- Details
- Category: Industry News
TLPA CEO Al LaGasse (standing) helps attendees address their questions during a panelRockville, Md. — Several hundred attendees gathered April 25-27 for the Taxicab, Limousine, & Paratransit’s (TLPA’s) Spring Conference & Expo in Palm Springs, Calif. The event was marked by a robust lineup of transportation operators, experts, panelists, and vendors pointing the way forward for the industry. CD Publisher Chris Weiss was on hand for the event.
In his opening address, TLPA President Bill Scalzi noted that the association’s most recent activities have focused on four key areas: addressing legal, regulatory and legislative issues on a national scale; developing alternative business models for the industry; effectively engaging the media on the public safety failings of transportation network companies (TNCs); and creating programs that foster public respect and recognition for the industry.
“Now is the time to keep our membership strong so that TLPA can continue to support our industry in the capacities that I just presented. If we all continue to work together through TLPA, then we will be successful and we will prevail,” Scalzi said.
Sponsors of the conference, held at the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa, included iCabbi, The Black Car Fund, iCARS, CMT Group and Autocab. Nearly three dozen exhibitors showcased their products and services in the Expo Hall, while attendees were treated to meals, cocktails, and hors d’oeuvres in the exhibit space.
L to R: Mark Karolides of Tristar Worldwide, Sam Amato of Gateway Global, Matt Assolin of Nikko’s Worldwide Chauffeured Services, and CD Publisher Chris Weiss The general session presented two major topics. One covered new insurance structures for the industry that are based on time and mileage, and represent significant savings for operators. The second discussion focused on specific tactics for pursuing long-term competitiveness with TNCs. Both received overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees.
The conference also hosted six breakout sessions on topics such as fleet marketing tactics, driver recruitment, and the advent of autonomous vehicles. The TLPA also received nominations from the floor for its 2018 roster of TLPA officers and directors, where 13 members were nominated. Additional nominations can be made by contacting the TLPA office and will be accepted through May 15.
Up next for the TLPA is its July 12-15 Mid-Year International Leadership Conference in Anchorage, Ala. The TLPA’s 99th Annual Convention & Trade Show will be held October 8-12 in Denver, Colo.
Visit tlpa.org for more information.
[CD0517]
- Details
- Category: Industry News
L to R: Pete Corelli of Lakeview Custom Coach, Barb Chirico of Gem Limousine Worldwide, Tim Rose of Flyte Tyme Worldwide, Jason Sharenow of Broadway Elite Worldwide Chauffeured Transportation, Jim Moseley, Bob Schiavo of Alberts Limousine, and Jon Epstein of Royal Coachman WorldwideWest Orange, N.J. — The Limousine Association of New Jersey held their 15th annual fundraiser meeting and auction at the Wilshire Grand Hotel on Wednesday, May 10. Among those in attendance at the packed room were CD Industry & Brand Ambassador Philip Jagiela and Editor Rob Smentek.
Thanks to the event’s premier sponsors—Complete Fleet Livery Sales, Ford Motor Company, and Maple Crest Ford Lincoln—and the months of hard work and planning by Complete Fleet’s Barry Trabb and Bruce Cirlin, the evening was a massive success with a record-setting $33,175 raised through the generosity of LANJ members and guests who took part in an auction, contributed to a 50/50 raffle, and donated cash to the association.
The total raised was an impressive 54 percent increase over the previous year. “We’re thrilled by the generosity of the association,” says Trabb. “It’s always great to see the operators come together and have fun. We’re in for the fight of our lives with the TNCs, so we need the industry to work together and support LANJ.”
Barry Trabb of Complete Fleet Livery Sales was the winner of a CD full-page ad
Following a cocktail hour sponsored by Grech Motors, things got down to business as LANJ President Jason Sharenow of Broadway Elite Worldwide Chauffeured Transportation welcomed the more than 100 members, vendors, guests, and friends in attendance. Sharenow then invited Trabb and Cirlin to speak, followed by a few words from Craig Hall, national sales & marketing manager of the Ford Motor Company.
After a buffet dinner, the auction got underway thanks to auctioneer Pete Corelli of Lakeview Custom Coach. Attendees bid on a wealth of items, including sports tickets, home electronics, gift certificates, wine baskets, and, for the first time, out-of-state airport transfers for the association’s affiliate members. CD also contributed a number of items to the auction, including a full-page ad, which was won by Trabb; a pass to the upcoming Executive Retreat in San Francisco, which went to Daniel Arias of DLA Executive Limousine; and two passes to October’s CD Trade Show & Conference in Orlando, which saw Jon Epstein of Royal Coachman Worldwide as the high bidder.
Executive Retreat pass winner Daniel Arias of DLA Executive Limousine (left) with CD Editor Rob Smentek
After the auction’s close, Sharenow provided some recent legislative news affecting the state, and reminded members that this was the first meeting since the state “Limo Bill” went into effect, which eliminated sales tax for operators. Sharenow also updated the room on the status of the state’s background checks for TNCs. Uber has six months to propose a reasonable background check option, otherwise the onus will fall onto the State Police, who will likely require fingerprinting. Also, Essex Country legislators are seeking to require for-hire vehicles to get color-coded license plates; Sharenow said that LANJ is supporting this proposal. Next, Pat Russo, an attorney from Windels, Marx, Lane & Mittendorf, shared news from New York’s ongoing TNC battles. While Governor Cuomo’s support of TNCs in the upstate region paints something of a bleak picture for the ground transportation industry in the state, New York City continues to be the national model for effective regulation of for-hire cars.
The evening ended on an emotional note when LANJ board members, past and present, honored former member Barb Chirico of Gem Limousine Worldwide for her years of loyal service to the association and the industry. She was welcomed with a standing ovation and given an award.
LANJ has scheduled their first annual golf outing on September 18 at Cherry Valley Country Club in Skillman, N.J.
Visit lanj.org for more information.
[CD0517]
- Details
- Category: Industry News
Members and supporters of CFLA with the association’s first Cans For a Cause donations Orlando — When the Central Florida Livery Association (CFLA) met up May 9, it had a special item on the agenda: Fill up a limousine with nonperishables for Cans For a Cause, a food drive to help feed the area’s neediest residents through two organizations, Hope & Help and Daily Bread, which will continue through May 23. Extra support came from throughout the industry and across the country, as Chauffeur Driven Director of Events Jess Pavlow was on hand for the event, as was Jeff Brodsly from Chosen Payments.
CD Director of Events Jess Pavlow (right) with Mary Elmahdi of Noble Transportation & Limo, winner of the pass to the 2017 CD Show in OrlandoWhile knowing that their contributions were filling hungry bellies was incentive enough, CFLA and CD sweetened the deal with a raffle to win a pass to the 2017 Chauffeur Driven Show in Orlando. Every six cans earned each donor one ticket to enter the raffle, while a donation of 12 cans garnered three chances to win. Mary Elmahdi of Noble Transportation & Limo was the lucky certificate winner.
The business portion of the meeting saw discussion of local and industry news. Pavlow and Brodsly both discussed how their respective companies aim to help luxury ground transportation: While Brodsly explained the importance and procedures of being Payment Card Industry (PCI) compliant, Pavlow highlighted Chauffeur Driven’s upcoming events and their benefits for operators, especially to those seeking education and firsthand advice from their peers.
The next CFLA meeting will be June 13.
Visit cfla.org for more information.
[CD0517]