TLPA Mid-Year Leadership Conference Takes to Alaska

TLPA President Bill Scalzi Rockville, Md. — About 50 transportation leaders from across North America gathered July 12-14 for the Taxicab, Limousine & Paratransit Association (TLPA) Mid-Year International Leadership Conference in Anchorage, Alaska. The event was marked by a robust line-up of transportation operators, expert panelists and vendors pointing the way forward for the industry.

In his opening address, TLPA President Bill Scalzi noted that the association’s most recent activities have focused on: addressing legal, regulatory, and legislative issues on a national scale; developing alternative business models for the industry; effectively engaging the media on the public safety failings of transportation network companies (TNCs); and creating programs that build public respect and recognition for the industry.

“Uniting within TLPA and sharing best practices are our best opportunities to provide for the future viability of our industry and each company,” Scalzi said.

TLPA CEO Alfred LaGasse The conference’s two General Sessions presented major topics facing the industry. The first provided reports on alternative business models from the three different task forces—taxicab, limousine, and paratransit—as well as an update on Viatrans, which offers services to road transportation companies, and its relationship to the International Road Transport Union (IRU), the Europe-based trade association for road transportation.

In the second session, Scalzi and TLPA CEO Alfred LaGasse provided a recap of TLPA’s legislative fly-in, which was held in Washington, D.C., this past June. Panelists also discussed long-term competitiveness with TNCs and the future of technology in the industry. Both general sessions received overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees.

Making professional connections is a hallmark of TLPA’s events. Throughout the conference, which was held in Alaska for the first time in more than two decades, attendees were able to network over excellent meals, including two evening receptions. As part of the conference, many members also networked while on a glacier dinner cruise showcasing the northernmost state’s natural beauty.

The next big TLPA event will be its 99th Annual Convention & Trade Show in Denver, Colo., from October 8-12. You can learn more about the event at tlpa.org/Annual-Convention.

Visit tlpa.org for more information about the association.

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