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VLA members are looking forward to seeing CD return to print in 2022
CD President Chris Weiss (left) with Executive Retreat pass winner Abdou Brahim of VA Executive Sedan & Limousine
On Monday, May 23, the Virginia Limousine Association (VLA) assembled for a membership meeting held at the Westin Hotel in Richmond. Twenty members and guests were in attendance, including CD President Chris Weiss, who participated in a discussion about the state of the industry and offered details about the upcoming CD Executive Retreat. Also present was a representative from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, who shared a bit about measures being taken to curb illegal operators.
L to R: Claude Cristea of Williamsburg Chauffeur Service, Abdou Brahim of VA Executive Sedan & Limousine, and Gary and Antoinette Arrington of Virginia Premium Transportation Services
“This was our second meeting of the year, and it feels great getting back in the swing of things and seeing our members in person,” says VLA President Bill Kerr of Camryn Limousine. “With operators being as busy as they are, we’re glad that we could get a good group together for an informal meeting.”
Chris Weiss (left) with VLA President Bill Kerr of Camryn Limousine
During a “fireside chat” with Weiss, VLA members discussed many of the issues faced by operators, such as supply chain difficulties, raising rates, and value of SUVs vs. sedans. Weiss also shared the news that CD is headed back to print in the coming months, which was met positively by the digital subscribers at the meeting. Details about the June 12-14 CD Executive Retreat in Miami were also talked about, and Weiss raffled a pass to the event. Abdou Brahim of VA Executive Sedan & Limousine was the winner.
The VLA Board also revealed plans to hold a combined fishing trip/meeting in Virginia Beach in August (date TBA), and a fourth meeting is planned to be held at the fall CD/NLA Show in National Harbor.
Visit virginialimousineassociation.org for more information.
[05.31.22]
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The excitement is building! We may be less than three weeks from the Chauffeur Driven Executive Retreat in Miami Beach, but there’s still time to take part. We have a select number of slots left for anyone who wants to join our exclusive group of operators on June 12-14 for first-class education, networking, and fun in one of America’s hottest and lively towns. However, today is the FINAL day for our exclusive room block rate of $289/night.
In addition to the incredible networking and timely education, one of the appeals of the Chauffeur Driven Executive Retreat is the chance to experience a bit of the host city’s local flavor and vibe. In the past we’ve hosted a carriage ride through New Orleans, visited cool sites like Old Town in San Diego, and noshed at The Picnic, a nationally recognized food truck bonanza in Austin. With that in mind, attendees will want to join us Monday afternoon for a bus tour of one of the country’s most unusual and unforgettable art installations, the legendary Wynwood Walls.
Established in 2009 by noted real-estate entrepreneur Tony Goldman of Goldman Properties, Wynwood Walls is an outdoor museum of international street art. Encompassing more than 50 dazzling, cutting-edge murals created by respected street artists from Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the United States, the Wynwood Walls attracts hundreds of thousands of people from all over the world each year.
Featuring such graffiti luminaries as Kenny Scharf, Futura, Os Gemeos, Swoon, Shepard Fairey, and other renowned innovators in street art, the site has become a phenomenon, spurring the creation of murals throughout the Wynwood district. It is now considered one of the best venues in the world to see the work of leading street artists. You’ll definitely want to have your phone handy because Wynwood Walls is practically made for the selfie! Snap some pics and share to your IG or Facebook feed!
Don’t miss out! Register today at cdexecutiveretreat.com to secure your space at our Early-Bird rate. Then book your room to get our discounted pricing at the Loews.
[05.25.22]
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He’s confirmed! David Do is officially the new commissioner and chair of the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC), after a unanimous vote by the City Council this past week. Do was former head of Washington, D.C.’s Department of For-Hire Vehicles (DFHV) and was nominated by New York Mayor Eric Adams in late April following the resignation of Aloysee Heredia Jarmoszuk.
TLC Commissioner and Chair David Do
Mayor Adams called the taxi and for-hire industry “a critical piece of a just and equitable New York City” and expressed his confidence that Do is the person to achieve it, thanks to his reputation as a thoughtful policymaker with the use of innovative technology to help meet those initiatives.
Do has his work cut out for him. After a punishing few years that have included a rapid decline in medallion prices on top of a pandemic and mental health crisis among for-hire drivers, Do is tasked with shoring up existing issues while also pivoting an industry for the 21st century.
While serving as the head of the DFHV, Do spearheaded the launch of DC Microtransit, an on-demand shuttle service for riders living outside the traditional routes of public transit. He also led the agency through the COVID pandemic and distributed personal protective equipment to drivers to keep them safe on the job. Do is also chairman of the International Association of Transportation Regulators (IATR) Technology and Innovation Committee.
Former TLC Commissioner and IATR President Matt Daus
“I am excited and ready to take on this role to serve the entire for-hire industry at this critical time, and I want to thank Mayor Adams, Deputy Mayor Joshi, and the City Council for this incredible opportunity,” Do said following his confirmation. “I want to let drivers know that they have a partner in me. I am fully committed to helping drivers get relief from crushing medallion debt, delivering true transportation equity for our customers with disabilities and those outside of Manhattan, and leveraging technology and innovation to diversify and strengthen our industry.”
Black Car Fund Executive Director Ira Goldstein
The announcement has earned the praise of many in the industry, including former TLC Commissioner and IATR President Matt Daus, New York Taxi Workers Alliance Executive Director Bhairavi Desai, and Black Car Fund Executive Director Ira Goldstein.
“David Do has the experience and expertise to guide TLC into the future, while ensuring drivers and operators have the support they need to move our industry and our recovery forward,” Goldstein said. “The Black Car Fund looks forward to working with David to create safer streets, a better transportation network, and conditions that allow drivers and the for-hire vehicle industry to thrive.”
"I know firsthand how challenging this position is, and he is the right person at the right time–to bring order, morale, and confidence back to the TLC," Daus said, who works with Do through IATR. "His experienced leadership will guide the industry toward further innovation and multimodal integration, while making strides to promote access and equity."
You can find more information about the agency and its objectives here.
[05.24.22]