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CLA President Erica Bugbee of ExecuStar World Class Transportation
On Tuesday, December 12, The Colorado Limousine Association (CLA) held their annual holiday party at Cinzentti's in Denver. Attracting 60 members and guests, CLA President Erica Bugbee of ExecuStar World Class Transportation said the event was a huge success and the association even added their 75th member the same day.
“We loved celebrating our growth and accomplishments this year while enjoying each other’s company,” says Bugbee.
At the party, the CLA Board and committee members were recognized for their time and effort throughout the year. Bugbee and CLA members also discussed the significant growth in terms of membership, structure, and regularity they’ve experienced in 2023.
60 members and guests attended the CLA holiday party
During the event, the CLA Board surprised five companies with recognition and plaques for their hard work and support. Those acknowledged included:
- Eight Black: For their support of membership growth
- Centennial Worldwide Chauffeured Services: For their continued dedication and support of the PUC/Legislative Committee
- Boulder Select Limo: For their activity and support of the CLA in terms of membership, sponsorship, and ideas
- Empire Luxury Transportation: For the exceptional amount of new membership brought in by the owner, Jemil Bogale
- Chauffeur Driven: For continued support, ideas, marketing, and help to the CLA
John Hafer of A Custom Coach was the winner of a pass to the 2024 CD/NLA Show
The CLA held their largest holiday raffle to date, which brought in several thousand dollars to the association. Prizes included a 2024 CD/NLA Las Vegas Show Pass, hundreds of dollars of gift cards to local restaurants, electronics, Mercedes-Benz swag, CLA-branded merchandise, and various coffee/tea/food gift sets. John Hafer of A Custom Coach was the winner of the CD/NLA Show Pass.
To close out the evening, the CLA Board also surprised members with printed and mounted membership certificates for 2023 and CLA logo coffee mugs.
The next two CLA meetings are on January 16 and February 20. Both are at 9:00 am at the Tower Tap and Grill in Denver.
Visit cololimo.org for more information.
[12.21.23]
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Inflation, continuing a healthy stream of revenue, and the highest-in-a-generation interest rates are still the top concerns for small business owners, according to the latest Small Business Index (SBI). The quarterly report is conducted by MetLife and the US Chamber of Commerce.
Of the challenges cited, inflation remains the biggest impediment for all quarters in 2022 and 2023, although the SBI notes that it may be holding steady as it hasn’t increased. However, the survey was conducted in October 2023, right before gas prices began falling steadily through today (according to AAA, regular unleaded has fallen more than 50 cents per gallon during that time). Year-over-year inflation rates have also fallen to 3.1 percent as of November 2023, although we don’t need to tell you that many prices remain stubbornly high.
Adding to this is the decrease in small business optimism. Just 25 percent of the small businesses surveyed said that the overall US economy is healthy, while only 30 percent said their economy locally is looking good. This is driven primarily due to the continued lack of qualified staff and keeping up with employee-related costs like salaries and benefits. This could be a challenge for 2024 as the US enters an election year and the Biden administration looks to capitalize on economic improvements since 2021.
While the latest SBI individually doesn’t appear to be great news, not all is bad when compared to the past two years in total. In fact, like the inflation concerns, challenges from years past such as supply chain limitations have been dropping. Additionally, most small businesses rate the overall health of their own company as “somewhat good” and have since Q1 2021 (the last time the majority of businesses said it was “very good” was in Q4 2019). More than 90 percent plan to invest more or at least the same as they did last year in their business, while 40 percent plan to add more staff in the coming year.
The entire report is available here.
[12.19.23]
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Driving Results, a cornerstone in the luxury ground transportation industry since its establishment in 2012 by Arthur and Kathleen Messina, has been successfully acquired by "Becky from Boston" Laramee and Brittini Kirk, distinguished figures in the sector and owners of All Points Limousine in Millbury, Mass. The official transition of leadership is scheduled for 2024, marking a significant chapter in the company's legacy.
Past members of Spinning Wheels at their meeting in Key West, Fla.
Laramee and Kirk bring a wealth of experience and a commitment to industry advancement that aligns seamlessly with the values upheld by Driving Results, according to the Messinas, and are poised to carry forward the legacy of education, technological understanding, industry trend analysis, and mentorship, positioning them as ideal custodians of the company's legacy. They will focus on the core group Spinning Wheels for 2024 before further developing the Driving Results brand.
"I am thrilled to embark on this incredible journey, acquiring Driving Results and steering Spinning Wheels towards new heights in 2024. My goal is to elevate industry standards and create a dynamic community that thrives on innovation and collaboration,” says Laramee.
Driving Results Founders Arthur and Kathleen Messina
The Messinas expressed their gratitude to the industry for the remarkable success achieved over the past 12 years in their announcement. They extended heartfelt thanks to their industry peers whose achievements have been a continuous source of inspiration. Over the course of their leadership, they’ve attracted a Who’s Who of members from across the industry ranging from Gem Limousine and Reston Limo to Premier Transportation of Dallas, Windy City Limousine & Bus, and many more notables.
Spinning Wheels held one of their events in Nashville
"Spinning Wheels has been a transformative journey. Learning from other industry leaders and sharing insights has been invaluable. The opportunities to present to other Driving Results groups have expanded my horizons. Grateful for a community that fosters continuous growth and knowledge exchange,” said Maurice Brewster of Mosaic Global Transportation.
As the Messinas shift their focus to the next phase, they will focus more on their marketing business, Create-A-Card, Inc., which they founded in 1986 and soon became one of the industry’s most recognizable companies. They vow to continue their dedication to excellence and innovation as a dynamic and forward-thinking marketing enterprise that has spanned nearly four decades. They express their deepest appreciation for the understanding, cooperation, and cherished memories shared during their tenure with Driving Results, and raise a toast to its ongoing prosperity under the new leadership.
"Spinning Wheels has been my compass in the luxury transportation industry for a decade. The meetings and insights from fellow members have fueled my business growth, providing an invaluable network of support. Grateful for the many years of shared wisdom and continuous elevation," says Tracy Raimer of Windy City Limousine & Bus, one of the group’s longest continuous members.
Spinning Wheels is expected to hold its next meeting in spring 2024.
[12.19.23]