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The recently rebranded Maryland Livery Association (MLA) met on June 18 for their bimonthly membership meeting. Held at the luxurious Ritz-Carlton Residences in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, the meeting attracted 30 members and guests including CD President Chris Weiss and Editor Rob Smentek. In addition to announcing the organization’s new name (changed from Maryland Limousine Association), the Board of Directors also unveiled a new logo.
L to R: Director Quentin Bassey of RSTQ Transportation, President Len Joseph of On The Town Limousines, Treasurer Michael Greene of A Platinum Plus Limousine, CD President Chris Weiss, Secretary Joanna Fridinger of The Limo Lady, Vice President Gary Day of American Limousines, and Director Japneet Suri of Executive CLS
MLA President Len Joseph of On The Town Limousines began the meeting by welcoming attendees.
“I’m extremely happy with where we’re going with the association,” said Joseph, who then called for members to get involved in the legislative, fundraising, and membership committees. He also reported that he had been to the recent Virginia Limousine Association (VLA) meeting and shared that any vehicle servicing D.C. airports with nine passengers or more must get a free permitting sticker from the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.
Joseph and Director Japneet Suri of Executive CLS then introduced the afternoon’s first guest speaker, new MLA Vendor Member Harry Dhillon of Hashtag Biz Solutions, who appeared via video conferencing. Dhillon provided an overview of Hashtag’s services, which include staffing, answering services, and digital marketing. He dictated the company’s core values, which includes 24/7 services for their client base.
L to R: Harrison Akasiaka of Elite Moves, William Kerr, Jodie Lethgoe of Career Driver, Carol Grant of HighPoint Solutions, and Len Joseph
The meeting’s next speaker was Jodie Lethgoe from Career Driver, who gave a presentation entitled Ride to Recruitment, in which she detailed a four-level funnel model for employee recruitment.
Next, Weiss was invited to speak about upcoming CD/NLA events, specifically the upcoming Fall Show at the Gaylord National on October 13-16, just outside of D.C. (which, of course, is local to the MLA and its members). He then introduced Carol Grant of credit card processor HighPoint Solutions, who became the association’s newest vendor member.
L to R: Len Joseph, Joanna Fridinger, CD Editor Rob Smentek, and Michael Greene
VLA President William Kerr of Camryn Limousine was then introduced. He said that it’s an “exciting time” for the two associations, who are looking to work closely on legislative and regulatory issues they both face. Kerr invited MLA members to attend the VLA’s upcoming fishing trip/meeting on August 27 in Virginia Beach.
Before concluding, Secretary Joanna Fridinger of The Limo Lady revealed that plans are underway for a new association website.
The next MLA meeting is scheduled for August 20 at Jimmy’s Famous Seafood in Baltimore.
Visit mdlimoassoc.org for more information.
[06.24.24]
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- Category: Industry News
PAX Training, the gold standard in comprehensive training solutions for the passenger transportation industry, recently announced that it is now a preferred partner for the International Motorcoach Group (IMG), a leading network of independent motorcoach operators dedicated to providing the highest standards of safety, service, and reliability in the motorcoach industry.
PAX Training has built a robust reputation for delivering high-quality, customizable training programs that cater to various sectors, including taxi, limousine, shuttle, motorcoach, school bus, and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services. The PAX Library of Courses offers an extensive range of ready-to-use courses designed to ensure that transportation professionals have the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in their roles. From defensive driving and advanced customer service to specialized programs such as ELDT (Entry-Level Driver Training) and certifications for Customer Service Representatives and Dispatchers, the company says it provides comprehensive resources to meet industry standards and exceed client expectations.
IMG is renowned for its commitment to excellence and safety in the motorcoach industry, and this aligns perfectly with PAX Training’s mission to provide peace of mind through exceptional training. By leveraging IMG’s extensive network and industry expertise, PAX Training aims to help enhance the professional development of its motorcoach operators members and their teams with their cutting-edge training solutions.
Both PAX Training and IMG are deeply committed to furthering education and training within the motorcoach industry. This partnership also underscores PAX Training’s mission to provide top-tier training within the motorcoach industry and across all passenger ground transportation.
PAX Training President James Blain
James Blain, president of PAX Training, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership: “IMG and its members are known for putting safety and service at the forefront of what they do, and we are excited to have the opportunity to be a part of that legacy. We are dedicated to supporting the IMG’s members with training solutions that promote safety, professionalism, and customer service. This will enable us to extend our reach and impact more companies and their teams, ensuring they receive the highest quality training available.”
By providing innovative, effective, and accessible training solutions, PAX Training continues to set the standard for professional development and operational efficiency.
Visit paxtraining.com for more information about PAX’s extensive list of courses. To learn more about the International Motorcoach Group, visit imgcoach.com.
[06.20.24]
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- Category: Industry News
ABC Companies—a leading provider of buses and specialty vehicles, and exclusive North American distributor of Van Hool products—recently announced that VDL Groep has acquired the Van Hool brand motorcoach division, coupled with a 10-year exclusive distribution agreement. VDL is a distinguished international industrial family business founded in 1953 and headquartered in the Netherlands. Worldwide, the company employs 15,000 people across its verticals.
ABC Companies CEO Roman Cornell (left) and VDL Groep President & CEO Willem van der Leegte
According to the press release from ABC, this marks a significant step towards diversifying and enhancing Van Hool production capabilities and customer offerings. The Van Hool brand and its current models will join the existing VDL portfolio of motorcoach and transit/low floor offerings.
"The acquisition and continued partnership with VDL Groep represent a pivotal evolution for ABC Companies, fortifying our market offerings and reinforcing our role as industry leaders in supporting our customers and adopting advanced transportation technologies," said ABC Companies CEO Roman Cornell. "This collaboration not only enhances our capabilities but also aligns with our commitment to innovation, customer service and quality, ensuring we meet the evolving needs of our customers."
VDL Groep, celebrated for its commitment to innovation and sustainability, sees this acquisition as an opportunity to extend its reach and impact in the transportation industry. "Our mission extends beyond manufacturing advanced vehicles; we are dedicated to improving connectivity and environmental sustainability through our products," said VDL Groep President & CEO Willem van der Leegte.
ABC says it is committed to a seamless transition for customers as they integrate the VDL-owned Van Hool brand. The company will hold an industrywide call on Tuesday, June 25, at 2:00 p.m. ET to address any questions and discuss the new ownership. Use the appropriate number below as well as the passcode 267813 to join the call.
US/Canada: 800.289.0459
UK: 0800 279 0424
Netherlands: 0800 023 0693
Germany: 0800 180 2022
Visit abc-companies.com for more information.
[06.18.24]