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GCLA Board of Directors
Los Angeles — Fresh off the success of its NorCal Holiday Party a week earlier, the Greater California Livery Association (GCLA) welcomed more than 200 members, supporters, friends, and family members to its annual meeting December 13. CD Editor Madeleine Maccar was on hand for the yearly gathering, which was held at the Los Angeles Airport Marriott.
The meeting kicked off with Kevin Illingworth of Classique Worldwide Transportation—identifying himself as “acting GCLA president”—circling the packed room with a microphone in hand to make sure all in attendance had an opportunity to introduce themselves, which also demonstrated the coast-to-coast representation the annual meeting attracts. Illingworth also highlighted GCLA’s 2016 successes, which included pushing back the date for all “older” limousines to be retrofitted with a fifth-door escape to January 1, 2018.
Katie Martinez of Chosen Payments (left) with CD Editor Madeleine Maccar
The evening progressed with a number of heartfelt speeches, award presentations, and standing ovations—plus the announcement of the 2017 GCLA Board of Directors, which is as follows:
Jami Crouch of Aadvanced Limousines won an attendee and spouse pass to the 2017 CD Show in Orlando
President: David Kinney of Global
1st Vice President: Kevin Illingworth of Classique Worldwide Transportation
2nd Vice President: Darren Croasdale of La Costa Limousine
Treasurer: Rick Buell of Diva Limousine
Secretary: Ryan Silva of Epic Transportation
Regional directors: Perry Barin of Music Express, Gary Bauer of Bauer's Intelligent Transportation, Harry Dhillon of Ecko Transportation Worldwide, Mo Garkani of C.O.T.S. Inc., Robert Gaskill of Motive, Raphael Sousa of SF Limo Express, and Brandan Stein of Exclusive Sedan Service
Vendor directors: Jeff Brodsly of Chosen Payments, Phillip Hartz of Acton Penske/SoCal Professional Vehicles, Lee Martinez of TransCap Insurance Agency, Patrick O'Brien of O'Brien & Associates, and Steve Wood of South Bay Ford
The evening concluded with a live auction that benefited the association in its ongoing efforts to benefit both the industry and the safety of all transportation professionals and passengers alike. Chauffeur Driven helped raise $3,000 by donating a pass to the San Francisco Executive Retreat won by Dhillon, an attendee and spouse pass to the 2017 CD Show in Orlando that was won by Jami Crouch of Aadvanced Limousines, and a full-page ad, which was won by Brodsly.
Visit gcla.org for more information.
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The NELA Board of Directors with CD Editor Rob Smentek (2nd from left)
Burlington, Mass. — More than 100 members and guests were present of the New England Livery Association’s (NELA’s) quarterly meeting and holiday party sponsored by Lancer Insurance and Research Underwriters and held at the Boston Marriott Burlington on December 13. Not only did the event give NELA members the opportunity to catch up on industry and association business, but the seasonal merry-making was in full effect, along with some entertainment courtesy of comic Steve Sweeney. CD Editor Rob Smentek was among those in attendance.
While a DJ spun holiday favorites, the party got underway with a cocktail hour sponsored by Chauffeur Driven. Following a buffet dinner, NELA President Mike Callahan of Able Limousine welcomed the crowd, and asked everyone for a moment of silence in honor of recently passed NELA members Johnny Greene and Jerry Robbins.
NELA presents two checks to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. (L to R) Pam Simms-Spitzer of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Tammy Saccocio of Commonwealth Worldwide, Karen Kelly of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and Mike Callahan of Able Limousine
Next, the evening’s sponsors were invited to speak, including Steven O’Shea from Lancer Insurance, Steve Crispo from Research Underwriters, Dan Morgan from Advantage Funding, Jeff DeMarco from Royale Limousine Manufacturers, and NELA Director Lynda Saitta of Momentum Drives spoke on behalf Jeff Brodsly from Chosen Payments who was unable to attend. Scott Solombrino of Dav El/Boston Coach was invited to speak, and shared his memories of close friend Robbins and provided an update of the association’s legislation successes.
The giving spirit of the season was in full force when two checks were presented to the Massachusetts and Rhode Island Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF). Earlier in the year, NELA raised funds for the foundation at the association’s annual golf tournament. Six thousand dollars was raised from proceeds of the golf outing, followed by another $5000 bid by Dawson Rutter of Commonwealth Worldwide at a live auction following the tournament. At the holiday party, Tami Saccoccio of Commonwealth presented the checks to CFF representatives Karen Kelly and Pam Simms-Spitzer.
CD Show pass winner Tina Benson of L.A. Limousine with CD Editor Rob Smentek
NELA Executive Director Rick Szilagyi of Lexian Management along with Saitta then acted as MCs for the evening’s auction, which included a pass donated by CD to their 2017 Trade Show and Conference in Orlando from October 22-25. NELA 2nd Vice President Tina Benson of L.A. Limousine was the winner. Other prizes included an assortment of lottery tickets that was donated in Robbins’ name.
The evening concluded with a comedy show and karaoke party, sponsored by Chosen Payments, Advantage Funding, Royale Limousine Manufacturers, and an anonymous sponsor on behalf of Robbins. Sweeney, a regional comedy legend and character actor, kept attendees in hysterics during his 45-minute stand-up set. NELA members and their families then got to play rock star as they sang some of classic rock’s biggest hits.
NELA’s next quarterly meeting is scheduled to be held on February 28 at Kowloon Restaurant in Saugus, Mass.
Visit nelivery.org for more information.
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Wendy Hansen Senior Financial Services Administrator
Faribault, Minn. — ABC Companies, the exclusive distributor of VanHool motorcoaches, has recognized three employees for 30 years of exceptional service to their customers and the industry.
“A 30-year anniversary is a milestone that is not often achieved in the workplace today and we are truly honored to be able to recognize three ABC employees for this 30-year milestone,” said Dane Cornell, CEO and chairman.
Senior Financial Services Administrator Wendy Hansen started as a document coordinator at ABC Financial Services. She points out, “I’m a bit of a behind the scenes employee but I enjoy the interaction with customers and lenders. I’ve met and worked with a lot of wonderful people at ABC.”
Carlo Schiantabasti Technician
Carlo Schiantabasti began as his career as a technician at ABC’s Camden, N.J., facility. Over the years he’s built close relationships with customers all over the East Coast. Carlo says “It’s been a great career filled with lots of friendships, both inside the company and with customers.”
Although his background was in agriculture, ABC’s Southern California Senior Account Manager Charlie Walser took a job with ABC in part because he enjoyed working with people. It quickly became apparent that he was gifted in working with customers and ABC transferred him to California.
“We appreciate their dedication and loyalty to our organization and service and commitment to our customers,” said Cornell. “A heartfelt thank-you to Carlo, Charlie, and Wendy from all of us for a job well done and we look forward to many more successful and productive years.”
Visit abc-companies.com for more information.
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