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LITA President Douglas Schwartz of Executive Limousine
Long Island —The inaugural meeting of newly formed Long Island Transportation Association (LITA) was held November 14 at the Melville Marriott and attracted nearly 100 industry professionals from throughout the Northeast and beyond.
The board currently comprises:
President: Douglas Schwartz of Executive Limousine
1st Vice President: Robert Cunningham of Platinum Limousine
2nd Vice President: Matt Silver of Ultimate Class Limousine
Treasurer: Bob Pandolfo of Main Street Limousines
Secretary: Nancy Vargas of DH2 Chauffeured Transportation
1-5 Car Director: Bill Goerl of Clique Limousine
6-15 Car Director: Steve Verity of S&G Limousine
16+ Car Director: Andrea Majer of Deluxe Transportation Services
Sargent At Arms: Ray Caivano of 3 J’s Limousine
Director: Anisa Kahn of Deluxe Transportation Services
Advisor: Felix Reyes of K&G Limousine
Schwartz established the new Long Island ground transportation organization for the twofold purpose of providing a new forum for bringing together to the region’s operators, as well as providing a place where companies hailing from “downstate”—“New York City, Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, West Chester, all around the Horn”—would feel welcome.
“After some back-and-forth discussion, we realized there’s a need for this kind of association and decided it was time to launch something fresh,” Schwartz said. “Even though we are the Long Island Transportation Association, I do believe we’ll eventually change our name to something like ‘Downstate New York’ because we wanted to open up our attendance to companies in places like New York City and West Chester and any other operators who want to belong.”
In addition to bringing together scores of regional operators and vendors—and thanking those who attended with a year of free membership—the meeting also featured Bill Faeth of Limo U as its keynote speaker, and gave the blossoming association’s board members a chance to outline the future they have in mind.
“We’re already working on our next meeting and lining up the speaker—and we’re going to have a little fun with it, too. We’re going to make our meetings kind of like how it is at the shows with mini-sessions, which will be targeted toward the downstate and New York City areas,” Schwartz said. “As an operator, I know I need this association for information and to share with people. A lot of things have been replaced by Facebook today, but we still need the warm touch.”
Schwartz is also keen on establishing a format for LITA meetings: an hour and a half of “a little networking, a program, then we’re out of there.”
LITA’s next membership meeting will be January 9.
Visit longislandta.com for more information.
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Winner of the 2019 CD Show Pass Frank Lacks of Private First Class and his wife Uli Lacks
Denver — The Colorado Limousine Association (CLA) hosted an intimate dinner at Fogo De Chao on December 4 for the association’s annual holiday party. In attendance were almost 40 guests, including new and familiar faces alike, as well as members’ families.
The Brazilian steakhouse is a CLA favorite, and allows for flexible arrival and departure times so as many members can attend as possible. Knowing that an association filled with business owners means that demanding schedules and client needs come first no matter how much a member would like to enjoy socializing with their peers, the board was determined to ensure a dinner option that could offer a merry and bright evening for everyone.
The CLA board includes (L to R): Robin Friedberg of Research Underwriters, Treasurer Nikko Ouzounis of White Dove Limo, Chairman of the Board Mary Norby of Carey Denver, President Jason Ramsey of Prestige Worldwide Transportation, Secretary Jeremiah Kidanemairam of Ambassador Limo, and Sargant at Arms Marcos Contreras of A Advantage Limousine
The event included more than $1,500 in door prizes and raffles. Guests went home with everything from an InstantPot and gift cards to a $100 CLA membership credit and a pass to the 2019 Chauffeur Driven Show in Boston, which was won by Frank Lacks of Private First Class. The association extends it gratitude to event sponsors Chauffeur Driven, Research Underwriters, and Transwest Financial for the support and gift donations.
Attendees agreed that this year’s holiday dinner really showcased the true colors of Colorado’s operators, as a new independent operator who had just moved to the area made this their first meeting—and was welcomed him with open arms and words of wisdom from everyone in attendance.
The next CLA meeting will be January 15, when elections for the 2019 board will be held.
Visit cololimo.org for more information.
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Nearly 130 ALA members, supporters, and family members attended the association’s second annual Casino Night December 3
Scottsdale, Ariz. — The Arizona Limousine Association (ALA) hosted its second annual Casino Night fundraiser December 1 at Certified Benz & Beemer. The event also served as a holiday party for the growing state association: According to its President Jeff Conly of Vitesse Worldwide, ALA currently has a total of 54 members.
Approximately 130 people attended the recent Casino Night, which was sponsored by several industry partners such as Ford-Lincoln Limousine and Livery Vehicles, SoCal Penske, Limo Anywhere, DOT Compliance, The LMC Group, and FASTTRAK Cloud Technologies.
“Without the support of the industry, including Chauffeur Driven Magazine, Casino Night would have not been possible,” says Conly.
Nearly 130 ALA members, supporters, and family members attended the association’s second annual Casino Night December 3
Guests were able to try their luck while playing roulette, blackjack, poker, and craps, as well as enjoy a dinner sponsored by ALA member Ted Shultz Insurance, as well as drinks and $2,000 in casino chips. The night also included live and silent auctions that sent numerous party-goers home with an array of gifts—including a pass to the 2019 CD Show in Boston from October 13-16, which was won by Abdu and Hillary Louarti of Diamond Limo. Funds raised during the evening event will go toward the association’s 2019 operation al costs.
Beyond offering social events that offer members a night of getting to know each other and enjoy some holiday cheer among friendly company, the association has been working to ensure that it offers the benefits its members need. ALA has formed a strong working relationship with airport officials at Sky Harbor Phoenix Airport, and each membership meeting features a guest speaker to provide additional educational opportunities.
ALA is currently planning a two-day educational retreat for the summer of 2019, which will be a family-friendly affair.
Visit azlimousineassociation.com for more information.
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