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Chicago, Ill. — The board of directors of the Illinois Limousine Association announced that the officers for the 2018-2019 term were elected at their June 22 meeting.
The 2018 officers are:
President: Tracy Raimer of Windy City Limousine and Bus
Vice President: Art Rento of Pontarelli Companies
Secretary: Paula DeBiasi of Chicago CoachWorks
Treasurer: Ron Hoye of Carey/Embarque Chicago
Visit illinoislimousineassociation.com for more information.
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The newly unveiled, next generation VanTerra shuttle bus
New Paris, Ind. — Turtle Top has announced that they have released the latest generation of their flagship VanTerra shuttle bus, and are taking orders for the redesigned vehicle. This new model is replacing the iconic vehicle that was first introduced to the ground transportation industry 20 years ago.
“What we did is take everything that was great and revolutionary about the existing VanTerra and added a twist to make it more production friendly, lighter, and more technologically advanced,” says Matt Sausaman, general manager at Turtle Top.
When the VanTerra debuted in 1998, it became one of the most influential vehicles in the industry in terms of its design and functionality. With its dual wheels and wider stance, the shuttle bus successfully bridged the gap between a 15-passenger van and a larger commercial bus. Turtle Top’s recent “hard reset,” which returned the company to its original owners, inspired them to revamp the VanTerra to keep it consistent with the rest of their redesigned product line.
Rear-view of the redesigned VanTerra
“Our team had a clear direction,” says Sausaman. “We checked off the things we liked about the style and functionality of the Van Terra and transitioned it to the style of our new family of products. We gave it a new cosmetic look consistent with more recent vehicles we’ve designed. That’s something that’s important to us—making sure our vehicles represent our brand.”
Features included in the updated VanTerra include a new front windshield that extends over the passengers’ heads, redesigned bi-fold doors, contemporary lighting and electrical options, multiple seating configurations, and an RTM fiberglass exterior.
“We took some of the weight out while striving to find more product commonality with the Odyssey,” says Sausaman. “The fiberglass is done using a process called RTM, which makes it lighter and more consistent.”
Turtle Top General Manager Matt Sausaman
He also points out that the VanTerra is a versatile vehicle appropriate for everyone from municipalities to luxury ground transportation companies. Seating is available in three configurations—front-facing, side-facing, and salon—and in a plethora of colors. The shuttle is also available both with luggage storage and without. Moreover, it’s available on three different chassis: Ford E350 SRW 138" WB, DRW 138", or 158" WB in either 6.2L or 6.8L engines.
“This bus will turn heads. The design team took a wish list and made it all fit in a vehicle that exemplifies Turtle Top and our commitment to our customers. However, the most popular thing from a distribution standpoint is that we’ve been able to do all this at a price point that’s very similar to the old vehicle,” adds Sausaman.
Visit turtletop.com for more information
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Joe and Michele Magnano
Newport Beach, Calif. — The kindness and generosity of the chauffeured ground transportation industry was on full display this past week when they rallied together to raise $72,615 for a friend in need.
In 2017, Michele Magnano, the wife of CLI Worldwide President Joe Magnano, was diagnosed with Stage IV adrenal cancer, an extremely rare and particularly insidious form of the disease. Recently, her oncologist recommended an experimental treatment called Cryoablation, which may help Michelle tremendously, but unfortunately is not covered by insurance.
Anxious to help his friends, A.J. Thurber of Grech Motors stepped up and created a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds toward Michelle’s treatment. Thurber forwarded the link to his friends, and the news quickly went viral among the industry on social media.
On the GoFundMe page, Thurber wrote: “Anyone who knows Michele, Joe, and their family of humans and canines already know that if the roles were reversed, they are always the first ones to lend a helping hand. No situation prevents them from coming to the aide of someone, even during the toughest battle of their lives. Even though they do so unconditionally and without expectation, now is the time that we can help and be a part of Michele’s fight to beat this dreaded disease.”
Just 48 hours after the campaign went live, more than $60,000 was raised by 112 donors, which was more than $10,000 over the initial goal set by Thurber. The amount has continued to climb in the days that followed.
“We are truly beside ourselves with the love and support we have received from so many!” says Joe. “Our transportation family has been so instrumental in these efforts we are overwhelmed. So many of you who are close to us and the many of you whom are not have changed our lives forever. The battle we are facing is tough, but with the support from all of you, we shall prevail. This business is tough enough for all of us, but when our industry rallies TOGETHER we can accomplish so much! We want to thank everyone from the bottom of our hearts! THANK YOU!”
Visit bit.ly/2LzCBS7 to learn more about Michele or to contribute to the cause.
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