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LILA President Tom Gouldsbury and board members hosted a successful legislative affairs breakfast with elected officials and staff representatives from state, county, town, and village government to discuss pressing issues facing the transportation industry on Long Island.
The Long Island Limousine Association (LILA) proudly announces the resounding success of its recent legislative breakfast on Thursday, January 16. This event brought together members of the LILA Board along with state and local elected officials to discuss pressing issues facing the passenger transportation industry on Long Island.
In the days leading up to New Year’s Eve, LILA alerted all New Yorkers to only hire licensed car, van, and limousine operators, and launched an unlicensed operator tip line. Unlike licensed operators, those who are unlicensed and operating illegally are not required to comply with a background check, are not registered with the New York State Department of Transportation or Consumer Affairs, are not required to carry safety equipment within the vehicle, and do not carry livery-specific insurance, leaving passengers completely unprotected in the event of an incident.
As part of its public awareness campaign, LILA shared information with regional representatives about the dangers of hiring unlicensed car operators, many of which solicit business through “mom’s” pages and other groups on Facebook and various social media platforms. LILA board members are calling on local elected officials and law enforcement agencies to assist with cracking down on illegal car operators transporting passengers across Long Island.
The topics discussed at the breakfast include new enforcement measures, the creation of a public database of licensed operators, greater education of local law enforcement agencies, and broader awareness amongst the public at airports, train stations and tourist destinations to only hire licensed operators.
Dignitaries who attended LILA’s first legislative breakfast include New York State Senator Siela Bynoe (D), New York State Assemblyman Michael Fitzpatrick (R), Suffolk County Legislature Presiding Officer Kevin McCaffrey (R), Babylon Supervisor and Chair of the Suffolk County Supervisors Association Rich Schaffer (D), Town of Islip Supervisor Angie Carpenter (R), Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer DeSena (D), Suffolk County Legislature Deputy Presiding Officer Steve Flotteron (R), Minority Leader Jason Richberg (D), Legislator Samuel Gonzalez (D), Legislator Rebecca Sanin (D), Town of Islip Councilman Mike McElwee (R), Village of Lindenhurst Mayor Michael Lavorata (R), and staff members representing New York State Senator Mario Mattera (R), New York State Assemblyman Doug Smith (R), Suffolk County Executive Edward Romaine (R), Legislator Catherine Stark (R), and Legislator Stephanie Bontempi (R).
“I want to thank all of the elected officials and their staff who took the time out of their busy schedules and came to our legislative breakfast,” said LILA President Tom Gouldsbury of Azure Limousine. “This event shows our commitment to advocating for the interests of our industry while building strong relationships with our lawmakers who understand the unique challenges we face.”
“This successful breakfast marks a significant step in strengthening our association’s advocacy efforts and ensuring that the voices of transportation professionals are heard in legislative discussions,” said LILA Vice President Charles Gandolfo of Dynasty Limousine. “We spoke a great deal about the role that consumer affairs and law enforcement play in our mission, and our representatives listened and are already taking action.”
“The posts you see on social media with recommendations of unlicensed drivers are too frequently responded to while these drivers are putting people’s lives in danger,” said LILA 2nd Vice President Jim Powers of All Star Limousine. “We appreciate our elected officials helping us to get the word out and making sure their respective agencies partner with us to put passenger safety first.”
“LILA’s legislative agenda for 2025 includes important issues regarding public safety that not just impact the limousine industry, but consumers, residents, venues and small business owners throughout Long Island,” said NLA Second Vice President and LILA Board Member Doug Schwartz of Executive Limousine. “These issues are non-partisan directly reflect the mission of the National Limousine Association, to represent the interests of the private driver transportation industry. I am excited that so many of our governmental partners are joining LILA in its public service campaign to urge operators to get licensed.”
Visit lilimoassociation.com for more information.
