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- Category: Industry News
Fast on the heels of this year’s wildly successful CD/NLA Show in Vegas, Chauffeur Driven and the National Limousine Association are thrilled to announce that registration is open for the 2025 CD/NLA Executive Retreat, which is scheduled for June 8-11. We’re particularly excited to introduce a new city to our rotating roster: Savannah, Georgia. Special thanks to our Platinum Sponsors EmpireCLS Worldwide and Lancer Insurance.
Savannah is a charming town known for its historic beauty and Southern hospitality, offering picturesque cobblestone streets and majestic oak trees draped in Spanish moss. With the city's stunning public squares, captivating antebellum architecture, and vibrant arts and culinary scenes, not to mention its rich history, scenic riverfront, and laid-back atmosphere, Savannah promises a truly unforgettable experience.
From now until May 16, we have an incredible room rate of $279 a night at the fantastic Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa. Located directly on the Savannah River on Hutchinson Island, the hotel resort is a ferry ride from the Historic District and close to Tybee Island and Forsyth Park. Click here to book your stay.
Capped at 200 operators, the CD/NLA Executive Retreat offers a patented combination of top-tier educational programming, close-knit networking, and local experiences, and we couldn’t be happier to bring it to Savannah this year. While our fall and Vegas shows are recognized for the takeaway provided—whether it’s from the sessions or the contacts made or both—the CD/NLA Retreat offers a more intimate atmosphere, where you’re guaranteed to get facetime with incredible potential partners, as well as a heightened level of immersive educational content.
Negotiation Specialist Tony Perzow
“Just returned from the CD/NLA Executive Retreat in Miami. What a fantastic few days of education, roundtables and networking. Once again, kudos to the entire Chauffeur Driven and National Limousine Association teams including all of the committees who dedicated countless hours in the execution of the program!” said Mike Rose of My Limousine Service.
This year, we’re ecstatic about launching our programming off on Monday with noted negotiation specialist, Tony Perzow. As a globally recognized keynote speaker and trainer, Perzow is one of the world’s leading experts in sales negotiation. He has trained more than 30,000 executives worldwide—from companies like Apple, Red Bull, and Rolls-Royce—to negotiate more profitable outcomes. Perzow has also consulted with dozens of global brands on high-stakes negotiations, influencing well over $1 billion in sales revenue. A serial entrepreneur since age 22 with ventures spanning food service, distribution, real estate, entertainment, and health and wellness, Perzow is thoroughly skilled in a number of industries. At our event, Perzow will present a two-part session that will help you fine-tune your negotiating skills from a seller’s standpoint, which includes a highly interactive roundtable session that will see you role play in a collaborative environment. Day 1 promises to be informative and entertaining, not to mention valuable for any member of your sales and management team.
While we are still in the planning stages for our second day morning content, we can reveal that we’re closing things out with a technology roundtable. This operator-centric programming will offer an open forum to discuss the software features and equipment that you need for your business. You’ll collaborate with moderators, your fellow operators, and tech companies to shape the ultimate “wish list” that will be shared with the movers and shakers in ground transportation tech. This session is also going to discuss other tech—AI, analytics/data, etc.—that will help you run more efficiently and profitably. Everyone will have the opportunity to share and contribute.
And don’t worry, while you get two days of drilled-down education and roundtables, we play as hard as we work at these events, so you’re sure to have an amazing return on your investment for your time away from the office. We start things off Sunday night with our opening dinner reception onsite on the Harbor Lawn. While a live band plays among the backdrop of the Savannah River, we’ll have a sumptuous country feast, with all-you-can-eat quintessential Southern cuisine. And of course, attendees can take advantage of an open bar.
Our retreats are often known for their on-the-water dinner experiences, so we are excited to offer a riverboat dinner cruise on Monday evening. You’ll be picked up VIP style at our host property and shuttled off to a three-hour sojourn on the Savannah River as a DJ spins favorite music. Once again, dinner will be offered along with top-shelf open bar. And, if you want to keep the party going, the boat will drop interested attendees riverside for a River Street Bar Crawl (locations tbd) that will give you a taste of the local nightlife.
On Tuesday night, things might get a little spooky as we explore the “haunted” streets of Savannah on a two-hour guided ghost tour. Genteel & Bard’s Famous Savannah Dark History & Ghost Encounter Tour is a historical walking tour that’s too dark for daylight. Through provided earbuds, you’ll listen in on a highly curated, classic storytelling performance at its creepiest as well as Savannah’s lesser-known history and area ghost lore. You’ll also hear accounts of modern-day paranormal encounters. Pre-registration is required for this event.
Our Savannah adventure concludes on Wednesday with a city tour followed by a dolphin cruise on Tybee Island. Experience the thrill of encountering dolphins in their natural habitat while taking in breathtaking views of Tybee’s serene coastal waters. Then, after this incredible tour, we’ll convene at the nearby Crab Shack for lunch. Limited to 45 guests, this tour requires pre-registration as well as a separate fee.
“The CD/NLA Executive Retreat was truly enlightening and beneficial for our organization. The educational sessions were insightful and thought-provoking, providing valuable knowledge and skills to enhance our industry. The networking events offered opportunities to connect with peers and forge meaningful relationships. It was delightful to reconnect with old friends and make new connections,” says Zulfi Abbasi of American Executive Sedan Worldwide.
Stay tuned to our e-newsletter and magazine for more announcements about the CD/NLA Retreat. If you’re interested in sponsorship (limited opportunities available), please reach out to CD President Chris Weiss at chris@chauffeurdriven.com.
Visit cdnlaexecutiveretreat.com for more information.
