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- Category: Industry News
As Congress debates the next package—or packages—of stimulus and economic aid during the pandemic, the United Motorcoach Association (UMA) helped demystify some of the larger components that are being tossed around during its most recent Town Hall on July 30.
UMA's Legislative and Regulatory Committee Chair Alan Thrasher of Thrasher Brothers Trailways, joined by COO Ken Presley, broke down some of the major bills that the association is watching. Among them are the potential for a second draw on the popular (and actually helpful) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which was part of the CARES Act back in late March and started in earnest in early April. The tentative renewal of the PPP has bipartisan support, and would cover additional operational expenses including vital virus cleaning products and personal protective equipment. While Congress deliberates on this second dip, PPP is quickly expiring as the deadline to apply is August 8.
Also in play are the Senate’s proposed Restart Act (S.3814), which would be similar to the PPP although larger in scale and could include other hard costs beyond payroll, as well as the Coronavirus Economic Relief for Transportation Services (CERTS) Act, individual bills introduced by both the House and Senate that would offer grants and loans specifically to the transportation industry. Trasher said that the House bill is making some progress.
Thrasher and Presley encouraged operators and industry friends to keep up the efforts to contact Congressional representatives, noting that their efforts ARE making a difference. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) in fact spoke recently about the plight and the importance of the motorcoach industry on the Senate floor. That video can be viewed here.
Beyond legislative news, the call also featured a panel of operators who discussed the ways that they're leading their companies during the pandemic, from keeping their team informed and connected through texting apps and social media and engaging customers with updates and useful information. The panel included Cary Martin of Little Rock Tours & Travel, Bethany Schubert of Trobec's Bus Service, and Dennis Streif of Vandalia Bus Lines.
The next UMA Town Hall is scheduled for August 6. Preregistration is required here.
Visit uma.org for more information.
[08.04.20]
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- Category: Industry News
You asked for it and we listened. In this column, we ask operators of all sizes and from all walks of the industry a question about their business and report their answers so you can assess how your own company compares to your peers. If you would like to participate, please email Rob Smentek at rob@chauffeurdriven.com for next issue’s question.
TOPIC: Other than Zoom, what software or technology has been helpful to your operation in the past few months?
Randy Allen, Partner/CTO
James Limousine in Richmond, Va.
Chad Casey, President
Casey Corporate Transportation in Atlanta, Ga.
We haven’t had the need for Zoom and have yet to start using it; this is primarily because I am the only employee during these unprecedented times. Communications between us and our parent company in Calgary has never required Zoom as we are all using WhatsApp and Zipwhip for basic messages.
With that being said, before the pandemic, our team, chauffeurs, and office staff were using WhatsApp video and messaging for a good part of our communications. We use voice messages, which are safe for the chauffeurs to create and play back while driving, and our small team has found this more than adequate.
Donald Dekort, General Manager
Highland VIP Group in Calgary, Alberta
Harry Dhillon, President
Ecko Worldwide Transportation Group in San Jose, Calif.
Toni Peters, Director
Transport Alliance Australia in Caulfield, Victoria
Prior to COVID-19 I had no idea that there was a Zoom world. Since the pandemic hit, I have participated in all-day Zoom meetings. I've remained active with my network through Zoom. Although it does not compare to face-to-face meetings we are all accustomed to, it does help with staying connected.
I have also joined Webex, Google Meets, and Microsoft Team. All are great platforms. I have found that during this time that we must stay up to date with the technology that is available to work more efficiently in our offices. Adapting to the "new norm" will help us achieve our goals and stay relevant with our audience.
Nancy Vargas, CEO
DH2 Transportation in Jamaica, N.Y.
Joseph Votano, CEO
Abaser Limousine Service in Barcelona, Spain
We’ve loved hearing your answers to our benchmarking questions—but we always welcome suggestions for future topics, too!
Send an email to rob@chauffeurdriven.com you just might see your query answered in our next E-News.
[07.13.20]
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- Category: Industry News
What could be better than getting together with industry friends and savoring some wine? Although we’re separated by the miles—for now—the global pandemic can’t stop us from enjoying the (virtual) company of our peers during the New England Livery Association’s (NELA’s) Cabernet & COVID Stories on August 5 from 5-7 PM ET.
The Zoom event, which is free to attend, will feature a handful of “storytellers” hosted by NELA Director Brett Barenholtz of Above All Transportation/Boston Car/ETS including NLA President Robert Alexander of RMA Worldwide, Diane Forgy of Overland Chauffeured Services, George Jacobs of Windy City Limousine & Bus, Shariff McMichael of Dav El/BostonCoach, Jeff Nyikos of Leros Point to Point/Royal Coachman, Briana Paige & Chelsea Candeub of Park Avenue Limousine, Dawson Rutter & Tami Saccoccio of Commonwealth Worldwide, Douglas Schwartz of Executive Ground Transportation, and Chris Weiss of Chauffeur Driven. With that lineup, who knows what to expect!
Gold Sponsors: Above All Transportation, Century Business Solutions/EBizCharge, Chosen Payments, Dolphin Transportation Specialists, and Lancer Insurance.
Silver Sponsors: A&A Metro Transportation, Center Insurance Agency, Dav El/BostonCoach, and Park Avenue Limousine.
Bronze Sponsors: Alternative Claims Management, Avery Insurance, Chauffeur Driven, Create-A-Card, LA Limousine, Lexian Management, The Limousine Expert, The LMC Groups, Research Underwriters, Transport the People, and Volvo.
Visit nelivery.org for more information.