendees and NELA Executive Director Rick Szilagyi encouraged everyone to fill out surveys that will help the association plan its future membership meetings. He then offered a brief review of the legislation NELA guided to passage in 2016, which added more stringent backgrounds checks to TNC drivers and currently prevents 15 percent of TNC-approved drivers from being permitted, as well as created the Transportation Infrastructure Enhancement Trust Fund—a fund that’s financed by TNCs remitting 20 cents for every TNC ride in Massachusetts for five years, with five cents from every 20 set aside for taxi and luxury ground transportation industries.
The March 12 meeting welcomed 70 members to Kowloon Restaurant
Szilagyi ended his update with a warning about endorsing Boston Mayor Marty Walsh’s desire to cap TNC cars in the city, referring to a similar cap in NYC that ultimately included traditional operators, too.
Scott Solombrino of DavEl/Boston Coach discussed the recent Uber settlement case involving arbitration with drivers. He pointed out that the NLA is pursuing information on TNC drivers and unpaid taxes owed to 1099 workers, pointing out that due to the sheer volume of drivers who’ve been denied monetary compensation, there is reason to hope the IRS will want to pursue the case. Brett Barenholtz of Boston Car Service/Above All Transportation then thanked Solombrino for his involvement in the industry and, on behalf of the NLA, reminded everyone that the national association’s Day on the Hill is scheduled for June 5-6 in Washington, D.C.
After various sponsors and members took their turns at the mic, the meeting’s speakers addressed meeting-goers. First up was Economic Development Planner Josh Eichen of the Metropolitan Area Planning Council, who expounded upon the Transportation Infrastructure Enhancement Fund (TIEF). The agency is currently engaging with operators to determine how the money would best benefit our industry. NELA has already been working with members to gather information, and asks all members to keep an eye for a survey to assist in this process.
NELA members enjoy each other’s company during the meeting
Paul Furbush II of the U.S. Department of Labor discussed programs to support veterans, as he works as the Regional Veteran’s Employment Coordinator, while MassHire was represented by U.S. Army Veteran and Veteran’s Business Representative Christopher Mills and Business Services/Rapid Response Manager Ken Messina; Becky Laramee of All Points Limousine shared part of her positive experience with MassHire.
A pass to the 2019 Chauffeur Driven Show in Boston from October 13-16 was raffled off and won by Deb Miner of ASL Limousine.
The next NELA events are its June 6 Chauffeur Appreciation Day and June 11 membership meeting.
Visit nelivery.org for more information.
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Enhancing the Private Ground Transportation Industry Together
Marlton, N.J. (March 22, 2019) — The National Limousine Association (NLA) is proud to announce its new global partnership with Chauffeur Driven (CD)‚ the leading worldwide resource for luxury ground transportation.
Operating as the professional employer organization for the NLA‚ Chauffeur Driven will assist with daily management resources for the non-profit association. In turn‚ CD will provide opportunity for faster growth and development for the NLA by affording the NLA board the necessary resources to create improved systems and experiences the world over.
“The NLA has worked diligently to forge and develop a partnership that would greatly benefit all our beloved staff and members‚” said Gary Buffo‚ President of the NLA. “We are thrilled to partner with a company that shares our values and goals‚ namely to support the NLA’s growth and prosperity. My hat is off to our tremendously dedicated board of directors‚ who led our organization in this auspicious step forward for our specialized industry.”
The synergy between these pillars of the industry will serve to advance the NLA’s expansion‚ resources and membership offerings. Through this partnership‚ the NLA can now infuse operator‚ vendor‚ and supplier buying networks during two annual shows‚ as well as Chauffeur Driven’s Annual Executive Retreat.
“We could not be more excited to join forces with the National Limousine Association‚” states Chris Weiss‚ President & Publisher of Chauffeur Driven. “Between the sharp minds and incredibly valuable resources at the NLA‚ and the talented team we have assembled at CD‚ we are poised to co-brand and elevate the level of both the fall and Vegas Shows. This partnership is beneficial not only to the NLA and Chauffeur Driven‚ but also to the industry at large.”
