L to R: NELA President Brett Barenholtz of Above All/Boston Car, Andrew Tighe of RMA Chauffeured Transportation, and Michael Callahan of Able Limousine
More than 50 members and guests assembled for 2023’s first quarterly meeting of the New England Livery Association (NELA). Held Tuesday, March 28, at Crowne Plaza Boston in Woburn, Mass., the dinner event was sponsored by Acton/SoCal Penske Professional Vehicles, Stellantis, and Great Bay Limousine. CD President Chris Weiss was in attendance and was invited to speak to the membership.
L to R: CD President Chris Weiss, Richard Tessier of Great Bay Limousine, Jason Dornhoffer of United Private Car, and David Wolpert of Moonlight Limousine
Following a cocktail hour (sponsored by Above All Transportation, My Limousine Service, Great Bay Limousine, Leros Point to Point, and RMA) and dinner, the meeting was kicked off by NELA Executive Director Rick Szilagyi of Lexian Management, who thanked everyone for coming and pointed out that five NELA presidents (past and present) were in attendance. He made a special point of thanking his member committee, including Joe Puleo of Dav El/Boston Coach, Alicia Hayes of American Classic Limousine, Tina Benson of L.A. Limousine, and Brittni Bogar of All Points Limousine.
Then, current NELA President Brett Barenholtz of Above All Transportation/Boston Car Service took the podium to thank the NELA Board of Directors for their hard work in keeping the association active during the troubling past several years.
More than 50 members and guests attended the NELA quarterly meeting
Szilagyi presented a minor change to the bylaws recently approved by the Board of Directors, which created an Advisory Board for the association. It was ratified unanimously at the meeting.
“I am very honored to be the president of NELA,” said Barenholtz. “People always ask, ‘Why are you in that association, and is it worth it?’ And I say, ‘Only if you care about improving your own company’s business and value.’ NELA provides networking, advocacy, lobbying, continuing education, access to resources, new perspectives, professional development, getting your name out there, discounts, industry trends, philanthropy, staying informed, plus a whole lot more.”
Bob Moody of Acton/SoCal Penske (left) and Ted Leppzer of Stellantis
Next, Mike Hadley, assistant director of transportation operations from Boston Logan International Airport and friend of the association, provided an overview of airport news, including updates about the current construction being done in several terminals.
L to R: CD President Chris Weiss, Alicia Hayes of American Classic Limousine, Britt Bogar of All Points Limousine, and Tina Benson of L.A. Limousine Service
Weiss then was invited to speak about the CD/NLA Show in Las Vegas this past March. After taking a minute to share his admiration for NELA as an organization, he talked about the record-breaking 2,300 attendees at the MGM Grand as well as the networking and educational opportunities available at the upcoming CD/NLA Executive Retreat in Nashville this June 4-6.
NELA presidents, past and present. L to R: Joe Cardillo of Westminster Livery Consulting, Jason Dornhoffer of United Private Car, Mike Callahan of Able Limousine, Brett Barenholtz of Above All/Boston Car, and Larry White of Boston Chauffeur
More guest speakers were given some time at the podium, including Mitch Guralnick of Prevost (who also serves as executive director of the New England Bus Association). Bob Moody of Acton/SoCal Penske and Ted Leppzer of Stellantis were also on hand, bringing a new Wagoneer L for NELA members to check out and “kick the tires.” The vehicle has been met with rave reviews from operators.
Before the meeting concluded, prizes were raffled to the members, including a Yeti Cooler, Bose headphones, an assortment of Lindt chocolates, lottery tickets, and a 50/50. The raffle was sponsored by Center Insurance, Dav El/BostonCoach, Four Star Limousine, Prevost, and Transport the People.
Visit nelivery.org for more information.
[04.04.23]