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Newly elected TLPA President Mike Pinckard of Total Transit Denver — When the Taxicab, Limousine & Paratransit Association’s (TLPA’s) 99th Annual Convention & Trade Show headed to Colorado October 8-12, it brought together decision-makers from fleets across the U.S. and around the world, all eager to learn about the industry’s latest innovations and best practices.
Under the theme “Celebrating 100 Years,” the convention featured three informative general sessions; 29 educational sessions on important topics affecting the industry; a robust trade show; the election of TLPA’s new president, officers and directors; and more. In addition to Premier Sponsor Autocab, the four-day event was made possible with the generous support of industry vendors, including Gold Sponsors Atlas Financial Holdings and Ford Motor Company; Silver Sponsors MTData, Paratransit Insurance Company, and Verifone; and Bronze Sponsors The Black Car Fund and Metro Transportation Planning & Solutions Group.
On the convention’s opening day, attendees braved Denver’s first snowfall of the season to participate in a tour of host operator Metro Transportation Planning & Solutions Group’s facility. The educational segment of the convention opened that afternoon with the ever-popular discussion groups covering diverse topics including independent contractor issues; marketing; contracting; responding to RFPs; hiring and retaining drivers and support staff; duty of care; becoming a TNC; and cost-cutting measures.
TLPA CEO Alfred LaGasse (left) accepts the Lifetime Achievement Award from Outgoing TLPA President Bill Scalzi The Opening General Session on Tuesday afternoon featured outgoing President Bill Scalzi’s address, which included a look at TLPA’s accomplishments over the past year. These included significantly changing the membership dues structure, reducing costs, and increasing member benefits for operator members; developing Ride Local, a new marketing program for members; identifying and working on developing strategies to enable TLPA member operators to compete more effectively with TNCs; and in a surprise announcement, Scalzi presented the association’s CEO, Alfred LaGasse, TLPA’s Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his 40 years of service to TLPA.
The convention also featured the election of officers and directors of the association in the coming year. The highlight was electing Mike Pinckard of Total Transit in Glendale, Ariz., to serve as TLPA president.
In his first remarks as president, Pinckard said, “We must begin the process of reshaping our vision for the future in a more inclusive and collaborative manner; in a manner that seizes the new and exciting opportunities before us, by blending the greatness of our past, with the innovations and excitement of the future.”
To that end, Pinckard outlined three key objectives during the coming year, including:
– Creating a new and inspirational strategic plan that provides the roadmap to the future of TLPA;
– Focusing on a new structure for TLPA that better serves its members, including improved conferences and meetings, more powerful research and analysis, and laser-focused government relations; and
– Launching a comprehensive brand review designed to re-define TLPA’s image and re-position the association to operate in a more inclusive and collaborative manner.
Pinckard concluded by stating, “I’m truly honored and humbled by the opportunity to serve as president of the TLPA, and I look forward to working with all of you, as we work together to shape the next phase in the evolution of this great industry.”
Planning is already underway for the Spring Conference & Expo in Oklahoma City from April 10-13, 2018, as well as for the grand celebration of TLPA’s 100th Annual Convention & Trade Show, October 26-30, 2018, at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.
Visit tlpa.org for more information.
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Jeff Conly, ALA PresidentTempe, Ariz. — Signifying its efforts to further support local limousine and ground transportation companies, the non-profit Arizona Limousine Association (ALA) recently launched its new website, AZLimousineAssociation.com. The website marks new actions from the organization aimed at more actively helping Arizona’s licensed operators. On the website, active members, as well as operators interested in membership, can find details on state compliance and remain informed on ALA affairs by reading the board’s meeting minutes. The ALA aligns closely with the National Limousine Association to ensure uniformity and best practices within the industry as a whole.
“The ALA works to even the playing field, so our industry can provide service without the overlapping web of conflicting regulations that inhibit our growth, which transportation network companies, or TNCs, are exempt from,” said ALA President Jeff Conly of Vitesse Worldwide. “As a source of information and fellowship, the new ALA website serves as our latest effort to keep limousine and ground transportation companies competitive in Arizona’s landscape.”
Providing resources and information to help members operate effectively and profitably, the ALA educates chauffeured transportation operators, suppliers and vendors, as well as local and regional associations, to ensure their continued growth, development and prosperity. The association also works to create a harmonious environment for ground transportation operators in the State of Arizona, while allowing companies to compete ethically, as well as learn from each other.
The ALA is also the voice of the Arizona luxury ground transportation industry on legislation and issues affecting the limousine and chauffeured car community, especially concerning freedom in the workplace for independent contractors and operators.
Members of the ALA are entitled to exclusive discounts from vendors. ALA members also gain access to resources that include, but are not limited to, legislative templates and tools for local use, free seminars on limousine business management and TNC resources, including sample letter templates and a state policy advocacy checklist. Additionally, ALA members receive savings on various discount programs that are designed to more than pay for ALA membership
Visit AZLimousineAssociation.com for more information.
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Kevin J. Polite, president and CEO of Culdesac Chauffeur ServiceWashington, D.C. —Kevin J. Polite, president and CEO of the Washington, D.C.-based company Culdesac Chauffeur Service, recently announced the establishment of the Kevin J. Polite scholarship fund, which benefits the Hillman Entrepreneurs Program at Maryland’s Montgomery College. Montgomery College is Polite’s alma mater, where he once led as student body president.
“I attended this community college prior to transferring to the University of Maryland. It gave me…an opportunity to attend a 4-year university. I am forever grateful for this and would like to provide that same gift to future entrepreneurs,” said Polite.
The Hillman Entrepreneurs Program is a three-year scholarship and educational program that supports, develops, and graduates students who want to give back to their local communities. Students complete their Associate Degree at Montgomery College and their Bachelor’s Degree at the University of Maryland, College Park, earning a minor in Technology Entrepreneurship.
Polite established his company, Culdesac Chauffeur Service, in 2009 with a single vehicle, and has grown the company to offer multiple sedans, SUVs, limousines, and buses, as well as an auto detailing company. His business continues to grow in the competitive D.C. market, with client demand doubling each year.
Polite is excited for the future of the youth his scholarship will serve. “In speaking to these young entrepreneurs, I know they are our next generation of world changers,” he stated.
Polite encourages all entrepreneurs to give back to the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators. He welcomes tax-deductible donations to his fund, which is managed by Montgomery College.
Visit culdesacdc.com for more information.
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