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Charlotte, N.C.-based A Step Above Limousine Service announced the addition of three new motorcoaches to its fleet. According to CEO Anne Rubey, the company decided to invest in three new MCI J4500 motorcoaches after receiving too many large group bookings during last year’s festive season.
A Step Above Limousine Service’s growing full-service fleet
“In December of last year, one thing that became extremely clear is that more people are willing to travel in large groups. As a result, we saw an increase in multiple bookings of 56-passenger motorcoaches,” says Rubey. She adds that Christmas day was among the busiest for the company, which prompted the need for the additional coaches.
The CEO noted that when renting motorcoaches from other companies, A Step Above Limousine Service had to keep customizations to the bare minimum. However, with the new vehicles, Rubey says they are better positioned to care for all client’s needs, which could also lead to lower costs for their customers.
“Renting additional motorcoaches was one of the reasons our customers had to pay a higher cost,” said Rubey. “Customers had to pay for the rental cost, and we also had to get some money to pay our chauffeurs by the end of the trip. Now that we no longer have to rent the motorcoaches, our customers can expect more affordable costs.”
Rubey says that they are planning on adding more coaches this year.
Visit astepabovelimo.com for more information.
[01.24.23]
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Can you believe that the CD/NLA Show in Las Vegas is just six weeks away? This year, we’re thrilled to bring our annual event to the extravagant MGM Grand from March 5-8, making it an epic way to kick off the spring. Now is the time to take advantage of our early-bird rate that lets you save $70 on your registration. Register before January 29 to receive a show pass for just $495. But wait! NLA members are entitled to save a staggering $100 on top of the early bird, making it only $395—that includes our sessions, meetings, two open-bar parties, three breakfasts, and two lunches on our bustling show floor. What’s more, we have a room block at the MGM Grand at the incredible rate of $135 a night, which beats even the heavily discounted travel websites. However, these rooms are going quickly—don’t miss out on your chance to book your Vegas getaway at these low prices.
Seasoned show attendees know that the Affiliate Central Global Partner Forum is a perennial hit, and one of the most popular and well-received events at any of our shows. Operators from around the globe literally line up to be the first to have valuable one-on-one time with owners, affiliate managers, and key decision-makers from all major markets, both in the US and internationally. At our National Harbor show this past November, the Affiliate Central was positively electric, with close to 1,000 attendees bouncing from table to table to meet new potential partners.
CD and NLA are thrilled to bring this show favorite back to Vegas in what promises to be our biggest forum yet.
Scheduled for Tuesday, March 7 at 12:45 p.m., the Affiliate Central is expected to feature a whopping 80 companies, representing upwards of 20 countries from around the world. This is an incredible opportunity to expand your company’s presence into the global marketplace. Don’t forget to bring those business cards and a killer elevator pitch! If you’re interested in exhibiting in the forum, a few tables/markets are still available. Contact Director of Events Jess Pavlow at jess@chauffeurdriven.com for more information.
In the meantime, don’t miss your opportunity to submit your application for this year’s Driven By Excellence Awards.
Did your company or team do exceptional things since our last awards in February 2020? Prove it! Is your local association a strong advocate for the industry at large? Let us know! Does your lead chauffeur continually step up and make a difference in your operation? Tell us! Have you continually taken part in local or national charity events? Share it!
This is an unparalleled opportunity to be recognized by your industry in 6 different categories: Operator of the Year (Small, 1-9 vehicles), Operator of the Year (Midsize, 10-34 vehicles), Operator of the Year (Large, 35+ vehicles), Association of the Year, Chauffeur of the Year, and Spirit of Giving. Our nominees will be honored on Tuesday, March 7, during our Awards Gala & Charity Dinner.
Your nomination is an opportunity to be recognized for those efforts, so click this link to tell us your powerful story. Operators of ALL sizes and locations are welcome to complete a nomination, and a multi-tiered committee of experts from within and outside the industry will judge the entries based on a pre-determined series of criteria. Nominations are open now and will be accepted through February 7, 2023.
Visit cdnlavegas.com for more information.
[01.24.23]
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- Category: Industry News
Forty members and guests took part in the Illinois Limousine Association’s (ILLBA) first Coffee With ILLBA Zoom session of the year on January 17, which shed some light on O’Hare 21, the expansion initiative designed to bring the airport into the 21st century. Guest speaker Tom Stastny, general manager of landside operations of the Chicago Department of Aviation, shared a PowerPoint presentation that provided updates on the airport’s ongoing construction and how it will affect the industry.
During the presentation, Stastny said that the goal of O’Hare 21 is to make the airport—one of the busiest hubs in the country—an “international gateway.” The expansion of Terminal 5 is almost complete, with 10 additional gates added to the complex. Furthermore, the terminal will have a new parking structure opening in 2024, and an enlargement of curbside and roadways near the terminal.
Also discussed was the upcoming replacement of Terminal 2, which is designed to “increase the efficiency” of the structure. This construction, however, isn’t expected to be completed until 2031.
ILLBA President Art Rento of Pontarelli Companies
During a Q&A with Stastny, ILLBA President Art Rento of Pontarelli Companies asked if the expansion and construction will have a negative impact on passenger pickup/drop-off. Stastny confirmed that there will likely be delays in traffic during the construction. Another operator asked if there will be separate parking for the livery industry once complete. According to Stastny, this ultimately won’t be considered until completion of the project.
ILLBA Executive Director Paula DeBiasi of Chicago Coachworks
Following the session with Stastny, ILLBA Executive Director Paula DeBiasi of Chicago Coachworks took advantage of the fact that many new faces took part in the webinar, and provided a brief overview of ILLBA’s 36-year history, including the advocacy, accomplishments, and goals for the future. Several prospective members inquired about joining the association.
As always, the Coffee With ILLBA session was recorded and will be posted on the organization’s YouTube channel. The next free webinar, dealing with building and maintaining affiliate relationships, is scheduled for Wednesday, February 22, and is open to all operators.
Visit illba.org for more information.
[01.23.23]