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CTANJ President Mike Rose of My Limousine Service
On March 18, the Chauffeured Transportation Association of New Jersey (CTANJ) held their spring membership meeting in the magical headquarters of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Jersey in Monroe Township. More than 50 members and guests attended the meeting, including CD Editor Rob Smentek.
CTANJ President Mike Rose of My Limousine Service kicked things off by welcoming the attendees and encouraged everyone to take advantage of the delicious buffet provided by sponsor T-Mobile For Business. Rose then introduced Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Jersey Director of Events Dominique Gleason, who provided a history of the charity. Now in its 42nd year, the N.J. chapter grants life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. CTANJ proudly partnered with Make-A-Wish at the association’s 2024 dinner and auction last May. Gleason then provided a facility tour around the whimsical-themed headquarters, showcasing the various rooms that inspire the kids that take part in the program.
More than 50 members and guests were present at CTANJ’s spring meeting
After the tour concluded, Director Steve Horowitz of EmpireCLS Worldwide provided a legislative update. It should come as no surprise that illegal operators remains the biggest legislative issue, as “digital hitchhiking” through Facebook groups and social media persistently challenges businesses across the country. Horowitz shared that CTANJ is working with Princeton Strategic Communications on a PR campaign to educate legislators and the public about this growing problem. He also stated that the association is planning on mirroring the National Limousine Association’s (NLA) Day on the Hill with a local event in Trenton this May or June. This will give CTANJ members the opportunity to speak with state lawmakers and inform them about the impact of illegal operators.
Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Jersey headquarters
Next came an NLA update from CTANJ Secretary (and NLA Director) Jason Sharenow of Broadway Elite Worldwide. He provided a recap of the recent CD/NLA Show in Vegas and encouraged operators to take part in the Day on the Hill on April 28 and 29. Sharenow echoed Horowitz’s sentiment, stating that illegal operators are in the “crosshairs of the NLA.” Sharenow was followed by Sam Weinstein of the Princeton Public Affairs Group (PPAG), CTANJ’s lobby firm. He stated that PPAG is currently working hard to raise the industry’s profile with lawmakers in Trenton. In addition to illegal operators, PPAG is seeking to block mandates for electric vehicle use on behalf of the industry.
The afternoon concluded with the CTANJ Report, delivered by Rose. He stated that the board of directors is very busy behind the scenes working on new enterprises like a mentoring program, as well as continuing the popular CTANJ educational webinars. In April, members can look forward to a Zoom webinar dealing with opportunities for minority- and women-owned businesses. Rose also promoted the various affinity programs available to CTANJ members, and announced the next golf outing, which will be held on September 15. He then shared that the association is launching the Barbara J. Chirico Memorial Scholarship in the coming weeks, which is open to families of CTANJ members. Rose introduced John Schuldt from Model 1 Commercial Vehicles, who announced that the dealer will be offering 1.5% of each vehicle sold to members to the scholarship fund.
Before adjourning the meeting, seven new CTANJ members were introduced and welcomed by the attendees.
The next CTANJ event is the association’s popular dinner and auction, which will be held May 20 at Il Tulipano in Cedar Grove.
Visit ctanj.org for more information.
[03.18.25]
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After a dizzying boost following the 2024 US Presidential election, small businesses are feeling less confident about the economy and the conditions favorable for growth, according to the monthly report from the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB). The monthly survey takes the temperature of small businesses across the country based on numerous key factors, including sales, employee compensation, inflation, expansion and capital outlays, and other economic touchpoints.
While the 50-year average is 98, the Optimism Index jumped eight points from October to November 2024 (93.7 to 101.7, respectively), and another three points in December 2024 (105.1). For reference, the index last breeched 98 in December 2021 and hovered in the low 90s and high 80s from January 2022 to October 2024, driven primarily by inflationary pressures, supply chain issues, and the lingering effects of the pandemic. In other words, small business owners saw a silver lining at the end of 2024 that has not panned out so far in 2025.
NFIB also measures uncertainty, which rose to its highest score ever (110) in October 2024. Although it dropped to 98 and 86 in November and December 2024, respectively, it again rose to 100 in January and now sits at 104 in what NFIB is calling “uncertainty whiplash.”
However, inflationary prices don’t tell the whole story. 19% of respondents cite “labor quality” as the top issue again this month, while “inflation” and “taxes” tied for second place at 16%. The top issues inverted in a year-over-year comparison with February 2024. Of note, which was not measured by the report, is the frenetic pace at which the Trump administration has been moving since January’s inauguration to slash federal spending as well as the threats and counterthreats of tariffs. These conditions have been reported elsewhere as contributing to the uncertainty felt by American businesses of all sizes.
These data points are in line with recent federal reports, including the February jobs report that was slightly below expectations at 151,000 and February retail sales, which were better (up 0.2%) than January’s disappointing numbers (-1.2%).
The full NFIB report can be found here.
Visit nfib.com for more information.
[03.18.25]
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Gerrard Loyalty Club welcomes its first group of chauffeurs
Gerrard Chauffeur Drive is proud to introduce the Gerrard Loyalty Club, a prestigious new initiative recognizing the dedication and commitment of chauffeurs who have worked with the company for 12 years or more. This exclusive club is designed to honor the chauffeurs who have played a key role in upholding the Gerrard reputation for excellence in luxury transport. To celebrate their service, each member will receive a personalized certificate of recognition and be presented with a distinctive loyalty tie, a symbol of their valued membership and longstanding contribution.
Beyond recognition, Gerrard Loyalty Club members will also enjoy a range of additional benefits and financial rewards throughout the year, reflecting the company’s appreciation for their loyalty and professionalism.
“Our chauffeurs are the heart of our business, and many have been with us for well over a decade," said Gerrard CEO Martin Cox. “The Gerrard Loyalty Club is our way of expressing gratitude for their unwavering commitment, ensuring they feel valued as part of the Gerrard family.”
The inaugural presentation ceremony took place at Gerrard HQ where the first group of chauffeurs will be officially welcomed into the club.
Visit gerrardcars.co.uk for more information.
[03.18.25]