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- Category: Industry News
CD Earbud winner Josi Roessner of Sterling Limousine
For their Wednesday, July 17, meeting the Philadelphia Regional Limousine Association (PRLA) returned to Peppers By Amedeo's in King of Prussia. More than 30 members and guests from the tri-state region were in attendance, including CD Editor Rob Smentek. The evening was sponsored by Fred Beans Ford of Doylestown.
L to R: PRLA Vice President Bob Euler, Jr. of King Limousine, Vendor Director John Arone of Transportation Insurance Brokers, Board Member Claribel Ortiz of Trophy Limousine, President Tony Viscusi of Global Limousine Service, Secretary Tracy Salinger of Unique Limousine, Board Member Ryan Shaer of Ace Limousine, and CD Editor Rob Smentek
PRLA President Tony Viscusi of Global Limousine Service began the proceedings by welcoming members and introducing Chris Burns from Fred Beans. Burns and his associates brought five new vehicles with him, ranging from a Ford Transit executive van to the latest Cadillac offerings.
Prior to dinner, Ron Robinson of Sterling Limousine provided a brief update on what’s happening at Philadelphia International Airport. He was happy to report that airport officials are cracking down on illegal operators, with two drivers recently taken away in handcuffs. Robinson said that officers are checking manifests to weed out the bad actors, so he advised PRLA members to have any necessary “paperwork” handy.
L to R: Josi Roessner of Sterling Limousine; Briana Candeub, Quin Morgan, Aimee-lea Gebauer, and Chelsea Candeub of Park Avenue Limousine; Claribel Ortiz of Trophy Limousine; and Tracy Salinger of Unique Limousine
PRLA Board Member Clarabel Ortiz of Trophy Limousine then shared the news that the Delaware River Port Authority has approved increasing tolls for four Philly-bound bridges (Ben Franklin, Walt Whitman, Betsy Ross, and Commodore Barry) to $6 per trip for sedans and SUVs. This will go into effect on September 1, 2024.
Chris Burns of Fred Beans Ford of Doylestown (left) and PRLA President Tony Viscusi of Global Limousine Service
Next, Mike Baretto of Metropolis Passenger Logistic spoke to the attendees about the events coming into Philadelphia in the summer of 2026. While still two years away, travel inquiries are starting to be made for the MLB All-Star Game, FIFA World Cup, and the 250th anniversary of our country, not to mention the fact that Norwegian Cruise Lines will soon be operating out of the city’s Navy Yard. Baretto encouraged PRLA members to begin planning and working together for what will be an exciting 90 days for Philadelphia, particularly since the area seems to be experiencing a dearth of conventions and major events.
Anthony Onorata of Anthony Limousine checking out the new Cadillac LYRIQ
Lastly, new affiliate member Japneet Suri from Executive CLS in Maryland addressed the group about getting special permits to operate in D.C. during the upcoming Presidential Inauguration in 2025. He provided a brief overview of the complicated red tape involved with moving passengers within the nation’s capital. He invited PRLA members to attend the Maryland Livery Association’s next meeting on August 20 at Jimmy’s Famous Seafood in Baltimore, as representatives from D.C. will be on hand to answer questions about the permits, licensing, and more.
July’s PRLA meeting welcomed more than 30 members and guests
Before concluding for the evening, two sets of Chauffeur Driven earbuds were raffled off, and were won by Josi Roessner of Sterling Limousine and Chris Burns from Fred Beans. The next PRLA meeting is scheduled for September 18 and will feature a guest lecturer from the insurance industry.
Visit prlainc.org for more information.
[07.22.24]
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- Category: Industry News
My Limousine Service VP Jay Gogel
My Limousine Service is proud to announce that Vice President Jay Gogel is celebrating 20 years with the company. Starting as a reservationist with the business based in Mount Olive, N.J., Gogel has played a key role in building the My Limo’s worldwide service and affiliate program, forging relationships with partners globally. This has allowed the company to offer high-quality transportation in over 700 cities.
Currently, Gogel oversees My Limo’s accounting department and chauffeur payroll. He is also deeply passionate about customer service, he says, handling client services and feedback with dedication.
“I’m both thrilled and humbled to carry on the legacy my family started decades ago. I couldn’t do what I do without the support of our amazing team, who I have been fortunate to work with for many years,” says Gogel.
In his free time, Gogel enjoys long walks with his wife Karen, and dog Bowie, listening to podcasts, and occasionally playing in active bands.
Visit mylimo.com for more information.
[07.16.24]
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Participants from around the country logged into Zoom for Illinois Limousine and Bus Association’s (ILLBA’s) latest Coffee With ILLBA webinar on Tuesday, July 16. This free online forum for news and education has been going strong since early 2020 and attracts association members and non-members alike. This month’s topic, Engage and Grow Your Customer Base With Low-Cost Marketing Ideas, came courtesy of ILLBA Director James Jordan of Lux Tux Transportation.
With a background in marketing, Jordan revealed several low-cost (and even no-cost) tips to expand your business locally. Revealing that he’s never spent more than $500/month on advertising, Jordan emphasized the importance of consistent, professional branding on marketing materials, whether it’s business cards, posters, or even Facebook posts. Something as simple as putting your location on business cards can be a game-changer when meeting new clients or affiliates, he stressed. Jordan also recommended finding local business by putting a poster in another high-traffic business, such as a car wash. For under $300/year, he’s found this to be an incredibly profitable way to meet and keep local clients.
ILLBA Director James Jordan of Lux Tux Transportation
Another important marketing tactic includes finding a niche for your business; in Jordan’s case, he started his company by marketing to single professional women who may have been uncomfortable with TNCs. Jordan also recommended working with local charities by donating trips. Jordan also mentioned the value of (free) Facebook posts and encouraged the attendees to “religiously” promote events in their area (e.g., sports, concerts, holiday light tours). He shared examples of digital graphics that promoted Chicagoland events like Lollapalooza.
Before concluding, Jordan discussed the value of the Affiliate Central Global Forum, held at CD/NLA Shows, which gives operators the opportunity to meet with representatives from companies around the globe. Again, he recommended that owners be prepared with professional looking marketing materials/cards that contain as much information as possible about their companies. QR codes and photos only increase the potential value of the materials being distributed.
ILLBA makes all their Coffee With ILLBA webinars available for free on their YouTube channel. Click here to access the library of videos.
The next Coffee With ILLBA session is scheduled to be held Tuesday, September 17 at 10:00 a.m. CT.
Visit illba.org for more information.
[07.16.24]