L to R: MLA Treasurer Quentin Bassey of RSTQ Transportation, Vice President Ray Gavino of Translogic Executive, Arthur and Kathy Messina of Create-A-Card, Secretary General Japneet Suri of Executive CLS, and President Len Joseph of On The Town Limousines
On September 8, the Maryland Livery Association (MLA) returned to Jimmy’s Famous Seafood in Baltimore for a general membership meeting. The event attracted 35 members and guests from the tri-state area and Create-A-Card Founder & President Arthur Messina served as the afternoon’s guest speaker.
Following introductions and housekeeping from MLA President Len Joseph of On The Town Limousines, Messina was invited to speak about marketing within the luxury ground transportation space, using his experience from being in the business for close to 40 years.
“Arthur did an excellent job. To take a broad subject like marketing and boil it down to useful information in a short period was fantastic,” said Joseph.
The MLA welcomed 35 members and guests at their recent meeting
Messina touched upon topics like customer acquisition costs and return on investment with your marketing solutions. He shared an overview of the types of materials that are available for personalization and distribution (i.e., swag) and how they can benefit your business, whether you’re a one-car operator or a major player.
“Something Arthur said really stuck with our members. He said: ‘Don’t give away stuff; give away reminders.’ We felt this was particularly valid for our industry,” said Joseph.
Eric Coolbaugh of Advantage Remarketing Solutions (left) with Virginia Limousine Association President Bill Kerr of Camryn Executive Transportation
Furthermore, Messina offered Create-A-Card’s services for building a company store for all operators. The marketing company has the ability to print on demand and link your website to an internet storefront. This is particularly valuable to small businesses.
The MLA Board also provided updates on the ongoing Washington, D.C., Department of For Hire issues that have affected point-to-point transportation within the district. The association, along with the Virginia Limousine Association, have been working to get clarity on compliance issues. Joseph and colleagues also discussed the upcoming MLA Board elections, which will take place at its October 13 meeting. There are open seats available for the four executive positions (president, vice president, secretary general, and treasurer), as well as three open board seats and two vendor seats. The MLA’s holiday party will be held on December 8 with a location to be finalized.
The next MLA meeting is Tuesday, October 13, at noon at Jimmy’s Famous Seafood.
Visit marylandliveryassociation.org for more information.
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