CD Earbud winner Josi Roessner of Sterling Limousine
For their Wednesday, July 17, meeting the Philadelphia Regional Limousine Association (PRLA) returned to Peppers By Amedeo's in King of Prussia. More than 30 members and guests from the tri-state region were in attendance, including CD Editor Rob Smentek. The evening was sponsored by Fred Beans Ford of Doylestown.
L to R: PRLA Vice President Bob Euler, Jr. of King Limousine, Vendor Director John Arone of Transportation Insurance Brokers, Board Member Claribel Ortiz of Trophy Limousine, President Tony Viscusi of Global Limousine Service, Secretary Tracy Salinger of Unique Limousine, Board Member Ryan Shaer of Ace Limousine, and CD Editor Rob Smentek
PRLA President Tony Viscusi of Global Limousine Service began the proceedings by welcoming members and introducing Chris Burns from Fred Beans. Burns and his associates brought five new vehicles with him, ranging from a Ford Transit executive van to the latest Cadillac offerings.
Prior to dinner, Ron Robinson of Sterling Limousine provided a brief update on what’s happening at Philadelphia International Airport. He was happy to report that airport officials are cracking down on illegal operators, with two drivers recently taken away in handcuffs. Robinson said that officers are checking manifests to weed out the bad actors, so he advised PRLA members to have any necessary “paperwork” handy.
L to R: Josi Roessner of Sterling Limousine; Briana Candeub, Quin Morgan, Aimee-lea Gebauer, and Chelsea Candeub of Park Avenue Limousine; Claribel Ortiz of Trophy Limousine; and Tracy Salinger of Unique Limousine
PRLA Board Member Clarabel Ortiz of Trophy Limousine then shared the news that the Delaware River Port Authority has approved increasing tolls for four Philly-bound bridges (Ben Franklin, Walt Whitman, Betsy Ross, and Commodore Barry) to $6 per trip for sedans and SUVs. This will go into effect on September 1, 2024.
Chris Burns of Fred Beans Ford of Doylestown (left) and PRLA President Tony Viscusi of Global Limousine Service
Next, Mike Baretto of Metropolis Passenger Logistic spoke to the attendees about the events coming into Philadelphia in the summer of 2026. While still two years away, travel inquiries are starting to be made for the MLB All-Star Game, FIFA World Cup, and the 250th anniversary of our country, not to mention the fact that Norwegian Cruise Lines will soon be operating out of the city’s Navy Yard. Baretto encouraged PRLA members to begin planning and working together for what will be an exciting 90 days for Philadelphia, particularly since the area seems to be experiencing a dearth of conventions and major events.
Anthony Onorata of Anthony Limousine checking out the new Cadillac LYRIQ
Lastly, new affiliate member Japneet Suri from Executive CLS in Maryland addressed the group about getting special permits to operate in D.C. during the upcoming Presidential Inauguration in 2025. He provided a brief overview of the complicated red tape involved with moving passengers within the nation’s capital. He invited PRLA members to attend the Maryland Livery Association’s next meeting on August 20 at Jimmy’s Famous Seafood in Baltimore, as representatives from D.C. will be on hand to answer questions about the permits, licensing, and more.
July’s PRLA meeting welcomed more than 30 members and guests
Before concluding for the evening, two sets of Chauffeur Driven earbuds were raffled off, and were won by Josi Roessner of Sterling Limousine and Chris Burns from Fred Beans. The next PRLA meeting is scheduled for September 18 and will feature a guest lecturer from the insurance industry.
Visit prlainc.org for more information.
[07.22.24]