On December 4, the Philadelphia Regional Livery Association (PRLA) returned to Maggiano’s in King of Prussia for their annual holiday dinner/meeting. More than 50 members and guests attended the sold-out event, including CD Editor Rob Smentek. Sponsored by RWI Limousine Repairs, the meeting was loaded with big news for the association as well as educational takeaway.
First and foremost, the PRLA Board of Directors announced that President Tony Viscusi of Global Limousine had stepped down from the executive position after selling his company to Trophy Limousine. With his retirement, a new board has been named.
• President: Tracy Salinger of Unique Chauffeured Transportation
• Vice President: Bob Euler Jr. of King Limousine
• Treasurer: Claribel Ortiz of Trophy Limousine
• Secretary: Ryan Shaer of Ace Limousine & Airport Service
• Vendor Director: John Arone of Acrisure
The announcement of these new directors was met with a round of applause. Two new director’s seats are open, and potential candidates Briana Candeub of Park Avenue Limousine, Anthony Clinton of Dav El/BostonCoach, and Naveen Kumar of Classic Car were each given a few minutes to introduce themselves and share what they can offer the association.
Prior to dinner being served, Shaer introduced representatives from Rob’s Automotive and Collision, who sponsor the PRLA’s updated website, followed by an overview of the previous meeting’s minutes. He also spotlighted new members and encouraged affiliate members to join using the new website.
Ron Robinson of Sterling Limousine provided an update on what’s happening at Philadelphia International Airport. After “hounding” airport officials for enforcement of illegal operators, Robinson was pleased to report that new, undercover officers are issuing tickets and have made four arrests in the past month. However, he also stated that chauffeured transportation ridership was down a staggering 4,000 rides at Zone 6 during November. This led to an open discussion about the lack of corporate moves and conventions within Philadelphia. But, PRLA members remain optimistic about the exciting 2026 plans for the city, including the World Cup and 250th birthday of our country.
While members enjoyed desert, the PRLA welcomed guest speaker B.J. Bergey of 1SEO Digital Agency, who gave a presentation about how AI can benefit operators. He said that AI is essential a “power tool” for companies and gave examples of how it can be utilized. Examples specific to our industry included using the growing technology for route planning and fleet management as well as predictive maintenance. Bergey also offered examples of how AI can be used to benefit your sales pipeline, customer experience, customer management, and more.
With the new board in place, Salinger is dedicated to holding quarterly meetings for PRLA members, and her team has made a concerted effort to update the association’s bylaws. Before concluding the meeting, two raffles were held for a Philadelphia-themed gift basket, loaded with regional treats and sports memorabilia, and a 50/50. The basket went home with Sammy Khan from All State Car Service and the 50/50 was won by Corey Gordon of Apple Limousine.
The next meeting is scheduled for March and will again be held at Maggiano’s.
Visit prlainc.org for more information.
[12.06.24]