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The back-to-school themed meeting was as packed with information as any classroom lecture is—complete with plenty of snacks like bite-sized empanadas and homemade, personalized sweets, courtesy of meeting sponsor Book.limo. Topics ranged from the national state of the industry to updates about the Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) from its Director of Airport Security George Speake to how the CFLA is working for its members
“To have the NLA president here was huge,” CFLA President Wendy Kleefisch of Brevard Executive Transportation said. “He got to learn about our concerns about what’s happening in the state, as well as hear directly from [SFB Director of Airport Security] George Speake.”
She added that, even though summers are traditionally quieter times for the industry that yield lightly attended meetings, this dog-days-of-summer event drew one of the association’s biggest crowds.
Speake discussed the “economic growth and the changes taking place at the airport,” as well as how TNC vehicles are no longer getting the preferential treatment that so many other markets have been grappling with. He also spoke about upcoming initiatives for SFB in the future as well as their struggle to find a balance between safety and tolerance regarding TNCs picking up at the airport despite lacking the proper insurance or vehicle permitting in order to operate legally and commercially.
Buffo then spoke to the attendees about the importance of supporting the NLA, highlighting the organization's emphasis on defending the chauffeured transportation space from transportation network companies by shedding light on the injustices of ride-sharing apps that have compromised the safety and longevity of our industry.
At the end of his presentation, Buffo presented the CFLA with its rebate check for $615—and encouraged more members to join the NLA so that the next rebate check can be even bigger.
"It is such an incredible honor to be accepted and supported by the NLA," said Kleefisch,
At the end of the meeting, CFLA members who use Book.limo spoke about how it has improved their business, spurred on by the meeting sponsor’s unveiling of water bottles that feature clients’ testimonials and case studies.
"Since switching to Book.limo for our online reservations, the frequency of customers booking has more than doubled," said Paul Kovie of Sunshine Limousine & Shuttle. Tom Halsnik of Walsh Airport Service and Black Pearl Limo added that his international reservations have increased significantly since adding Book.limo to his website.
The CFLA, which typically meets the second Tuesday of each month, will hold its next meeting September 11.
Visit cfla.org for more information.
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The impressive lineup includes the founder of a Silicon Valley technology company discussing the autonomous-vehicle evolution, a Disney executive speaking about customer service, and a marketing expert who wrote a book about lessons learned from a chance encounter with an exuberant, self-promoting taxi driver, “Taxi Terry.”
The speakers are:
- Chris Jones, co-founder of Canalys, will present the opening address, The Electric & Autonomous Vehicle Revolution. Canalys is the first autonomous-vehicle market analysis service. Jones’ address will be a master class in all things autonomous.
- Dennis Snow, a customer service expert and 20-year veteran of Disney, will present his keynote titled, Delivering World-Class Service: Lessons from the Mouse.
- Scott McKain, an author of Amazon bestsellers on expanding profits, increasing sales and engaging customers, will present the closing keynote address, Create Distinction: What To Do When ‘Great’ Isn’t Good Enough to Grow Your Business. For this presentation, he will draw on his latest book, 7 Tenets of Taxi Terry, which gives specific steps to help create and deliver high-quality customer experiences.
The speakers will kick off each of the convention’s General Sessions. Taking place this year from October 27 through 29 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, the annual event is the largest gathering of the for-hire fleet operators and vendors in the world.
Visit tlpa.org/Annual-Convention for more information.
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Sterling Women, which has no dues to attendees, was created and founded by Reston Limousine President and CEO Kristina Bouweiri in 2008, and is still led by her each month. To help mark the 10th anniversary celebration, 10 of the original speakers were invited back to share their experience, wisdom, and successes since first speaking at Sterling Women.
One of the most impactful was that of Zarif Sahin, who told her story of being given away at only 13 as a child bride in her home country of Turkey. After moving to the US with her husband, she taught herself English from watching episodes of Sesame Street. After leaving her husband, Sahin worked as a daycare provider and hairstylist to support herself. Today, she is one of the top realtors in Virginia. Her Sterling Women speech led to a TED talk and she is now a global ambassador for women’s rights.
Another inspiring success story is that of Amy Dagliano. Though Amy had attended Sterling Women many times, she was particularly moved by the speech by Jaclyn O'Brien, the founder of KeyLyme. Like O’Brien, Dagliano also suffered from Lyme disease and the difficulties and roadblocks discussed in O’Brien’s speech really resonated with her. Dagliano was so inspired that after the speech she drove directly to her boss’s office where she promptly resigned to start her own business, Rowan Tree, the first women-focused coworking and co-growth space in Virginia.
Bouweiri is passionate about giving back to the local community, which is evidenced by Sterling Women’s numerous fundraising events and efforts. Two such examples include the Wine Cheese and Chocolate and Partini fundraising events.
Sterling Women raised over $200,000 for charities in Loudoun County through such fundraising events.
“I am moved by the number of women who joined us for our ten-year anniversary. Sterling Women has always been a place that businesswomen can come to be inspired, make connections and make lifelong friends,” said Bouweiri. “I am so proud of all the amazing things our speakers have accomplished since joining us for the first time!”
The positive and life changing effects of speaking at Sterling Women can be evidenced by the numbers:
- 12 speakers have become published authors
- 7 of the 10 original speakers have successfully sold their businesses
- One of the speakers increased her business’ value from $4 million when she first spoke, to $25 million by the anniversary
Honorable Rep. Barbara Comstock and Chair of the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors Phyllis J. Randall attended the Anniversary event as well. They marked the occasion by presenting Sterling Women with a Congressional Record and County Resolution respectively.
Visit sterlingwomen.org/sterling/ or restonlimo.com for more information.
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