German Ruiz (left) and Nancy Pistorio of Madison Capital Equipment
On Tuesday, February 20, the Maryland Limousine Association held their monthly membership meeting, which attracted close to 30 operators, vendors, and guests from the region. The lunchtime event welcomed several new members as well as speakers from Madison Capital Equipment & Vehicle Financing and Advantage Remarketing Solutions.
MLA President Len Joseph of On The Town Limousines kicked off the meeting by welcoming new Board Member Quentin Bassey of RSTQ Transportation, who was elected unanimously.
“We know that Quentin will bring a wealth of enthusiasm and energy to our association,” says Secretary Joanna Fridinger of The Limo Lady.
Chris Swatt of Advantage Remarketing Solutions
Joseph also spoke about the difficulties in getting drivers licensed and vehicles added through the Maryland Public Service Commission. Also posited to the membership was the formation of new legislation and fundraising/membership committees within the association.
Next, Nancy Pistorio and German Ruiz of Madison Capital Equipment addressed the advantages of leasing vs. financing. They also shared that Madison can assist operators with bargaining your deal when buying through a traditional dealership. Chris Swatt of Advantage Remarketing Solutions was also on hand to speak about financing vehicles. He also brought a new Ford Transit van with luxury seating for the members to experience. All three representatives fielded questions from attendees and generated a great deal of interest in their services.
MLA members took part in a video conference at the lunch meeting
The MLA also welcomed a representative from Washington D.C.’s District For Hire Vehicle Non District Limousine (DFHV NDL) program via video conferencing. This safety program was created by MetroPD and DDOT and requires NDL permits for vehicles to operate in point-to-point service within the district. It also entails for chauffeurs to be registered per NDL on the respective vehicles they may drive. For instance, if your trip begins in Maryland, Virginia, or elsewhere and you only drop off in the district, the NDL is not required. However, if your trip begins in Maryland, D.C., Virginia or elsewhere going to D.C. with 1 or more stops, the NDL is required. Vehicle inspection officers of the DFHV Task Force will require to see the chauffeur’s License, PSC license (if an Md. operator), along with vehicle registration, insurance, and electronic or paper trip manifest. This program is strictly enforced and warrants towing or impounding. MLA members have been confounded by this regulation and its inconsistencies for months. This video conference offered members the opportunity to ask questions and let their frustrations be known.
Before the meeting concluded, Fridinger let attendees know that March 1 starts a new membership year for the association. Operator and vendor members are encouraged to renew their membership through this online form.
The next MLA meeting is scheduled for April 16 at a location to be determined.
Visit mdlimoassoc.org for more information.
[02.26.24]