The Virginia Limousine Association (VLA) is holding an Inauguration Planning Meeting on November 9 at the Holiday Inn Chantilly EXPO Center in Chantilly, Va.
“The VLA Executive Board met and we all agreed it's time to knock the cobwebs off,” says VLA Vice President Bill Kerr of Camryn Executive Transportation. “Obviously, like every other region, we've all taken a huge hit due to COVID. We also agreed in times like this is when an association must meet the needs of its members and the industry as a whole in Virginia.”
VLA Vice President Bill Kerr (left) with VLA President Paul Walsh
In anticipation for the end of voting in just a matter of weeks, the VLA is hosting an organizational meeting to start the planning process for the inaugural celebration to be held in Washington, D.C. In the past, the association has been able to draw many operators to hear from guest speakers from the U.S. Secret Service, the Washington D.C. Metropolitan Police, and the U.S. Capitol Police. For many operators in the region, this has traditionally been a very big event.
This year, the VLA is inviting experts from the insurance industry, and is pleased to have the D.C. Department of For-Hire Vehicles to take part as well.
As the VLA revamps its presence in the industry, association leadership is aware of the hardships and crippling downturn in business faced by their membership. As such, the VLA Board will be announcing a waiver of membership dues during the upcoming meeting. All current and former VLA members should feel welcome to attend and participate in this important meeting. The Board also encourages members of the Maryland Limousine Association, D.C. Limo Association, the United Motorcoach Association, and the Virginia Motorcoach Association to be there as well as there will likely be additional requirements, including for motorcoaches, to get people around town.
“Historically before a Presidential election, we would be preparing for the inauguration celebration in Washington D.C.,” adds Kerr. “We're planning on having speakers from the district discussing this topic, and also hope to have several operators brainstorm how they are making it through these unprecedented circumstances. When a lot of companies are on life support, it's more important to get them active than collecting dues. Basically, we want to express to all Virginia operators that the VLA is back and we're going to be very active to serve our members in any capacity we can. It's very easy to plan dinners and socials during the good times; it's times like these when an association must show its worth and mettle. The VLA plans on doing exactly that.”
The Holiday Inn Chantilly EXPO Center is conveniently located near Dulles Airport and offers a spacious facility. With safety in mind, the meeting will adhere to COVID protocols with distance seating in effect, and a face mask will be required.
Visit virginialimousineassociation.org for more information.
[10.20.20]