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Owners Teale and Kim Madore-Smith
South Portland, Me. — Maine Limousine Service is pleased to announce that they’ve recently acquired Lilley’s Limousine of Scarborough, Me. The acquisition was a natural progression in the steady growth that Maine Limousine Service has experienced over the past several years. The company’s fleet now includes ten sedans, four SUVs, three vans, eight limousines, a shuttle bus, and an antique Bentley. Moreover, the majority of Lilley’s chauffeurs will be staying on board to provide service for Maine Limousine Service.
The largest black car service in the state, Maine Limousine Service has been in operation since 1987, originally under the name of Flo Hutchins Limousine. Current owners Teale Smith and Kim Madore-Smith purchased the company in 2007, with an eye toward growth. As an interstate provider, the company serves all New England airports, cruise terminals, and train and bus stations. They specialize in high quality corporate and leisure travel, point-to-point transportation and special events.
“We are thrilled to announce this next chapter in the story of Maine Limousine,” said Teale Smith. “We strongly believe that the clients of Lilley’s and Maine Limousine will benefit greatly from this alignment because it allows us to invest even more in the things that impact their travel experience most, including fleet diversity and technology.”
Visit mainelimo.com for more information.
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ILA President Tracy Hodge Raimer
Chicago — The Illinois Limousine Association (ILA) recently received word regarding its most recent legal initiative.
On August 29, ILA’s lawyers filed a brief on the association’s behalf, which explained its members wishes for an appeal regarding the Federal court's ruling on the lawsuit against the City of Chicago in the 7th circuit court. Final arguments were presented by both sides of -2009, Illinois Transportation Trade v. City of Chicago on September 19th at the US District Court.
On November 1, ILA informed its members that it has “received the ruling and opinion from the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals regarding our appeal.” The ruling was written by three of the nine appellate court judges, who expressed that it is the opinion of the appellate court to dismiss ILA’s appeal and the case.
But there is a next step. Guided by attorney feedback, the ILA Board of Directors will continue to work all legal options by not only requesting a rehearing by all nine appellate court judges (which is already in progress) but also seek a U.S. Supreme Court review should their next request is either denied or does not alter the most recent judgment.
While the ILA has negotiated with its lawyers to ensure that their next course of action will come with no legal fees, the association remains nearly $9,000 short of its $25,000 goal to cover the Appellate Court appeal fees; it is asking that any members who have yet to pay their assessment fees do so immediately.
The association is still awaiting the City of Chicago study regarding background checks for TNC drivers. Access Living of Metropolitan Chicago, a disability rights group, is suing Uber failing to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
The next ILA event will be its open board meeting December 7.
Click here for a copy of the final ruling. Visit illinoislimousineassociation.com for more information about the ILA.
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Naples, Fla. — Moved by the recent rash of shootings of police officers throughout the country, Ron Ziemba felt compelled to do his part to show his appreciation for the danger they face every day. Over the last six months, the American Comfort Limousines founder worked to create FirstRespondersLivesMatter.org, a charity dedicated to helping the families of police officers, EMS professionals, and firefighters in Collier, Lee, and Charlotte counties in Florida.
In a letter announcing the launch of the charity, Ziemba explained: “Their job has become so dangerous. Could you imagine calling 911 and there is no one to help? We can start with support and appreciation for all of them.”
“If you just read the story from October when two police officers were killed in California, you will see the importance of this message. The officers killed were a 35-year veteran who was planning to retire in December, and a young mother just returning to the force from maternity leave. There is now a baby that will grow up without a mom,” says Jon Ziemba, president of American Comfort.
He says that his father has given up most daily functions of the transportation company (and placed in the trusted hands of his family and office staff) to dedicate nearly 100 percent of his time—unpaid—to the charity, of which he is president. “Our company founder—our dad--always believed in giving back: Our transportation business over the past six years has given tens of thousands of dollars to the Lighthouse of Collier here in Naples, Florida, a charity for the blind, many of whom are small children. He has a mission and will not stop till our world is just a little safer.”
According to the charity’s website, roughly 10 percent of donations will be used in local schools to promote the appreciation and respect of first responders as leaders in their community, 40 percent will be used to purchase equipment and services to enhance the safety of first responders such as protective vests, and the remaining 50 percent dedicated to fund that will help injured first responders or the family of the fallen with immediate needs such as funeral expenses
Visit FirstRespondersLivesMatter.org for more information on how to donate or get involved.
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