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L to R: Director Mark Kini of Boston Chauffeur, 1st Vice Presidemt Brett Barenholtz of Above All/Boston Car, CD President Chris Weiss, NELA Executive Director Rick Szilagyi, Director Alicia Hayes of ACL Transportation, and Director Terry Murtaugh of United Private Car
With fall on the horizon, the New England Livery Association (NELA) welcomed more than 25 members and guests at their most recent quarterly meeting on September 13. Held at the Holiday Inn Hotel and Conference Center in Dedham, Mass., the evening offered plenty of opportunities for networking over an Italian meal. CD President Chris Weiss was on hand as a special guest.
“Chauffeur Driven is always a huge supporter of the NELA, and our fall quarterly meeting was no exception,” says Executive Director Rick Szilagyi. “Chris Weiss delivered a State of the Industry, served as moderator for a panel-led discussion on working with remote employees, and brought a show pass and other CD items for our raffle. And, this was on the heels of CD’s sponsorship of our annual golf tournament—in which the team of Chris Weiss, Nick Boccio of Buffalo Limousine, and Peter Simmons and Carey Callahan of A2B Transportation took third place.”
CD/NLA Show pass winner Director Britt Bogar of All Points Limousine (left), CD President Chris Weiss, and CD backpack winner 2nd Vice President Tina Benson of L.A. Limousine
Tying in his presentation with topics to be addressed at the upcoming CD/NLA Show at the Gaylord National (just outside of D.C.) this November 13-16, Weiss addressed many of the issues faced by operators in the current marketplace. Hiring staff, affiliate work, and supply chain challenges were also discussed, as was the importance of raising rates to stay profitable. Weiss also moderated a panel on remote workforce, which included NELA President Joe Cardillo of AOT Global, 1st Vice President Brett Barenholtz of Above All/Boston Car, Szilagyi, and Director Mark Kini of Boston Chauffeur. Each commented on the pros and cons of having a remote workforce, but the conclusion was reached that it’s a trend that will continue and grow in the future.
The panel discussion included (L to R) President Joe Cardillo of AOT Global, Barenholtz, Kini, and Szilagyi
After the panel discussion, Weiss announced that CD is back in print starting with the September issue, which was met with cheers and applause from the attendees. To continue to the good vibes, Weiss gave away some CD-branded shirts and hats, and raffled off a branded backpack, as well as a pass to the upcoming show. The backpack was won by Tina Benson of L.A. Limousine, while the show pass went to Britt Bogar of All Points Limousine.
In other NELA news, the Board of Directors will be manning a grill on Thursday, September 29, for the association’s annual Chauffeur Appreciation Day at Logan Airport. Cancelled for two years due to COVID, this staple event makes its return from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. to honor the frontline employees that are the backbone of the industry. In addition to free burgers, hot dogs, sausages, and veggie burgers, NELA will also have a DJ and raffles at the airport. Sponsorship opportunities are available; click here to take part.
Visit nelivery.org for more information.
[09.20.22]
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The Greater California Livery Association (GCLA) recently held its annual Expo this past September 6-7 at the Portofino Hotel & Marina in Redondo Beach with more than 130 operators and sponsors in attendance. Working from the theme of Your Golden Opportunities for Success, the two-day event included a dozen sessions and roundtables, daily networking receptions, and a top-shelf dinner party at the property’s BALEENkitchen.
“The GCLA certainly had the WOW factor going on. It was an incredible event–first class all the way. It’s our pleasure to partner with the GCLA,” says Global Business Travel Association LA Chapter President Lee Palmer Turner of MGM Studios/Amazon.
Dinner at the Portofino Hotel & Marina
The distinguished roster of speakers included Rich Azzolino of Sotto Mare restaurant, Tiffany Hinton of Motev, Cheryl Berkman of Music Express, Alex Darbahani of KLS, Selim Aslam of Men In Black, Dave Uziel of Urban Worldwide, Harry Dhillon of Ecko, Lonnie Reynolds and Victoria Davis of American Limousine, Diane Forgy of Overland, Jeff Nyikos of Leros Point to Point, Mo Garkani of The C.O.T.S. Group, Simon Curtis of Curtis Gabriel, Mark Petree of Limo Marketer, and Amir Zafar of GRiDD Technologies. The full list of sponsors is available here.
GCLA Board
During the State of the Industry, panelists—which included Matt Daus of Windels Marx/IATR, Robert Gaskill of Motev, Lee Palmer Turner of GBTA and GCLA Executive Director Sara Eastwood-Richardson—delivered the good and bad news of the state of the industry. While business is back significantly for most operators, and there is increased funding for EVs and infrastructure to support the transition to more sustainable businesses, there are some lingering challenges that remain. Gas prices, supply chain issues, and labor continue to put a bit of a damper on the robust recovery, although mergers and acquisitions should continue to be strong through the immediate future.
The State of the Industry panel included (L to R): Robert Gaskill of Motev, Matt Daus of Windels Marx, and Lee Palmer Turner of GBTA (not pictured: Sara Eastwood-Richardson)
“The objective for this event was, first and foremost, to bring the spotlight to the GCLA. The association has worked hard to elevate its brand to that of the Gold Standard of Transportation. This event brought VIPs from national headquarters of automakers and bus manufacturers, to the new brass at the California PUC to LAX and the Global Business Travel Association. We had a ton of heavy hitters who came to check us out. Suffice it to say, all eyes were on the GCLA during this show. We wanted to make a huge statement to earn the utmost respect from within our membership and from the business, government and travel community. I’d say by the positive reviews, mission accomplished, and then some,” says Eastwood-Richardson
As a 501c3 nonprofit association, Eastwood-Richardson says that 100 percent of the event proceeds are awarded to the GCLA to protect and defend the rights of luxury transportation company owners in the state. The GCLA’s silent auction proceeds will go to the Airport Initiatives Fund, established this year to pay for advocacy at California airports to fight for parking, fair fees, and curbside privileges.
Visit gcla.org for more information.
[09.16.22]
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Looking to get more involved in fighting for your industry, especially on the legislative level? The National Limousine Association (NLA) has announced that it is accepting nominations for its annual board election with five seats open across the US. Nominations will be accepted through November 1 at 5:00 p.m. ET.
The following seats are up for election this year:
At Large: one seat (any state in US)
US Central Region: one seat (AR, IA, IL, IN, KS, LA, MI, MN, MO, ND, NE, OH, OK, SD, TX, WI)
US Northeast Region: one seat (CT, MA, ME, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT)
US West Region: one seat (AK, AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, MT, NV, NM, OR, UT, WA, WY)
US Southeast Region: one seat (AL, DE, DC, FL, GA, KY, MD, MS, NC, SC, TN, VA, WV)
NLA President Robert Alexander
“As the industry and the NLA continue to evolve, we are looking for talented and passionate candidates who are reflective of the ever-changing landscape of our industry. Whether you are a large or small operator, service a city, suburban, or rural area, or do corporate or retail work, we welcome you on the Board. Having a Board full of individuals with varying perspectives and different ideas only benefits the NLA and its members,” said NLA President Robert Alexander of RMA Worldwide in his recent weekly President’s Letter.
To confirm eligibility and to submit your application, click here. Questions? Email info@limo.org.
[09.19.22]