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NELA President Jason Dornhoffer of United Private Car (left) with GBTA COO/Executive Director Scott Solombrino
Boston —When the New England Livery Association (NELA) hosted a breakfast meeting at the CD/NLA Show October 14, it brought along a guest speaker who held the rapt attention of the nearly 100 association members and supporters who came from all across the country to fill up the meeting space.
After NELA Executive Director Rick Szilagyi opened up the meeting by thanking attendees and the day’s sponsors (Lancer Insurance, Research Underwriters, and Vehicle Tracking Solutions) alike, he discussed the three primary tenets of the association: advocacy, fostering a sense of community within the industry, and providing education to members for the benefit of the overall luxury ground transportation landscape.
To underscore the education point, Szilagyi then introduced the meeting’s featured speaker Andrew Card, who served as Chief of Staff under George W. Bush during September 11, 2001, and was thrust into the national spotlight after the iconic image spread of him notifying the then-president about the attacks while Bush read to a classroom of second-grade children.
NELA Executive Director Rick Szilagyi
“I wanted to be the Chief of Staff nobody knew, I wanted to be Mr. Invisible,” Card began. “Then September 11 happened, and everyone knows me: I’m the guy who whispered in the president’s ear.”
Card then spoke for the majority of the meeting, detailing what the day was like from the president’s and his perspective, focusing on the lessons he learned about leadership under pressure and effective management in the face of a crisis. He began by recalling the feelings that the terrorist attack invoked in every American that day, then asked the audience to consider what it was like to grapple with that helplessness, horror, and confusion as a citizen while still successfully upholding the duties of the presidential office.
He detailed how the day began unassumingly enough, right on down to a morning CIA briefing that suggested nothing was out of the ordinary—except for news of a plane crash in New York City, the details of which were still vague and seemingly unremarkable beyond a U.S. Navy captain’s report attributing the accident to a small twin-propeller airplane.
What the president and his staff first assumed was a pilot who suffered a mid-air heart attack and subsequently crashed into a New York City building soon crystalized into something far more deliberate and sinister as news started pouring in. Card knew he was obligated to update President Bush on the dire developments, referring to his government-issued “What to do in case of…” card and relying on his experience to inform the Commander in Chief without visibly alarming him or the youngsters in his company, or encouraging a prolonged dialogue that would only rouse everyone’s suspicions that something was horribly wrong.
Members of the NELA Executive Board with the meeting’s guest speaker Andrew Card (center)
“I knew I had to be cool, calm, and collected to do the job right when I walked into the room,” Card recalled. “When the students bent down to retrieve their copies of ‘My Pet Goat,’ I went to him and said ‘A second plane hit the towers. America is under attack.’ Then I walked away. And the president did nothing to scare those second-graders or betray what he must have been thinking to the media present as we figured out how to exit without causing a scene.”
Card, the president, and the rest of the staff and Secret Service soon headed back to D.C., unaware that the reason they couldn’t get in touch with the Department of Defense was because the Pentagon was also hit until they flew over the billowing plumes of acrid smoke in a Marine One that was flying at tree-level zig-zags so as to avoid any possible missile strikes that may be targeting the president’s plane. After delivering a short address on the White House’s South Lawn, President Bush, Card, and others were ushered into a bunker deep below 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., where they would remain until they received the all-clear.
“September 11 changed everything and we’re still dealing with it,” Card said. “But it was September 14 that was my most memorable day as Chief of Staff. That was the day the president addressed each cabinet member before him, reminding them that we are at war but that we still have to govern in these times.”
Three days later, Card accompanied the president on a trip to Ground Zero after President Bush demanded that everyone who attended that morning’s CIA briefing detail how they were going to prevent another attack on American soil, as that would also be the FBI’s new mission. In New York City, Card described a scene of hope amid chaos, with families of missing medical professionals, firemen, police, first responders, search crews, and civilians crowding the Wall Street area for any shred of news that would allay their fears. Card recalled how the president refused to treat the scene like a press opportunity or be sheltered from the full scope of the tragedy, as President Bush “took pictures with anyone who asked, pet every search-and-rescue dog, and thanked everyone he spoke with during those two hours of hugs, prayers, and tears.”
Andrew Card, former Chief of Staff for President George W. Bush, was the featured speaker at NELA’s breakfast meeting at the CD/NLA Show in Boston October 14
But it was an intimate moment between President Bush and a hopeful mother that stayed with Card and, in his eyes, exemplified what a leader is supposed to do in emotional times.
“As we’re getting ready to leave, a woman who had been one of the first people the president greeted when he approached him, looked into his eyes, and held out her hand. ‘Mr. President, this is my son’s badge. His name is George Howard. Don’t ever forget him.’ And with tears streaming down his cheeks—everyone was crying—the president took George’s badge, squeezed it, looked at this small, courageous woman, and said, ‘Mrs. Howard, America will forget. They’ll start to move on. But don’t worry about me. I will never forget George Howard’,” Card remembered.
