CTANJ President Mike Rose of My Limousine Service
On March 18, the Chauffeured Transportation Association of New Jersey (CTANJ) held their spring membership meeting in the magical headquarters of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Jersey in Monroe Township. More than 50 members and guests attended the meeting, including CD Editor Rob Smentek.
CTANJ President Mike Rose of My Limousine Service kicked things off by welcoming the attendees and encouraged everyone to take advantage of the delicious buffet provided by sponsor T-Mobile For Business. Rose then introduced Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Jersey Director of Events Dominique Gleason, who provided a history of the charity. Now in its 42nd year, the N.J. chapter grants life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. CTANJ proudly partnered with Make-A-Wish at the association’s 2024 dinner and auction last May. Gleason then provided a facility tour around the whimsical-themed headquarters, showcasing the various rooms that inspire the kids that take part in the program.
More than 50 members and guests were present at CTANJ’s spring meeting
After the tour concluded, Director Steve Horowitz of EmpireCLS Worldwide provided a legislative update. It should come as no surprise that illegal operators remains the biggest legislative issue, as “digital hitchhiking” through Facebook groups and social media persistently challenges businesses across the country. Horowitz shared that CTANJ is working with Princeton Strategic Communications on a PR campaign to educate legislators and the public about this growing problem. He also stated that the association is planning on mirroring the National Limousine Association’s (NLA) Day on the Hill with a local event in Trenton this May or June. This will give CTANJ members the opportunity to speak with state lawmakers and inform them about the impact of illegal operators.
Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Jersey headquarters
Next came an NLA update from CTANJ Secretary (and NLA Director) Jason Sharenow of Broadway Elite Worldwide. He provided a recap of the recent CD/NLA Show in Vegas and encouraged operators to take part in the Day on the Hill on April 28 and 29. Sharenow echoed Horowitz’s sentiment, stating that illegal operators are in the “crosshairs of the NLA.” Sharenow was followed by Sam Weinstein of the Princeton Public Affairs Group (PPAG), CTANJ’s lobby firm. He stated that PPAG is currently working hard to raise the industry’s profile with lawmakers in Trenton. In addition to illegal operators, PPAG is seeking to block mandates for electric vehicle use on behalf of the industry.
The afternoon concluded with the CTANJ Report, delivered by Rose. He stated that the board of directors is very busy behind the scenes working on new enterprises like a mentoring program, as well as continuing the popular CTANJ educational webinars. In April, members can look forward to a Zoom webinar dealing with opportunities for minority- and women-owned businesses. Rose also promoted the various affinity programs available to CTANJ members, and announced the next golf outing, which will be held on September 15. He then shared that the association is launching the Barbara J. Chirico Memorial Scholarship in the coming weeks, which is open to families of CTANJ members. Rose introduced John Schuldt from Model 1 Commercial Vehicles, who announced that the dealer will be offering 1.5% of each vehicle sold to members to the scholarship fund.
Before adjourning the meeting, seven new CTANJ members were introduced and welcomed by the attendees.
The next CTANJ event is the association’s popular dinner and auction, which will be held May 20 at Il Tulipano in Cedar Grove.
Visit ctanj.org for more information.
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