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San Francisco — Deem, a leading mobile and cloud technology provider for ground transportation operators, and GroundWidgets, a leading ground transportation software and technology development company, announced that they have resolved all legal disputes between them and entered into an agreement for the integration of the SantaCruz platform with Deem’s Cloud and Mobile Network Platform. This integration, to be completed in 60 days, will allow reservations booked through the Deem platform to reach the SantaCruz back-office system and its fleets of chauffeured drivers.
“We’re pleased to have put our differences behind us and renew our business relationship with GroundWidgets. We look forward to integrating their technology with our own,” said John Rizzo, president and COO of Deem. “Deem and GroundWidgets have been at the forefront of getting chauffeured transportation operators deployed on next-generation technologies and our partnership moving forward will benefit the ground transportation industry as a whole.”
The SantaCruz platform was developed to integrate all facets of technology—such as mobile communications, GPS, telephony, corporate bookings and social media—into a cohesive platform. The open architecture and work flow enable the system to be customized for each operator’s unique business requirements.
The Deem Car Service applications include SaaS back-office, auto-dispatch capabilities for advanced-schedule and real-time reservations, mobile and online applications, and more. Operators on the Deem Car Service network are also able to offer their customers access to Deem’s full range of travel and expense management applications.
“We share Deem’s excitement that we can move forward together as industry collaborators to create a very bright future for the ground transportation industry,” said Apurva Patel, chairman and CEO at GroundWidgets.
Visit deem.com or groundwidgets.com for more information.
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Denver — Hermes Worldwide recently announced its acquisition of Integrity Worldwide Transportation, based in Commerce City, Colo. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed. This sale makes Hermes Worldwide the second largest corporate ground transportation company in the state.
In addition to the various corporate accounts gained through the transaction, Hermes Worldwide will now have a larger footprint in the private aviation and entertainment markets, as well as a larger fleet of approximately 35 vehicles. The acquisition also adds a chauffeur staff with more than 75 years of experience combined.
Hermes Worldwide will also relocate to Integrity’s 11,000 square foot facility, where both companies will operate with room for growth.
"We had outgrown our current facility two years ago and had been actively searching for a new location in a tough market for commercial real estate,” said Jorge Sanchez, president of Hermes Worldwide. “We were delighted when this opportunity presented itself to both find a new location and immediately expand. The prior management team at Integrity leveraged their industry experience to quickly build an experienced team and as we did our due diligence it was becoming more apparent this was going to be a great opportunity for the combined companies. We are excited to bring on their experienced employees and look forward to their contributions helping Hermes continue to realize our growth plans."
Integrity’s clients will also benefit from global transportation availability through Hermes Worldwide, which is currently undergoing a switch to a Cloud-based phone system and upgraded reservation software, making them better suited for today’s mobile business world. Sanchez has also asked Integrity owner Don Eisler to stay onboard to assist with the transition. While he is welcoming the additional freedom the acquisition has provided him from day-to-day
operations, Eisler has no timeline for departure and will continue to chauffeur for the company.
"Having been in the corporate limousine business for over 20 years, I was seeking an opportunity to
help expand on what Integrity was able to offer its clients and position ourselves to better compete in a highly competitive market,” said Eisler. “It was important we found a company to join forces with that is young, energetic and very integrity minded with a cutting-edge knowledge of the new technology necessary to advance in this industry. After examining the local market I felt Hermes best fit that profile. With Hermes’ additional vehicles for group movements, global ground transportation network, and ancillary meeting services, I felt Integrity clients would be well served for many years to come.”
Visit hermesworldwide.com for more information.
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Nearly 50 members, supporters and their family members attended OLOA’s annual brunch outing at Woodbine RacetrackToronto — It was a milestone observance for the Ontario Limousine Owners Association (OLOA) on April 17 when more than 50 members came together for the tenth annual Sunday Brunch at Royal Woodbine Racetrack in Ontario.
The complimentary social event gives members, supporters, and their families a chance to enjoy each other’s company—even when shop talk does casually creep into the conversation—and is also an opportunity for OLOA to show its appreciation to those who work hard for both the association and the industry at large.
“The OLOA brunch is a social event that takes place in April every year,” says OLOA Treasurer Phil Bozzelli of Corporate Livery Toronto. “This is one event where we can give back to our members. It is a way for us to say thank you for being a member and supporting your association.”
In addition to being treated to a buffet brunch, OLOA’s guests were invited to try their luck at the horse races and with Woodbines’ slots, too, as the association provided each attendee with a $10 voucher to be used on the casino floor.
OLO’s annual general meeting will be held in October. Visit oloa.ca for more information.
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