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T-minus two weeks from the 2023 CD/NLA Show in Orlando, and we couldn’t be more excited. With attendance numbers tracking to be among the best we’ve had for our autumn event, our preregistration is clocking in at 10 percent more than our 2022 D.C. show. While we’re looking forward to reconnecting with old friends and familiar faces, we’re particularly thrilled to see so many new and smaller operators joining us this year. We have a ton in store for you!
In addition to all the daytime sessions, roundtables, and networking activities that are included with your CD/NLA Show registration, we also know how to have a good time. In past years, our Halloween costume parties have been legendary in the industry, with our attendees going full tilt with costumes that are wild, spooky, and hilarious. After all, kids shouldn’t have all the fun! We’re looking forward to another spooktacular costume extravaganza this year on Monday night, October 23, at 9:30 p.m., courtesy of sponsors ANB Trans, Centennial Worldwide Transportation, and Crown Worldwide Transportation. We encourage attendees to get creative and tap into their inner ghoul to conjure up their best looks for a heart-pounding evening of spooks and thrills. We’ll be making spirits fright with our bewitching drinks at an open bar and devilishly delectable fare while you dance the night away to our pulse-pounding DJ’ed music. Mingle with your fellow attendees, snap a few photos in our photo booth, and forge relationships that will endure long after the masks come off.
While you’re in Florida, why not take the opportunity to support a good cause while having a little fun? We are pleased to announce the return of the CD/NLA Charity Golf Outing in honor of Tom Mazza on Wednesday, October 25, at Falcon’s Fire Golf Club, which is just minutes away from the Gaylord Palms. Tom was a beloved industry consultant, former executive director of the NLA, and a dear friend to the NLA and CD, and all money raised will be donated to a cause that was important to him.
The 10:00 a.m. shotgun start includes a light breakfast and lunch after the event, as well as prizes for closest to the pin, longest drive, and more. Registration is $169 per person ($175 onsite, if space allows), and you can sign up individually or as a foursome. Club rentals are also available. The Golf Outing has attracted a great deal of interest, leaving just 12 spots remaining. However, if you aren’t a golfer but want to support the event, consider being a hole sponsor for just $200. At this time, 20 sponsorship slots are available. Don’t miss out on your chance to hit the links while channeling the memory of a great friend to the industry.
There’s plenty more happening at the CD/NLA Show this October 22-25 in Orlando. For a full lineup of our events, plus details on registration and accommodations, visit cdnlashow.com for more information.
[10.10.23]
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Although retirement is officially a few more months away, Al LaGasse was honored for the last time as The Transportation Alliance (TTA) CEO at the association’s most recent convention. LaGasse, who has presided over the association for nearly 46 years (beginning when he was just 23 years old and fresh out of college), was celebrated with a light-hearted and festive roast at their 105th Annual Convention & Expo, Mobilize 2023, held Sept. 19-23 in Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Over his nearly five-decade career, LaGasse has seen some massive changes in the industry as well as the association. Originally named the International Taxicab Association, the organization subsequently transitioned into the Taxicab, Livery & Paratransit Association, then the Taxicab, Limousine & Paratransit Associations—eventually landing on the TTA moniker, although some industry members still slip and call it TLPA out of habit. He was CEO when TNCs upset the market, but also when the association marked their centennial milestone in 2017.
“In 1990, we stopped being the ‘taxi association.’ We changed our rules to allow any private, for-profit transportation company providing for-hire transportation to join. That was because TTA was fighting and winning the legislative and legal battles for all for-hire operators, and we needed to expand our base of membership and dues to pay for those battles. It has always been a challenge to navigate between the similarities and differences between these various types of services, but our similarities are more important than our differences today just as they were back in 1990. The for-hire vehicle industry must stay united in TTA. Don’t let anything divide and weaken us,” said LaGasse.
LaGasse announced his intention to retire at last year’s convention, where his successor and TTA’s new Executive Director Abena Bonso-Bruce was introduced to members. Throughout 2023, LaGasse continued to hold the title of CEO, while serving in a consulting role to TTA before his retirement on December 31, 2023.
His successor comes with a serious pedigree of her own. Prior to joining TTA, Bonso-Bruce served as the assistant director of program management at the International Association of Fire Chiefs, an 11,000-member organization. As assistant director, Bonso-Bruce managed more than $8.5 million in federal grants focusing on firefighter recruitment and retention, as well as diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Bonso-Bruce also coordinated advertisements, courses, and other tools to help promote the association’s DEI initiatives, as well as volunteer firefighter recruitment and retention programs.
