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Matt Daus of Windels Marx
Florida Limousine Association (FLA) Counsel Matt Daus of Windels Marx reported that the association has filed a bill in late November in the Florida Senate, Bill 648, to seek relief for operators burdened with holding multiple permits to operate limousine companies in Florida. If this bill passes, it will be a landmark achievement for the FLA. The bill will ensure that limo operators have one permit, based on their company location, but may move freely with passengers in the state as directed. One of the bill sponsors is State Senator Nick DiCeglie (R).
"I am so pleased that FLA members and many other clients of our law firm will benefit from this groundbreaking legislation to support the industry and uphold regulatory standards,” says Daus. “This proposed legislation is modeled after one of the first reciprocity laws in the country that I drafted and helped pass in New York State when serving as NYC TLC Commissioner and General Counsel. Kudos to FLA leadership, including President Rick Versace, Executive Director Sara Richardson, FLA Board, and the lobbying team, for taking this bold common-sense step for the industry. Now everyone needs to roll up their sleeves and get it done!”
Currently, Florida has no reciprocity for operators between counties, and operators must be licensed in each county where they want to operate. This creates a complex and costly administrative burden, limiting their ability to transport customers across various regions and hindering their overall business growth.
With full reciprocity, operators would be free to operate seamlessly across all counties, eliminating the need for multiple licenses and reducing administrative costs significantly. This would allow them to expand their service area, reach new customers, and increase their revenue potential. Additionally, it would promote competition, leading to lower prices for customers and a more efficient market.
Visit floridalimousine.com for more information.
[12.11.23]
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My Limousine Service Director of Client Services Jason Gogel
Gogel Enterprises, a 61-year slate of companies in the limousine, car rental, and auto repair industries, is excited to announce a significant change in ownership. After many years of dedicated service, Howard and Stewart Gogel have passed the torch to a team of loyal and dedicated employees and family members, marking a new chapter in the company's storied history.
This transition signifies a commitment to continuity, growth, and a continued dedication to the values that have defined Gogel Enterprises since its inception. The decision to transfer ownership to employees reflects the confidence in the existing team's capabilities and commitment to maintaining the company's longstanding reputation for excellence.
"We are honored to lead the Gogel companies into their next phase,” says My Limousine Service President Michael Rose. “The foundation laid by Howard and Stewart Gogel is strong, and we are dedicated to preserving the legacy of exceptional service, reliability, and community involvement."
My Limousine Service President Michael Rose
My Limousine Service will continue to offer a comprehensive range of services, such as limousine services for airport transfers, corporate transportation, weddings, groups and for special events; Gogel Auto Rental will continue to offer car rentals for various needs; and Gogel Tire & Auto Repair will continue to deliver expert auto repair services and wholesale tire sales. The transition in ownership will not disrupt day-to-day operations; instead, it will fortify the company's commitment to providing top-notch services with a fresh perspective.
With the new structure, Rose and Jason Gogel will oversee the daily operations of My Limousine, East Hanover Auto Sales, and Gogel Auto Rental with headquarters in Mount Olive, N.J., and Coreen Manicone (Gogel) will oversee the operations of Gogel Tire & Auto Repair located in Livingston, N.J.
The experienced team of employees, now owners, is excited to build upon the foundation laid by the Gogel family and lead the company into a prosperous future.
“We would like to thank Howard and Stewart Gogel for trusting us with their legacy as we lead these companies to new heights in the coming years!” says Rose.
Visit mylimo.com or gogeltire.com for more information.
[12.12.23]
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L to R: Ray Gavino of Translogic Executive, Adam Weisman of Philadelphia Indemnity Insurance, Joanna Fridinger of The Limo Lady, Len Joseph of On The Town Limousines, Japneet Singh of Executive CLS, Bryan Johnson of Martens Johnson/Hilb Group, Morgan Quinn of Philadelphia Indemnity Insurance, and Michael Greene of A Platinum Plus Limousine
It was a full house at Captain James Seafood Palace on Tuesday, December 5, for the Maryland Limousine Association (MLA) membership meeting. Forty attendees, vendors, and guests—several from out of state—attended the lunchtime event, including CD Editor Rob Smentek.
