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Each year, there are three surefire signs that autumn has arrived: the leaves are on the ground, pumpkin-spice flavor can’t be escaped, and the CD/NLA Show is here. On November 17-18, we’re proud to bring you our first online event, CD/NLA Virtual, which is now less than a week away! While we’re certainly disappointed that the pandemic is keeping us from seeing our friends, colleagues, and peers in person, the CD/NLA Education Committee, co-chaired by Tracy Raimer of Windy City Limousine & Bus and Jason Sharenow of Broadway Elite Worldwide, has assembled an itinerary of sessions and speakers that is on par with our tried-and-true fall event.
CD/NLA Virtual Mentor and NextGen duos
And speaking of tried-and-true, we know there is programming that you anticipate each year at our shows, which is why we’re putting a virtual spin on the perennial favorite Operator Mentoring Program. Every year, operators register from around the world to spend some time learning and sharing with an industry leader. Mark your calendar for Wednesday, November 18 at 4:15 p.m., as we have 14 of luxury ground transportation’s best and brightest who are looking to share their experience and best practices with you. And like last year, NextGen operators will be included in each mentor’s virtual “room” to share their perspectives and help contribute to the dialogue. As each mentor-NextGen duo is limited to 15 attendees, the Mentoring Program requires pre-registration at cdnlavirtual.com and is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
This year’s mentors and NextGens are:
- Robert Alexander of RMA Worldwide/Christina Zanone of Beau Wine Tours
- Sam Amato of Gateway Global/Fernando Carlison of Mundi Limousine
- Darrell Anderson of A-National Limousine Service/Zena Kulikowska of Global Alliance
- Brett Barenholtz of Boston Car Service/Above All Transportation/Jay Erlich of Europe Limousine
- Maurice Brewster of Mosaic Global/Vojkan Tasic of Limos4
- Eric Devlin of Premier Transportation/Chelsea Candeub of Park Avenue Limousine
- Carey Fieldhouse of Pegasus Global/Jason Messenger of BBZ Limousine
- Diane Forgy of Overland Chauffeured Services/Anthony Asaro of Desert Rose Worldwide
- Athena Grimm of BAC Transportation/Yoalli Garcia of Godandi & Sons
- George Jacobs of Windy City Limousine & Bus/Hashim Abdi of Mint Worldwide
- Jason Kaplan of The Driver Provider/Tamekius Breland of Certified Worldwide Transportation
- Dawson Rutter of Commonwealth Worldwide/Evan Blanchette of VIP Global
- Douglas Schwartz of Executive Ground Transportation/Chrissi Tessaro of Bakersfield Limousine & Transportation
- Rick Versace of A1A Airport & Limousine Service/Kevin Duff of Signature Transportation
Now, more than ever, is the time to benefit from operators who have made it through the toughest times—and to hear the great ideas that their NextGen counterparts are suggesting. Registration for the mentoring event closes on Monday, November 16. Don’t miss out.
In past e-news articles, we’ve discussed the classroom-type sessions and education at CD/NLA Virtual, but if you’re more interested in open-forum discussions, we’re also offering four different breakout sessions that let you learn in a looser, conversational online environment. On Tuesday, November 17 at 5:30 p.m., we have two different breakout sessions to choose from. The first deals with the always complex and ever-changing world of insurance, while the other session is a first for a CD/NLA event as we go Live From the Garage for a real-time maintenance discussion. On Wednesday at 1:00 p.m., we have another pair of breakouts geared toward learning from your peers. Our NextGen operators are back to discuss the challenges and advantages they face as the younger side of the business, while at the same time, the Ask the NLA Board breakout gives you a chance to get the lowdown on NLA initiatives and plans for the future. Moderated by NLA President Robert Alexander, this panel will feature a who’s who of NLA Board members, including Gary Buffo, Laura Canady, Jeff Greene, Kevin Illingworth, Joe Ironi, Jason Kaplan, Tracy Raimer, Douglas Schwartz, and Rick Versace.
It wouldn’t be a CD/NLA event without our world-class networking opportunities and fun. So, with that in mind, we’re putting the finishing touches on an event that will bring a bit of the CD/NLA nightlife into your desktop. In addition to some rib-tickling entertainment, we’re planning a spirited networking event–with emphasis on spirits—that will give you a chance to network in a Zoom setting with a group of randomly selected operators. Then after 15 minutes or so, our randomizer will place you in another room, so you can catch up with old friends or meet new ones.
As always, a special heartfelt thanks to our growing list of sponsors, including Platinum Sponsors Ford-Lincoln Limousine & Livery Vehicles and Lancer Insurance; Gold Sponsor Chosen Payments; Silver Sponsors Curtis Gabriel and Cadillac; and Bronze Sponsors Boston Car Service/Above All Transportation, The Driver Provider, and Dolphin Transportation Specialists. We thank you for your continued support of our events and industry.
