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More than 40 members and guests took part in the event, with attendees coming in not only from all over the state of Florida, but also from all corners of the country to take their chances at the tables. Among those who made the trek to help the CFLA were John Oulton of Richmond Limousine in Richmond, Va., Nancy Vargas of DH2 Chauffeured Transportation in Queens, N.Y., and Katie Martinez of Chosen Payments in Moorpark, Calif. Additionally, more than 25 operators and vendors supported the event through table sponsorships or as chip sponsors, in which supporters had their company logo imprinted on custom poker chips.
“When you try something for the first time, you want it to be successful, so I had so much anxiety going into the event. I’ve never put on a poker tournament, and don’t even play poker,” says CFLA President Wendy Kleefisch of Brevard Executive Limousine. “I didn’t know how the industry would receive the event, but I was really thrilled by the support and turnout.”
Proceeds from the tournament will be used to purchase can goods as part of the CFLA’s Cans for a Cause initiative. The association will purchase an array of healthy non-perishables and distribute them to the two charities. Moreover, at their May 8 meeting, members bolstered the donations by bringing in canned goods.
The grand prize winner of the tournament was Fernando Carlison of Mundi Limousine, who took home a set of poker chips and several gift cards. Second place winner was Lenin Fraga of American Transportation & Limo Services, who received a pass to the 2018 Chauffeur Driven Show, and third place went to current WFLA president Jeremy Jenkins of His & Hers Limousine. The event’s 50/50 raffle was won by Stephanie Bowman, president of One Heart for Women and Children.
“Philanthropy is a passion of mine, so to bring it into the association is amazing, says Kleefisch. “Our board voted unanimously to do the tournament again next year.”
Visit cfla.org for more information.
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This award will be presented during ABA’s 2019 Annual Meeting & Marketplace in Louisville, Ky., to a deserving driver for professionally executing safe motorcoach operation, while providing the traveling public with the safest form of passenger transportation in the United States.
“Motorcoach drivers are the face and backbone of our industry,” said ABA President & CEO Peter Pantuso. “They deliver millions of passengers safely each year to their destinations providing the utmost in customer service. They are truly the representatives of our member companies. People always remember their driver and the experience they had with them on a trip.”
MCI Vice President of Marketing and Product Planning Brent Maitland said driver recognition is long overdue: “There are many critical factors in creating a great experience for the passenger, starting with the quality, design, and maintenance of the vehicle they are riding in. But none is more important than the driver. Their passion for safety, equipment care and overall passenger care keeps our industry rolling.”
The award has five benchmarks upon which each nominee will be judged. The nominee must:
• be employed as an over-the-road motorcoach driver by an ABA Member (full- or part-time)
• have a minimum of 10 years cumulative experience driving an over-the-road motorcoach
• not have any felony convictions
• not have had any driving violations in the past three years, excluding form and manner violations
• not have had a chargeable accident for a minimum of 10 years (non-chargeable incidents or incidental accidents [bumpers, mirrors] do not count against a nominee)
Nominations with supporting documents must be received to the Bus Industry Safety Council by Sept. 30, 2018. Completed nomination forms can be emailed to bisc@buses.org.
“The motorcoach industry is known for being the safest form of transportation on America’s highways. This is a direct result of our extraordinary drivers,” said Al Smith, chair of ABA’s Bus Industry Safety Council. “BISC takes pride in recognizing the drivers that make this recognition possible and we are delighted to participate in helping to select and recognize one of America’s finest with the ABA Driver of the Year Award.”
Visit buses.org for more information.
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While it is too late to take advantage of our discounted room block at the five-star Hotel Pendry, we’re happy to help you find a room. Just contact our Director of Events Carly Sokoloff at 856-452-0323 or carly@chauffeurdriven.com, and she’ll do her best to get you the best rate available. And to our friends in the California, Arizona, and Nevada surrounding areas, San Diego is a relatively short and easy commute for you.
Year after year, the CD Team works hard to design this event to provide a perfect combination of first-class education and unparrelled networking events so you leave our host city feeling that you’ve received useful takeaway or your business while having a hell of a goodtime. Well, you can bet that this year’s Retreat in San Diego will be no different, and, in fact, we just may have topped ourselves.
In the past few weeks, we’ve told you about our on-point educational offerings, our one-of-a-kind dinner receptions, the exclusive, interactive Executive Game, and our trolley tour of America’s Finest City, but if you’re still on the fence about attending, just read what our past attendees have to say about our Executive Retreat events.
“I always tell people that they should go to the Executive Retreat, especially if you’re an owner/operator. You can’t beat it. I can’t say enough about the education… from learning big things to learning little things, like utilizing software, there’s so much networking to be had, it’s amazing.”
Hilary Louarti of Diamond Transportation in Tucson, Ariz.
“I found collaborating with owners in a small setting to be more relaxed and highly effective. The intimate setting gives you an opportunity to really connect with your peers on a personal and professional level. I highly recommend attending CD's Executive Retreats. An event well done.”
Joe Gulino of Gem Limousine Worldwide in Woodbridge, N.J.
“Loved, loved, loved the sessions… [San Francisco] was my second retreat and my only regret is that I didn't start attending sooner. I love the smaller groups of exceptional people, who are all focused on making our companies and relationships with one another better and stronger, in a more relaxed atmosphere. Many times, I'm skeptical about spending this much time away from the office, as the ROI usually isn't there. With the Chauffeur Driven Executive Retreat...the value is definitely there! I already have San Diego on my calendar. Can't wait!”
Tracy Salinger of Unique Limousine in Harrisburg, Pa.
“This is an event that is just the right size and length to make a difference in my business operations. I took home actionable items that I put right to use. The people that attend are like-minded and refreshing to chat with as we all deal with so many of the same issues day to day. I would recommend this event to anyone who cares about increasing the strength or their business.”
Becky Laramee of All Point Limousine in Millbury, Mass.
A complete rundown of our jam-packed schedule—including our nighttime events—can be found by clicking HERE.
Many thanks to our Platinum Sponsors Grech Motors and Ford-Lincoln Limousine and Livery Sales for making the Chauffeur Driven Executive Retreat possible. We can’t wait to see you in America’s Finest City.
Visit sandiegoretreat.com for more information.
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