- Details
- Category: Industry News
CD Editor Rob Smentek (left) with show pass winner Sahil Khanna of Classic Car Service
The Philadelphia Regional Limousine Association (PRLA) returned to Peppers By Amedeo's Restaurant & Bar in King of Prussia, Pa., on September 18 for their fall membership meeting. Thirty members and guests were in attendance including CD Editor Rob Smentek. In addition to guest speaker Dan Tomlinson from Lancer Insurance, Chauffeured Transportation Association of New Jersey (CTANJ) President Mike Rose of My Limousine Service and Maryland Livery Association (MLA) President Len Joseph of On The Town Limousines were welcomed.
L to R: PRLA President Tony Viscusi of Global Limousine, Board Member Clarabel Ortiz of Trophy Limousine, Secretary Tracy Salinger of Unique Limousine, Board Member John Arone of Acrisure, Board Member Ryan Shaer of Ace Limousine & Airport Service, and Vice President Bob Euler Jr. of King Limousine
PRLA President Tony Viscusi of Global Limousine began the meeting with a roll call, and then introduced Vice President Bob Euler Jr. of King Limousine who provided a financial report. Next, Secretary Tracy Salinger of Unique Limousine shared that the association is actively seeking affiliate members from around the country. Several new members were introduced, and then a show pass to the CD/NLA Show in National Harbor was raffled. The winner was Sahil Khanna of Classic Car Service.
MLA President Len Joseph of On The Town Limousines (left) and CTANJ President Mike Rose of My Limousine Service
Rose was then invited to speak a bit about CTANJ news. He briefly recapped the previous day’s meeting, specifically the decision to rebrand the former Limousine Association of New Jersey. Rose also discussed the growing issue of unlicensed operators using social media to advertise themselves as operators. He and Joseph both spoke a bit about the current insurance crisis faced by all transportation and trucking companies. Joseph also mentioned a desire for the MLA to work hand-in-hand with the Virginia Limousine Association (VLA) and the PRLA to tackle issues the associations are all facing. The MLA and VLA are planning a joint meeting at the CD/NLA Show, and all regional association members are welcome.
PRLA Board Member Ryan Shaer of Ace Limousine & Airport Service (left) and Allen Yang of Delaware Limo
As dinner was served, Tomlinson provided a thorough overview of the state of insurance for luxury ground transportation operators. He emphasized the importance of having the right coverage for your business. Tomlinson also encouraged operators to be certain of who they’re farming out work to, as there can be major consequences if the affiliate is not properly insured (or insured enough). As a loss control specialist, he also advised operators to report every claim, even if it’s just a paint scratch, as minor incidents often lead to major jury awards should a lawsuit occur. Tomlinson announced that he will be part of a risk management-focused insurance panel at the CD/NLA Show next month.
The PRLA’s next meeting will be their holiday dinner on December 11.
Visit prlainc.org for more information.
[09.20.24]
- Details
- Category: Industry News
Thousands of Prevost employees, customers, suppliers, government officials, and local dignitaries recently celebrated the 100th anniversary of Prevost. The gathering took place in Sainte-Claire, the small town where Eugène Prévost founded the company in 1924.
Prevost employees celebrate the company’s 100th anniversary.
“The success of Prevost is due to our committed employees and loyal customers – many of whom have been with us for generations,” said Prevost and Volvo Group Canada President François Tremblay. “The anniversary is an opportunity to recognize them while honoring the legacy of Eugène Prévost.”
Additionally, in the week prior, 165 Prevost motorhome owners traveled hundreds, and in some cases thousands, of miles to Québec City to take part in a multi-day 100 Year Anniversary Rally.
The September 14 event was the culmination of nine months of activities that took place throughout Canada and the United States. The 100th anniversary celebration in Sainte-Claire included Prevost factory tours, visits to the Prevost museum, and a special appearance by “Clarisse,” along with food and entertainment.
Clarisse is a hand-built replica of the wooden body coach that Eugène Prévost fashioned. For years, it was the dream of André Turmel, one of Eugène’s grandsons, to recreate the very first Prevost ever made.
As the 100th anniversary approached, the family worked together to make the dream a reality. The project was a labor of love that spanned three generations. The name “Clarisse” was chosen to honor Eugène’s wife who was his biggest champion and tireless supporter.
Coincidentally, Prevost and Sainte-Claire are celebrating anniversaries that mark 100 and 200 years, respectively. Sainte-Claire was founded in 1824, followed by Prevost a century later.
