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- Category: Industry News
Participants from around the country logged into Zoom for Illinois Limousine and Bus Association’s (ILLBA’s) latest Coffee With ILLBA webinar on Tuesday, July 16. This free online forum for news and education has been going strong since early 2020 and attracts association members and non-members alike. This month’s topic, Engage and Grow Your Customer Base With Low-Cost Marketing Ideas, came courtesy of ILLBA Director James Jordan of Lux Tux Transportation.
With a background in marketing, Jordan revealed several low-cost (and even no-cost) tips to expand your business locally. Revealing that he’s never spent more than $500/month on advertising, Jordan emphasized the importance of consistent, professional branding on marketing materials, whether it’s business cards, posters, or even Facebook posts. Something as simple as putting your location on business cards can be a game-changer when meeting new clients or affiliates, he stressed. Jordan also recommended finding local business by putting a poster in another high-traffic business, such as a car wash. For under $300/year, he’s found this to be an incredibly profitable way to meet and keep local clients.
ILLBA Director James Jordan of Lux Tux Transportation
Another important marketing tactic includes finding a niche for your business; in Jordan’s case, he started his company by marketing to single professional women who may have been uncomfortable with TNCs. Jordan also recommended working with local charities by donating trips. Jordan also mentioned the value of (free) Facebook posts and encouraged the attendees to “religiously” promote events in their area (e.g., sports, concerts, holiday light tours). He shared examples of digital graphics that promoted Chicagoland events like Lollapalooza.
Before concluding, Jordan discussed the value of the Affiliate Central Global Forum, held at CD/NLA Shows, which gives operators the opportunity to meet with representatives from companies around the globe. Again, he recommended that owners be prepared with professional looking marketing materials/cards that contain as much information as possible about their companies. QR codes and photos only increase the potential value of the materials being distributed.
ILLBA makes all their Coffee With ILLBA webinars available for free on their YouTube channel. Click here to access the library of videos.
The next Coffee With ILLBA session is scheduled to be held Tuesday, September 17 at 10:00 a.m. CT.
Visit illba.org for more information.
[07.16.24]
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L to R: Denny Leinhos of Avant Garde Limousines, CLA President Erica Bugbee of ExecuStar World Class Transportation, and Len Joseph of On The Town Limousines
The Colorado Limousine Association (CLA) held their Summer Meeting & Conference on July 9 at the Courtyard Marriott Cherry Creek in Denver. Attracting more than 80 members and guests, the day-long event offered opportunities for education and networking for the participants who came from all over the country. CD President Chris Weiss was among those on-hand as a guest speaker.
“It was fantastic,” says CLA President Erica Bugbee of ExecuStar World Class Transportation. “The meeting brought out a ton of new people who don’t typically attend our meetings. As we were marketing the event, our membership increased by nine operators who joined with the intention of getting a ticket to the meeting. This is not a moneymaker for the CLA; we do this solely as an educational event. We have a lot of small operators in our membership. Last year we did it as a half-day event, so this year we wanted to expand on it a bit more. Our full intent is to bring educational opportunities to operators who might not experience the shows. The networking is nice since we get new people who might get to meet new faces.”
NLA Board Member Tiffany Hinton of MOTEV with CD President Chris Weiss
In addition to presenters from firms like Driving Results, Career Driver, PAX Training, and Limo Anywhere, the National Limousine Association (NLA), and Chauffeur Driven, the meeting also offered locally relevant information from both the Denver International Airport and Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC). First up was Walker Sears from the airport, who discussed upcoming fee changes fee changes to the membership.
“[The airport] is doing a 20 percent increase in fees, which may seem shocking, but they haven’t had an increase in 5 years. It was nice for them to have a face-to-face opportunity to explain that better,” shares Bugbee.
L to R: CLA Sergeant of Arms Moe Bouayad of Crown Worldwide, Chris Weiss, and CLA President Erica Bugbee
Similarly, Nate Riley from the PUC also was on hand to talk about financial matters as the commission is adding an annual fee for operators, which has never been instituted before.
However, the bulk of the summer conference was devoted to education. After the board and sponsors were introduced, the day kicked off with a presentation from Andy Norman of Limo Anywhere, who provided updates about the software provider as well as advances in AI for business. Later, Ken Lucci of Driving Transactions offered a split session devoted to pricing and selling value.
CD swag recipients including Show Pass Winner Nadia Pettignano of Eight Black Airport Shuttle (far right)
“This year’s Colorado Limousine Association Summer Meeting & Conference was exceptional. For a one-day event, the agenda was packed with great material and action items that operators could take back to their businesses and implement. My morning presentation highlighted tactics to sell value instead of low price, and then in the afternoon I provided a session on knowing your costs and formulating pricing strategies,” says Lucci.
Guest speakers: James Blain of PAX Training, Tiffany Hinton, Ken Lucci of Driving Transactions, Jodie Lethgo of Career Driver, and Andy Norman of Limo Anywhere
During the afternoon, the CLA welcomed NLA Board Member Tiffany Hinton of MOTEV talked about the NLA and the organization’s GreenRides Initiative, which is designed to promote and implement environmentally responsible practices across the industry. Following an afternoon break, Jodie Lethgo of Career Driver presented on Marketing Strategies for Driving Digital Results, while James Blain of PAX Training shared the Secret to Creating Fiercely Loyal Customers. Blain encouraged operators and their staff to go the extra mile when it comes to providing service.
Weiss was the day’s final speaker, and he wrapped things up by discussing the role of CD in the industry, as well as what first-time attendees can expect from CD/NLA events, such as the Fall Show at the Gaylord National on October 13-16. He then offered an array of giveaways including CD lapel pins, t-shirts, and branded earbuds. A pass to the Fall Show was raffled off and won by Nadia Pettignano of Eight Black Airport Shuttle.
Bugbee revealed that the CLA is planning a September meeting in Vail.
“This will expose us to as many as 50 operators from the mountain region,” she says.
Visit cololimo.org for more information.
[07.16.24]
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- Category: Industry News
You probably heard last week that prices fell for the first time from May to June 2024 0.1 percent, and while the price drop seems miniscule, it is having a positive impact. According to the US Travel Association (USTA), those falling prices are having an affect on travel-related goods and services too.
USTA President & CEO Geoff Freeman
According to the association’s Travel Price Index (TPI)—which is calculated by USTA—prices decreased 1.4 percent from the previous month, led by lower hotel, airline, and gas prices. This is likely already being felt throughout the US economy as the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) noted that it screened the largest number of passengers over the July Fourth holiday weekend ever. On July 7 alone (Sunday), the TSA screened more than 3 million travels—setting a new record for the agency.
“Now is the time for the travel industry to boost volume,” said USTA President & CEO Geoff Freeman. “We’ve already seen travelers take advantage, with eight of the ten busiest days in TSA’s history occurring in 2024. It’s essential that the industry is equipped with the right funding, resources and technology—coupled with sustained government focus—to meet an increase in demand.”
Visit ustravel.org for more information.
[07.15.24]