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- Category: Industry News
Time is running out if you're looking to get more involved in fighting for your industry, especially on the legislative level. The National Limousine Association (NLA) will close submissions of nominations for its annual board election on September 21 at 5:00 p.m. ET. Currently, there are eight seats available for positions throughout the US.
The following seats are up for election this year:
- At Large: three seats (any state in US)
- US Central Region: one seat (AR, IA, IL, IN, KS, LA, MI, MN, MO, ND, NE, OH, OK, SD, TX, WI)
- US Northeast Region: one seat (CT, MA, ME, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT)
- US Southeast Region: two seats (AL, DE, DC, FL, GA, KY, MD, MS, NC, SC, TN, VA, WV)
- US West Region: one seat (AK, AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, MT, NV, NM, OR, UT, WA, WY)
Note that one of the At Large seats is a special election to replace the position vacated by Matt Assolin of Nikko’s Worldwide and is subject to the remaining two-year term. The two candidates with the highest vote counts for the At Large seats will serve full three-year terms, while the candidate receiving the third most votes will fill the vacant At Large seat for the two-year term.
All nominations are due by September 21 by 5:00 p.m. ET. You can submit your application here. Any questions can be directed to info@limo.org.
Visit limo.org for more information.
[08.22.23]
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- Category: Industry News
As you’re no doubt aware, the CD/NLA Show is returning to the Gaylord Palms on October 22-25. But did you know our incredible Early Bird Rate expires in just a few weeks? From now until September 8, we’re thrilled to offer you an exclusive Early Bird Rate of only $449. What’s more, NLA members can save even more with an additional $75 off the registration price. Also, we’ve secured a block of rooms at our host property for the room rate of $249/night—including resort fees. Our blocks always sell out, so be sure to book early to secure your room.
Sure, we all love the networking that the event offers, but the educational sessions and seminars are truly the heart of the CD/NLA Show. Each year, our dedicated CD/NLA Educational Committee, co-chaired by Jason Sharenow of Broadway Elite Worldwide and Karl Guenther of Statement Limousine, carefully and thoughtfully assembles a roster of topics and skilled speakers. For our show in Orlando, they’ve put together a staggering 12 dedicated educational sessions and roundtables designed for operators of all sizes. That’s more than 16 hours of educational programming! Whether you have one car or 100, we’re certain you’ll get some immediate takeaway that you can apply to your business.
We’re kicking things off on Sunday afternoon at 12:30 with Empowering Passenger Transportation With AI! Unleash the full potential of your business and dive headfirst into the world of strategic AI integration. You’ll learn how to revolutionize fleet management, work marketing magic for local engagement, craft AI-driven customer service excellence, and master incident management for unstoppable operational efficiency. Then at 2:15 we’ll present Graduating to the Next Level, where three operators of different sized businesses will provide valuable insights to help you make informed decisions about your transportation assets. Join us for an insightful exploration into the progressive transformation of transportation fleets, from the efficiency of sedans to the grandeur of motorcoaches. Don't miss this opportunity to uncover the intricate journey of fleet evolution and make educated choices for your transportation business. Also at 2:15 is When Disaster Strikes: a Business Continuity Plan, a session designed to help operators build a business continuity plan for succession.
Operators will want to wake early Monday morning for our 8:15 session, Mastering Business Financial Solutions: Loans, Leases & Banking Relationships. This financially themed seminar is your gateway to understanding EIDL loans, traditional vehicle loans, leases, and how to develop that banking relationship for SBA loans and lines of credit. Then at 9:30, join us for From Chaos to Clarity: Getting Your Financial House in Order. Speaker Ken Lucci of Driving Transactions will help empower you to make informed decisions that optimize your company's performance and bottom line. This session will take you through what you need to know to get your financial house in order.
Our programming continues on Tuesday morning at 8:30 with Strategies for Success: Navigating Challenges and Opportunities for Small Operators, where a panel of veteran small operators will lead you to discover a wealth of insights and strategies tailored specifically for small operators in the transportation industry. This engaging and empowering educational session is designed to equip you with essential tools for success in today's competitive market. From pricing strategies to affiliate partnerships and beyond, "Strategies for Success" is your compass for navigating challenges and seizing opportunities. Concurrently at 8:30 is a roundtable discussion entitled What Is Your Workplace DNA? A team of moderators will help you explore how problems are solved when you elevate your "Workplace DNA" (the unique combination of the company's values, leadership style, communication, work environment, and the company's approach to work-life balance). Then, at 10:00 am is Beyond Words: Leveraging Visual Marketing to Stand Out, a workshop that aims to explore the potential of visual marketing to help businesses stand out in the market, while also delving into essential areas like brand management, customer retention and loyalty, upselling, and recruitment. Also at 10:00 am is our second roundtable event, Building Bridges to Enhance Organizational Success. This interactive roundtable is designed to cultivate an environment where we all thrive! Discover the keys to nurturing a workplace that celebrates individuality, bolsters team involvement, and supports enduring careers. Connect with fellow operators from various backgrounds to collaborate, learn from one another, and collectively build a more engaged and inspired team.
