MLOA Meeting Highlights Importance of Networking, Future Goals

The Minority Limousine Operators of America’s breakfast meeting quickly became a standing-room-only event. Atlantic City, N.J. — The Minority Limousine Operators of America (MLOA) hosted a standing-room only breakfast meeting November 3 at the Chauffeur Driven Show.

MLOA President Maurice Brewster of Mosaic Global Transportation began the meeting by emphasizing the importance of networking. “There’s huge value in getting to know the guy who’s sitting to the left of you or the woman sitting to the right of you,” he said. “We are all CEOs, we are all decision-makers, we can make a decision on who we do business with. The beauty of these shows is to be able to network.”

Brewster also reaffirmed the MLOA’s 2015 goal of making membership within the association a substantive endeavor from a monetary and contract perspective. “That idea came from you: Last year, you were absolutely clear that you wanted help in getting contracts and in getting certified,” he told those in attendance.

To better meet those and members’ other needs, the MLOA had hired Dr. Yvonne LaMar as its executive director earlier in the year. LaMar discussed the possibilities for small businesses landing private-industry contracts and how she’s available to help guide members through the certification process, which can take up to 90 days but comes with “tremendous benefits.”

The Chauffeur Driven Show’s Keynote Speaker Jim Donald, CEO of Extended Stay America, made a guest appearance at the Minority Limousine Operators of America’s meeting. After a question-and-answer session with the MLOA board members came a panel with representatives from companies who, according to Brewster, have “given their time and their talents to help you help yourselves”: Bill Battisti from Battisti Customs, Jeff Brodsly from Chosen Payments, Michael Kaplan from Advantage Funding, and Arthur Messina from Create-A-Card. Those in attendance were invited to ask the panelists questions, most of which pertained to small businesses’ images, growth, legal obligations, and benefits.

Brewster closed out the meeting by announcing that the MLOA will begin looking for new board members and committee members, and that anyone interested in getting involved is encouraged to do so.

Visit mlooa.org for more information.

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