- Details
- Category: Industry News
ILA President Tracy Raimer of Your Private Limousine (right) present ILA Director Mary Paul of Crown Cars & Limousines with an award recognizing her service and dedication to the associationSchiller Park, Ill. — When the Illinois Limousine Association (ILA) met up May 11 at Comfort Suites O’Hare Airport, the packed house boasted nearly 80 people, including the nearly two dozen supporters who flocked to the association’s general meeting from as far as the East and West coasts. Chauffeur Driven Publisher Chris Weiss, who’s on ILA’s board of directors, was also among the day’s guest speakers.
After touring some of the vehicles on display and networking before the meeting, attendees heard from ILA President Tracy Raimer of Your Private Limousine. She kicked off the full agenda by introducing the association’s board of directors before handing off the mic to Bill Faeth of Inbound Marketing Agents and Limo University, whose live workshop “The $4,000,000 Campaign” itemized the ways to quickly launch a marketing campaign to recapture old clients that, in the past four years, has generated more than $4M in revenue for companies in the chauffeured ground transportation sector.
Once sponsor introductions were made, there were two additional presentations before lunch. Spencer Tenney of Tenney Group discussed “Leveling the Playing Field with Industry Consolidators/Experienced Business Acquirers,” which covered topics like the industry’s rise of mergers and acquisitions, as well as the necessity of trusted guidance throughout the duration of the transaction or deal. He also utilized the “Shark Tank” format of evaluating businesses as a role-playing exercise, while Reston Limousine’s Keith Johnson also laid out his “B.A.S.I.C.S.” (Being Audit Safe Isn’t Complicated Seminar) program, with a focus on passing DOT audits and the requirements of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s record retention and recordkeeping.
ILA's 2016 Board of DirectorsThe meeting then broke for lunch, which was followed by additional recognition of and thanks to meeting sponsors. Kristen Carroll of The LMC Group and Derek Maxwell of Chosen Payments spoke about “Small Business Hacks, Technology, and Trade Secrets,” offering tips and tricks to increase operational efficiency. Weiss then talked about the most recent industry trends before the slate of speakers closed out with Pasqualino Russo of Windels Marx Lane & Mittendorf, who provided and overview of both national and global TNC activity.
To cap off the annual meeting, numerous prizes were given out, including a pass to the 2016 Chauffeur Driven show in Washington, D.C., which was won by Todd Roberts of JACO Limousine. After Raimer gave her closing remarks and listed upcoming events that may be of interest to ILA members, the meeting was adjourned.
The ILA will hold an open board meeting Jun1.
Visit illinoislimousineassociation.com for more information.
[CD0516]
- Details
- Category: Industry News
Springfield, Mo. — Executive Coach Builders (ECB) is pleased to announce the addition of the Ford F550 limobus to its extensive lineup of vehicles. The F550 is a 32-passenger vehicle with amenities that include wraparound seating, two 60-inch LED televisions, high-quality surround sound, and custom lighting packages.
“ECB is proud to be the largest limousine manufacturer in the world,” said Tom Fielding, vice president of sales and marketing. “It’s another way of giving our customers what they need.”
Founded in 1976, ECB carries a complete line of ground transportation vehicles ranging from QVM limousines to 50-passenger luxury shuttle buses.
Visit ecblimo.com for more information.
[CD0516]
- Details
- Category: Industry News
CD's Managing Editor Susan Rose and BCAC President Berj Haroutunian of Vital Transportation
Long Island City, N.Y. — Nearly 100 members of New York’s black car industry took time out of their busy schedules to enjoy the Black Car Assistance Corporation’s (BCAC’s) Spring Luncheon, held May 11 at the Z NYC Hotel in Long Island City. The casual networking event included a buffet lunch, cocktails, and tons of mingling. Managing Editor Susan Rose was on hand for the festivities.
During lunch, BCAC President Berj Haroutunian and BCAC Executive Director Ira Goldstein both welcomed attendees before turning the floor over to sponsor Karhoo for a brief presentation. Special guest Commissioner Meera Joshi of the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission also addressed the crowd and answered some audience questions. Avi Mazouz, owner of the Z NYC Hotel and Henry Limousine, was a gracious host.
After grabbing a bite in the hotel’s main dining area and before returning to their daily grind, attendees ascended to a rooftop lounge where they were met with spectacular panoramic views of the New York City skyline.
BCAC President Berj Haroutunian (left) and BCAC Executive Director Ira Goldstein
Check out the next issue of Chauffeur Driven for more pictures from the event.
In other news, Ira Goldstein was recently honored by New York-focused magazine City & State NY for his work with The Black Car Fund. Its annual award series showcase the outstanding accomplishments of leading corporations and executives in the field of corporate social responsibility. Goldstein accepted the award at the CSR Awards: Banking, Finance and Insurance, which took place at the New York Law School on Monday. Goldstein has been a passionate advocate for the city’s black car industry for decades.
Visit nybcac.org for more information.
[CD0516]