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New York — The National Limousine Association (NLA) and When Georgia Smiled: The Robin McGraw Revelation Foundation (WGS) have joined forces on The Aspire Initiative, a domestic violence program that aims to reduce the level of intimate relationship violence in the U.S. and highlight the importance of bystander responsibility. With an escalating number of passenger assaults alleged against ride-hailing app drivers, the NLA believes Aspire is vital to ending violence and sexual assault.
Robin McGraw announced the partnership November 20 in a video message posted to her foundation’s Facebook page. The message was then shared by Robin’s husband, television personality Dr. Phil McGraw, to his show’s Facebook page November 23.
The Aspire Initiative includes a potentially lifesaving smartphone app, Aspire News, is available free of charge to download on Google Play, as well as at whengeorgiasmiled.org. The app allows a user to create a pre-written text or voice message to be sent to designated numbers (such as 911 or other chosen emergency contacts) with just the tap of a button. The ignition of the app's "go button" also starts a recording to capture the details of the domestic violence encounter and/or other dangerous events taking place. Aspire Newsis designed to appear like any other smart phone app to the untrained eye, allowing it to be both downloaded and used discreetly.
“Hailing a private driver, unfortunately, does not always come without risk and I am so proud that my foundation, When Georgia Smiled, has partnered with Ride Responsibly to further broaden our reach, increasing passenger safety and awareness,” McGraw says. “We are proud to be a part of this vital initiative to keep our roads and our citizens well-informed and, ultimately, safer.”
"This alliance is a necessary step in our deeper commitment to fight violence and sexual assault. We are proud to partner with When Georgia Smiled and Aspire, educating the public of the help available at their fingertips, when they need it most," adds Buffo. "With an alarming number of recently reported sexual assault cases involving ride-hailing drivers, it is an imperative initiative to provide safety to those who find themselves in danger."
The partnership is an extension of the NLA’s ongoing Ride Responsibly initiative to increase passenger safety, education, and awareness for anyone using a ride-hailing app-based car service such as Lyft, Uber, or Whisk. The campaign urges consumers to arm themselves with the necessary tools to Ride Responsibly and make informed choices when it comes to their own safety.
Visit whengeorgiasmiled.org to learn more about both When Georgia Smiled and the Aspire Initiative, rideresponsibly.org for more information about Ride Responsibly, and limo.org for more about the NLA.
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VLA President Paul Walsh of Superior Executive Transportation Atlantic City, N.J. — When the Virginia Limousine Association (VLA) met up at Harrah’s Resort on November 10, nearly two dozen members and supporters were on hand—including Chauffeur Driven’s Industry & Brand Ambassador Philip Jagiela.
VLA President Paul Walsh of Superior Executive Transportation opened up the morning meeting before guest speaker and Florida Limousine Association President Rick Versace of A1A Airport & Limousine Service addressed the crowd. Versace, who was recently named Limousine Operator of the Year by the Taxicab, Limousine & Paratransit Association, provided an update about the unique TNC landscape Florida operators are facing. He is part of an initiative to bring a statewide app to the Sunshine State’s chauffeured ground transportation industry, and spoke about how it may be time to mimic some of TNCs’ best practices to satisfy customers looking for a luxury on-demand option.
Guest speaker and Florida Limousine Association President Rick Versace of A1A Airport & Limousine Service New VLA members then had a chance to introduce themselves, as did representatives for the meeting’s sponsors, Jack Rolfe and Joseph Lalla from Georgetown Insurance and Steven Wolfson from Century Business Solutions. Wolfson is the association’s newest vendor member and offered to pay a years’ worth of dues for any longstanding or new member who signs up with Century.
Rolfe, who was an underwriter for 25 years before becoming a broker, also spoke at the meeting, where he discussed a number of insurance-related topics. He explained how lay-up coverage can save operators from paying to insure out-of-service cars, buses, or vans, as well how insurance costs are on the rise partially due to the increased cost of repairing modern vehicles.
The dialogue turned to the importance of solidarity, with longtime VLA supporter Arthur Messina of Create-A-Card addressing the long-term value of well-nurtured relationships and Walsh initiating a conversation about why associations are a necessary component of the industry. Members addressed how the VLA has allowed them to, among other things, grow their businesses, tackle legislative issues, share information, find strength in numbers, and network.
To demonstrate those benefits, recent association successes were highlighted. Among them were proposed changes to airport rules, wherein VLA members attended public comment periods to ensure the industry’s needs are met.
Turning its eye toward the future, VLA’s vision for 2016 includes increasing the association’s overall numbers and adding value to association membership. It is actively working to have professional management assistance in place by January 1 to satisfy both of those goals, and will be utilizing technology to offer video conferencing capabilities as well as live streaming.
The VLA’s next event will be its holiday party on December 1.
Visit virginialimousineassociation.org for more information.
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Melissa and Scott Woodruff with their new fleet additionsDes Moines, Iowa — Majestic Limo & Coach, Des Moines' largest chauffeured transportation company, is expanding its fleet in preparation of the Iowa Caucuses slated for February 1, 2016. The new fleet additions include the 2016 Lincoln MKS and a 2016 Ford Transit. Majestic is also adding a 2016 Chevrolet Suburban, anticipated to be in service by the end of the year.
With the Caucuses bringing an influx of delegates and visitors to the state, Majestic wanted to be prepared to meet the potential client demand. “This is the Super Bowl-level event for Des Moines,” said Scott Woodruff, owner of Majestic, “and Majestic is adding on to accommodate our political guests.”
Woodruff chose the Ford-Lincoln vehicles based on their visual appeal, wide range of features, and pedigree of reliability. “Ford has been a great name for our industry and has always provided us with reliable, solid products,” said Woodruff. “It was obvious that the Sprinter look was catching on in the chauffeured transportation arena, and when I heard Ford was bringing their European-styled van to the states, I was ecstatic.” He is similarly excited about the addition of the Suburban to the fleet. Majestic chose Des Moines-area dealers to supply the vehicles; the MKS and Transit were purchased from Stivers Lincoln Ford and the Suburban was acquired from Karl Chevrolet.
Founded in 1996, Majestic Limo & Coach started with a single Lincoln Town Car stretch limo. As the company approaches their 20th anniversary, they now have a 24-vehicle fleet that includes everything from sedans to full-size 56-passenger coaches.
Visit majesticlimo.com for more information.
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