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On Tuesday, September 17, the Illinois Limousine & Bus Association (ILLBA) held another in their series of virtual Coffee With ILLBA meetings. Free and open to operators from around the world, the latest webinar welcomed Amir Zafar from GNet to discuss the latest updates in the GNet Connect portal.
ILLBA President Tracy Raimer began the proceedings by welcoming the members and guests present on the Zoom call and introducing the ILLBA Board of Directors. She then provided an update of National Limousine Association news, including upcoming elections for open board seats and money-saving opportunities from the association’s affinity program.
Raimer then introduced Zafar, who described GNet as the “plumbing between dispatch systems,” emphasizing the real-time connectivity the platform provides for partners. Reza Shahbazi from GNet then provided a live demonstration of the new features offered by the portal including an updated profile that acts similarly to LinkedIn. The profile increases operators’ SEO and online visibility. Also new on GNet is a document management feature that allows users to upload anything from marketing brochures to proof of insurance. Shahbazi showed the ease with which operators can access and share the documentation as well as analytics and trends that can drill down insight into top cities, airlines, and vehicles.
During the hour-long presentation, ILLBA Executive Director/Secretary Paula DeBiasi of Chicago Coachworks pointed out the low-cost marketing value of using the GNet Connect platform.
A recording of the webinar is available on ILLBA’s YouTube channel. The next virtual meeting is planned for October 22.
Visit illba.org for more information.
[09.23.24]
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The Philadelphia Regional Limousine Association (PRLA) returned to Peppers By Amedeo's Restaurant & Bar in King of Prussia, Pa., on September 18 for their fall membership meeting. Thirty members and guests were in attendance including CD Editor Rob Smentek. In addition to guest speaker Dan Tomlinson from Lancer Insurance, Chauffeured Transportation Association of New Jersey (CTANJ) President Mike Rose of My Limousine Service and Maryland Livery Association (MLA) President Len Joseph of On The Town Limousines were welcomed.
PRLA President Tony Viscusi of Global Limousine began the meeting with a roll call, and then introduced Vice President Bob Euler Jr. of King Limousine who provided a financial report. Next, Secretary Tracy Salinger of Unique Limousine shared that the association is actively seeking affiliate members from around the country. Several new members were introduced, and then a show pass to the CD/NLA Show in National Harbor was raffled. The winner was Sahil Khanna of Classic Car Service.
Rose was then invited to speak a bit about CTANJ news. He briefly recapped the previous day’s meeting, specifically the decision to rebrand the former Limousine Association of New Jersey. Rose also discussed the growing issue of unlicensed operators using social media to advertise themselves as operators. He and Joseph both spoke a bit about the current insurance crisis faced by all transportation and trucking companies. Joseph also mentioned a desire for the MLA to work hand-in-hand with the Virginia Limousine Association (VLA) and the PRLA to tackle issues the associations are all facing. The MLA and VLA are planning a joint meeting at the CD/NLA Show, and all regional association members are welcome.
As dinner was served, Tomlinson provided a thorough overview of the state of insurance for luxury ground transportation operators. He emphasized the importance of having the right coverage for your business. Tomlinson also encouraged operators to be certain of who they’re farming out work to, as there can be major consequences if the affiliate is not properly insured (or insured enough). As a loss control specialist, he also advised operators to report every claim, even if it’s just a paint scratch, as minor incidents often lead to major jury awards should a lawsuit occur. Tomlinson announced that he will be part of a risk management-focused insurance panel at the CD/NLA Show next month.
The PRLA’s next meeting will be their holiday dinner on December 11.
Visit prlainc.org for more information.
[09.20.24]
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Thousands of Prevost employees, customers, suppliers, government officials, and local dignitaries recently celebrated the 100th anniversary of Prevost. The gathering took place in Sainte-Claire, the small town where Eugène Prévost founded the company in 1924.
“The success of Prevost is due to our committed employees and loyal customers – many of whom have been with us for generations,” said Prevost and Volvo Group Canada President François Tremblay. “The anniversary is an opportunity to recognize them while honoring the legacy of Eugène Prévost.”
Additionally, in the week prior, 165 Prevost motorhome owners traveled hundreds, and in some cases thousands, of miles to Québec City to take part in a multi-day 100 Year Anniversary Rally.
The September 14 event was the culmination of nine months of activities that took place throughout Canada and the United States. The 100th anniversary celebration in Sainte-Claire included Prevost factory tours, visits to the Prevost museum, and a special appearance by “Clarisse,” along with food and entertainment.
Clarisse is a hand-built replica of the wooden body coach that Eugène Prévost fashioned. For years, it was the dream of André Turmel, one of Eugène’s grandsons, to recreate the very first Prevost ever made.
As the 100th anniversary approached, the family worked together to make the dream a reality. The project was a labor of love that spanned three generations. The name “Clarisse” was chosen to honor Eugène’s wife who was his biggest champion and tireless supporter.
Coincidentally, Prevost and Sainte-Claire are celebrating anniversaries that mark 100 and 200 years, respectively. Sainte-Claire was founded in 1824, followed by Prevost a century later.
Since January, Prevost has chronicled its 100th anniversary on its website (Prevostcar.com) and on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and X. Through videos, images, stories and recollections, the company has captured the history and future of Prevost.
Visit prevostcar.com for more information.
[09.19.24]