Our slate of education comes to a close on Wednesday with an HR session at 8:45 am (details to be finalized), followed by Essential Safety Practices for a Secure Transportation Experience at 10:15 am. Embark on a comprehensive safety voyage as we delve into crucial practices that form the bedrock of a secure and reliable transportation operation. This session brings together an array of vital topics that ensure the safety of both your passengers and team members.
Visit cdnlashow.com for more information.
[08.21.23]
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- Category: Industry News
L to R: CLA Vice President Andy Bouayad of Fox Limo, Treasurer Franci Ouzounis of White Dove Limousine, President Erica Bugbee of ExecuStar World Class Transportation, CD President Chris Weiss, Secretary Deanna Ballard of World Travel Management, and Chairman Andrew Wasmundt of Two Brothers Transportation.
On Tuesday, August 15, the Colorado Limousine Association (CLA) held a summer membership meeting at the Residence Inn Gateway Park in Aurora, Colo. With 70 members and guests in attendance, the event welcomed guest speakers from around the country, including CD President Chris Weiss.
Though the CLA hosts regular monthly meetings throughout the year, this event was special in that it was specifically designed to attract new members and those that don’t usually attend.
CD/NLA Show pass winner Sandra Matchen of Awesome Ride Service and Chris Weiss
“Earlier in the year we had some requests for a different kind of meeting, maybe have someone from the NLA or Public Utilities Commission (PUC) come out,” says CLA President Erica Bugbee of ExecuStar World Class Transportation. “We wanted to have a larger meeting so that we could get more people than just our regular attendees. We wanted to make people and conversation accessible.”
The well-attended meeting continues the upward trajectory the CLA has seen in 2023. With fewer than 10 members at the start of the year, the organization welcomed its 52nd member at the lunchtime event.
The August CLA meeting attracted 70 members and guests
“We’re starting to get people involved who weren’t interested in being part of an association. We’ve made an effort to make it a casual but welcoming environment. There’s a lot of discussion at our meetings, and we make sure to make information accessible to people,” says Bugbee.
L to R: CD President Chris Weiss with Frank Lacks and Fasel Zewde of Private First Class Transportation.
The event kicked off with introductions provided by Bugbee, as well as a short discussion of what the CLA has done historically since its founding in 1987. Matters covered included licensing, permitting, airport issues, and much more.
“When there have been battles to fight, this association has been there by hiring lobbyists and lawyers,” says Bugbee.
Following her presentation, Bugbee welcomed Weiss, who spoke about the upcoming CD/NLA Show in Orlando on October 22-25. He outlined the incredible education and networking opportunities presented at the show, and then raffled a pass to the fall event. The pass was won by first-time attendee Sandra Matchen of Awesome Ride Service.
Dave Uziel of Urban Worldwide
Next, Nate Riley and Lloyd Swint of Colorado PUC provided a slide show that covered rules being broken and things that chauffeurs and operators should watch out for. They were followed by Dave Uziel of Urban Worldwide, who provided an overview of the benefits of being an NLA member, including the association grant program that provides money to state/regional associations. Uziel also talked about the importance of being involved in local associations, providing examples from the Greater California Livery Association, which he serves as treasurer.
Nathan Spears of Southpoint Risk
Mike Blackburn of Addons/Limo Anywhere was the next presenter, providing insight on the services offered by his company, with a particular focus on features and tiers that can make things operate smoothly for small operators. He was followed by Nathan Spears of Southpoint Risk who opened himself up to questions about the current state of the insurance industry.
The meeting concluded with a networking/break-out session where attendees could visit each of the guest speakers and ask questions on specific topics.
The CLA’s next meeting is September 19 at 10 a.m. at the Tower Tap & Grill inside the DoubleTree Hotel, 6900 Tower Rd. in Denver, Colo.
Visit cololimo.org for more information.
[08.21.23]