[04.01.25]
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- Category: Industry News
The US Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with MetLife, released its latest Small Business Index (SBI) for Q1 and it shows rising concerns on Main Street. The SBI is a quarterly survey of small businesses nationwide on numerous topics that have been impacting them during the past few months, including fiscal issues and operational challenges.
Overall, the Small Business Index score fell to Q1 2024 levels at 62.3 from 69.1 for 2024’s final quarter. This score measures the confidence level of Main Street. However, despite the drop, views of the US economy and local economies remained stable, according to the report.
US Chamber of Commerce VP of Small Business Policy Tom Sullivan
Topping the pain points for respondents were revenue and inflation, both of which reached levels last seen in 2021. However, inflation has been the top concern for business owners for the past several years. Other measures that were slightly down from the previous quarter were comfort with cash flow (now 66%, down six points); confidence in business health (63%, down 4 points); and increasing staff (down just two points to 20%). Interestingly, nearly half (49%) of respondents would be more likely to hire an entry-level employee if they have training/certification on how to use artificial intelligence (AI)—a clear indicator of the impact of technology across the small business community.
“The data is clear, confidence is being shaken as small businesses increasingly worry about their revenue while at the same time confronting the possibility that tariffs will raise costs for them and their employees,” said US Chamber of Commerce Vice President of Small Business Policy Tom Sullivan about the report. “But while measures related to revenue and cash flow dipped, other underlying indicators such as hiring plans, investment plans, and overall confidence in the economy remain strong. The prospect of tax and regulatory relief may be buoying optimism amid uncertainty.”
You can read this and previous reports here.
[04.01.25]
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- Category: Industry News
CD President Chris Weiss (left) with Andrew Tighe of RMA Worldwide
The New England Livery Association (NELA) held their spring quarterly meeting on March 26 at the Sheraton Hotel in Needham, Mass. More than 85 members and guests from across the region (and beyond) attended the dinner, including CD President Chris Weiss.
NELA Executive Director Rick Szilagyi of Lexian Management kicked off the meeting by thanking sponsors, followed by a review of upcoming changes at Logan Airport. Tops on the agenda was the much-publicized fee increase for all ground transportation groups, with TNCs jumping from $3.25 each way to $5.50 each way, and livery rising to $3.25 to $5.50 for pickups only. The latter is the first increase since 2007. Late in July, operators can also expect to have their parking area at Terminal E relocated.
L to R: Ken Lucci of Driving Transactions, Arturo Catapang of Coastline Risk, Steve Crispo of Research Underwriters, and Jim King of Waverley Insurance
Then NELA & National Limousine Association President Brett Barenholtz of Above All/Maine Limousine thanked everyone for coming and called attention to the NELA Events Committee, singling out the leaders of that group, including Larry White of Maine Limousine Service, Alicia Hayes of American Classic Limousine, and Brittni Kirk of All Points Limousine Service. Barenholtz then brought Terry Murtaugh of United Private Car up to the podium to thank him for all he does, including leading the Finance Committee.
L to R: CD Full-Page Ad Winner Moe Osman of Fleetwood Limousine, Chris Weiss, Keith Ali of Dav El/BostonCoach, NELA & NLA President Brett Barenholtz of Above All/Maine Limousine, CD/NLA Executive Retreat Pass Winner Tami Rutter of Commonwealth Worldwide, Alicia Hayes of American Classic Limousine, and Affiliate Central ad winner Jason Dornhoffer of United Private Car
Barenholtz then shared a series of slides and videos depicting how we are unique as an industry and as entrepreneurs. Included in his presentation were video statements from legendary investor Warren Buffett, UFC’s Dana White, Elon Musk’s ex-wife, and comedian Bill Burr, with the last clip bringing roars of laughter. Barenholtz continued with an NLA study relative to insurance, an overview of the GBTA meeting, and information about assisting Georgia with tort-reform legislation.
L to R: Brett Barenholtz, Keith Ali, Brittni Kirk of All Points Limousine, and Alicia Hayes
Next, Ken Lucci of Driving Transactions announced his upcoming NELA program, “Pricing to Profit and Prosper” which will be presented at the next meeting on May 14 at the Boston Winery.
Lucci was then joined by Steve Crispo of Research Underwriters, Jim King of Waverley Insurance, and Arturo Catapang of Coastline Risk for an in-depth insurance panel, who reviewed current challenges and offered suggestions to operators on how to proactively help their companies with these challenges.
More than 85 guests attended NELA’s spring quarterly meeting
Before concluding for the evening, Barenholtz led a lively auction of several exciting prizes, including several donated by Chauffeur Driven. In addition to a full pass to June’s CD/NLA Executive Retreat, Weiss brought two CD-branded “swag bags” that included either a full-page ad for CD magazine or an ad in the popular Affiliate Central. Ultimately, the winners were Tami Rutter of Commonwealth Worldwide (CD/NLA Executive Retreat pass), Moe Osman of Fleetwood Limousine (full-page CD ad), and Jason Dornhoffer of United Private Car (Affiliate Central ad).
NELA Executive Director Rick Szilagyi of Lexian Management (left) and Chris Weiss
Other notable raffle prizes included Red Sox tickets won by Rose Sariol of Center Insurance; a six-pack of wine won by David Blain of Maine Limousine; $200 in scratch-offs won by Brittany Russo of A Plus Coach, two $50 Best Buy gift cards won by Jeff Steele of Great Bay Limousine and Mark Kini of Boston Chauffeur; and the 50/50, which was won by Brian Van Amburgh of Risk Strategies and donated back to the association.
Visit nelivery.org for more information.
[04.01.25]