[01.21.25]
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The DTS Group, which serves the greater Baltimore and D.C. areas, recently announced its acquisition of ELT Limo, a luxury transportation provider renowned for its excellence in service across the D.C., Baltimore, and Virginia (DMV) region. This strategic acquisition further cements the DTS Group’s position as the foremost provider of luxury and executive transportation in the area.
With a shared commitment to exceptional customer experiences, the DTS Group and ELT Limo bring together two powerhouses in the luxury transportation space. This partnership will combine ELT Limo’s reputation for quality and reliability with the DTS Group’s cutting-edge technology, operational excellence, and expansive fleet to redefine the standard of premium transportation services.
The acquisition represents a bold step forward in the DTS Group’s mission to deliver unparalleled luxury and convenience, and the expanded resources and expertise will enable DTS to set a new benchmark for luxury transportation. ELT Limo’s impressive legacy of providing chauffeured services for high-profile events, corporate travel, and discerning private clients aligns seamlessly with the DTS Group’s values and strategic goals.
“This is an exciting milestone for The DTS Group,” says DTS Group Vice President of Operations Willie Cook. “By welcoming ELT Limo into our family, we are creating a powerhouse of luxury transportation that combines the best of both worlds: an exceptional client-first approach and an unmatched level of operational efficiency. Together, we are paving the way for a new era of luxury travel in the DMV area.”
“ELT Limo has always been dedicated to delivering superior service with elegance and precision,” says ELT Limo Vice President of Global Operations George Rains. “Joining forces with the DTS Group allows us to expand our reach and continue with our commitment to quality and attention to detail that our customers have come to expect.”
“This acquisition represents an incredible opportunity to better serve our affiliates with enhanced resources and unparalleled service quality,” says ELT Limo Affiliate Manager Renee Ferraro. “I am thrilled to be part of this journey and look forward to collaborating with our affiliates to set new standards in the luxury transportation industry.”
The DTS Group plans to leverage advanced technology, including real-time tracking, streamlined booking systems, and eco-friendly initiatives, to enhance the overall client experience. With a focus on sustainability and innovation, the newly unified company will prioritize providing environmentally conscious travel options without compromising on luxury.
Visit dtstransportation.com for more information.
[01.21.25]
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- Category: Industry News
CD/NLA Show 2025 Scholarship Winners
The National Limousine Association, coproducers of the CD/NLA Show, have announced the winners of the 2025 show scholarships. The scholarship, intended for first-time attendees of the show, includes a full show pass to the CD/NLA Show in Las Vegas, accommodations at host property Paris Las Vegas, and a one-year NLA membership (if not currently an NLA member).
The winners are:
- Samar Ahmad of My Chauffeur Hub Ltd. in London, UK
- Chris Casey of Top Travel Limousine in Union Grove, Pa.
- Isabel Croasdaile of Kingdom Car Service in Orlando, Fla.
- Sherri Drum of She Drives in Seal Beach, Calif.
- Geoffrey Herrera of Geoffrey’s Transport in Jamaica, N.Y.
- Todd Kelly of Goldstar Chauffeur Drive in Dublin, Ireland
- Ian Lowdermilk of We Drive You Fly in Winter Springs, Fla.
- Zhieco Sadiq of All Star Town Car in Tigard, Ore.
- Rik Vanmali of Luxury Transport Services in Nashville, Tenn.
- Tori Wentz of CLT Tours in Charlotte, N.C.
“Like so many operators, I remember how overwhelming and intimidating my first show was,” says Barenholtz. “By providing guidance and support to first-time show attendees and new NLA members, we can hopefully set them up for success, help their businesses grow, and make them show attendees for life!
The CD/NLA Show will take place at the Paris Hotel, right in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, this February 23-26. The four-day event includes an optional orientation session for those who are new to CD/NLA shows called the First-Timers Event. Held on Sunday, February 23, at 1:30 p.m., new attendees can meet with show veterans for an intro on what to expect during the show, and possibly even make a few new friends along the way. Visit cdnlavegas.com for more information.
Congrats to all the scholarship winners! We’ll see you in Vegas.
Visit limo.org for more information.
[01.21.25]