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225+ travel professionals attended the ASTA Legislative Day
More than 225 travel advisors, representing all 50 states, journeyed to our nation’s capital to advocate for the travel industry for the American Society of Travel Advisors’ (ASTA) Legislative Day. In addition to meetings with Congressional representatives—more than 200, according to the association—the annual event included a prep course for the meetings as well as an industry forecast panel discussion.
Members met with Congressional reps, including Congressman Kevin Hern (R-Okla.)
According to a press release from ASTA, among the issues discussed with legislators and their staffs were ensuring that ASTA’s priorities are maintained in the multi-year Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization bill (H.R. 3935/S. 1939), especially those related to airline refunds; the DOT’s Aviation Consumer Protection Advisory Committee and streamlining offline air consumer disclosures; and supporting the U.S. Department of Commerce’s $3.5 million funding request to set up the office of the new Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Travel and Tourism.
The event also included a Travel Industry Forecast panel discussion
“When it comes to the government, you face a choice: engage in the process or put your head in the sand, leave the field to the opposition, and hope for the best. Starting well before COVID hit, ASTA and our members have engaged tirelessly, both in D.C. and in the states, and we have a series of wins to show for it,” said President & CEO Zane Kerby. “By showing Congress who we are, who we employ, and that we are paying attention, the government will understand that travel advisors watch out for the traveling public. Legislative Day is the most important way to send that message.”
“Policymaking is a marathon, not a sprint,” said Executive Vice President of Advocacy Eben Peck. “Our goal is to raise awareness about the critical role travel advisors play in the broader travel and tourism industry, and to secure support from as many legislators as possible for policies that will help our members’ businesses recover post-COVID. Legislative Day is the most impactful thing our members can do to help make that happen.”
Visit asta.org for more information.
[06.27.23]
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Turtle Top, a renowned bus manufacturer based in New Paris, Indiana, proudly marked its 60th anniversary in 2022 as a leading name in the industry. Now in its 61st year, the company has released a new video that takes viewers on a journey through its history, showcasing the production process and recognizing the five generations of leadership (Cripe and Tom families) who shaped Turtle Top into the successful enterprise it is today.
Founded by Earnest Cripe in 1962, Turtle Top has consistently upheld a legacy of innovation, quality craftsmanship, and dedication to customer satisfaction. The video showcases the vehicle that started it all—Cripe’s aptly named Turtle Top, which was a recreational van that featured a liftable roof. The company later moved on to other recreational vehicles, including luxury conversion vans, but the release of its wildly popular Terra Transit in 1978 ushered the company into the commercial bus industry.
Moreover, the video offers a peek behind the curtain of its massive 200,000-square-foot plant, which features several stages of the build process and highlights many of the 200+ craftsmen who make it possible. The video unveils the intricate process involved in manufacturing Turtle Top's renowned buses—including its latest models, Terra Transit LD, Terra Transit MD, and Terra Transit HD—showcasing the meticulous attention to detail and the cutting-edge technology employed. From design and engineering to fabrication and assembly, viewers will gain a newfound appreciation for the craftsmanship and precision that goes into every Turtle Top vehicle.
The video is currently available on Turtle Top’s Youtube page here.
Visit turtetop.com for more information.
[06.27.23]
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- Category: Industry News
Fresh off their General Member Meeting, which was held June 18-21 at Chautauqua Harbor Hotel in Celeron, N.Y., the Pennsylvania Bus Association (PBA) announced the results of their board elections. All newly elected officer and board member terms run through June 2025.
The PBA Board, including newly elected members
Officers elected for 2-year term:
- Treasurer: Douglas Rydbom of Premier #1 Limousine
- Secretary: Robert Chepalonis of Martz Trailways
Board members re-elected for 2-year term:
- David Benedict of David Thomas Trailways
- Thomas Brynan of Werner Bus Lines
- Robert Chepalonis of Martz Trailways
- Jeffrey Mayo of Greyhound
- Brian Kurtz of Elite Coach
- Dale McMichael of Executive Coach
- Jay Newswanger of R&J Transportation
- Bill Scully of Freedom Excursions by Scully
Supplier/Associate members elected for 2-year term:
- Nicole Boyer of Mount Hope Estate & Winery
- Tony Mongiovi of TEMSA North America
The full PBA leadership team can be found at their website here.
The elections, presided by PBA Chair Tammy Wolf-Baker, were voted on by the members attending. The membership accepted the slate as presented by the Nominating Committee, which includes Sandy Borowsky (Chair) of Starr Bus Charter & Tours, John Bailey of Bailey Coach, Tom Brynan of Werner Bus Lines, Jay Newswanger of R&J Transportation, and Bill Scully of Freedom Excursions by Scully.
The event also offered networking and education sessions, including speakers from the national bus associations—American Bus Association and United Motorcoach Association—on their legislative efforts. Outside the classroom, members enjoyed the company of their fellow operators at the association’s breakfasts, a special comedy show, and even outdoor activities like kayaking, yoga, and nature walks.
PBA is also celebrating its centennial anniversary this year and released a video to commemorate the milestone, which is available here. They marked the occasion at the meeting with a cake.
Next up for the PBA is their 10th Annual Motorcoach Safety & Preparedness Workshop (August 16 in York Springs, Pa.), Marketplace 2024 (March 25-26 in State College, Pa.), and its Annual Conference (June 17-20 in Ithaca, N.Y.). Details are available on their website.
Visit pabus.org for more information.
[06.26.23]