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UMA members on the Capitol stepsAlexandria, Va.—The United Motorcoach Association (UMA) will hold its annual Capitol Hill Days on June 24 and 25 in Washington, DC. Owners and senior management from bus and motorcoach companies from around the nation will gather to meet with member of Congress to discuss the industry’s most pressing legislative issues.
The event begins on Tuesday, June 24 at 2pm with a legislative briefing for attendees, and guidelines on conducting meetings with Congressional members and staff. The evening of the 24th will feature a group dinner with entertainment provided by the renowned political satire theater group, The Capitol Steps.
On Wednesday, June 25, attendees will hold prescheduled appointments with members of the House of Representatives from their districts and Senators from their states; often joining other UMA members for joint appointments.
UMA’s key message points for Congress this year will be focused on policies likely to be addressed in re-authorization of the upcoming surface transportation bill. Issues of importance to UMA members include: preservation of charter bus protections, return to zero federal fuel tax for over-the-road buses, increased opportunities for contracting with local transit agencies and a host of regulatory reforms that include due process for Imminent Hazard and Out-of-Service orders, and prohibition on third-party inspection requirements, local entity requirements for registrations of charter bus operators and en route inspections.
“UMA has distinguished itself as a leader on Capitol Hill in the bus industry,” says Brian Annett of Annett Bus Lines and UMA’s chairman of the board. “Our government affairs team sees to it that lawmakers know how issues will impact small to medium sized bus operations. However, as much work as they do on our behalf, it is our responsibility to show up and be heard on an individual basis with our individual elected officials.”
The motorcoach tour and travel industry contributes nearly $112.7 billion in total economic activity, and has one of the strongest safety records among all modes of transportation.
Visit uma.org for more information.
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Barry Gross
Dulles, Va.
— Reston Limousine has hired Barry Gross, a veteran of the ground chauffeured transportation industry, as Director of Business Relations. In his new role, Gross will focus on affiliate and event business, as well as customer service training.
“Barry has an extensive track record of generating revenue and increasing efficiencies throughout his extensive career in the business, and we’re excited to have an industry professional of his caliber join our high performance team,” says Reston Limousine CEO Kristina Bouweiri.
Gross previously has worked at All Resort in Utah and ExecuCar in Arizona; he most recently served as Executive Director of Richmond, Virginia-based A Goff Limousine & Bus Co. During his tenure at A Goff, Gross expanded the company’s operations in the key Richmond and Washington DC markets; improved efficiency and profitability, and revamped the company’s training program.
“Our company is continuing to grow at a rapid rate, and we need new team members who not only can help us manage that growth but take it to another level,” says COO Tony Simon. “Barry’s proven success in the industry and his reputation as a high energy, positive individual make for an excellent fit for our results-driven corporate culture. We anticipate that with the addition of Barry to our team, we will continue to exceed the expectations of not just our corporate and charter clients, but our partners within the industry.”
Active within the ground chauffeured transportation industry at large, Gross is an editorial contributor to Chauffeur Driven as a writer and show presenter. He also serves on Chauffeur Driven’s advisory board, and is a regular at the NLA’s annual “Day on the Hill” lobbying sessions.
Visit restonlimo.com for more information.
5/14
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(L to R): Joe DiDomenico, Lisa DiDomenico, and Robert DiDomenico of American Limousine
Syracuse N.Y.
—American Limousine of Central New York is celebrating their 25 year anniversary this May.
The business started out of the family home in 1989 with one Town Car and one limousine. Robert and Shirley DiDomenico started their chauffeured ground transportation business in a rather auspicious manner, as Robert purchased his original limousine with thoughts of hauling supplies around for the business he was working in then: removing and installing carpets. Family friends suggested to use the limousine at night as a way to make some extra money.
Since that fortuitous recommendation, the business has grown steadily throughout the years. And now with their son, Joseph, at the helm, American Limousine has become the go-to company for corporate and social events in central/upstate New York. They’ve grown out of the family home, into their own dedicated facility and their diverse fleet has grown to over 30 vehicles, including state-of-the-art Krystal Coaches, a 16-passenger Lincoln, pearl white limousine and, the crown jewel of their fleet, a 10-passenger, 300MMR Rolls Royce limousine.
“American Limosuine has become the number one choice for service in central New York…and after 25 years in the industry, we are thankful and honored to celebrate our silver anniversary,” says Joseph DiDomenico, president and CEO. “We will continue to take care of any customer because, when it comes down to it, customers are our number one priority.”
American Limousine is a 24/7 operation, able to deal with early morning travelers and/or late-night airport arrivals. Their team consists of 30 certified, professional, and seasoned chauffeurs, four detailers, and two certified automotive technicians.
Visit americanlimousine.net for more information.
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