- Details
- Category: Industry News
President Len Joseph of On The Town Limousines (left) and Vice President Ray Gavino of Translogic Executive
On January 27, the Maryland Livery Association (MLA) returned to Jimmy’s Famous Seafood in Baltimore for their first general membership meeting of 2025. Attracting 35 members and guests from the Maryland/D.C./Virginia area, the event welcomed special guests from American Fleet Sales & Leasing and Union Leasing.
Guest speaker Ramzi Samaha of American Fleet Sales & Leasing
“The great energy we had at our holiday party has carried on into the new year,” says MLA President Len Joseph of On The Town Limousines. “I’m pleased that we can offer good ROI to our membership.”
Joseph used the meeting to unveil plans for a new MLA Financial Literacy Committee that will help operators with fiscal questions and concerns. He also shared that their committees for education and membership are garnering a great deal of interest among the members. Also of note is the association’s plan for a summer educational conference that will offer a full day of learning and networking for MLA members. Joseph says details are forthcoming, but he’s received a lot of interest from vendor sponsors.
The MLA welcomed 35 members and guests to their lunch meeting
Ramzi Samaha of American Fleet Sales & Leasing and Nick Scola of Union Leasing served as the afternoon’s guest speakers, offering an overview of their companies’ services and offerings.
Other issues addressed by the MLA Board included insurance issues and whether there would be any impact on rates or coverage nationwide due to the California wildfires. Adam Wiseman from Philadelphia Insurance, Bryan Johnson of Martens Johnson/Hilb Group, and Alex Church of Transportation Insurance Brokers were on-hand to field questions and offer their perspectives on this matter. Also discussed were changes at both Washington area airports regarding bus permitting as well as vehicle barcoding.
Visit marylandliveryassociation.org for more information.
[01.31.25]
- Details
- Category: Industry News
Outgoing President Erica Bugbee of ExecuStar Transportation
The Colorado Limousine Association (CLA) held a second monthly meeting on January 29 via Zoom after the previously scheduled in-person meeting was impacted by inclement weather. More than a dozen members were in attendance.
President Erica Bugbee of ExecuStar World Class Transportation immediately got down to business by raising several motions to amend the association’s bylaws. Among them were the adoption of an online service to allow members in good standing to vote electronically rather than the mandated in person as well as a 30-day grace period for members whose dues have expired to participate in voting. Additionally, she raised a motion to change the meeting schedule from monthly to quarterly, with exceptions for special events, online, or as needed. After some healthy banter between members, all were adopted.
Board nominations were also discussed. Several members threw their hats into the ring, although the secretary position was ultimately left vacant. All nominated ran unopposed. Othmane Ettachfini of American Eagle Limousine was the only incumbent, and he will assume a second term as treasurer.
Outgoing Secretary Deanna Ballard of World Travel Management
The 2025 CLA Board is:
President: Youssef Marrakchi of Centennial Transportation
Vice President: John Hafer of A Custom Coach
Treasurer: Othmane Ettachfini of American Eagle Limousine
Sergeant at Arms: Andrew Wasmundt of Two Brothers Transportation
Chairman (filled by outgoing president): Erica Bugbee of ExecuStar World Class Transportation
Outgoing Secretary Deanna Ballard of World Travel Management led a round of thank yous to Bugbee for her leadership over the past two years.
The new board will begin their terms as of the next meeting, which is scheduled for February 18 at their usual Denver Tower Tap & Grill location.
Visit cololimo.org for more information.
[01.31.25]
- Details
- Category: Industry News
Dan Tomlinson
It’s with a heavy heart that we share the sudden passing of Dan Tomlinson, who was part of Lancer Insurance’s Loss Control team. He was 55.
Dan, a native of Michigan, was involved in the motorcoach industry for much of his career, starting with tour provider Indian Trails, where he served as the company’s safety director. Eight years ago, he joined the Lancer Insurance team as a regional manager for safety and loss control. In late 2024, he was promoted to assistant vice president of loss control.
He traveled frequently through his involvement with Lancer and the American Bus Association’s Bus Industry Safety Council, of which he was an insurance representative on the executive committee. Known for his deep understanding of bus and safety issues, he was often a featured speaker at conferences and association meetings, including at the 2024 CD/NLA Show in Maryland last fall. According to his family, he also traveled extensively for pleasure, including an annual trip to Aruba with his bride of 25 years, Jackie. Closer to home, he was an avid camper and built a community of like-minded outdoor enthusiasts.
Despite his busy work schedule, his family said it was important to him to give back to his community. He was committed to his work with the Special Olympics, even serving as the assistant area director of Shiawassee County (Area 22) for more than a decade. According to his celebration of life, his interest in the organization began as an avenue to help his youngest son participate in sports, which led to a passion that spanned a dozen years.
“All of us at Lancer Insurance are devastated by the sudden loss of our beloved friend and colleague, Dan Tomlinson. We are truly grateful for the outpouring of support from across the industry, which speaks volumes about Dan’s character and the admiration that people had for him. Our deepest condolences go out to his wife, Jackie, and the entire Tomlinson family during this incredibly difficult time,” said Lancer Vice President Steven O’Shea.
Dan is survived by his wife Jackie; children Richard, Shelby, Skyler, and Brooke Tomlinson; and numerous grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested a donation in Dan’s honor to Area 22 Special Olympics.
Condolences to the Tomlinson and Lancer families.
[01.28.25]