Since January, Prevost has chronicled its 100th anniversary on its website (Prevostcar.com) and on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and X. Through videos, images, stories and recollections, the company has captured the history and future of Prevost.
Visit prevostcar.com for more information.
[09.19.24]
- Details
- Category: Industry News
The Limousine Association of New Jersey (LANJ) welcomed 60 members and guests to their fall meeting, held September 17 at the NJHA Conference Center in Princeton. Chief among the announcements made at the event was the decision to rebrand the long-time association as the Chauffeured Transportation Association of New Jersey (CTANJ). The name change was ratified with a majority vote.
L to R: CTANJ Secretary Jason Sharenow of Broadway Elite Worldwide, CD President Chris Weiss, and CTANJ Treasurer Barry Trabb of Complete Fleet Livery Sales
“Retiring the term 'limousine' is a deliberate step toward aligning our name with the broad spectrum of chauffeured transportation services our members offer,” states CTANJ President Mike Rose of My Limousine Service. “Our association has expanded far beyond the traditional scope of limousine services. We now encompass a variety of vehicles, ranging from intimate sedans for two passengers to large 56-passenger motorcoaches. The new name, Chauffeured Transportation Association of New Jersey, better encapsulates the full range of our capabilities and services.”
CD Editor Rob Smentek and NLA Deputy Executive Director Sarah Mercer
CTANJ aims to represent all facets of the chauffeured transportation industry, acknowledging the advancements in vehicle technology and the expanding needs of clients. The rebranding reflects the association’s commitment to inclusivity and adaptability in a rapidly changing market.
Also announced by Rose during his LANJ Report was the hiring of a new lobbying firm—Princeton Public Affairs—to represent the association in its legislative matters. Other news included a new text messaging app for members to receive updates and the re-formation of the Be Driven Safety Campaign, which is designed to differentiate the industry from TNCs and illegal, unlicensed operators. Rose also shared that the Barbara J. Chirico Scholarship Fund raised an impressive $6,500, which was distributed to the children of association members.
CTANJ President Mike Rose of My Limousine Service (left) with Former Board Member Pete Corelli
Next, LANJ Founding Member Pete Corelli was recognized for his more than 20 years of service. Corelli stepped down as board member earlier this year but had been instrumental in getting various legislation passed during his long tenure as PAC chair. After being presented with a plaque for his years of service, Corelli was visibly moved and said his time with LANJ was an “enjoyable trip.” Rose then called Corelli a “true inspiration and great friend.”
L to R: Carl Restivo of Advantage Remarketing Solutions, Bob Sciavo of Albert’s Limousine, and Chris Weiss
2nd Vice President Jeffrey Cartagena of Leros Transportation Group was then given the podium to announce 12 new operator members, nine new vendor members, and a new affiliate member, Elegance Limousine out of New Mexico. He also shared a bit about the various affinity programs that are available to association members, including money saving on products, services, and marketing opportunities.
L to R: John Arone of Acrisure Insurance, CTANJ Board Member Jason Messinger of BBZ Limousine, Shady Azar of Gem Limousine, and Rob Smentek
Next, 1st Vice President Joe Gulino of Gem Limousine introduced the afternoon’s guest speaker Carl Zev of Zev University. The experienced coach and trainer shared about his program, which helps business owners manage stress and promotes a healthy work/life balance. Zev shared that he was amazed at the moving parts required to successfully manage our industry, and emphasized the importance of good health, particularly for operators that work long, hard hours.
CTANJ 1st Vice President Joe Gulino of Gem Limousine (left) and Carl Zev of Zev University
The meeting continued with a few short words from Past President Jeff Shanker of Black Tie Transportation, who encouraged members to consider joining the American Bus Association (ABA). Shanker serves as a member of the ABA Bus Industry Safety Council and promoted the February ABA Marketplace meeting in Philadelphia.
The final speaker for the day was CD President Chris Weiss, who was invited to share a bit about the upcoming CD/NLA Show at the Gaylord National on October 13-16. Weiss suggested that new attendees take part in the show’s popular Operator Mentoring Program, suggesting that the session alone offers takeaway worthy of the cost of the show. He also promoted the revamped Association Summit, which will focus on the insurance crisis faced by operators from around the country.
The next meeting for the CTANJ is their Holiday Party to be held December 10 at a location to be announced.
Visit lanj.org for more information.
[09.19.24]