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- Category: Industry News
Each year, there are three surefire signs that autumn has arrived: the leaves are on the ground, pumpkin-spice flavor can’t be escaped, and the fall CD/NLA Show is here! With that in mind, Chauffeur Driven and the National Limousine Association are excited to announce the roster for one of the CD/NLA Show’s most popular events, the Operator Mentoring Program.
Ever wish you could pick the brain a successful and forward-thinking CEO? Good news: You can during this highly interactive session! Each group conversation is led by a Mentor—an expert industry veteran who has the chops and know-how to advise and inspire—but the topics are driven by you and your fellow group members. You can ask questions, get advice, and swap ideas and tips with the Mentor as well as your group. This is one of the most important events you can join if developing and strengthening your operation for the long haul are key parts of your big-picture plan. One of the core missions of any CD/NLA event is the exchange of knowledge, so who better to learn from than your peers?
Mentors include:
Robert Alexander of RMA Worldwide
Brett Barenholtz of Boston Car Service/Above All Transportation
Carla Boccio of Buffalo Limousine
Kristina Bouweiri of Reston Limousine
Maurice Brewster of Mosaic Global Transportation
Eric Devlin of Premier Transportation
Sean Duval of Golden Limousine International
Athena Grimm of BAC Transportation
Joe Gulino of Gem Limousine Worldwide
Tiffany Hinton of MOTEV
George Jacobs of Windy City Limousine & Bus
Michelle Miller of Elite Coach Transportation
Christina Nguyen of Concierge Limousine
Gus Ortis of Executive Transportation
Joe Reinhardt of Carolina Limousine & Coach
Roberto Rodriguez of First Class Destination Solutions
Douglas Schwartz of Executive Ground Transportation
David Seelinger of EmpireCLS Worldwide
Jason Sharenow of Broadway Elite Worldwide
Rick Versace of A1A Global Ground
The Operator Mentor Program, which will take place on Sunday, November 13 at 4:30 p.m., requires pre-registration. All slots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Click here to register for the event. Register early for your best chance at picking your preferred Mentor, but note that the roster may be subject to change. In the event that your group is full, you will be accommodated and welcomed into another group.
If you haven’t already registered for the show or booked your stay at our host property, the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, don’t delay (NLA members can save an additional $75 off their show registration rate). The property—conveniently located minutes from Washington, D.C.—is offering an exclusive room rate of $239 per night for all CD/NLA Show attendees. This is an unbelievable price for this luxurious all-under-one-roof venue. Visit the show website to secure your accommodations.
Visit cdnlashow.com for more information.
[10.11.22]
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- Category: Industry News
Royal Woodbine Golf Club Etobicoke, Ontario
After a two-year hiatus, the Ontario Limousine Owners Association (OLOA) has set a date for the next membership meeting. Scheduled for Monday, October 24, at 6:30 p.m., at the Royal Woodbine Golf Club in Etobicoke, Ontario, the members-only dinner event will give operators the opportunity to network and discuss local industry happenings.
OLOA Treasurer Phil Bozzelli of Coporate Livery Toronto
In the meantime, the OLOA has announced elections for the coming year. According to Treasurer Phil Bozzelli of Corporate Livery Toronto, there are two director spots open with two executive directors stepping down. To date, four members have expressed interest in being a director. The association may explore the option of using an electronic ballot. If this occurs, members will be notified via e-mail.
“The next two years should be exciting with 4 new directors joining the OLOA,” says Bozzelli. “After almost three years of doing business by phone or email, a new group will join us at the meeting. Two of our long-time executives will stay on as directors at large. Their knowledge and connections are invaluable to the membership as a whole.”
Visit oloa.ca for more information.
[10.11.22]
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- Category: Industry News
Hotels Still Facing Staff Shortages: Despite surging demand from travelers, hotels are still struggling to find workers. According to a survey conducted by the American Hotel & Lodging Association, 87 percent (as of August 2022) are experiencing staff shortages, which is down from 97 percent in May 2022. Not surprisingly, the dearth of workers is felt hardest in housekeeping, with more than 40 percent of hoteliers labeling it as their toughest role to fill. Respondents said they have offered higher wages—a record at more than $22 per hour on average—more benefits, and additional flexibility to attract workers. Hotels lost nearly 400,000 jobs during the pandemic, and there are currently an estimated 115,000 position vacancies. Source: American Hotel & Lodging Association
A Four-Day Workweek: Move over, remote work. The UK is the latest country to attempt a trial at a four-day workweek—with no drop in pay for its workers—and most are finding that there has been no decrease in productivity. In fact, most firms are reporting that productivity has increased thanks to workers having a better work-life balance, less stress and guilt, and overall sense of well-being. The six-month pilot includes 70 companies and more than 3,300 workers. Fun fact: Then-Vice President Richard Nixon predicted way back in 1956 that the US economy would transition to a four-day workweek. Although his prediction didn’t come true in his immediate future, many American companies are looking at shaking up 20th century thinking for a 21st century workplace. Sources: Forbes, CNN
Canada Lifts COVID Travel Restrictions: Our nation’s northern border is open for business again! Minister of Health Jean-Yves Duclos announced that as of October 1, travelers to Canada would no longer need to show proof of COVID vaccination, report their health information through the ArriveCAN app/website, submit to testing, or quarantine in order to travel to Canada. Masks have also become optional. The full announcement can be viewed here. Sources: Public Health Agency of Canada, The Canadian Press
N.Y. Limousine Task Force Releases Report: The awful—and preventable—tragedy of the Schoharie crash in 2018 that claimed the lives of 17 passengers, two pedestrians, and the driver is seared into the brains of operators all over the country. The NTSB report found egregious violations and a blatant disregard for safety that had led to the vehicle being placed out of service—including a vice grip over a rear brake line—contributed to the fatal crash. Earlier this year, New York State convened a task force to study safety problems with using these larger vehicles, and if further state legislation was needed to keep the public safe. The report, which was released on September 30, recommended several actions, including improving the communication between the state’s DMV, DOT, and State Police for better policy implementation; retiring these larger vehicles at 10 years or 350,000 miles; equipping vehicles with side-impact protection such as anti-intrusion bars; and conducting a pre-trip safety demonstration with passengers similar to that of airplane travel. The full report can be read here. Source: N.Y. State Stretch Limousine Passenger Safety Task Force
[10.04.22]