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CD's Managing Editor Susan Rose and BCAC President Berj Haroutunian of Vital Transportation
Long Island City, N.Y. — Nearly 100 members of New York’s black car industry took time out of their busy schedules to enjoy the Black Car Assistance Corporation’s (BCAC’s) Spring Luncheon, held May 11 at the Z NYC Hotel in Long Island City. The casual networking event included a buffet lunch, cocktails, and tons of mingling. Managing Editor Susan Rose was on hand for the festivities.
During lunch, BCAC President Berj Haroutunian and BCAC Executive Director Ira Goldstein both welcomed attendees before turning the floor over to sponsor Karhoo for a brief presentation. Special guest Commissioner Meera Joshi of the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission also addressed the crowd and answered some audience questions. Avi Mazouz, owner of the Z NYC Hotel and Henry Limousine, was a gracious host.
After grabbing a bite in the hotel’s main dining area and before returning to their daily grind, attendees ascended to a rooftop lounge where they were met with spectacular panoramic views of the New York City skyline.
BCAC President Berj Haroutunian (left) and BCAC Executive Director Ira Goldstein
Check out the next issue of Chauffeur Driven for more pictures from the event.
In other news, Ira Goldstein was recently honored by New York-focused magazine City & State NY for his work with The Black Car Fund. Its annual award series showcase the outstanding accomplishments of leading corporations and executives in the field of corporate social responsibility. Goldstein accepted the award at the CSR Awards: Banking, Finance and Insurance, which took place at the New York Law School on Monday. Goldstein has been a passionate advocate for the city’s black car industry for decades.
Visit nybcac.org for more information.
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Baltimore — American Limousines recently announced the addition of a 2016 Van Hool CX45 to its growing fleet. The 56-passenger luxury motorcoach is powered by a 450 HP Detroit DD13 engine driving through an Allison B500 six-speed automatic transmission. The motorcoach was purchased from ABC Companies, Van Hool’s exclusive North American distributor.
In addition to Van Hool’s standard safety features, which include three-point seatbelts, backup camera, lane departure warning, antilock brakes, Smartwave tire pressure monitoring, Kidde fire suppression systems, automatic stability control, daytime running lights, curbside lighting, and adaptive static aiming lights, American Limousine has equipped the coach with optional features to ensure their passengers have a high-end experience. Among these other amenities are Grand Luxe passenger seats, an REI Elite entertainment system with six video monitors, enclosed parcel racks, cup holders, and 110 volt electrical outlets.
“We chose ABC and Van Hool based on their reputation in the industry,” said Gary Day, owner of American Limousines. “The ease of working with the sales staff from the beginning was very important. We’ve used other manufacturers in the past and they were OK, but we were looking for someone with the same commitment to quality service as American Limousines, and ABC is a fit.”
"It is an absolute pleasure to work with Gary and his staff at American Limousines,” said ABC account manager Jonathan Robbins. “The attention to detail displayed by American Limousines made for a seamless design, build, and delivery of their first 2016 Van Hool CX45. The entire ABC family is honored to partner with American Limousines and have the opportunity to assist with the growth of their motorcoach business."
Visit amerlimo.com for more information.
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Traci Raimer, Founder and Owner of CTGChicago — Chicago’s Transportation Group (CTG), founded and owned by Tracy Raimer and Terrin Lange, has purchased Deerbrook Limousine Services, a Libertyville, Ill.–based livery company. This strategic acquisition positions CTG well throughout the Chicagoland area, adding an additional $1.5 million to their managed book of business.
The purchase of Deerbrook Limousine marks an exciting expansion of their vision for CTG.
“Our world is in a time of change, and a shared economy or shared resources are becoming the norm in several industries, including the livery industry,” said Raimer. “The opportunity to offer our vast array of benefits to Deerbrook Limousine’s clients will be exciting as we roll out features they haven’t been accustomed to, such as global reservations and group transfers anywhere in the world.”
Deerbrook Limousine’s founders, Lois and Douglas Harvey, have a long-standing friendship with Lange. The purchase, which was assisted by Kristen Carroll and Hannah Haverdink of The LMC Group, was a smooth and natural progression. Both parties anticipate a seamless transition.
Terri Lange, Founder and Owner of CTG“The only people I would trust to send our clients to are Terrin Lange, Tracy Raimer, and the team at CTG,” said Lois Harvey. “We are confident that our business and our clients will be in the very best of hands with this professional team always willing to help with any needs they may have. I know our clients will enjoy the new technology presented at CTG as well. Our clients deserve the best!”
Lange also commented on the significance of the changeover. “The Harvey family of Deerbrook Limousine have been personal friends of mine for many decades, so devising an agreement that worked for both of us was very important. I know it was a difficult decision to sell instead of keeping the business in the family,” she added. “But as we all know, our industry is rapidly changing, and their desire to meet the needs of their clients made the timing perfect for this new step.”
Deerbrook Limousine will maintain its name and identity with the added benefits—such as electronic receipts, invoicing, nationwide reservations, updated technology, and fleet--CTG offers its clients.
The acquisition of Deerbrook Limousine marks a new opportunity and direction for the company. CTG is actively looking for new members to partner with to serve customers throughout Chicago and the surrounding areas.
Visit chicagostransportationgroup.com for more information.
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