As his days running the association wind down, LaGasse is planning the next phase of his transition. This is, after all, an industry that never sleeps.
“I plan on relaxing for about six months and then I’ll figure out what I’m going to do with the rest of my life,” he joked. “Most of all, I am thankful for you simply giving me the chance to manage the day-to-day affairs of this association and ultimately, you gave me a true voice on the leadership team. Being a key person at this organization really has meant a great deal to me and I thank you for the opportunity, your support, and your friendship.”
Congrats to our friend and indefatigable industry champion as he approaches his much-deserved retirement!
Visit thetransportationalliance.org for more information.
[10.10.23]
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On October 3, the New England Livery Association (NELA) held its annual golf tournament at Marlborough Country Club, one of New England’s top-rate courses. Originally scheduled for August 8, torrential rain and even a tornado warning led to a last-minute postponement. However, the rescheduled date delivered sunshine, cloudless blue skies, and 82-degree weather.
Dozens of sponsors and volunteers stepped up to make sure the event ran without a hitch, including Platinum Sponsors Above All Transportation, Lancer Insurance and Research Underwriters. Other top sponsors included Gold Sponsor Boston Carriage, Golf Cart Sponsor United Private Car, and Putting Contest Sponsor EngineIQ.
“Special recognition goes to the NELA Golf Committee: Alicia Hayes of American Classic Limousine, Brett Barenholtz of Above All Transportation, Brittni Bogar of All Points Limousine, Larry White of Boston Chauffeur, Steve Crispo of Research Underwriters, Terry Murtaugh of United Private Car, and Tina Benson of L.A. Limousine,” says NELA Executive Director Rick Szilagyi. “These NELA Board members continued their support of the event by serving as volunteers during the event, and were joined by Becky Laramee of All Points Limousine, Chris St. Cyr of American Classic Limousine, and, of course, Lynda Saitta of Momentum Drives, who is always at-the-ready to assist the organization.”
Golfers were given the opportunity to qualify for a new addition this year, a putting contest sponsored by EngineIQ. Eight golfers qualified by sinking a 12-foot putt. Once the golfers finished their 18 holes, everyone moved back to the putting practice green, where the eight qualifiers had one chance at a 35-foot putt. One by one they stepped up, while the other qualifiers remained with their backs turned, so they did not receive an advantage watching the speed and break of the long putt. The prize, a large Yeti cooler provided by EngineIQ, went to Dylan Brown of Team All Points Limousine, with a putt 2.5 feet from the pin.
After the contest, everyone sat down to the evening’s lavish dinner. Szilagyi began the program by thanking everyone for attending, and sharing NELA President Brett Barenholtz’s best wishes and apologies for not being able to attend. Szilagyi thanked Barenholtz for his leadership, and specifically pointed out his creation of online events with a nationwide draw during COVID, when the organization could not hold its usual in-person events. Szilagyi continued that after COVID, Barenholtz assumed the position as president, and continues to drive funding of the organization. Special guest David Eckstein of Valeria Global, who made the trip from New York, spoke briefly about the Semper Fi Fund’s Limo Patriot Ride, which is in the planning stages for the upcoming CD/NLA Show in Vegas.
Prior to announcing this year’s winners, Szilagyi held up the perpetual trophy, and reviewed all of the past winning teams over the last 20-some years. There was much laughter at how many times Team L.A. Limousine had won, including the last three years of the tournament. And sure enough, at 13 under, Team L.A. Limousine won first place again.
- First Place: L.A. Limousine (Justin Benson, Colin Pratt, Bill White, and Matt Dougherty)
- Second Place: United Private Car (Eric Comeford, Matt Joyce, Shane Tattan, and Will Tattan)
- Third Place: All Points Limousine (Kenneth Bogar, Dylan Brown, Dave Harrington, and Keith Carpenter.)
- Longest Drive (Women): Stephanie McKeon of Joshua’s Limousine
- Longest Drive (Men): Joe Martellaro of Lancer/Research Underwriters
- Closest to the Pin: John Surette of American Classic Limousine
Visit nelivery.org for more information.
[10.10.23]