He added that when they returned to Marine One at the end of the day, Card and the president sat across from each other and Card mused that President Bush “did everything a president is supposed to do in just one day: He changed the mission of the FBI, governed in a time of war, prayed with citizens, told the world they’ll hear us, and comforted the victims.”
Card then turned the topic to the politics of today, an environment he called “toxic” but not without hope. He left his audience with a message of how anyone can stand up and be a leader, role model, and catalyst for positive change even in the most difficult times.
“If you’re a cynic, chances are that you’re not listening,” he observed. “Our democracy is THE democracy for the world. Our democracy is tarnished right now, and it’s up to you to polish it.”
The next NELA meeting will be its December 10 holiday meeting.
Visit nelivery.org for more information.
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Boston — With on-point education and speakers, an action-packed show floor, electric nightlife, and an unforgettable charity event (including our first ever Hall of Fame induction), we’ve put the wraps on the 2019 CD/NLA Show, held October 13-16 at the Westin Boston Waterfront. Many thanks to all of the attendees, exhibitors, speakers, moderators, mentors, committee members, and sponsors—including Title Sponsors Ford-Lincoln Limousine & Livery Vehicles and Grech Motors—for making the show possible!
Over 1,700 industry professionals from around the globe were in attendance, which not only gave us the opportunity to meet countless new faces, but also let us reconnect and spend time with many of our long-standing industry friends and peers. As the first show to be produced along with our new partners in the NLA, we couldn’t be prouder of the overwhelmingly positive feedback we’ve received—both during and after the show. Special kudos to the dynamic duo of Director of Events Jess Pavlow and new Events Coordinator Alyssa Penecale, who worked tirelessly to make our event in Boston an enormous success.
Our stellar CD/NLA Show Education Committee—led by co-chairs Jason Sharenow of Broadway Elite Worldwide and Tracy Raimer of Windy City Limousine & Bus—put together a curriculum that was loaded with timely and valuable sessions that proved to be beneficial to operators of all sizes and markets. Whether it was creating longevity for your team, getting the low-down on social media for your business, or even taking part in the rousing and competitive Owner’s Game, the Boston show was loaded with immediate takeaway designed to improve your operation.
“This was my first time attending a Chauffeur Driven Show and I was blown away. From the networking to the educational courses, overall it was a great experience,” said Aaron Teich of The Driver Provider.
But, as always, networking was the name of the game, as opportunities to share and learn among peers were in abundance. Dedicated events like our bustling Affiliate Central Global Partner Forum, perennial favorite Operator Mentoring Program, and our always-popular Women in the Industry Networking Breakfast were all met with raves from our attendees. Moreover, the Association Summit highlighted the advocacy and efforts made on behalf of the industry by the leaders from industry associations around the country. With this lineup, and ample opportunity for some face-to-face time at the Westin’s lobby bar or restaurants, Chauffeur Driven Show veterans and newcomers alike were sure to make some fresh connections.
“Chauffeur Driven has created an event that was just as rewarding to the newcomers like myself as it is to the long-time companies that have attended in the past. The networking opportunities that I was able to experience still have me answering emails from prospective affiliates from around the globe,” said Joseph Robinson of Best in Chauffeur.
“Great association summit!” said Christina Davis of the Dallas Fort Worth Limousine and Motorcoach Association. “Thank you to everyone for sharing what your associations are working on, and your ideas for increasing membership.”
While the convenience provided by the Westin Boston Waterfront and the connected Boston Convention & Exhibition Center no doubt contributed to the traffic seen on this year’s enormous show floor, lunches, and a centralized bar area certainly added to the fun. In addition, the Digital Passport promotion was an instant success, giving operators an extra bit of encouragement to get some face time with new vendors, while earning the chance to win a pass and accommodations to all CD/NLA events in 2020. Congrats to Britt Kirk of All Points Limousine, who hustled her way to winning the $4,000 grand prize. After a long day of education and walking the show floor, the NLA lounge offered attendees a place to recharge their batteries—literally and figuratively. Comfy seats offered folks the chance to rest their legs while a charging station let them juice up their phones.
“I have two words to describe 2019 Chauffeur Driven Show: ABSOLUTELY AMAZING,” said Ariadna Noches of Mundi Limousine. “Great location, and the content of the sessions and show floor were great, too.”
The networking and camaraderie continued into sundown as our always-popular nightlife events raised the roof. On Sunday evening, attendees were welcomed into the Westin’s outdoor pavilion for a jam-packed Opening Night Reception sponsored by Mercedes-Benz. Then on Monday, it was game on when the hotel’s grand ballroom was host to a one-of-a-kind tailgating party, courtesy of Above All Transportation/ Boston Car. Attendees got to show off their favorite local sports jersey while playing arcade-style games and watching Monday Night Football on a big screen.
