L to R: Brian Ludlow and Nicole Federico of Alternative Claims Management with CD Business Development Manager Jeff Rafkin King of Prussia, Pa. — The Philadelphia Regional Limousine Association (PRLA) returned to Maggiano’s Little Italy on January 15 for the first general membership meeting of the new year. More than 35 members and guests attended the event, including CD Editor Rob Smentek and Business Development Manager Jeff Rafkin. Sponsored by Alternative Claims Management (ACM), the meeting provided the perfect mix of networking and education for the group, not to mention an excellent meal.
PRLA President Johnny Donohoe of Sterling Limousine kicked off the proceedings by thanking the group for attending. He then introduced Treasurer Bob Euler Jr. of King Limousine, who informed the membership that the coffers have increased 400% in just under a year. This news earned a much-deserved round of applause.
Ryan Shaer of Ace Limousine & Airport Service (left) and CD Editor Rob Smentek
Donohoe followed up with some general business, particularly the PRLA’s ongoing struggles with the Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA). Currently, the city and association are maintaining a “status quo” with the $550 per vehicle registration fee that has been in effect since 2018. Next, new Board Member Ryan Shaer of Ace Limousine & Airport Service provided a rundown of a recent meeting with Philadelphia Airport officials, in which they reinforced their commitment to crack down on solicitation in the baggage claim area.
Before dessert, Brian Ludlow and Nicole Federico from meeting sponsor ACM were given the floor to provide an overview of their company’s services and how they can benefit the luxury ground transportation industry when “not-at-fault” accidents occur. Ludlow presented a slide show that differentiated loss of revenue and loss of use when a fleet vehicle is sidelined, and how ACM pays out on those claims. He also provided some valuable information on how to prepare for best recovery when your chauffeurs are in a not-at-fault collision.
“Take action immediately,” advised Ludlow, and be sure to instruct your chauffeurs to take as many photographs at the scene as possible.
The PRLA Board (L to R): Tresurer Bob Euhler Jr. of King Limousine, Board Member Ryan Shaer of Ace Limousine, Vice President Tony Viscusi of Global Limousine, Vender Director John Arone of Transportation Insurance Brokers, President Johnny Donohoe of Sterling Limousine, and Secretary Tracy Salinger of Unique Limousine
Following the presentation, Kyle Hammerschmidt of the National Limousine Association spoke to the room about the organization’s No Operator Left Behind initiative geared toward small operators and the upcoming CD/NLA Show in Las Vegas on February 23-26. Hammerschmidt also offered a 50% discount on NLA to any operator who registered at the meeting.
Finally, the night concluded with a pair of raffles. Vice President Tony Viscusi of Global Limousine won a 50-50, and Shaer was the winner of a pass to the CD/NLA Show.
“It was a great meeting to kick off the year and ACM crushed it with an awesome presentation,” says Donohoe. “I have received a lot of very positive feedback from the members in attendance and their intentions to reach out to Brian from ACM, which is fantastic and a win-win. The Board we have right now is amazing. Everyone has done a great job focusing on building our membership, bringing in new vendors, and delivering great content and sponsorships for our meetings. We have seen or attendance steadily increase over the past year, which is super encouraging.”
The next PRLA meeting will be March 26.
Visit prlainc.com for more information.
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