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- Category: Industry News
Motor Coach Industries (MCI), a leading motorcoach manufacturer and subsidiary of the NFI Group, has announced the promotion of Steve Weiss to vice president of new and pre-owned coach sales for the Mid-Atlantic Region. Simultaneously, Eddie Moreno has been promoted to NFI regional parts manager to succeed Weiss.
Steve Weiss
“With MCI’s new-coach market largely recovered, it is time to bring our sales team back to full strength,” said MCI Vice President of Private Sector Sales Tom Wagner. “Steve already has strong regional relationships as the former NFI parts manager and will seamlessly provide sales support to the Mid-Atlantic Region. His extensive technical and product knowledge will greatly benefit operators of our J-Series and D-Series coaches.
Eddie Moreno
Weiss’ territory includes Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania. Since joining NFI Parts in 2015, he has been instrumental in developing new business and broadening product lines to better meet operators’ needs.
Moreno, who has been with the company since 2016, started as a warehouse associate for the MCI Service Center in Blackwood, N.J. For the past eight years, he has developed strong leadership skills as he moved up in the company. Most recently, Moreno was the manager of the NFI Parts warehouse in East Brunswick, N.J.
“Eddie brings a tremendous skill base and customer focus to his role as a Regional Parts Manager,” said NFI Parts Director of Private Market Sales Tim Barnes. “Since he is joining Steve Weiss in the same region, it creates a seamless transition for our customers and ensures the highest level of service.”
“Eddie’s contributions will enhance the relationship-driven strategy cultivated by MCI and NFI Parts over the years, delivering substantial value to our customers across coach sales, service, and aftermarket parts,” added Barnes.
Visit mcicoach.com for more information.
[09.03.24]
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- Category: Industry News
Captains Car Service participated in the 2024 Northeast Ohio Buddy Walk
On Saturday, August 17, at the Tri-C Western Campus, Captains Car Service brought joy and excitement to the 2024 Northeast Ohio Buddy Walk by treating young participants to an unforgettable VIP limousine experience. This heartwarming day, organized by the Down Syndrome Association of Northeast Ohio (DSANEO), was all about celebrating the incredible spirit and achievements of individuals with Down syndrome, and Captains Car Service was proud to be a part of it.
The red carpet was rolled out for the Down Syndrome Association of Northeast Ohio
The Northeast Ohio Buddy Walk, inspired by the national initiative started by the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) in 1995, is a cherished event that brings together families, friends, and supporters from across the region. Each year, this event grows in both size and impact, as more people join in to raise awareness and funds to support the Down syndrome community.
This year, Captains Car Service wanted to make the day even more special. They rolled out the red carpet and a luxury limousine, offering kids the chance to experience the thrill of riding in style. The limo quickly became the highlight of the day, with children’s faces lighting up as they climbed aboard for a ride they won’t soon forget.
Kids of all ages were treated to an unforgettable VIP limousine experience
“We were overjoyed to see how much the kids loved the limo,” shared Captains Car Service Sales Marketing Manager & Owner Kirk Bagger. “For us, it’s about more than just providing a ride; it’s about creating moments of joy and connection. Seeing those smiles and hearing their laughter made our day as much as it made theirs. We’re honored to support such an important event and to help make these kids feel as special as they truly are.”
DSANEO is a lifeline for over 1,100 families in Northeast Ohio, offering vital resources and support to individuals with Down syndrome. Events like the Buddy Walk wouldn’t be possible without the help of community partners like Captains Car Service, who are committed to making a difference in the lives of others.
To learn more about the 2025 Northeast Ohio Buddy Walk and how you can get involved, visit the Down Syndrome Association of Northeast Ohio’s website.
Visit captainscarservice.com for more information.
[09.03.24]
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- Category: Industry News
With the Labor Day festivities coming to an end and the kids starting a new academic year, school’s almost back in session for the industry, too: The 2024 CD/NLA Show is just around the corner, and we have some world-class education ready for you!
Join us October 13-16 at the beautiful Gaylord National just outside Washington, D.C., for all the nonstop networking, animated nightlife, and, of course, can’t-miss education you’ve come to expect from our shows. As always, thanks to our generous Title Sponsor Volvo.
The incredibly dedicated CD/NLA Education Committee has been hard at work to deliver you the timeliest, most relevant sessions at this year’s show. With the help of co-chairs Jason Sharenow of Broadway Elite Worldwide and Karl Guenther of Statement Limousine, we have put together a slate of 11 sessions and seminars to arm you with the knowledge you need to help your company thrive. This year, we’ve continued our efforts to bring you the best speakers from both within and outside the industry.
Starting Sunday at 11:30 a.m., we’re kicking things off with a pair of timely tech-themed sessions. First, we’re offering Protecting Your Business Against Real-World Cybersecurity Threats, which is designed to safeguard you, your affiliates, and client base from the very real possibility of cyberattacks. Then at 1:00 p.m., moderator Athena Grimm of BAC Transportation and AI expert Thomas Wilform from SimpleTech Solutions for Navigating the Road Ahead: AI Applications in the Limo Industry. This session will explore how groundbreaking AI technology can automate customer service, streamline sales functions, and optimize driver performance. You’ll gain practical knowledge on integrating AI with existing systems, customizing interactions, and leveraging this emerging technology.