MLA President Len Joseph of On the Town Limousines kicked off the meeting by breaking the news that Japneet Singh of Executive CLS was unanimously voted to the Board of Directors. Singh has been very involved with the association, particularly in regards to issues faced by for-hire operators within Washington D.C. city limits. Joseph also welcomed several new members to the MLA.
MLA President Len Joseph of On The Town Limousines
Following an overview of how the MLA is working with the public service commission regarding chauffeur/driver approvals, MLA Treasurer Michael Greene of A Platinum Plus Limousines provided a report of the association’s fiscal situation. He then confirmed that MLA members will once again be donating transportation to the annual Shrimp & Gifts Event sponsored by Jimmy’s Famous Seafood and its Famous Fund alongside Walmart and its team led by Jaquetta Bratley, Pepsi Stronger Together, Von Paris Moving & Storage, our Maryland Limousine Association, and a slew of additional donors. Lasting Impressions Transportation Services, On The Town Limousines, An Extraordinar Limousines, DTS Worldwide Transportation, Executive CLS Concierge and Limousine Service, and A Platinum Plus Limousines will be providing luxury shuttles to the various groups of kids to ensure they were able to arrive in style to this spectacular charity event for Baltimore children. The kids will be met with dancing Christmas characters, a delicious buffet dinner by Jimmy’s Famous Seafood, and a shopping experience with Ravens team players including Mark Andrews, Rashod Bateman, Ben Cleveland, and Super Bowl Champions Torrey Smith and Ray Rice.
Adam Weisman of Philadelphia Indemnity Insurance
Last year, each kid was awarded a $200 gift card to shop with, with a surprise bonus of an extra $100 per kid. The children are from the SEED School of Maryland, SAFE Alternative Program, St. Ignatius School, Level 82 Academy, The Upton Boxing Center, Ruth Kirk Recreation Center, and Woodlawn Middle School. CBS News Affiliate WJZ is the proud media sponsor of the event, with media personality Rick Ritter being the master of ceremonies.
“The Maryland Limousine Association is honored to support Baltimore and the children this holiday season, placing smiles on the kids’ faces with great rides to and from such a wonderful charity event to build our community,” says Joseph.
MLA Board Members Ray Gavino (left) of Translogic Executive and Japneet Singh of Executive CLS
The MLA welcomed several guest speakers to the meeting. First was Adam Weisman from Philadelphia Indemnity Insurance, who provided a thorough overview of what’s driving up insurance rates. Most significantly, claims are rising, largely due to inflationary costs. With the price of repairing vehicles on the rise—whether it’s from labor or parts—insurance rates are going to climb. Weisman also spoke about bad driving habits that developed during the COVID pandemic, as well as the effect of marijuana legalization on the insurance industry.
New MLA Vendor Members were also given some time to speak. Kie Fair of BWI Motorsports spoke about the services they offer the industry, including minibus customization and vehicle repair, followed by representatives from Acceleration Automotive, a three-shop operation that performs fleet maintenance and DOT inspection.
Singh and fellow Board Member Ray Gavino of Translogic Executive then addressed the challenges that non-district operators are experiencing in D.C. Many operators are being pulled over, and even being impounded, based on perceived infractions with their out-of-district stickering and licensing. Gavino and Singh conveyed their frustration that compliance and enforcement are not on the same page with the Department of For-Hire Vehicles. A rep from the Department was scheduled to attend the meeting but was unable to appear at the last minute.
Finally, the meeting concluded with some housekeeping from MLA Secretary Joanna Fridinger of The Limo Lady. She reminded the attendees that membership renewals are coming in March 2024, and provided a rundown of the dates for upcoming CD/NLA events.
The next MLA meeting is scheduled for February 20 at a venue to be determined.
Visit mdlimoassoc.org for more information.
[12.08.23]