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The Transportation Alliance (TTA) announced that Nick Cambas, owner of United Taxi and Yellow Cab in Clearwater, Florida, has been elected as the next president of the association.
Well-known in Florida and across the country by the industry, Cambas was elected in an open vote of his peers at the annual meeting of The Transportation Alliance. A global trade industry group with members in 250 cities on four continents, TTA is also the oldest fleet association of its kind in the United States, with a history spanning 103 years.
“I’ve been associated with TTA for 32 years, and if anyone had told me when I was younger that I’d be the president, I wouldn’t have believed them,” Cambas said. “This association made me who I am. The friendships I made and the great mentors I’ve had at TTA all contributed to my business growth, and to my own personal growth as well. Now, more than ever, our industry needs this association.”
In his acceptance speech, Cambas outlined a platform of projects for the year that includes fostering increased connections among members through regular town hall meetings, visits to see the operations of other members (travel permitting), and a recruiting and mentorship program for younger members.
As a teenager in the 1970s, Cambas learned the transportation business from his grandfather, making runs between Tampa Airport and a local golf school. He also drove airport shuttles from various hotels and worked at the family’s gas station that serviced their taxi fleet. His grandfather instilled in him the importance of always treating drivers as valuable customers and providing the very best service to all of the companies’ clients.
The family company was later acquired by Coach USA, for whom Cambas worked as a regional executive. He also gained experience in non-emergency medical transportation, brokering Medicaid-funded passenger trips in Florida, and throughout the country. In 2017, he repurchased his family’s original taxi operation. He now runs three separate companies in the Clearwater area: Yellow Cab, United Taxi, and Seven 7s Transportation Group.
Visit thetransportationalliance.org for more information.
[11.09.20]
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Bus and motorcoach dealer DATTCO announced leadership transition for its sales and service division as Jim Gallant, who just marked his 25th anniversary with DATTCO, has assumed the senior vice president of sales & service position. Additionally, Brett Adams joined the DATTCO sales team as vice president of sales and business development.
In his new role, Gallant will manage all DATTCO's sales and service division responsibilities, including parts sales, vehicle sales, fleet repair services, and collision repair. He began with DATTCO in the parts department and grew along with the family-owned company as the dealership expanded. Gallant has most recently served as general manager for Thermo King Northeast, a subsidiary of DATTCO.
"I'm honored for the opportunity to return to my roots in sales and service. In this role, I will focus on making the division a successful, cohesive unit that continues to provide clients with exceptional customer service and contributes to the overall success of the company's other divisions—school bus and motorcoach," Gallant stated.
Adams brings more than 25 years of sales and management experience. In his current role, he will identify new business opportunities for DATTCO sales and service, build relationships with prospective clients, and grow the division's commercial vehicle dealership aspect.
“DATTCO is already one of the most reputable dealers in southern New England, but my goal is to position it as the region’s top full-service commercial vehicle dealer. The division has a strong team in place, and I look forward to collaborating with them to enhance the DATTCO brand," said Adams.
At the core of both men’s management style is their belief in the direct connection between employee morale and customer experience, according to the company. Together, they will continue to leverage employee relations' importance to build on the division's success and reach their goals.
"I am pleased to announce these important assignments as we continue to position DATTCO as a leader in commercial vehicle sales and service in New England," said DATTCO President Don DeVivo. "Our biggest strength is our staff; it is what sets us apart from our competition. I have great confidence in Jim and Brett's ability to drive strategic growth and increase the visibility of the DATTCO brand while maintaining the high level of customer service we are known for.”
Visit dattco.com for more information.
[11.09.20]
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Can you believe the CD/NLA Virtual is just two weeks away? It’s been too long since the industry has gotten together for some much-needed education, networking, and camaraderie. While this event is a bit different than our usual autumn show—OK, it’s much different—we’re confident that the CD/NLA team has put together an event that will provide valuable takeaway to keep you and your business on track as you look toward 2021 and beyond. Special thanks to the CD/NLA Show Education Committee, co-chaired by Tracy Raimer of Windy City Limousine & Bus and Jason Sharenow of Broadway Elite Worldwide, for their hard work to bring you the best of the CD/NLA Show experience in a format to meet the challenges of the times.
We know there are events that operators look forward to attending each year at our shows. So, with that in mind, we’re thrilled to bring you one of the most popular events to you again. Ladies, mark your calendars—the Women in the Industry returns on Tuesday, November 17, at 5:30 p.m. (all times are ET) with a session entitled Empowering Your Life for What’s Next. Award-winning presenter Mary Crafts—who describes herself as a “bad ass woman with purpose, grace, and grit”—will be joined by moderators Tracy Raimer and Nancy Vargas of DH2 Chauffeured Transportation to address the truth that what worked for you before will no longer serve you in the world ahead. Crafts will share the steps to release the fears that hold you bound while empowering your life to limitless possibilities.
Then, following the session at 6:30, we are hosting a Bonus Networking Hour—powered by the Women’s Leadership Council—that’s limited to the first 100 attendees to RSVP. Members from the NLA Women’s Leadership Council will moderate small groups in Zoom to discuss Crafts’ presentation, work/life balance during the pandemic, and more. To RSVP to the Networking Hour, just click the checkbox in the registration form found at our show webpage. While you’re there, take a peek at some of our other relevant and timely sessions.
To say the past few months have been stressful is an understatement of mammoth proportions. So, on Wednesday, November 18, from 2:45 p.m.-4:00 p.m., we’re offering a session that will help you deal with the often-overwhelming stress we’ve all been facing. Mental Wellness: Being Kind to Yourself & Others and Making Healthy Choices is an informative presentation on mental and physical health specifically targeted for business owners. Corporate Coach Barbara Burgess from the Wright Foundation will be joined by Mark Kini of Boston Chauffeur and moderator Robyn Goldenberg of Strategy Leaders to offer practical action steps for mental and physical well-being that you can apply in work and in life. You are not alone.
One of the most daunting aspects of the luxury ground transportation industry is keeping up with the various local, state, and federal regulations. On Wednesday at 4:15 p.m., Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Transportation Specialist Danielle Smith offers a must-watch presentation to give you the ins and outs on bringing back drivers, reinstating vehicles, and keeping your transportation business in tip-top compliance with existing and new 2020 regulations for a year that’s anything but regular. Don’t let your company’s standards slip due to a slowdown.
We’ve extended our Early Bird rates until Friday, November 6. With prices starting at just $99, and group discounts available you’re not going to want miss this offer. As always, special thanks to Platinum Sponsors Ford-Lincoln Limousine & Livery Vehicles and Lancer Insurance, Gold Sponsor Chosen Payments, and Silver Sponsors Curtis Gabriel and Cadillac.
Visit cdnlavirtual.com for more information.
[11.04.20]