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Outgoing LANJ President Jason Sharenow of Broadway Elite
The Limousine Association of New Jersey (LANJ) welcomed more than 90 members and guests at their annual holiday dinner on Tuesday, December 12. Held once again at Fernandes Steakhouse in Newark, holiday spirit was in the air as the party doubled as a charity event, with attendees from across the tri-state area bringing new toys for children in need.
“We cross-promoted as a Toys for Tots collection, and many attendees brought a great number of terrific gifts. The toy boxes were overflowing!” shares LANJ Executive Director Patty Nelson.
L to R: Frank D’Souza of Riviera Limousines, Mike Vargas of DH2 Transportation, Randall Willms of Minuteman Limousine & Car Service, and Daniel Arias of DLA Executive Transportation
L to R: Shady Azer of Gem Limousine Worldwide, Mark Luxe of Luxe Chauffeured Service, and Jay Glick of First Class Customs
As members filtered into the event, an open bar was made available courtesy of Complete Fleet Livery Sales, and fellow sponsors Brogan Cadillac, EmpireCLS, Grech Motors, and Leros Transportation Group. Following the cocktail hour, a decadent all-you-can-eat appetizer buffet was unveiled, courtesy of sponsors ABC Companies, Advantage Marketing Solutions, Buffalo Limousine, CareerDriver, EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants, Fleetwood Limousine, and NLS Chauffeured Services.
L to R: Howard Gogel of My Limousine Service, LANJ Treasurer Barry Trabb of Complete Fleet Livery Sales, President Jason Sharenow of Broadway Elite Worldwide, Mike Rose of My Limousine Service
L to R: Dwight Graham of DD & Son, Brian Blanche of Prestige Car and Limo, Jelani Bass of Slenderellaz Car Service, Vince Pipitone of Secure Trans Connection, and Rich de Coteau of Rydehails
The dinner service—sponsored by EmpireCLS, Executive Coach Builders, My Limousine Service, and T-Mobile—proved to be a unique and belly-filling experience for everyone. Rodizio servers deftly wandered from table to table, slicing of choice cuts of beef, poultry, and pork from roaster skewers. Delicious entrees like bacon-wrapped turkey followed choice cuts of steak.
The LANJ dinner doubled as a Toys for Tots collection
In between bites of decadent food, LANJ President Jason Sharenow of Broadway Elite Worldwide took a few minutes to speak to the attendees. First, a LANJ Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Howard Gogel of My Limousine Service, who recently passed the baton to the next generation within the company. Also, Sharenow announced that this will be his last year as president of the association, as he will be serving as a National Limousine Association board member. He was applauded for his long service to the association, and it was confirmed that his replacement will be announced in January.
Visit lanj.org for more information.
Photos by Sam Emam of Special 1 Media.
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L to R: Mark Pecak of Melmar Limousine, Melvin Lee of Star Limo, Jeff Conley of Vitesse, and Hillary Louarti of Diamond Transportation
On Saturday, December 9, the Arizona Limousine Association (ALA) held their annual Casino Night dinner at Certified Benz & Beemer in Scottsdale. Open to members and their guests, the event attracted 60 attendees from around the state for an evening of gaming, tacos, and camaraderie.
“It was great to see so many people involved in the association again,” says ALA President Jesse Bunker of Phoenix Limo Connection. “I’d like to thank everyone for attending and give special thanks to Certified Benz & Beemer for hosting the event, as well as our many sponsors. I’d also like to recognize the ALA Board for their help in putting the event together.”
Chauffeur Driven was proud to be a table sponsor for the night, and joined a number of generous sponsors, including Certified Benz & Beemer, TruView Insurance, Star Limo, Riot Hospitality, Diamond Transportation, Lancer Insurance, Black and White Limo, Our Private Driver, Driving Transactions, The Driver Provider, Limo Anywhere, Philadelphia Insurance, Phoenix Professional Car Service, Southwest Sedan, DOT Compliance, and MELMAR Limousine.
Heather and Jesse Bunker of Black And White Limo with Jeff Goldin of Southwest Sedan
Several prizes were won throughout the evening including small housewares, a cornhole game, and a TV. Another prize was a pass to the 2023 CD/NLA Show in Las Vegas this March 3-6, which was won by Abdou Louarti of Diamond Transportation.