What’s more‚ NLA and Chauffeur Driven will host a new industry show in Las Vegas‚ taking place at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino February 23-26‚ 2020. The show will provide the ideal environment for industry networking‚ as well as valuable world-class education helpful for both business and personal takeaway. Exclusive events that will take place during the show include the Operator Mentoring Program, Affiliate Central Global Partner Forum‚ and the Owner’s Game.
ABOUT CHAUFFEUR DRIVEN:
Chauffeur Driven (CD) is the luxury ground transportation industry's leading and most-trusted global resource. Chauffeur Driven Magazine is a monthly B2B publication that focuses on all aspects of the luxury chauffeured ground transportation industry internationally. Each issue contains valuable‚ hands-on information for running a more profitable and efficient business – offering proven tips and insights from successful operators across the country and around the world.
For additional information on Chauffeur Driven‚ please visit chauffeurdriven.com.
ABOUT THE NLA:
The National Limousine Association is a non-profit organization responsible for and dedicated to representing the interests of the private driver transportation industry at the global‚ national‚ state‚ and local level. It is the unified voice of this industry – linking transportation industry professionals from owners and operators to suppliers‚ manufacturers‚ regional and state limousine associations. With more than 2‚000 NLA members‚ the Association is committed to exceeding expectations with regards to professionalism‚ transportation efficiency and safe riding.
For additional information on the NLA‚ please visit limo.org.
Media Queries:
EVINS Communications
Matthew Berritt: (212) 377-3577
Matthew.Berritt@Evins.com
David Harrison: (212) 377-3584
David.Harrison@Evins.com
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A Van Hool CX45 motorcoach branded for Echo/AFC Transportation
Houston — ABC Companies is pleased to announce that Echo/AFC Transportation, a privately held ground transportation company in Texas, has added seven new 2019 Van Hool CX45 coaches to its premium fleet of over 300 vehicles. A full-service ground transportation and logistics management firm, Echo/AFC operations span the entire state of Texas, providing group travel services for a full range of tour, charter, shuttle, limo, and commuter services.
“These new coaches are built to a customized specification that will support an elite passenger experience that is the hallmark of the Echo/AFC Transportation brand,” said Echo/AFC Transportation CEO John Ferrari.
The seven newly delivered Van Hool CX45 models offer passenger seating for up to 56 guests with a mix of luxury upgrades, including leather-insert seats, contoured and modified contoured parcel racks with integrated 23” monitors, 110V outlets with USB connectors, and woodgrain flooring throughout. Several of the coaches also feature chrome mirrors, side-view cameras, and three models are fully-ADA compliant with Braun wheelchair lifts.
“Our amenities package is a great investment, as our passengers love the way these coaches look and feel and our drivers appreciate how the coaches handle, and the simplicity of the integrated driver’s dash area is a huge plus for our driving staff,” noted Ferrari.
The new coaches also sport a black tone-on-tone graphics package scheme that prominently features a freshly rebranded corporate logo, which unifies the Echo/AFC brands within a simple and modern design.
“John and his team are incredible to work with,” said ABC Companies Senior Account Manager Greg Gates. “Helping to ensure that the fleet is as modern and reliable as possible is integral to supporting their operational goals.”
Senior Vice President, ABC Financial Services Gregg Goedde
In other ABC news, Chief Executive Officer Dane Cornell announced that Gregg Goedde has been promoted to senior vice president, ABC financial services. Goedde has more than 25 years in the finance and bus and motorcoach industries, where he has built an impressive track record of combining industry knowledge with financial know-how to build solutions for ABC Companies’ customers.
Goedde joined ABC Companies in 1995, where he started overseeing departments such as warranty, service, and Graphics while working closely with Van Hool and product deliveries. This provided him with excellent product, service, and manufacturer experience that played a vital role for his upcoming financial responsibilities at ABC Companies.
When asked what he enjoys most about his position, Goedde said: “It has been so rewarding and exciting to see companies that came to me as a complete start-up, purchasing their first coach, and now are successful multi-generational organizations.”
He attributes his success to a strong network of financial partners that allow ABC Financial Services to be a true solutions provider, helping operators big and small succeed in their business.
“Gregg has been instrumental in ABC Companies’ growth. His dedication and commitment to ABC along with a passion for helping our customers find solutions is really what our company values are all about,” said President and Chief Commercial Officer Roman Cornell.
Visit abc-companies.com for more information
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