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Motorcoach associations like the American Bus Association (ABA) are celebrating the reintroduction of a bill that would eliminate the tax burden for those who received CERTS Act money during the pandemic. Bill H.R. 3510 was recently referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means after being sponsored by Rep. Darin LaHood (R-Ill.). The bill has since garnered the support of Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.), Jared Golden (R-Maine), Mike Kelly (R-Pa.), Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.), and John Rose (R-Tenn.).
The CERTS Act, or the Coronavirus Economic Relief for Transportation Services, was $2 billion pandemic funding earmarked for motorcoaches and passenger vessel operators, who were disproportionately affected during the international crisis and has since seen a slower path to recovery than other industries. Associations like the ABA and the United Motorcoach Association have been lobbying Congress since the passage of the hard-fought CERTS Act for tax exemption for those funds.
ABA President & CEO Peter Pantuso
“The CERTS grant relief program provided a necessary lifeline to the U.S. motorcoach industry, in response to the economic devastation brought about by the pandemic. Without this funding, at such a critical time, numerous small, multigenerational family businesses faced extinction and thousands of rural and underserved communities would have lost access to their only form of intercity transportation,” said ABA President & CEO Peter Pantuso. “However, just when the industry began to stabilize and recover, operators were penalized with an unexpected tax bill for accepting the relief, forcing them to pay a good portion of it back in taxes. Like other pandemic relief programs, the CERTS grants should not be taxable, it’s a matter of fairness, equity and recognition of the key role motorcoach operations play in this country. We appreciate the hard work and the long-standing support of our industry and this program by Representatives LaHood, Panetta, Kelly, Blumenauer, Rose, and Golden.
More information about the bill can be found here.
[05.22.23]
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LANJ 1st Vice President Joe Gulino of Gem Worldwide (left) and Treasurer Barry Trabb of Complete Fleet Livery Sales 
L to R: John Arone of Transportation Insurance Brokers, Jason Sharenow of Broadway Elite Worldwide, and Gary Dersarkissian of The Good Life Transportation
The Limousine Association of New Jersey (LANJ) held their spring membership dinner at Il Tulipano in Cedar Grove, N.J., on May 16. Courtesy of Title Sponsor Complete Fleet Livery Sales, nearly 100 members and guests from across the tri-state area were present for the event, including CD President Chris Weiss and Editor Rob Smentek.
Kicking off with a cocktail hour sponsored by EmpireCLS Worldwide, Gem Worldwide, and Leros Transportation Group, the meeting offered no shortage of networking opportunities for the operators and vendors in attendance. As dinner was being served, LANJ President Jason Sharenow of Broadway Elite Worldwide made his opening remarks, welcoming everyone to the event.
“It’s terrific to see so many old friends,” he said. “And it’s great to see so many new faces.”
L to R: (top row) Sean Collins of Vander Plaat Executive Limousine, Lucky Takhar of ANB Trans, CD President Chris Weiss. (bottom row) Mark Luxe of Luxe Chauffeured Service, Suman Anwar of ANB Trans, and Randall Willms of Minuteman Limousine and Car Service 
L to R: Darren Martin of Advantage Remarketing Solutions, CD President Chris Weiss, Jason Sharenow of Broadway Elite Worldwide, and Eric Coolbaugh of Advantage Remarketing Solutions
Sharenow then introduced Barry Trabb from Complete Fleet, who thanked the crowd and emphasized his pride in being a sponsor and faithful supporter of LANJ. Next, Gold Sponsor Eric Coolbaugh of Advantage Remarketing Solutions briefly spoke, offering financing and sales support for the membership.
Following dinner, Sharenow thanked the event’s Silver Sponsors: T-Mobile, Fleetwood Limousine Worldwide, Driving Transactions, Broadway Elite Limousine, Dolphin Transportation Specialists, Naples, My Limo, BBZ Limousine & Livery Service, Epic Insurance Brokers, Grech Motors, ABC Companies, Lancer Insurance, and Stellantis.
L to R: LANJ President Jason Sharenow of Broadway Elite Worldwide, Joey Gulino of Gem Worldwide, CD President Chris Weiss, and Jay and Adam Erlich of Europe Limousine Service 
L to R: Ned Johnson of Grech Motors, Carl Restivo of Advantage Remarketing Solutions, and Bob Schiavo of Albert’s Limousine
A moment of silence was then held for LANJ Members Michael Starr of A1 Limousine and Keith Ciottariello of Ultimate Party Bus, who both recently passed away. Social media expert Jessica Maarek of Red Root Media, who handles LANJ’s online initiatives, was the next speaker, followed by LANJ Lobbyist Michael DeLamater of Market Street Strategies.
The evening’s premier presenter, Ken Lucci of Driving Transactions, then took the stage for a brief but informative discussion about measuring key performance indicators (KPIs) available within reservation software.
L to R: CD Editor Rob Smentek, Ken Lucci of Driving Transactions, and Shady Azar of Gem Worldwide
“KPIs calculate the cost of an action, event, or process in your business,” said Lucci. “Improving your KPIs improves your profitability.”
Sharenow concluded the evening by thanking LANJ Executive Director Patricia Nelson for her hard work behind the scenes. She received a hearty round of applause from the attendees.
Visit lanj.org for more information.
[05.22.23]
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L.A. Limousines Owners Kyara and Edison Kahakauwila
L.A. Limousines & Transportation Services is proud to announce that they are a recipient of the 2023 Greater Victoria Business Awards. The Vancouver-based operator won in the category Business of the Year (11-39 Employees). The award was presented at a gala on May 4 at the Fairmont Empress Hotel in Victoria, Canada.
Chauffeurs representing Business of the Year L.A. Limousines
“With the last few years being a challenge, I wanted to focus on our local team—the men and women who give their best day after day. When we were nominated, the focus had to be on the people. Employment for our industry has never been tougher and this win was for them,” says L.A. Limousines President Edison Kahakauwila.
The Chamber’s 2023 Greater Victoria Business Awards are designed to shine a light on hard-working businesses, businesspeople, and community leaders. Finalists for the 14 business award categories were chosen by an independent panel of prominent business leaders who served as judges.
Visit lalimo.ca for more information.
[05.16.22]