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- Category: Industry News
Have a 2024 event that you’d like to share? Let us know! Send an email to susan@chauffeurdriven.com or rob@chauffeurdriven.com and we’ll add your meeting/conference to our list of events in the monthly magazine, in our weekly newsletter, and on our website.
February
2/4-2/7
UMA Motorcoach Expo (Raleigh, N.C.)
motorcoachexpo.com
2/12
Florida Limousine Association Virtual Town Hall (1 p.m. ET via Zoom)
floridalimousine.com
2/13
Illinois Limousine & Bus Association (10 a.m. CT via Zoom)
illba.org
2/20
Colorado Limousine Association (Denver)
cololimo.org
2/20
Maryland Limousine Association (Baltimore)
mdlimoassoc.org
2/20-2/21
Wisconsin Motorcoach Association Convention (Milwaukee)
motorcoach.witruck.org/convention
March
3/3-3/6
CD/NLA Show (MGM Grand Las Vegas)
cdnlavegas.com
3/3-3/5
Meeting Professionals International’s European Meetings & Events Conference (Luxembourg)
mpi.org/events/emec-luxembourg
3/19
Limousine Association of New Jersey (Woodbridge)
lanj.org
3/19-3/20
US Travel Association’s Destination Capitol Hill (Washington, D.C.)
ustravel.org/events/DCH
3/25-3/26
PBA Marketplace (State College, Pa.)
pabus.org/Events/Marketplace/Marketplace-2024
[02.06.24]
- Details
- Category: Industry News
Forest River Bus, a leading shuttle bus and van manufacturer, recently announced the acquisition of Collins Bus, one of America's oldest school bus builders.
Collins Bus, with a rich history spanning over 50 years, was founded in 1967 in Kansas City, Mo., and later moved to Hutchinson, Kan. Renowned for its commitment to safety, strength, and reliability, Collins Bus holds a distinguished status as the pioneer in the development of the Type A school bus. This groundbreaking innovation marked the beginning of a series of advancements that have played a pivotal role in shaping the reputation of Collins buses as the most versatile and trusted in the nation.
Forest River Bus acquires Collins Bus
“The addition of Collins Bus to the Forest River Bus family highlights another milestone in our overall growth and leadership,” stated Forest River President and CEO Pete Liegl. “The performance of our bus and van division is a shining star for Forest River, and this acquisition raises an already high bar.”
Forest River Bus President David Wright similarly expressed his enthusiasm about this acquisition.
"We are thrilled to welcome Collins Bus into the Forest River family,” he said. “This purchase combines the strengths and heritage of two industry leaders. Collins Bus has a remarkable history, unwavering commitment to quality, and a team of dedicated employees. We value their legacy and look forward to building on their success."
Forest River Bus President David Wright
Wright added, "Our focus is not only on the products but also on the people. The skilled and passionate employees at Collins Bus are a vital asset, and we are excited to collaborate with them to continue delivering top-notch school buses that prioritize the safety and well-being of students."
The acquisition by Forest River signifies a joint commitment to maintaining the highest standards in manufacturing, customer service, and product innovation. Forest River is committed to preserving the legacy of Collins Bus, while leveraging its own innovative approaches to enhance product offerings.
Visit forestriverinc.com for more information.
[02.06.24]
- Details
- Category: Industry News
1st Vice President Joe Gulino of Gem Worldwide, President Mike Rose of My Limousine Service, Secretary Jason Sharenow of Broadway Elite, and Treasurer Barry Trabb of Complete Fleet Livery Sales
It was a packed house at the Sheraton Hotel in Parsippany, N.J., for the 2024 kick-off meeting of Limousine Association of New Jersey (LANJ) on Tuesday, January 30. CD Editor Rob Smentek joined the 75 operators, vendors, and guests in attendance for the lunchtime meeting, which was open to all operators in the tri-state area.
After the buffet lunch, Outgoing LANJ President Jason Sharenow of Broadway Elite Worldwide thanked the attendees and welcomed more than a dozen prospective members and vendors. He then introduced Tim Rose of Dolphin Transportation Specialists to say a few words about recently passed member Barbara Chirico of Gem Worldwide. Rose began by requesting a moment of silence, and then shared a bit about his longtime friendship with Chirico, calling her a trailblazer in the luxury transportation industry and citing her longstanding role within LANJ and her place as first female president of the National Limousine Association.
CD Editor Rob Smentek (left) and Jason Sharenow of Broadway Elite
“You’re all beneficiaries of the hard work that Barbara put in,” Rose said. “She won’t be duplicated.”
Next, Sharenow welcomed guest speaker Michael DeLamater of Market Street Strategies, who serves as LANJ’s lobbyist. He offered details of the current battle over congestion pricing in New York City. DeLamater stated that this has been his “primary focus” over the last 18 months. Ultimately, his goal is to eliminate the congestion tax for operators, or at the very least carve a lower rate. This is particularly crucial to N.J. operators since they are not recognized in N.Y. as “FHV class.” DeLamater is pushing for all operators to be treated (and charged) the same, whether they have N.J. or N.Y. plates.
Michael DeLamater of Market Street Strategies
“My job is to give the industry a voice,” he stated.
Following DeLamater’s presentation, Sharenow confirmed that he is stepping down from his role as president. He said that it had been an “incredible pleasure” to fight for the best interests of the industry in his more than eight years in the role. Sharenow thanked LANJ Executive Director Patricia Nelson, saying that it would have been impossible to serve without her assistance. He then revealed the 2024 LANJ Board of Directors, which was ratified unanimously at the meeting.
L to R: Shady Azar of Gem Worldwide, Emil Akman of Business Class Limo, Jason Messinger of BBZ Limousine & Livery Service, and Ron Robinson of Sterling Limousine
President: Mike Rose of My Limousine Service
1st Vice President: Joe Guilino of Gem Worldwide
2nd Vice President: Jeffrey Cartagena of Leros Transportation Group
Secretary: Jason Sharenow of Broadway Elite Worldwide
Treasurer: Barry Trabb of Complete Fleet Livery Sales
PAC Chair: Pete Corelli of Lakeview Custom Coach
It was a packed house at the Sheraton Parsippany for the 2024 LANJ Kick-Off Meeting
Executive Director Patricia Nelson
Directors: Anthony Azara of Avalon Chauffeured Services, Gary Dersarkissian of The Good Life Transportation, Jay Erlich of Europe Limousine Service, Karen Gajda of Country Club Transportation, Ray Gallagher of RMA Worldwide, Michael Marroccoli of EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants, John Maziarz of Arrive in Style Transportation, Jason Messinger of BBZ Limousine & Livery Service, Mohamed Osman of Fleetwood Limousine Worldwide, Tim Rose of Dolphin Transportation Specialists, Josh Schneeweiss of Advanced Limousine & Worldwide Car Service, David Seelinger of EmpireCLS Worldwide, Tony Viscusi (honorary) of Global Limousine, and Chris Weiss of Chauffeur Driven
Newly elected President Mike Rose then delivered the LANJ Report, saying that it was a “tremendous honor” to follow Sharenow. He promised a full slate of events for the coming year and is looking to increase engagement in the association among members and the board.
The next LANJ meeting is scheduled for March 19 at noon at the Hampton Inn in Woodbridge.
Visit lanj.org for more information.
Photos by Sam Emam of Special 1 Media
[02.05.24]