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L to R: Matt Miller from Misty Thunder Limo, David Bastian of Towne Livery, Buster Bison, LBTOUNY President Kevin Barwell of Giorgio's Chauffeured Transportation, and Jimmy and Stephanie Wolf of Chautauqua Limousine
The Limousine, Bus, Taxi Operators of Upstate New York (LBTOUNY) returned to Shalen Field in Buffalo, N.Y. on Tuesday, August 20 for their annual membership meeting/baseball outing. Sponsored by Towne Livery Vehicles, the event welcomed members from throughout the upstate region, along with family and friends, to watch minor leaguers the Buffalo Bisons take on the Omaha Storm Chasers.
“Overall, it was a great night. The outcome of the game could have been nicer if the Bisons had won. But it was a lot of fun to socialize and network. The operators had a chance to step back and discuss the market and where bu 
L to R: James Barwell of Giorgio's Chauffeured Transportation, Ed Reed of Executive Transportation, Mark Chrisifulli of Haylor, Fryer & Coon, and Mike Ziotkowski of Aces Limousine
The meeting was held in a private suite overlooking third base, and the members and guests were treated to a visit by mascot Buster Bison. However, prior to the first pitch, the association had the opportunity to discuss their recent legislative victories and challenges.
“We talked about what we just went through in regard to the Schoharie Accident and everything that followed,” says Barwell. “The state had about 30 different laws that they wanted to enact, and we were able to get 75 percent knocked out. The “sunset” period on limos was probably the biggest one that passed, but you can’t win every battle.”
The Sunset Laws that recently went into effect remove any stretch limousine off the streets after 10 years or 350,000 miles.
“Then, we discussed what we’re going to start looking at in the future—namely, insurance reform. In the upstate region, the rates are becoming astronomical. We have an operator that was told it would be $70K to insure one bus. That’s a death sentence. Upstate, $70K is illogical to stay in business. We’re going to have to raise our rates so high that people won’t use our service. All we’re doing is trying to provide safe transportation to people,” says Barwell.
In the coming weeks, Barwell says the LBTOUNY Board will meet to strategize a plan to introduce insurance issues to state legislators.
“We’ve been fighting significant issues for the past 12 years. Initially, we were fighting stuff related to the bus industry. Then we took on the rideshare companies so we could get an even playing field. Then it was the Schoharie accident—now, it’s insurance,” he says.
Barwell is hopeful that they will get the attention of the state legislators in the coming year.
Visit lbtouny.com for more information.
[08.27.24]
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It was a packed house at Jimmy’s Famous Seafood in Baltimore, Md., on Tuesday, August 20, for the Maryland Livery Association (MLA) membership meeting. Close to 50 members and guests were in attendance, including guest speakers and board members from the Philadelphia Regional Limousine Association (PRLA) and Virginia Limousine Association (VLA).
L to R: MLA President Len Joseph of On The Town Limousine, PRLA Board Member Claribel Ortiz of Trophy Limousine, and MLA Director Japneet Suri of Executive CLS
“This was hands down our best meeting ever,” says MLA President Len Joseph of On The Town Limousine. “It seemed that every time I turned around, they were adding new tables and chairs for more and more guests. We created some high-level energy that attracted a lot of operators.”
The association welcomed a trio of speakers to provide content to the attendees. First, Karl Muhammad from the Washington, D.C. Department of For Hire Vehicles (DFHV) addressed the crowd to discuss the controversial enforcement that operators have been experiencing. MLA has been anticipating his appearance at a meeting for months and was pleased to have a line of communication open with the government program. Muhammad took questions and offered updates and clarification regarding performing point-to-point trips within D.C. city limits.
The August MLA meeting attracted close to 50 members and guests
“We had the opportunity to ask him about the levels of enforcement,” says Joseph.
Next, the MLA welcomed Adam Weisman and Bill Leuthold from Philadelphia Indemnity Insurance, who offered a slide show about their company’s various risk management services. Insurance, of course, is a hot-button topic, and the pair fielded questions from the attendees.
The afternoon’s final speaker, Evan Sands from BBSI, discussed payroll services, workman’s comp, and human resources.
“We work so hard to bring content and offer takeaway at every single meeting,” says Joseph.
Plans are afoot for the MLA to work closely with fellow regional associations PRLA and VLA.
“We’re attempting a collaborative membership drive between the three associations. With our local airports so close together, it just makes sense to work together,” adds Joseph.
The next MLA meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 22 at a location to be announced.
Visit mdlimoassoc.org for more information.
[08.26.24]
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On Tuesday, August 20, the Colorado Limousine Association (CLA) held an online membership meeting that attracted members from throughout the state.
CLA President Erica Bugbee
CLA President Erica Bugbee of ExecuStar World Class Services kicked off the morning meeting by welcoming attendees and providing a brief financial report. She then provided a wrap up on the CLA’s successful Summer Educational Conference held on July 9. Bugbee then stated that the association is set to begin the process of applying for the National Limousine Association’s scholarship, which grants local associations up to $10,000.
Speaker Harry Dhillon of Hashtag Biz Solutions
Two guest speakers were present on the webinar; the first was Robin Friedberg from Research Underwriters, who provided something of a state of the industry of the insurance business in Colorado. Next was Harry Dhillon of Hashtag Biz Solutions, who offered an introduction to the staffing, answering service, and digital marketing services his company has to offer. Bugbee was proud to report that both Dhillon and Friedberg are Gold Vendor Members of the CLA.
Before concluding, John Hafer of A Custom Coach provided updates regarding the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and the Denver International Airport (DIA). He stated that a new TNC—Driver’s Co-Op—is due to hit the market, and electric charging stations are coming to DIA next month. The discussion then turned to the DIA enforcement policies occurring at the airport terminals, namely not having PUC numbers on the front of cars. Fortunately, since COVID, officers seem to be letting most operators off with warning tickets for infractions, except in the case of not having a current “health card.”
The next CLA meeting is scheduled to be in person at a date and locale to be determined soon.
Visit cololimo.org for more information.
[08.26.24]