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L to R: Carl Haley of Grand Avenue Worldwide, Kevin Illingworth of Classique Worldwide Transportation, CD Publisher Chris Weiss, and Arthur Messina of Create-A-Card
Marlborough, Mass. — The New England Livery Association’s (NELA’s) annual George Colarullo Memorial Golf Tournament returned to the Marlborough Country Club August 8. Now in its 18th year, the yearly outing brings together operators, vendors, family, and friends from well beyond the reaches of New England. Chauffeur Driven Publisher Chris Weiss was among the roughly 100 golfers who came out for a day of good company raising money for a good cause.
This year’s tournament also benefited from being scheduled a day before the annual Dav El/BostonCoach affiliate meeting, which helped attract golfers from as far south as Florida and as far west as California.
“We always appreciate Scott Solombrino tying his management and affiliate meetings to this event,” said NELA Executive Director Rick Szilagyi. “We picked up some out-of-town players as a result, which was great and bolstered our attendance.”
NELA Secretary Lynda Saitta of Momentum Drive and NELA President Mike Callahan of Able Limousine
With more than 20 teams battling it out for big bragging rights and an even bigger trophy, NELA President Mike Callahan of Able Limousine led his foursome to victory. In addition to first-, second-, and third-place trophies, the winners of contests like Closest to the Pin, male and female Longest Drive, and the light-hearted Shortest Drive also took home awards of their own.
Though the day’s biggest winners were the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and Chip’s House, each charity both having a special connection to association members and being among the recipients of the day’s accumulated donations. The latter is a long-term care facility for patients living with head injuries, where the son of the tournament’s namesake currently resides. The former is a newer beneficiary of the annual golf outing’s fundraising endeavors.
Carl Restivo of Grech Motors (left) and Glenn Stafford of Love Limousine
“Mike Callahan has a few friends who have cystic fibrosis running in their families, which is how that connection started,” Szilagyi said. “And then Dawson Rutter, who donated an addition $5,000 to the foundation last year, did the same this year.”
NELA certainly appreciate the camaraderie of the day, and Szilagyi is quick to thank the many sponsors and supporters who helped make the annual event a success. Chauffeur Driven sponsored the morning’s breakfast and donated a few items to help raise money for the two charities and the association itself.
“We could not do this without the support and sponsorship of so many people and companies,” said Szilagyi.
The next NELA event will be its quarterly membership meeting September 12.
Visit nelivery.org for more information.
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Orlando, Fla. — We’re thrilled to bring the 2017 Chauffeur Driven Show to Orlando’s spectacular Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center from October 22-25. This year, we return to the Sunshine State for what we think is going to be our best show yet. The 2017 CD Show, exclusively sponsored by Grech Motors and Ford-Lincoln Limousine and Livery Vehicles, will give attendees a one-of-a-kind resort experience that places everything in a single space. That’s right, the seminars, the show floor, events, and nightlife—not to mention your hotel room—are conveniently located under one roof!
Registration to the event is now open, and we’re currently offering an exclusive early-bird rate of only $295 until September 15. Also, we’ve secured a block of rooms at the room rate of $219/night. Our room blocks always sell out, so be sure to book early to secure your room. Don’t miss out!
The Gaylord Palms offers all the amenities and comforts you’d expect from an upscale resort and convention center—in one convenient location. You don’t even have to leave the hotel for plenty of dining options including seafood, Mediterranean fare, a steakhouse, and a sports bar for some casual eats.
Not only does the Gaylord Palms offer unique accommodations, the convention center has an impressive 120,000-square-foot showroom that will let you see the latest that our vendors and dealers have to offer. What’s more, for the first time ever, we’re offering Show Bucks that can be used like cash with participating exhibitors throughout the show. These coupons are included with your registration, but the amount you receive depends on the date you register—so act now to get better deals! Show Bucks can be redeemed for business cards, new technology, or even your latest fleet addition, so if you thought our show-only deals couldn’t get any better, this should sweeten the pot.