Visit cdnlavirtual.com for more information.
[11.11.20]
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Amid freezing temperatures and rolling blackouts in the Midwest, the Illinois Limousine & Bus Association (ILLBA) held its monthly Coffee With ILLBA meeting via Zoom on February 16. Featuring a look at the state of the industry, courtesy of regulatory expert Matt Daus of Windels Marx, the educational seminar was attended by operators from around the world.
Matt Daus of Windels Marx
ILLBA President Art Rento of Pontarelli Companies welcomed attendees and noted that the monthly series has “grown into a positive industry movement” and looks forward to offering more free content to ILLBA members and guests in the future. Wasting no time, Vice President Tracy Raimer of Windy City Limousine & Bus introduced Daus and his session, entitled State of the Limo and Bus Industry: Business Opportunities, Legal Options, Labor Impact, and Getting Involved With ILLBA.
With the industry struggling due to the pandemic, and corporate travel facing a slow comeback, Daus loaded much of his meeting with business opportunities available to operators. According to Daus, corporate shuttle solutions are a realistic alternative to public transit, as the cleanliness and distancing afforded by luxury vehicles will offer businesses and the workforce safety and peace of mind. Package delivery is another way that operators have gotten their vehicles back on the road, as evidenced in large cities like New York.
No doubt about it, vaccines are THE hot topic, both in and out of the industry. As rollout has begun with some success across the country, the vaccination of the public is the number-one indicator for confidence in travel booking. As such, Daus has been a leading advocate for all for-hire chauffeurs to receive prioritized vaccinations, and has garnered support from all of the New York mayoral candidates. He encouraged industry leaders to lobby for Phase 1B vaccination as an essential service, and advised operators to promote chauffeur and/or company-wide vaccination in their marketing.
With PPP 2.0 ending on March 31, Daus fielded questions about the program, and provided some differentiation between it and EIDL loans. Next he explained the benefit of doing due diligence when seeking M&A options, and explained some of the benefits of the new Subchapter V bankruptcy regulations. (Note: the expanded debt threshold in the Subchapter V closes on March 27, 2021.)
Since AB5 and Prop 22 passed in California last year, Daus has kept a close eye on the effect of this legislation nationwide. According to his session, no fewer than six states are pursuing AB5-like laws, which would make all gig workers independent contractors (New York, New Jersey, Oregon, Wisconsin, Washington, and Pennsylvania). As these laws are largely “not if, but when”, Daus promoted the value of organizations like the New York Black Car Fund, which offers ICs full workers’ comp benefits (which are not seen under AB5).
To end his program, Daus advocated that members assist ILLBA through grassroots lobbying efforts. Spreading industry information to lobby organizations and local/state representatives is key to make legislature aware of industry causes and struggles. Daus also promoted his piece in February’s Chauffeur Driven, which takes a close look at whether operators in the post-pandemic market should buy, sell, or retire.
A full recording of the February Coffee With ILLBA is available by clicking here.
Visit illinoislimousineassociation.com for more information.
[02.19.21]
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Newly elected VLA Board
The Virginia Limousine Association (VLA) has reported that they are back in action. On November 9, the association held a membership meeting at the Holiday Inn Chantilly Expo Center in Chantilly, Va. Operators and vendors from throughout Virginia and Maryland were in attendance for the event, which included plenty of industry discussion and the election of its new Board of Directors.
The new VLA Board includes:
President: Bill Kerr of Camryn Executive Transportation
Vice President: Paul Walsh of Superior Executive Transportation
Treasurer: Hope Newcomb of James Limousine
Secretary: Glenn Stafford of Love Limousine
Sergeant of Arms: Antoine Dagner of Ambassador Limousine
With Walsh taking a new role, the VLA membership was quick to show their appreciation for the hard work and support the long-time president demonstrated over the years.
“We would also add our heartfelt thanks to outgoing President Paul Walsh who has led the VLA these past few years. His tireless efforts on behalf of the industry in Virginia, such as serving on task forces and reaching out to various legislators, have produced many positive results,” says Stafford.
During the meeting, the VLA Board confirmed plans to temporarily eliminate dues for all legal luxury ground transportation companies that operate within the commonwealth.
Every four years, the Presidential inauguration means cars on the road for Virginia/Maryland area operators, so it goes without saying that planning for January’s big event was a chief topic at the meeting. While it’s uncertain what effect the pandemic will have on the festivities, the association is planning ahead in anticipation for the event. The association also discussed plans for the upcoming Richmond Tacky Lights tour, an annual tradition that attracts visitors from all over the region who are eager for some illuminated Christmas cheer.
And, with the holidays on their mind, the VLA announced that they will host their annual holiday party on December 1 at Ristorante Renato in Fredericksburg, Va.
Visit virginialimousineassociation.org for more information.
[11.10.20]