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Value was found at the first Connecticut Coffee Talk, a quarterly remote meeting of Connecticut’s professional luxury ground transportation operators, held by the New England Livery Association (NELA) on Tuesday, May 23.
During a discussion that picked up on a recent New York Times article lamenting the death of the stretch limousine, one attendee said his market continues to show very strong demand for stretch work. However, he is hearing that coachbuilders cannot buy new chassis certified for conversion under Ford-Lincoln’s Qualified Vehicle Modifier program (QVM) or Cadillac’s Certified Master Coachbuilder program (CMC). The veteran operator said Connecticut DOT still requires that operators use only QVM or CMC limousines.
Another operator asked for guidance on what insurance, or assurances, a New York City-based operator carries, or might offer, in order to verify that he can safely cover farm-in work for Southern Connecticut operators while only using owner-operators. The attendee said he is getting solicitation from limousine companies, in NYC, that are only loosely affiliated and without a Luxury Base license. A quick search of nyc.gov/tlc pages could not determine what coverages having a New York City Luxury Base License implies.
“We could use good help. And they’re usually pretty professional: Owner-operators have skin in the game. But we need proof of indemnity from the ‘company,’” stated the member during the meeting.
Later, in a follow-up email thread after the Coffee Talk, it was discovered that consumers can no longer look up the legitimacy of their Connecticut livery provider. The operator said he has regularly pointed ‘future customers’ to the site and to choose License Type “Transportation-Livery.” However, that category is no longer available. NELA reached out for information to the Taxi and Livery Bureau at the Connecticut Department of Transportation.
Visit nelivery.org for more information.
[05.26.23]
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MLA President Len Joseph of On the Town Limousines
On Tuesday, May 23, 25 members, vendors, and guests attended the Maryland Limousine Association (MLA) luncheon meeting held at Jimmy’s Famous Seafood in Baltimore. Topics discussed at the meeting included fuel card services, insurance, vehicle shortages, and the recent Day on the Hill hosted by the National Limousine Association. CD Editor Rob Smentek was present for the event.
Alex Sussman of COAST fuel cards
Following attendee introductions and a brief preview of the afternoon’s agenda, MLA President Len Joseph of On the Town Limousines introduced the first speaker, Alex Sussman from COAST fuel cards, who described his company’s services and what they can offer the luxury transportation industry. Next, Joseph provided some insight into his experience with the Day on the Hill. He and MLA member Willie Cook of DTS Worldwide described the “asks” the industry had for the governmental representatives and legislators, including preventing congestion taxes, fairness at the curb, ERTC processing, and restoring bonus depreciation. Joseph then discussed the possibility of teaming up with the Virginia Limousine Association to handle issues that affect both organizations.
Holly McCulloh of Hilb Group Insurance
MLA President Len Joseph of On the Town Limousines, MLA Secretary Joanna Fridinger of The Limo Lady, and CD Editor Rob Smentek
Then, Joseph invited Holly McCulloh of Hilb Group Insurance to participate in a Q&A about the insurance industry and what operators are facing. Regarding insurance renewals, McCulloh informed the MLA membership that insurers are doing “deep dives” into operators’ backgrounds including checking their websites, Yelp reviews, and even Google maps to make sure they’re representing their fleets accurately. Simply put, she advised operators to “have your house in order” prior to seeking renewal. When asked by an operator in attendance why rates are going up even for folks with clean driving records, McCulloh explained that inflation and expensive claims have caused increases across the board. She advised operators to get telematics to help keep rates low.
L to R: German Ruiz of Madison Capital, Willie Cook of DTS Worldwide, and Alex Sussman of COAST
The meeting’s final guest was Armik Megerdichian, the Lincoln Brand Manager from Sheehy Ford Lincoln in Gaithersburg, Md. The veteran retailer admitted that parts availability and vehicle inventory are still affected by the pandemic, and advised operators to continue to plan ahead when buying new vehicles. For example, if you think that you’ll need a vehicle in January, consider placing the order in August. Megerdichian also confirmed that the used car market is still hot, and that there is plenty of opportunity for operators to unload unwanted metal.
Before the meeting was concluded, Joseph urged the operators in attendance to keep their eyes open for illegal operators. He encouraged everyone to take photos of illegal cars and license plates and email them to the Public Service Commission.
Visit mdlimoassoc.org for more information.
[05.25.23]
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Still not registered for the CD/NLA Executive Retreat in Nashville? Well, no worries, because slots are still available for our one-of-a-kind mix of executive level education and networking. Held June 4-7 at the conveniently located Hilton Downtown Nashville, we’ve planned an exciting mix of business development and nightlife that will have you talking for months. Last week, we detailed our daytime sessions and seminars, so let’s take a look at the events we have planned on Nashville’s iconic Broadway!
We’re jazzed to be throwing our opening night dinner party at the one-and-only Kid Rock’s Big Ass Honky Tonk, Nashville’s biggest and baddest new honky-tonk located just a short walk away from the Hilton. With five floors, four stages, and six bars—and a larger-than-life personality that matches its famed proprietor—this gorgeous honky-tonk is where many of the town’s shooting stars perform daily. Our private event will take over the sky-high fifth-story rooftop, which boasts the most stunning views of downtown Nashville. With a live band and unlimited Southern BBQ and drinks, you’ll mingle and network with your peers in true rock-and-roll style with our very own private concert. And with the CMAs being held in town just days away from our event, you’ll never know if a surprise guest will hop on one of the venue’s stages!
Then, after a day of intensive and enriching education on Monday, what better way to unwind than returning to Broadway for an evening at a true Nashville country music institution and world-famous honky-tonk, Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge. Operating across the alley from live music venue Ryman Auditorium almost continuously since 1960, Tootsie’s has served such famous customers as Kris Kristofferson, Faron Young, and Willie Nelson when they were still up-and-coming artists. On your way up to the exclusive private rooftop where you’ll dine on Nashville-inspired cuisine (i.e., famous hot chicken, smoked wings, brisket sliders, and much more), be sure to check out the photo and memorabilia–decked walls that offer a history of this decades-old, purple-faced establishment. Once again, we’ll have a live band playing just for us, so be prepared for some old school boot scootin’ boogie.
And speaking of the Ryman… Called the Mother Church of Country Music, this legendary venue is hallowed ground for country music. On Tuesday afternoon, we’re inviting you to join us on a special tour of the Ryman that will give you an extraordinary glimpse into the history of country music and rock & roll. We’ll kick it off with an intro video followed by a self-guided tour of memorabilia from some of the most iconic acts in music, from Hank Williams and Elvis to Bruce Springsteen, B.B. King, and Bob Dylan—and be sure to check out the venue’s new Rock & Rock Hall of Fame along the way. You have a chance to snap a photo on the legendary stage, and even record a song in the recording studio. A tour guide will be on hand to answer any of your burning questions. And like our nighttime events, the Ryman is just a proverbial stone’s throw from our home base at the Hilton.
Be sure to visit cdnlaexecutiveretreat.com for all the latest information about our Nashville getaway. For operators looking to make their trip a short vacation, we’re currently offering a $499 non-industry spouse pass that will let your significant other join us for our after-hours events and Ryman tour. Avoid that dreaded FOMO… register today.
[05.23.23]