The ALA Casino Night attracted 60 members and guests
The ALA is in the planning stages for their next educational summit later in the year. In the past, this event attracted operators from all over Arizona and beyond for two days of networking and education.
“COVID took the wind out of the sails for our summit, but we’re looking forward to getting it back on track,” says Bunker.
Visit azlimo.org for more information.
[12.18.23]
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Although we haven’t crossed into the new year, Chauffeur Driven (CD) and the National Limousine Association (NLA) are thrilled to release the schedule for the upcoming 2024 CD/NLA Show held March 3-6 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. We’re expecting this next CD/NLA Vegas Show to have record-breaking attendance, even surpassing last year’s number of 2,300 industry professionals.
We’ve compiled a lineup of sessions, roundtables, and networking events that will appeal to operators of all sizes across all markets. While the CD/NLA Education Committee (co-chaired by Jason Sharenow of Broadway Elite Worldwide and Karl Guenther of Statement Limousine) are hard at work assembling the educational lineup, we can reveal that the 2024 Show will offer a dozen seminars and sessions that will touch on a number of hot topics related to our industry. You can expect education that will guide and teach as much as it will inspire and spark ideas for your own business. Some of the general topics we have greenlit include cyber security, succession planning, marketing and SEO, EVs and sustainability, wellness (body, mind, spirit) and achieving a work life balance, and an update from the FMCSA. We also have sessions in the works that are geared up specifically toward large operators, smaller operators, and those who want to expand their retail service, as well as a panel discussion centered around our international contingency. We’ll share more details once the entire lineup is confirmed.
While education is the heart of the show, it’s impossible to discount the importance of networking at CD/NLA events. As such, we’ve assembled several dedicated events designed for operators to expand their business network. For example, we’re thrilled to offer our ultra-popular International Meet & Greet (we’re already seeing a high number of worldwide registrations); the Women in the Industry Breakfast; and our Affiliate Central Global Partner Forum, where we expect to have 85 or more tables.
“As a small operator the CD/NLA Show is a MUST! I went into this with minimal knowledge about the affiliate world and how much you can benefit from the network … after leaving this show I felt confident in my business and the industry,” says Ian Thomas Brooks of Western Valet.
For attendees that have never been to our annual event, we realize that it can be a little intimidating setting a show schedule and forging new relationships. That’s why we’re pleased to offer a returning favorite, the First Timers’ Event, which will help newbies help make new connections and get the most from our Vegas show.
“As a first timer to the show, I felt very welcome, and everyone was friendly. I met fantastic people and made connections that will be very helpful to our business,” says Nancy Plante of Executive Express.
What’s more, we’re absolutely thrilled to report that the exhibit hall is almost entirely sold out already nearly three months before the show. This is our most expansive show floor in years, with more vehicle choices than you’ve ever seen. Numerous OEMs have stepped up their commitment to the industry and are offering products at every point price and level of luxury. Manufacturers like Volvo, BMW, Cadillac, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz, Lucid, and Rivian will all be there with their latest vehicles to service this industry. Additionally, most of the major motorcoach manufacturers will be present with a wide array of choices for Sprinters, Transits, and cutaway buses all under one roof. You can also expect to see virtually every industry-related product, service, or technology that could make an impact on your efficiency, profitability, and safety. It’s true buying power and side-by-side shopping. As of press time, just 12 booths remain as all our vehicle spaces have been contracted.
Speaking of manufacturers, a huge shout-out to Volvo, who is once again our Title and Affiliate Central Sponsor. Also, a great big thank you to sponsors Driving Transactions (Education), Buffalo (Coffee), North Point Global Transportation Services (Official Show App), Lancer Insurance (Lanyards), BMW (Signage), Grech Motors (Keynote), Titus Leasing (Monday Lunch), and Premier Transportation Minnesota (Pocket Program). We are so grateful for their support of the show and our industry.
Registration is open, so now is the time to take advantage of our incredible Early Bird Rate of $549 for a full show pass ($449 if you’re an NLA member), with hotel rates averaging $152 per night.
Visit cdnlavegas.com for more information.