L to R: CLA Vice President Andy Bouayad of Fox Limo, Treasurer Franci Ouzounis of White Dove Limousine, President Erica Bugbee of ExecuStar World Class Transportation, CD President Chris Weiss, Secretary Deanna Ballard of World Travel Management, and Chairman Andrew Wasmundt of Two Brothers Transportation.
On Tuesday, August 15, the Colorado Limousine Association (CLA) held a summer membership meeting at the Residence Inn Gateway Park in Aurora, Colo. With 70 members and guests in attendance, the event welcomed guest speakers from around the country, including CD President Chris Weiss.
Though the CLA hosts regular monthly meetings throughout the year, this event was special in that it was specifically designed to attract new members and those that don’t usually attend.
CD/NLA Show pass winner Sandra Matchen of Awesome Ride Service and Chris Weiss
“Earlier in the year we had some requests for a different kind of meeting, maybe have someone from the NLA or Public Utilities Commission (PUC) come out,” says CLA President Erica Bugbee of ExecuStar World Class Transportation. “We wanted to have a larger meeting so that we could get more people than just our regular attendees. We wanted to make people and conversation accessible.”
The well-attended meeting continues the upward trajectory the CLA has seen in 2023. With fewer than 10 members at the start of the year, the organization welcomed its 52nd member at the lunchtime event.
The August CLA meeting attracted 70 members and guests
“We’re starting to get people involved who weren’t interested in being part of an association. We’ve made an effort to make it a casual but welcoming environment. There’s a lot of discussion at our meetings, and we make sure to make information accessible to people,” says Bugbee.
L to R: CD President Chris Weiss with Frank Lacks and Fasel Zewde of Private First Class Transportation.
The event kicked off with introductions provided by Bugbee, as well as a short discussion of what the CLA has done historically since its founding in 1987. Matters covered included licensing, permitting, airport issues, and much more.
“When there have been battles to fight, this association has been there by hiring lobbyists and lawyers,” says Bugbee.
Following her presentation, Bugbee welcomed Weiss, who spoke about the upcoming CD/NLA Show in Orlando on October 22-25. He outlined the incredible education and networking opportunities presented at the show, and then raffled a pass to the fall event. The pass was won by first-time attendee Sandra Matchen of Awesome Ride Service.
Dave Uziel of Urban Worldwide
Next, Nate Riley and Lloyd Swint of Colorado PUC provided a slide show that covered rules being broken and things that chauffeurs and operators should watch out for. They were followed by Dave Uziel of Urban Worldwide, who provided an overview of the benefits of being an NLA member, including the association grant program that provides money to state/regional associations. Uziel also talked about the importance of being involved in local associations, providing examples from the Greater California Livery Association, which he serves as treasurer.
Nathan Spears of Southpoint Risk
Mike Blackburn of Addons/Limo Anywhere was the next presenter, providing insight on the services offered by his company, with a particular focus on features and tiers that can make things operate smoothly for small operators. He was followed by Nathan Spears of Southpoint Risk who opened himself up to questions about the current state of the insurance industry.
The meeting concluded with a networking/break-out session where attendees could visit each of the guest speakers and ask questions on specific topics.
The CLA’s next meeting is September 19 at 10 a.m. at the Tower Tap & Grill inside the DoubleTree Hotel, 6900 Tower Rd. in Denver, Colo.
Visit cololimo.org for more information.
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