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WFLA President Dave Shaw
Oldsmar, Fla. — The West Florida Livery Association (WFLA) returned to Flamestone Grill for its monthly meeting on September 16. More than 20 members and supporters were present for the meeting, with CD’s Industry & Brand Ambassador Philip Jagiela among them.
WFLA President Dave Shaw of Network Limousine opened the meeting by discussing the NLA’s upcoming elections to fill five expiring seats, as well as its recent board meeting in Washington, D.C. His president’s report also included an announcement that the association will not only have its own booth at the Chauffeur Driven Show in Miami but also participate in the Florida Limousine Association meeting on the show’s second day.
Members of the Network Limousines team (L to R): Partner/General Manager Dave Shaw, Managing Directors Heather Allen and Sheri Boesch, and Tyler Scarborough
Jagiela then spoke about Chauffeur Driven’s involvement in and dedication to the industry. He also provided industry-wide updates, elaborating on variations in TNC regulations throughout the country and talking about why certain states have become more receptive to ride-hailing services.
Hillsborough County Public Transportation Commission (HCPTC) Executive Director Kyle Cockream was also on hand to discuss a number of ongoing issues specific to the West Florida region. As Hillsborough County is locked in its own battle with ride-sharing companies, the fight has begun affecting local sectors beyond ground transportation: The Tampa International Airport alone has spent $500,000 on an injunction against TNCs.
Cockream assured the WFLA that the HCPTC “will not selectively enforce” ticketing, allaying concerns that traditional operators would be penalized when TNCs are not—though TNCs are still being ticketed at the airport and their drivers can be arrested for trespassing. He outlined the number of bills that have been introduced and explained the approval process, adding that Senator Jeff Brandes has been their biggest proponent. In an effort to make WFLA members aware of who is supporting either their industry or TNCs, Cockream suggested requesting transcriptions from any relevant meeting through the Open Public Records Act.
The next WFLA meeting is November 18, though the association may schedule a conference call for October if members feel there’s a need for it.
Visit wflatampa.com for more information.
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Denver — The Colorado Limousine Association (CLA) held its most recent bimonthly meeting September 15 at The Timbers. The association is in the midst of a growth period, which is reflected by its recent public relations initiative to increase visibility through social media, a membership newsletter, and a redesigned website.
That push to publicize CLA’s professional image was among the meeting’s key topics. After a presentation from the event’s sponsor Grech Motors and reports from each of the association’s committee chairs, much of the evening’s conversation was dedicated to legislative matters. CLA representatives are currently working with the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to hammer out how—if at all—they want to be regulated differently from TNCs.
Members of the CLA board (L to R): Judy Cowen of Carey Denver & Corporate GT Denver, Treasurer Mary Norby of Carey Denver, Sergeant at Arms John Hafer of A Custom Coach Diamond Limousine, Secretary Nikko and Franci Ouzounis of White Dove Limousine, President Shane Stickel of Presidential Worldwide Transportation, Vice President Adam Paul of Colorado Corporate Car, and CD Industry & Brand Ambassador/CLA Executive Director Philip Jagiela
“Right now, our legislative committee is determining whether luxury limousines in Colorado want to be regulated comparably to TNCs,” says CLA Treasurer Mary Norby of Carey Denver. “The TNC rules are getting ready to be released, and this is our opportunity to figure out if we want to have things like higher insurance requirements, newer vehicles, or stricter barriers to entry.”
While some members want baseline regulations for chauffeured ground transportation to be determined on a company-by-company basis, Shane Stickel of Presidential Worldwide Transportation, the association’s president, believes that a unified front is more beneficial to the region’s operators.
“I’d like us to be on a higher level than the TNCs so we can sell that,” he says. “This is our chance to say why we’re different from TNCs.”
This working relationship comes less than a year after the CLA and PUC had settled on a regulatory compromise that was largely analogous of what Colorado operators thought would be a favorable ruling—until Gov. John Hickenlooper put the kibosh on it and sent the PUC back to the drawing board. Since then, Stickel describes the state’s TNC scene as becoming a free-for-all.
Regionally specific issues that Colorado operators face include one relegated entirely to Denver, as its Department of Excise and Licenses requires all chauffeurs driving a commercial for-hire vehicle on the city’s streets to have a herdic license. According to Stickel, the longtime law has been creating confusion for anyone doing pickups and drop-offs in the city. A taxi and limousine council has been working with the department to address the rule, with the help of its director Stacie Loucks.
“It’s on the agenda for this year to, at minimum, figure out exactly who needs the license and to have clearer definitions around that,” Stickel says. “The ultimate goal is to eliminate it for limousine operators because it really doesn’t serve a purpose for us.”
The next meeting of the CLA is scheduled for November 17.
Visit cololimo.org for more information.
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With literally weeks to go until the 2015 Chauffeur Driven Show in Miami Beach, Florida, this October 11-14, things are shaping up nicely for those who are attending the show to do some serious networking. In addition to our education, 70 percent larger show floor with nearly 100 exhibitors, unparalleled nightlife, and a spectacular host property at the Loews Miami Beach, there will be endless opportunities to catch up with old friends and meet new ones.
Affiliate business is the name of the game in the 21st century, and the relationships you build in the industry drive your business. It’s why our Affiliate Central Global Partner Forum remains one of the Chauffeur Driven Show’s most popular and well-attended events. The Forum will take place on Tuesday, October 13 from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel.
This year’s Forum, sponsored by A1A Airport & Limousine Service, will feature representatives from over 50 companies who will discuss affiliate opportunities with our show attendees. The participating companies hail from as nearby as Miami and all over the U.S. (including Alaska!), to London, Australia, Belgium, Switzerland, Italy, and more.
This networking forum allows attendees to have one-on-one conversations with the companies that they want to send their valuable traveling clients to, and to accept farm-out clients as well. Put your best foot forward as you expand your own affiliate network.
Also new for this year is our Women in the Industry Networking Reception, a laid-back and casual environment for all of the industry’s female leaders to mingle and network like only women can. Our guest speaker, Kristen Carroll of The LMC Group, will debunk the myths about the oppression of women in business and share how they can leverage their unique traits for success. Come be inspired and empowered by the many great things that our industry ladies are doing. Sorry fellas, but this one is for the ladies. Open to all female registered attendees from all walks of the industry. Be sure to join us on Monday, October 12, from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm.
We also have limited, last-minute sponsorships still available for the Women in the Industry Networking Reception. If you’re interested in sponsoring the event, contact Jess Pavlow at jess@chauffeurdriven.com or call 856.452.0323.
One final reminder, if you haven’t yet done so, visit chaufferdrivenshow.com/register to save yourself time before you arrive in Miami. Don’t forget to book your hotel as well!
Visit chauffeurdrivenshow.com for all the up-to-the-minute information.
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