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WLA Secretary/ Treasurer Karen Lotts of A Knight Rider Limousine
The Wisconsin Limousine Association (WLA) held its monthly conference call on Wednesday, December 8. The chief matter discussed was the impending retirement of longtime WLA Secretary/Treasurer Karen Lotts of A Knight Rider Limousine Service.
Effective immediately, Lotts is stepping down from her position as she prepares for her move to Florida, with her company, A Knight Rider, ceasing operations on December 24. At this time, there were no imminent plans to sell the business.
“It’s been 30+ years since we started our limousine company, and more than 12 years with the WLA… it's time to move on,” says Lotts. “Everyone in the industry has been absolutely wonderful to work with! The members of the WLA, Illinois Limousine & Bus Association, and Minnesota Chauffeured Transportation Association are amazing people and full of knowledge. And, from the NLA to the Wisconsin State Patrol and FMCSA, no question has been too small for their input and help. Mostly, I will miss my brides and grooms, and the shock on people’s faces when I parallel park my 180-inch stretch limousine on a busy street.”
WLA President Larry Epstein of Gallant Knight Limousine said he will be sorry to see Lotts go, but wished her the best of luck in her future endeavors.
Also during the call, CD Editor Rob Smentek provided a brief update on the upcoming CD/NLA Show in Vegas this March 27-30. Lotts then announced the winner of the WLA’s second annual Virtual Ugly Sweater contest, in which members were encouraged to send in a photo of a particularly ugly holiday sweater to be selected via raffle. DeVon Gillespie of Milwaukee Executive Livery was the winner for the second consecutive year, and he will receive a custom WLA metal tumbler.
Visit wisconsinlimo.org for more information.
[12.14.21]
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Keep yourself informed and connected to other members of the industry by attending these important meetings. You can also view meetings for the rest of the year on Chauffeur Driven’s Industry Events page.
International Association of Transportation Regulators
“Regulatory Reboot” Conference (virtual)
12/13-12/17 (registration required)
Minority Limousine Operators of America
“Goal Setting for 2022”
12/15 at 2:00 p.m. ET via Zoom
Strategy Leaders
“Valuations: What Is Your Business Worth, and Why It Matters” webinar
12/15 at 1:00 p.m. ET (registration required)
New England Livery Association
Quarterly Meeting and Holiday Party
12/16 at 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. ET at Kowloon (registration required)
Illinois Limousine & Bus Association
Coffee With the ILLBA
12/21 at 10:00 a.m. CT via Zoom (registration required, email illinoislimousineassociation@gmail.com)
United Motorcoach Association
Weekly Town Hall
Every Thursday at 2 p.m. ET via Zoom (registration required)
Did we miss your association meeting? Let us know! Email susan@chauffeurdriven.com or rob@chauffeurdriven.com to be included in our calendar.
[12.14.21]
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- Category: Industry News
ABC Companies, a leading provider of motorcoach, transit, and specialty passenger transport equipment in the USA and Canada, has expanded its distribution agreement with Turtle Top to offer its popular Odyssey, Terra Transit, and Vanterra product line in locations covering the eastern seaboard from Georgia to New York State, as well as the states of Oklahoma and Texas. The Turtle Top conversions will be available on a number of premium performance chassis’ including the Ford E 350, E450, F550, F600, and Freightliner S2C for flexibility in almost any application. ABC will offer combustion and 100 percent battery electric versions of popular models, providing EV options for Turtle Top premium shuttles with numerous seating configurations to accommodate up to 34 riders and multiple wheelchair options. The expansion strengthens ABC’s position in the passenger van and shuttle space as micro-transit and on-demand services are rapidly expanding.
Turtle Top premium shuttle with EV options for ABC Companies
“We are excited to expand distribution of Turtle Top products for our customers with these high-quality commercial passenger vehicle options that can bring greater service flexibility and proven quality to their operations”, said ABC Companies Vice President Marketing Thom Peebles. “These proven performers can help customers take advantage of the growing needs in their municipal and regional communities for micro-transit, mobility as a service and paratransit applications, as well as applications from airport shuttles to premium passenger transport operations.”
For fleets who are integrating zero emissions vehicles, the battery electric chassis options from ABC Companies provides a scalable EV solution built on industry leading proven technologies.
“Customer service excellence is a shared core value at Turtle Top and ABC, and we are excited to bring our strong reputation for service and parts support to the passenger van and shuttle market, enhancing our customers’ competitive advantage,” said ABC President/Chief Commercial Officer Roman Cornell. “Delivery of the vehicle is a small part of the ownership cycle, and ABC believes that our continued service and support of our customers is what sets us apart and has been the hallmark of our success.”
“ABC Companies offers a comprehensive portfolio of service, parts, warranty, and customer care support behind every sale. This approach ensures the high quality of our Turtle Top products will be supported with equally high standards of service for our shared customers,” added Turtle Top General Manager Matt Sausaman.
Offered through ABC’s Specialty Vehicles & Technologies (SVT) division, Turtle Top buyers can expect the same levels of technical expertise, comprehensive service and parts support that ABC is renowned for in the private motorcoach industry. The SVT division is focused on discovering and bringing innovative solutions and strategies to market that offer transformative mobility options to ABC customers.
“Our dedicated SVT sales team specializes in helping customers seamlessly onboard these new products to ensure smooth operations from day one,” said Cornell. “Our ‘Make it Happen’ approach is based on exceeding customer expectations and simplifying fleet integration for private and public operations, including those who are readying for zero-emissions adoption.”
Visit abc-companies.com for more information.
[12.13.21]