The Pennsylvania Bus Association (PBA), which will mark its centennial in 2023, has produced a video to commemorate the occasion.
Founded in 1923, PBA is a nonprofit organization and one of the nation’s oldest associations dedicated to representing the business and governmental interests of private bus companies operating in Pennsylvania. The association has functioned without interruption and with an unrelenting commitment to the safety of the traveling public and the economic well-being of its member companies. The membership includes motorcoach operators, companies servicing the industry, and travel suppliers, all working together to build their businesses.
The video was created with help from association members, a treasure trove of archives from PBA (and the Bus Museum of Transportation), national partners, and KRR Photography, and is now available on PBA’s YouTube channel, PBA social media channels, and the website pabus.org.
The yearlong celebration was kicked off in State College during PBA’s Annual Conference. Smaller celebrations are planned throughout 2023 including during Spring Fling weekend at Bus Museum of Transportation in Hershey (June 9-10), PBA Marketplace in Morgantown (March 27-28), and PBA Annual Meeting & Conference in Jamestown, N.Y. (June 18-21).
PBA members shared their thoughts on PBA’s centennial milestone:
John Henry of the Martz Group: “Pennsylvania Bus creates a real sense of community within our industry. The information and networking PBA provides has helped further our company for generations. Our founder, Frank Martz, helped establish PBA and would be proud of its current leadership and value to our industry. Congratulations on celebrating 100 years!”
Alison Sherman of Klein Transportation and PBA Board member: “I have the pleasure of being the third generation from my family’s motorcoach company to serve on the board of PBA. This organization does amazing things through advocacy and by facilitating the connections that help us thrive as an industry and I am proud to be part of it.”
Sandy Borowsky of Starr Tours and PBA Board member: “Running a motorcoach and tour company these days is certainly no easy feat. That is why PBA is so important to us. Having an organization like PBA that provides support, information, and a connection to all our industry friends is critical to our success. We are thrilled to be able to celebrate PBAs 100th anniversary and looking forward to many more successful years.”
Some of the upcoming events in 2023 include:
- PBA’s Marketplace provides bus operators, tour planners and group leaders with the valuable opportunity to gain experience about exciting new attractions and explore favorite destinations for group travel. The date and location for 2023 Marketplace is March 27-28 in Morgantown, Pa., hosted by Pennsylvania’s Americana Region. Registration is open.
- PBA’s Annual Meeting is an industrywide event devoted to education, business interaction, and social networking. A key component of the event is highlighting the geographic area so that motorcoach operators will return with groups to enjoy a new travel opportunity. The date and location for 2023 Annual Meeting is June 18-21 in Jamestown, N.Y., hosted by Chautauqua Convention & Visitor’s Bureau.
- PBA’s Motorcoach Safety & Preparedness Workshop not only provides employees of motorcoach companies an opportunity to gain experience about safety-related issues, but it also establishes a working relationship with the enforcement community so that everyone involved in safety, work together. Communication to understanding safety measures is the key to providing motorcoach customers with the necessary assurances the industry demands.
Visit pabus.org or contact Executive Director Patricia Cowley at director@pabus.org for more information.
[10.18.22]