The Limousine Association of New Jersey (LANJ) welcomed 60 members and guests to their fall meeting, held September 17 at the NJHA Conference Center in Princeton. Chief among the announcements made at the event was the decision to rebrand the long-time association as the Chauffeured Transportation Association of New Jersey (CTANJ). The name change was ratified with a majority vote.
L to R: CTANJ Secretary Jason Sharenow of Broadway Elite Worldwide, CD President Chris Weiss, and CTANJ Treasurer Barry Trabb of Complete Fleet Livery Sales
“Retiring the term 'limousine' is a deliberate step toward aligning our name with the broad spectrum of chauffeured transportation services our members offer,” states CTANJ President Mike Rose of My Limousine Service. “Our association has expanded far beyond the traditional scope of limousine services. We now encompass a variety of vehicles, ranging from intimate sedans for two passengers to large 56-passenger motorcoaches. The new name, Chauffeured Transportation Association of New Jersey, better encapsulates the full range of our capabilities and services.”
CD Editor Rob Smentek and NLA Deputy Executive Director Sarah Mercer
CTANJ aims to represent all facets of the chauffeured transportation industry, acknowledging the advancements in vehicle technology and the expanding needs of clients. The rebranding reflects the association’s commitment to inclusivity and adaptability in a rapidly changing market.
Also announced by Rose during his LANJ Report was the hiring of a new lobbying firm—Princeton Public Affairs—to represent the association in its legislative matters. Other news included a new text messaging app for members to receive updates and the re-formation of the Be Driven Safety Campaign, which is designed to differentiate the industry from TNCs and illegal, unlicensed operators. Rose also shared that the Barbara J. Chirico Scholarship Fund raised an impressive $6,500, which was distributed to the children of association members.
CTANJ President Mike Rose of My Limousine Service (left) with Former Board Member Pete Corelli
Next, LANJ Founding Member Pete Corelli was recognized for his more than 20 years of service. Corelli stepped down as board member earlier this year but had been instrumental in getting various legislation passed during his long tenure as PAC chair. After being presented with a plaque for his years of service, Corelli was visibly moved and said his time with LANJ was an “enjoyable trip.” Rose then called Corelli a “true inspiration and great friend.”
L to R: Carl Restivo of Advantage Remarketing Solutions, Bob Sciavo of Albert’s Limousine, and Chris Weiss
2nd Vice President Jeffrey Cartagena of Leros Transportation Group was then given the podium to announce 12 new operator members, nine new vendor members, and a new affiliate member, Elegance Limousine out of New Mexico. He also shared a bit about the various affinity programs that are available to association members, including money saving on products, services, and marketing opportunities.
L to R: John Arone of Acrisure Insurance, CTANJ Board Member Jason Messinger of BBZ Limousine, Shady Azar of Gem Limousine, and Rob Smentek
Next, 1st Vice President Joe Gulino of Gem Limousine introduced the afternoon’s guest speaker Carl Zev of Zev University. The experienced coach and trainer shared about his program, which helps business owners manage stress and promotes a healthy work/life balance. Zev shared that he was amazed at the moving parts required to successfully manage our industry, and emphasized the importance of good health, particularly for operators that work long, hard hours.
CTANJ 1st Vice President Joe Gulino of Gem Limousine (left) and Carl Zev of Zev University
The meeting continued with a few short words from Past President Jeff Shanker of Black Tie Transportation, who encouraged members to consider joining the American Bus Association (ABA). Shanker serves as a member of the ABA Bus Industry Safety Council and promoted the February ABA Marketplace meeting in Philadelphia.
The final speaker for the day was CD President Chris Weiss, who was invited to share a bit about the upcoming CD/NLA Show at the Gaylord National on October 13-16. Weiss suggested that new attendees take part in the show’s popular Operator Mentoring Program, suggesting that the session alone offers takeaway worthy of the cost of the show. He also promoted the revamped Association Summit, which will focus on the insurance crisis faced by operators from around the country.
The next meeting for the CTANJ is their Holiday Party to be held December 10 at a location to be announced.
Visit lanj.org for more information.
[09.19.24]