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L to R: Troy Snyder from Berkshire Coach, Mike Curtin and Kevin King from Don Brown Bus Sales, and chauffeur with a Berkshire 28-passenger coach Saugus, Mass. — The Kowloon restaurant was once again host to the New England Livery Association (NELA) general membership meeting on February 28. More than 70 members, vendors, and guests were in attendance for the evening event.
Meeting sponsor Don Brown Bus Sales was on hand at Kowloon with a 28-foot Berkshire coach. Dealer representatives Mike Curtin and Kevin King were joined by Berkshire’s Troy Snyder to demo the vehicle.
After a cocktail hour sponsored by Royale in Haverhill, Mass., the meeting was turned over to Emily Nelson and Andrew Eisenberger, two attorneys from the labor and employment firm of Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete. Their presentation dealt with the recent marijuana legalization in Massachusetts, and how it may affect the chauffeured ground transportation industry. In addition to discussing pot’s potential impact on employer/employee relationship, the councilors also provided legal perspectives on clients who want to smoke in a vehicle.
Tom Quill (left) and Steve Edelmann from Royale Next, NELA Executive Director Rick Szilagyi of Lexian Management gave a brief update on some upcoming events, including impending legislation in Connecticut to establish regulations on the TNCs. Szilagyi and other NELA members testified in Hartford before the state Insurance and Real Estate Committee two days after the meeting. While word has trickled out that Governor Dannel Malloy is largely in favor of the TNCs, there were a number of representatives and senators on the panel who were sensitive to the safety and level-playing field issues that our industry is campaigning for.
L to R: John Lane from Dav El/Boston Coach, NELA Executive Director Rick Szilagyi, and Laurie Cantwell from MV-1 The evening concluded with raffles sponsored by Convenient MD of New Hampshire, which provides medical transportation and services around the state. Steve Edelmann of Royale donated five high-quality Patriots championship hats that were given away, and the evening’s 50/50 cash prize was won by Jeff Brodsly of Chosen Payments, who donated the money back to the association.
Upcoming events for NELA include its annual Chauffeur Appreciation Day on June 8 and next general membership meeting June 13.
Visit nelivery.org for more information.
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HALCA President Ismail Abed of LaBresse Limousines
Houston — After enjoying a surge in business and smiles all around post-Super Bowl, Houston Area Livery & Charter Association (HALCA) started the year with a meeting February 21 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Newly elected President Ismail Abed of LaBresse Limousines presided over the meeting.
A major topic of conversation was the association’s goal to increase membership this year. “We hope to build a stronger voice for our association,” said Abed. “We’ll be reaching out to other major cities in Texas in order to work together and help each other with common issues and problems. We hope to build a network among these operators.”
Abed started with HALCA in 1988 and has seen the membership increase to its now-present 75 operators. To help foster new growth, the association offered small educational meetings as well as Q&A sessions last year. Guests were invited to attend the open meetings throughout the year, and this also helped to increase interest in membership.
Another agenda item was the recent WAV deadline on January 12. After some tough questions and back and forth with City of Houston, the board was able to offer clarification for the membership. “We went through the turmoil of confusing information about requirements, approved vehicles, and the prices these approved companies could charge,” reported board member Jon Ouazdi of TransGates Limousine. The WAV-approved companies are currently noted on the HALCA’s website.
Local operators are now gearing up for rodeo season in Houston and will have their next meeting later in the spring.
Visit the houstonlimos.info for more information.
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Jean Dupont, Prevost’s Director of Pre-Owned Coach Sales Sainte Claire, QC — Prevost announces the appointment of Jean Dupont to the position of director of pre-owned coach sales.
Dupont has worked in the bus industry for over 25 years. His experience and strong focus on sales and business development across North America will be an asset as Prevost seeks to further develop its pre-owned business division. In his new role, Dupont will lead a team of dedicated regional sales managers with a keen understanding of the specific needs of their customers.
“Pre-owned sales are an important facet both for Prevost business and for customers searching for reliable vehicles backed by the Prevost brand they know and trust,” Dupont says. “I’m happy to be joining such a dedicated and passionate team to help customers find just the right fit for their needs.”
Vice-President General Manager François Tremblay adds “We welcome the extensive experience and fresh new perspective Jean brings to the table. Through close collaboration, his contributions in terms of leadership, business development and customer experience will benefit both Prevost’s pre-owned business and the new coach sales team.”
Prevost is also pleased to announce that David W. Schmidt, Prevost regional sales manager, has been elected board chairperson and museum president for the Museum of Bus Transportation.
Located in Hershey, Pa., the Museum of Bus Transportation is the bus industry’s most complete museum of bus history education and information. It represents school buses, transit buses and motorcoaches, and features more than 30 historical vehicles and various industry memorabilia.
“I’m excited by the opportunity to lead the museum’s executive committee,” Schmidt says of his two-year term. “We have identified a number of initiatives that we are eager to pursue, including increasing awareness of the museum within the industry and improving our operational efficiencies. I look forward to working with our wonderful team of volunteers, both on the board and at the museum itself, to accomplish these goals.”
In other news, Capitol Tours recently marked 30 years of partnering with Prevost. To celebrate, the family-owned motorcoach tour company serving the state of South Carolina, took delivery of a brand new X3-45 coach in December. This brings their total number of Prevost coaches to eight.
“We’ve been in business since 1981, and we’ve been fortunate to be a Prevost customer for 30 of those years,” says Buddy Young, who co-owns Capitol Tours with his wife, Mary. “They have been excellent to work with and have taken very good care of us. Plus, they build a great coach that our customers love.”
Capitol Tours provides charter services to local businesses, primary and secondary schools, and universities. They also carry local military personnel as a U.S. Department of Defense-certified carrier.
Visit prevostcar.com, BusMuseum.org and capitol-tours.com for more information.
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