L to R: Shady Azar of Gem Worldwide, Phil Shetson of Bona Vita Benefits, NLA President Brett Barenholtz of Above All/Maine Limousine, CTANJ 1st Vice President Joe Gulino of Gem Worldwide, Director Tim Rose of Hoffman Family of Companies, and Joe Gulino Jr. of Gem Worldwide
For more than two decades, the most anticipated event of the Chauffeured Transportation Association of New Jersey (CTANJ) has been their dinner auction fundraiser. On May 19, the association held their 22nd annual event at Il Tulipano in Cedar Grove, N.J. The dinner party attracted operators from around the country and served to support both the association and Make-A-Wish of New Jersey. Once again, Complete Fleet Livery Sales served as Title Sponsor.
Matt McGovern of Make-A-Wish of N.J. (left) and Janos Bokor of ABC Companies
The evening gathering kicked off with an open networking cocktail reception, courtesy of Open Bar Sponsors EmpireCLS Worldwide, My Limousine Service, and RMA Worldwide. After attendees enjoyed drinks and passed hors d’oeuvres, they were called to their seats by CTANJ President Mike Rose of My Limousine Service, who then delivered a report of association updates.
“I couldn’t be more pleased to see the spectacular turnout for this event,” said Rose.
CTANJ President Mike Rose of My Limousine Service (left) with NLA President Brett Barenholtz of Above All/Maine Limousine
He began his presentation by calling for a moment of silence to honor Leros Point to Point Founder John Nyikos, who died on May 14. Then, he welcomed new CTANJ Director Pattie Cowley, who recently took on the new position.
“This has been a wonderful experience, and I look forward to working with you,” said Cowley.
Rose then discussed the frustration the association has been experiencing in attempting to get travel information regarding the FIFA World Cup matches at Met Life Stadium. While the American Dream mall has been receptive in offering a drop-off site, pickup remains an unknown quantity. In short, Rose said that officials don’t want ANY private transportation near the stadium and prefer fans to rely on public transit. This, of course, is unrealistic and the issue remains unresolved.
The Dynamic Duo: Joe Gulino (left) and Barry Trabb
Next, Rose shared that the N.J. Assembly had approved provisions to the existing limo law, which will increase the penalties for unlicensed operators. Under the legislation, penalties would increase for third and subsequent violations involving operating a limousine without a municipal license, allowing an unlicensed driver to operate a limo, carrying insufficient insurance, exceeding seating capacity, or failing to obtain proper registration plates and inspections. Violators could face fines of up to $7,500, a six-month driver’s license suspension and vehicle impoundment.
CTANJ Director Josh Schneeweiss of Advanced Car Service (left) and Sean Collins of Vander Plaat Executive Limo
Rose then invited Make-A-Wish of N.J. Assistant Vice President of Planned and Major Gifts Matthew McGovern to speak to the members and guests. He revealed that CTANJ has been a much-appreciated supporter of the organization, raising more than $16,000 in just two years. He also thanked the many operator members who take wish families to the airport at no cost.
Before dinner was served, National Limousine Association (NLA) President Brett Barenholtz of Above All/Maine Limousine spoke to attendees. Barenholtz has the distinction of being CTANJ’s first affiliate member, which is something he’s proud of.
Ken Lucci of Driving Transactions (left) with CD Editor Rob Smentek
“I love New Jersey,” he said. “I love the New Jersey attitude.”
He then acknowledged the many CTANJ directors and members who are active in the NLA’s committees. Barenholtz continued with national updates, including an overview of Day on the Hill. He also revealed that the NLA is continuing their partnership with Chauffeur Driven and hyped the upcoming CD/NLA events.
L to R: Steven O’Shea of Lancer Insurance, Jonathan Robbins of ABC Companies, CTANJ Secretary Jason Sharenow of Broadway Elite Worldwide, and Drew Siciliano of ABC Companies
After everyone had their fill of the delicious buffet, the real business started: the annual auction. The association had a wide spectrum of items to bid on, including sports tickets, weekend getaways, high-end liquor and cigars, gift cards, lottery tickets, and a Premier Products office chair set. Bidding was fast and furious, and once again the dynamic duo of CTANJ Treasurer Barry Trabb of Complete Fleet and First Vice President Joe Gulino of Gem Worldwide served as entertaining auctioneers.
Clockwise from bottom: CTANJ Executive Director Pattie Cowley, 1st Vice President Joe Gulino of Gem Worldwide, President Mike Rose of My Limousine Service, and Treasurer Barry Trabb of Complete Fleet Livery Sales
Chauffeur Driven—who was a proud sponsor of the event—donated five hotly bid-on items including, a pass to the fall CD/NLA Show in National Harbor (won by Chris Fredericks of North Star Transportation Group), a full-page ad in CD (won by Phil Shetsen of Bona Vita Benefits), 18-months of Affiliate Central advertising (won by CTANJ 2nd Vice President Jeff Cartegena of Leros Transportation Group), an e-mail blast (won by Drew Messina of Create-A-Card), and a one-page feature story in CD (won by Sean Collins of Vander Plaat Executive Limo).
NLA Vice President Robert Alexander of RMA Worldwide (left) and Ned Johson of Grech Motors
The big ticket item of the night—a new Grech Motors 2026 GM33D passenger shuttle—was won by Robert Alexander of RMA Worldwide, amid some competitive bidding.
The next CTANJ event is the annual golf outing on September 14 at Basking Ridge Country Club.
Visit ctanj.org for more information.
[05.26.26]
