On July 14, the Illinois Limousine & Bus Association (ILLBA) held the latest edition of its Coffee With ILLBA webinar series. The association also used this month’s online presentation to announce the results of the most recent election.
The 2026-27 ILLBA officers are:
- President: Chris Smith of The Transportation Consultants
- Vice President: James Jordan of Lux Tux Transportation
- Secretary/Treasurer: Lynn Kafkes of Galaxy Limousine Service
- Advisor to Board/Former President: Arthur Rento of Pontarelli Companies
- Executive Director: Paula DeBiasi of Chicago Coachworks
- Directors: Vince Saisi of EmpireCLS, Bill Battisti of Nationwide Bus Sales, Lynn Marzullo of MCI, Stephanie Ballard of Visions Transportation, and Brian Sheely of Epic Limo
Executive Director Paula DeBiasi of Chicago Coachworks
Advisor to Board/Former President Arthur Rento of Pontarelli Companies
Secty./Treasurer Lynn Kafkes of Galaxy Limousine Service
Vice President James Jordan of Lux Tux Transportation
President Chris Smith of The Transportation Consultants
Smith addressed the webinar’s attendees and said he was very grateful to serve as ILLBA’s president.
Since the early days of the pandemic, the Coffee With ILLBA series has distributed free educational content to operators throughout the Midwest and beyond. This month’s topic dealt with protecting customer privacy, specifically when chauffeurs are driving celebrities, politicians, and other VIPs. While this seems like a classic no-brainer in our industry, complacency often slips in, and several operators on the call reported incidents of chauffeurs taking pictures, posting on social media, and even discussing their clients with other employees.
“Discretion should be a professional service standard,” said DeBiasi, who also stated that it’s important for operators/owners to develop policies for privacy. Chief among these procedures is working with counsel to draft an iron-clad non-disclosure agreement (NDA) for employees and contractors alike.
DeBiasi also makes it a policy to not share with her chauffeurs who they will be driving, unless, of course, there are safety and security concerns. Ultimately, this tact ensures that all her passengers are treated equally, whether they are a celebrity or non-emergency medical client.
Jordan agreed with the decision to have NDAs, emphasizing the importance of having social media policies clearly stated. He also pointed out that his interior dash cams do not record audio.
Because confidentially is what the industry is selling, Smith brought up the old expression “hear without listening,” which is a practice that chauffeurs should engage in. The panel stressed that no chauffeur should join or reference any conversation held within the car or vicinity of the passenger.
Frequent training and renewal of the NDA was also advised by ILLBA Board members.
As with all Coffee With ILLBA webinar’s, this month’s program was recorded and is available on the association’s YouTube channel.
Visit illba.org for more information.
[07.14.26]
