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The group visited BBZ Limousine for a tour of their facility
Peer group facilitator Driving Results is excited to announce the start of the 2023 season for their Spinning Wheels group. Kicking off their meeting season in New Jersey on April 19-21, Spinning Wheels welcomed guest speaker Ken Lucci of Driving Transactions and included a bus tour of New York City and a stop at BBZ Limousine in Bergenfield, N.J., for a tour of their operations.
The Spinning Wheels group meets three times per year for three days to work on business strategies, forecasting, finances, employee training and hiring, and preparing for buying, selling, or borrowing. Discussions include hiring, salary percentages, vehicle usage and purchasing, marketing, outside-the-box ideas, and the newest, most important topic—remote workers. The members are owners or general managers who exercise the knowledge of running their company's day-to-day business.
The group in Times Square in New York
In addition to 14 returning members, the group has added six members for this year, including a new international member from London, Mo Aziz of Montclares International. Managing Partner Arthur Messina, who created the group in 2012, is now co-running the groups with Group Logistic Coordinator Kathleen Messina.
Additionally, the Spinning Wheels group is also excited to welcome sponsors who are dedicated to helping educate the members on how their products or services can improve their businesses. According to the Messinas, these sponsors provide valuable insights and expertise to the group, further enhancing the learning and networking opportunities for all members.
Ken Lucci of Driving Transactions spoke at the meeting
"We are grateful for the support of our sponsors, who share our commitment to continuous learning and improvement in the transportation industry," said Kathleen Messina. "Their contributions add immense value to our members, and we look forward to leveraging their expertise to further elevate the group."
A visit to Peter Luger Steak House in Brooklyn
The group has added the following US members: American Transportation in Miami, Fla.; Signature Transportation in Nashville, Tenn.; Urban Worldwide in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sacramento, and Hawaii; Avanti Transportation in Houston, Texas; and Triangle Corporate Coach in Raleigh, N.C.
Future meetings for 2023 are planned to be held in Nashville in August and Charleston, S.C., in December.
The Spinning Wheels group is dedicated to staying at the forefront of the transportation industry and sharing best practices to drive success for all members. With the addition of these new members and sponsors, the group is poised for an exciting and productive 2023 season.
Visit drivingresults.org for more information.
[05.01.23]
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- Category: Industry News
L to R: Jeff Rose of Attitude New York, Douglas Schwartz of Executive Limousine, and Kevin Barwell of Giorgio’s Limousine Service at the office of N.Y. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand
The National Limousine Association (NLA) held its annual advocacy event in Washington, D.C., on April 25-26—its largest in years. The association had meetings with 90 members of Congress representing 24 states where more than 50 NLA members (including six scholarship winners) discussed issues and policies impacting small business owners throughout the industry, as well as the interests of the corporate traveler. The event was even picked up by the mainstream media, with articles in Politico and eTurboNews.
Top issues for the association included support for H.R. 1759, the Economic Impact of Tolling Act, which prevents the Department of Transportation from authorizing congestion pricing plans without first completing and publishing an economic impact analysis; incorporating new grant assurances into the upcoming FAA Reauthorization to apply principles of fairness for airport pickups and drop-offs; urging the IRS Administrator to take immediate corrective action and prioritize Employee Retention Tax Credit processing; and restoring 100 percent bonus depreciation for the 2023 tax year and beyond.
NLA President Robert Alexander
The two-day event also included several educational sessions that delved into the hot-button topics affecting the industry across the nation, and the association’s lobbying firm offered tips on how members could effectively lobby Congress.
L to R: Matt Assolin of Nikko’s Worldwide, N.J. Congressman Josh Gottheimer, and Brett Barenholtz of Above All/Boston Car
The association was also joined by Pennsylvania Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, co-chair of the Problem Solvers Caucus, who gave a speech and engaged with members about the industry’s key policy issues and concerns during its PAC Fundraising Dinner. Earlier in the day, Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.), co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Anti-Congestion Tax Caucus and Problem Solvers Caucus, addressed members over his concerns regarding the highly disputed congestion tax that has been proposed in New York City. In addition to doing little to stem overall pollution (as advocates claim), he noted that congestion pricing could have a devastating impact on industries like chauffeured transportation. He vowed to continue his support of the industry and fight against the tax.
“Advocacy has been the cornerstone of the NLA for over two decades,” said NLA President Robert Alexander of RMA Worldwide. “It was a privilege to unite with my fellow members this week for the association’s 23rd Day on the Hill, one of our most well-attended advocacy events to date. We were grateful for the opportunity to speak with elected officials and have our voices heard on critical issues that affect the small businesses in the chauffeured transportation industry. Thank you to the numerous policymakers who took the time to meet with us and engage in a productive dialogue around congestion taxes in New York and cities across the country; fair treatment at the airport curb in the upcoming FAA Reauthorization; and fixes to tax policy and administration that harm small businesses.”
Visit limo.org for more information.
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L to R: Leros President & CEO Jeff Nyikos, COO Mike Basso, and CFO Chris Nyikos
Leros Point to Point Transportation Group is thrilled to announce their attendance at the Business Council of Westchester's (BCW) Hall of Fame Awards. Held April 25 at the Glen Island Harbour Club in New Rochelle, N.Y., the luxury ground transportation company was honored with the Family Business Success Award.
Since its inception, the Hall of Fame Awards has inducted over 100 business leaders and entrepreneurs from organizations of all sizes and types sharing a similar focus on future growth and success. The organization says they are excited to applaud and celebrate the achievements of those who make Westchester County a great place to live, work, and play.
L to R: Leros CFO Chris Nyikos, Founder John Nyikos, and President & CEO Jeff Nyikos (Photo courtesy of John Vechhiolla and BCW)
Leros joins other high-profile recipients, such as Iona University, that received the Corporate Citizenship Award, and Film Entrepreneur Joe Cotter, who was recognized for Entrepreneurial Success. Award winners will be part of a permanent display at Westchester County Airport.
“This award is particularly significant for us,” says Leros President & CEO Jeff Nyikos. “I can’t think of a better way to celebrate our 40th anniversary in Westchester County than to be recognized with the BCW Family Business Success Award.”
The Leros team accepts their Family Business Success Award from the Business Council of Westchester (Photo courtesy of John Vechhiolla and BCW)
Nyikos says that the evening was particularly meaningful because his father, Leros Founder John Nyikos, was a graduate of fellow award-winner Iona University.
“The quality of this year’s honorees is truly outstanding. This illustrious group of winners joins more than 100 past winners which include some of the most prestigious business leaders and organizations. We are proud to continue this time-honored tradition in Westchester,” said BCW President and CEO Marsha Gordon.
Founded in 1983, Leros is often considered an organization on the cutting edge of technology with a dynamic team behind the scenes. In addition to its longstanding and well-oiled machine of a team—including CFO Chris Nyikos and COO Mike Basso, the company has had success with acquiring competitors over its four-decade history. Most notably, it acquired N.J.-based Royal Coachman in 2018.
Visit leroslimo.com for more information.
[05.01.23]