If you’re looking for a reason to come to Orlando a little early (that doesn’t involve mouse ears or roller coasters), then look no further. On Saturday, October 21, we’re hosting our inaugural Tom Mazza Charity Golf Outing to raise money for a good cause and honor our late industry mentor.
Tom Mazza was a man who was important to so many and made such an indelible impression on our industry across the board—a close friend and confidant to countless operators of all shapes and sizes. He was also the guy who popularized the 20-group concept for our space, and some of the groups he helped create and facilitate are still active. Tommy passed away in 2012 from ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease), but his influence is still very present today.
The Tom Mazza Charity Golf Outing is being held at Celebration Golf Club (9:00 am shotgun start), a terrific course just minutes from the Gaylord Palms, and is open to everyone. We are currently looking for golfers, helpers, and sponsors—so if Tommy made an impact on your life or business, please come out and support the event. Everything we raise is going directly to charity (primarily ALS research), so we hope you can make it to Orlando early in remembrance of Tommy and those struggling with the disease.
Check out chauffeurdrivenshow.com for the latest updates and to register.
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George Jacobs, CEO Chicago, Ill. — Windy City Limousine and Bus recently announced promotions within the management of the company. Kathy Kahne, the firm’s current vice-president, has been promoted to president; Tracy Raimer, former owner of the Chicago Transportation Group (CTG) and Your Private Limousine (YPL), has been named executive vice president; and Jerold Bean, former director of sales and special events, has been promoted to vice president, sales & marketing. Windy City Owner George Jacobs will retain the title of CEO and still be intimately involved with the daily operation of the company as before.
Kathy Kahne, president A well-known figure in the industry, Kahne has worked with Jacobs since 2000 when they were both at Carey. “She has made it her goal to learn about this business, look ahead toward the future, and keep Windy City abreast of new technology, all the while overseeing spectacular growth,” says Jacobs. “She attends all Industry events, and has even been a speaker at some. She belongs to an industry owner’s group, and is hands-on in all facets. I could not be prouder of her and she richly deserves this honor.”
Tracy Raimer, executive vice president Raimer and Jacob's relationship spans 20 years when she approached him for mentoring during her early days in the industry. Since then, she founded her own company, YPL, and co-founded CTG, a co-operative corporation made up of various Chicago-area companies. “It felt like she was coming home when we recently merged all of those companies into our operation,” he says. “Tracy is very sharp and will bring great new ideas to Windy City as well as reviewing our current structure to see where we can get better.”
Jerold Bean, vice president, sales & marketing A former client of Windy City, Bean has been with Windy City for a decade. “He dramatically changed the landscape of this company,” adds Jacobs. “We became the go-to company for DMC’s as they have become a huge part of our culture. When we lost a sales manager some years back, Jerold volunteered to add that to his workload. He has done a great job and he will help get us to the next level.”
Tricia Wilcoxin, director of business development In addition to the changes to management, Windy City has also promoted Tricia Wilcoxen to director of business development and Erica Shor to manager of affiliate relations.
As manager of Windy City’s affiliate department, Wilcoxen was key in the company’s partnership with the Chicago Cubs and Major League Baseball. According to the company, these alliances, and her leadership expertise, made her perfect for the newly-created position of director of business development. She will continue assisting Windy City with all of her great connections. Wilcoxen has been invited to a City of Chicago committee that is working on traffic around Wrigley Field, in addition to other Chicago-sponsored events.
Erica Shor, manager of affiliate relations Shor began her career in the transportation industry at Chicago’s Transportation Group (CTG) as a reservation agent. Her outstanding customer service skills and eagerness to take on additional responsibility brought her into CTG’s affiliate department to increase business. She joined Windy City’s affiliate department in March 2017 when the two companies merged. Shor attends many industry shows and is a part of the Going Global Affiliate Group. She will oversee the affiliate team of Natasha Anderson, senior affiliate relations coordinator, and Sarai Ramirez, affiliate relations coordinator.
“We are extremely lucky and proud to have such great talent to be able to promote from within Windy City. Both Tricia and Erica have been an asset to us and will continue to take us the next step in their new positions,” says Jacobs.
Visit windycitylimos.com for more information.
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