Also at 1:00 p.m. is the Inside Scoop: Behind the Scenes with the Education Committee. Moderator Sharenow will be joined by Doug Schwartz of Executive Ground Transportation, Moe Bouayad of Crown Worldwide Transportation, Erica Bugbee of ExecuStar World Class Transportation, Scott Woodruff of Majestic Limo & Coach, and Sarah Mercer of the NLA for an open conversation about how the Show Education Committee puts together content for events. Learn about the process for creating sessions, planning ideas, picking speakers, and more. Join this session to share your ideas, ask questions, and help advise for future events.
We follow that up with a pair of sessions at 2:30 p.m. that will close out our first day of education. First is Managing Generational Differences in the Workforce, courtesy of outside expert Lisa Johnson of Operations, Inc., a leading firm in HR consulting. In a multigenerational workplace, adapting to varying communication styles and expectations is essential. This session will explore practical strategies for bridging generational gaps by focusing on shared objectives. Learn how to build stronger professional relationships, foster collaboration, and enhance team performance by understanding and respecting different perspectives.
Simultaneously, we’re pleased to present Luxury on Wheels: Building a Premium Brand and Cultivating Loyal Customers. In today’s competitive market, building a strong brand and fostering customer loyalty are crucial for success. Moderated by Andy Hernandez of CTA Worldwide, this session will equip operators with practical strategies to create a memorable customer experience that not only attracts new clients but also turns them into loyal, repeat customers. The expert panel includes Cody Belanger of Sky Coach & Limousine, Kelly Devlin of Premier Transportation, Robyn Goldenberg of Strategy Leaders, and Gus Ortis of Executive Transportation.
“In every part of the conference, I was able to take valuable information away for the growth of my company,” says Devin Waring of Galleria Limousine.
Our second day in town also features a packed schedule of learning opportunities for you. We have a bright-and-early session at 8:15 for the morning go-getters. Don’t worry if you’re not a morning person, since Buffalo Limousine’s coffee sponsorship will ensure you start the day with your cuppa joe.
Start off the morning by discovering the keys to building and managing successful affiliate partnerships with Mastering the Affiliate Game: Tips and Tools. Moderator Tiffany Hinton of MOTEV will cover essential strategies for both new and established operators, including financial considerations, leveraging technology, and best practices for developing a robust affiliate network. Join a panel of experts, including Jay Bowers of AJL International, Jason Dornhoffer Unite Private Car, Nour Elotmani of Destination MCO, and Faith Glasgow of Peak Limousine, as they share advice and best practices to optimize your affiliate relationships for business growth.
Then at 9:30 a.m. we have our Emerging Operators Roundtable, featuring Guenther and Hernandez. This interactive session will allow you to connect with your peers and explore the unique business challenges and successes that come with being a newer operator. Share experiences, exchange strategies, and gain valuable perspectives to help navigate the early stages of your business journey.
Concurrently, we’re pleased to offer a session for more experienced operators, Securing and Executing Large Group Bookings. Moderator Hinton will be joined by Jamisha Breland of AMAREN, Erin Digioia of Windy City Limousine & Bus, and Joey Mills of Olympus Car & Coach to discuss making the most out of bus and coach work.
“Kudos to the CD/NLA Show. From the educational programs, State of the Industry to the show floor, everything was well orchestrated, professional, and top notch!“ says Mike Rose of My Limousine Service.
On Tuesday, we begin at 8:15 a.m. with The Essential Recipe: Ingredients for Building a Safe and Secure Limo Operation, with a powerhouse duo of Daniel Tomlinson of Lancer Insurance and Jeffrey Petrunak of National Interstate Insurance lending their expertise to help your chauffeurs improve their road skills. Then at 9:45 a.m. join us for a Personality/Relationship Management session presented by Nicole Banks of I AM Resource, a consultation firm that offers a range of services to facilitate business growth and development. Banks was tremendously well-received at our last Vegas show, so we’re thrilled to have her in National Harbor Also at 9:45 is a roundtable designed to advance your sales techniques, customer engagement strategies, and industry-specific insights that will transform your approach and drive your success. Moderated by Schwartz, Bouayad, and Guenther, Become a Super Salesperson in Retail Ground Transportation will help you stand out as a top-tier salesperson, which requires more than just charisma and product knowledge.
On Wednesday morning, we conclude our educational component with a pair of 90-minute deep-dive sessions that will build on topics covered on Tuesday morning. At 8:45, we’re pleased to welcome back Banks for a more thorough look into Personality/Relationship Management, followed at 10:30 with an intense and informative look at safety. Stay tuned for more details as the event gets closer.
So, what are you waiting for? Every session of our world-class education is included when you register for the CD/NLA Show. Our Early Bird pricing expires Friday, September 6, so you have limited time to save some serious cash off the registration price. We’ve also secured a room block at $259/night at the fabulous Gaylord National. Don’t miss out!
[09.03.24]