A true highpoint of the show was Chauffeur Driven’s Hall of Fame Dinner & Charity Auction. In 2019, it was all about the kids, as CD and charity dinner co-sponsors Aadvanced Limousine and Chosen Payments were thrilled to have partnered with Ronald McDonald House Charities as our spotlight cause. We are proud to announce that we raised close to $130,000 at this year’s event, thanks to the staggering generosity of our attendees, item donors, and CD Charity Committee, not to mention the lightning-fast calling of guest auctioneer Paul Thompson of Accent New Mexico.
However, our most impactful event of the show got better with the introduction of new tradition: the Chauffeur Driven Hall of Fame. For our inaugural event, we honored six trailblazers whose influence has been felt industrywide: Sam Amato of Gateway Global, Barbara Chirico of Gem Limousine, Ed Grech of Grech Motors, George Jacobs of Windy City Limousine & Bus, Dawson Rutter of Commonwealth Worldwide, and David Seelinger of EmpireCLS Worldwide. Between the support for Ronald McDonald House and the heartfelt speeches delivered by our honorees, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house by the dinner’s end.
“The Chauffeur Driven Show was a fantastic networking experience and I’m so thankful that I could attend,” said Wendy Kleefisch of Brevard Executive Limousine. “The charity event was a night to remember, as the Ronald McDonald House is a beautiful charity. I can’t wait to see what CD has in store for us next—I’m sure it will be great!”
If you missed this fall’s CD Show in Boston, have no fear. Things are already revving up for the debut of the new CD/NLA Show in Las Vegas, our inaugural co-produced event for the global transportation community. Themed “New Horizons,” that’s exactly what you can expect with our bigger and bolder debut event. The beautiful Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino is the place to be this February 23-26, 2020. We’re especially excited to have best-selling author and #1 sales coach Grant Cardone as our keynote at the Vegas event!
“This show is the best opportunity to grow your business! Global contacts, excellent guidance, and a show with every product you will even need to be successful. The best education for the money,” said Bruce Adcox of Agenda: USA.
Visit chauffeurdrivenshow.com for more information.
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Marlton, N.J. — Chauffeur Driven and the National Limousine Association (NLA) are pleased to announce that the World’s #1 Sales Trainer Grant Cardone will be the keynote speaker at the inaugural CD/NLA Show, held February 23-26 at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. In what is being called the most exciting and dynamic keynote to be held in our industry, Cardone will inspire and electrify the attendees with secrets from his renowned 10X growth strategy. Thanks to our friends at Grech Motors for sponsoring this incredible keynote.
International speaker, entrepreneur, and New York Times best-selling author Cardone owns and operates seven privately held companies and a $1.4B portfolio of multifamily properties. Named the #1 marketer to watch by Forbes Magazine, he is also the founder of the 10X Movement and the 10 Growth Conference, which is recognized as the world’s largest business and entrepreneur conference.
Following the success of his best-selling book The 10X Rule in 2011, Cardone then launched the 10X Growth Conference in 2017, a three-day event that has garnered a devoted following among entrepreneurs around the world. The third annual 10X Growth Conference held in Miami in February 2019 attracted more than 35,000 people.
Cardone’s 10X philosophy has helped tens of thousands meet their goals in business and in life. In short, shooting for average is a recipe for failure. By asserting 10 times the relevant effort than most people, you will condition your mind and business for success. Cardone’s keynote will put you on the road to 10X your profits and expand your business in scale.
In addition to Cardone’s rousing keynote address, Chauffeur Driven and the NLA are thrilled to offer attendees two exclusive and limited VIP experiences that will give you face time with the entrepreneurial expert. On Monday, February 24, at 4 p.m., we’re inviting a select number of attendees to take part in the Grant Cardone Platinum VIP Experience. For just $500, you will receive front-row reserved seating for the keynote, an exclusive photo op with Cardone, along with a copy of each of his three best-selling books, with one signed.
And for die-hard fans of the motivational speaker, we’re offering up the Diamond VIP Experience, which gives you the photo op and the books, but also the chance to enjoy lunch with Cardone. While you break bread, you will tap into the power of networking and learn from the sales and marketing wizard. This exclusive event is available for $1000, and is strictly limited to 10 seats.
If you’re interested in either VIP Experience, sign up today. Spots are very limited and these will sell out quickly. When they are gone, they’re gone. Registration for the show and hotel blocks are now open at cdnlashow.com. To take part in the VIP Experiences, call 856-334-1753 today.
In the coming weeks, we’ll have lots more to share about the CD/NLA Vegas show, so check our website, social media, and future e-newsletters for more announcements.
Visit cdnlashow.com for more information.
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