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On Thursday, July 30, National Limousine Association (NLA) President Robert Alexander of RMA Worldwide issued a special announcement on Facebook to introduce the creed of the NLA. With the topic of inclusion being discussed in businesses across all industries, Alexander and the NLA believe that it is time reaffirm their commitment to diversity.
In his video statement, Alexander said: “Our industry is one of the most diverse industries, populated with people from all backgrounds and walks of life. I am proud of this diversity and always considered it one of our unquestionable strengths.”
The creed of the NLA is now available on the association’s webpage, and can be read below.
“Since 1985, the National Limousine Association has committed itself to representing every one of its members. The industry has always shown an incredible diversity, and it is this diversity that provides its greatest strength. The NLA will continue to inform, educate and advocate for its members, as well as provide the greatest level of benefit possible, while providing value for all—regardless of color, creed, gender, or identity—as it has for the last four decades. As a member-led, non-profit, volunteer organization, its pledge, promise and obligation is bound to the best interests of its membership, and its representation to the industry and the general public.”
“It is more important than ever before in our industry that its members remain united,” said Alexander. “As we face the current challenges of the pandemic and the uncertain future that follows, it is the responsibility of the NLA and its members to reaffirm its commitment to diversity, inclusion, and the spirit of collaboration.”
In other news, the NLA was joined by more than 150 chambers, trade groups, and industry organizations in support of the Safe to Work Act (S.4317), which was introduced in the Senate by Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas) as part of the next sweeping Congressional relief package. According to the letter sent to members of Congress: “These crucial protections would safeguard healthcare workers, providers, and facilities, as well as businesses, nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions against unfair lawsuits so they can continue to contribute to a safe and effective economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. This legislation is critically needed and should be enacted as soon as possible. To that end, we strongly urge you to support the inclusion of these provisions in a Phase IV COVID-19 relief package.” Congress is still deliberating on many issues related to COVID-19 relief, including that for small businesses, the extension of unemployment benefits, and others protections for industry. The full letter can be read here.
The association also announced that the eight proposed revisions to the bylaws have passed. Members can read all the revisions at limo.org.
Visit limo.org for more information.
[08.03.20]
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Atlanta-based ground transportation company Southeastern Stages (SES) has announced that they are investing in air purifiers for their intercity scheduled service fleet to support passenger health and safety. Prevost added the air purification option to its lineup of air filtration systems as part of the Prevost Clean+Care program to help operators ensure they are providing passengers with the safest transportation possible.
“Preparing the interior of the coach by cleaning and disinfecting before and after each trip is customary, but the challenge was how to keep it clean during a trip,” said SES Head of Operations Brian Parker. “Introducing the air purification process through which the air is regularly refreshed ensures we provide a passenger environment that is as clean and safe as possible.”
According to Prevost, the air purification system generates ions that attach to particles suspended in the air inside the vehicle increasing the weight of the particles making them fall to the floor where they can be cleaned and removed. It also filters out viruses, molds, allergens, and germs allowing riders to be more confident in their safety while in the coach.
“The air in a Prevost coach is replaced every five minutes,” said Prevost Customer Support Manager Eric DeGeorge. “We’re confident in the functionality of the air purifier system to improve air quality for drivers and passengers alike.”
Parker said the installation process was completed quickly and with little vehicle downtime.
“We were pleased to discover it’s a fairly simple job,” he said. “A Prevost technician visited us here at our shop and trained our staff so they can perform the work in the future.”
Founded in 1933, SES has been a loyal Prevost customer for nearly 90 years. “The Prevost and Volvo family focuses on safety, so it makes for a great partnership,” Parker said. “We are committed to the safety of our customers, and the purification system is one very significant aspect of our overall safety philosophy.”
While Prevost says that the air purifier is maintenance free, coaches must still be cleaned on a regular basis according to the guidelines in the Prevost Vehicle Disinfection Procedure for the system to be fully effective. Air purifiers are available for Prevost X3 and H3 seated coach models, as well as Volvo 9700 models
Visit southeasternstages.com or prevostcar.com for more information.
[07.30.20]
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As the travel industry deals with the impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic, Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) calls for widening testing capabilities and requirements across the European Union as a better alternative to blanket travel restrictions.
“Sudden and unilateral shifts in government response, such as imposition of quarantines or border closures, take a heavy toll on the travel industry, further impeding economic recovery and causing chaos for travelers,” says GBTA Executive Director Dave Hilfman, who is also an airline industry veteran. “Increased testing is what we need to restart travel safely. It will restore confidence and revive travel demand whilst preventing new waves of infection. Borders cannot stay closed indefinitely; the economy needs trade to resume with people back to work and traveling.”
GBTA is encouraged by airlines and airports pledging to uphold the strictest safety standards. Requiring travelers to present negative COVID-19 test results before boarding aircrafts would bring necessary additional certainty. However, this is only possible if Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) nasal swab tests, which detect COVID-19 infections caused by the novel coronavirus, are freely and widely available. The EU has a key role to play to encourage all its Member States to invest in the research, development, distribution, and capacity of COVID-19 testing.
Some EU governments have already announced that they will make COVID-19 testing obligatory for travelers from a definite number of countries. GBTA understands these unilateral decisions but believes a coordinated approach on testing at EU level is necessary.
“The European Commission should work with EU governments to unlock appropriate funding to expand testing capacity, improve the accuracy of data and speed of information sharing,” adds Hilfman. “This is a pre-requisite to resurrecting travel and accelerating Europe’s economic recovery.”
Visit gbta.org for more information.
[07.30.20]