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NELA Executive Director Rick Szilagyi
Boston—Both the New England Livery Association (NELA) and The Transportation Alliance (formerly the Taxicab, Limousine & Paratransit Association) were represented at a July 23 hearing on behalf of two house bills that each entity supports.
NELA Executive Director Rick Szilagyi was joined by The Alliance’s Executive Vice President John Boit (who’s also Senior Founding Partner of its PR firm Melwood Global) and President-Elect Tom Arrighi of A &A Metro Transportation at the Massachusetts State House last week to speak in favor of each proposal.
The Transportation Alliance President-Elect Tom Arrighi of A & A Metro TransportationThe trio testified on behalf of HB-1066, which would require the fingerprinting of TNC drivers, and HB-943, which would establish a commission to examine transportation fees, with a proposed amendment to add a representative of each industry group (taxicabs, luxury ground transportation, hackneys, and TNCs) to the commission.
The Transportation Alliance Executive Vice President John BoitThe amendment currently reads as follows:
“There shall be a commission which shall study the state and local fees assessed to transportation for hire companies and services including taxis, livery, hackneys and transportation network companies. The commission shall further study the relation of fees to congestion. The members of the commission shall be as follows: the secretary of the department of transportation, or a designee, who shall be the chair; the secretary of the executive office of energy and environmental affairs, or a designee; the house and senate chairs of the joint committee on transportation; a representative from Massachusetts Municipal Association; a representative of a ride-for-hire or transportation network company; and a member of a consumer group to be appointed by the governor. The commission shall file a report with its findings, including any legislative and regulatory recommendations, with the clerks of the senate and house and representatives not later than December 31, 2020."
Check back with our September issue of Chauffeur Driven for more coverage following NELA’s and the Alliance’s advocacy efforts on behalf of these bills.
Visit nelivery.org or thetransportationalliance.org for more information about either organization.
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Marlton, N.J.—Although most of the country seems to be stuck in an unending summer heatwave, our thoughts have turned to the fall, more specifically the 2019 CD/NLA Show in Boston held from October 13-16. We’re looking forward to bringing our annual event to the Westin Boston Waterfront for what’s looking to be our biggest and best show yet. Many thanks to our Title Sponsors Ford Lincoln Limousine & Livery and Grech Motors for making the event possible.
As always, you’ll enjoy days of networking opportunities with operators from all around the globe, world-class educational programs and seminars, and a jam-packed show floor, which will—once again—be in one location. This means that everything from your accommodations, to our Affiliate Central Global Partner Forum, to our nightlife and charity auction will be contained all over one roof. Don’t forget, CD has an exclusive room block for the amazing rate of $239 a night—an incredible price for the area. Space is limited and filling up quickly. You won’t want to miss out on this deal. And our early-bird show admission of $295 comes to a close in less than two weeks. Now is the time to register and save some $$!
And speaking of the Affiliate Central Global Partner Forum, year after year, this is among the most popular and well received events at the show. Operators from around the globe literally line up to be the first to have valuable one-on-one time with owners, affiliate managers, and key decision-makers from all major markets, both in the U.S. and internationally.
“The dedicated affiliate programs during the CD shows are, in my opinion, the best way to get face to face with potential partners. I strongly believe the Affiliate Central event at the Chauffeur Driven Show has been important for the growth of our affiliate business both inbound and outbound,” said Ami Nichelson of Omni Limousine.
Scheduled for Tuesday, October 15, at 11:15 a.m, this year’s Affiliate Central—sponsored by Chosen Payments—is tracking to be our biggest forum to date. We’re anticipating more than 70 companies, representing upwards of 20 countries. As such, we’ve dedicated an area on the show floor to accommodate the traffic that this event generates each year. You’ll have plenty of room to table-hop as you get face time with potential new affiliates. Don’t forget to bring those business cards and a killer elevator pitch! Then, after the forum concludes, the show floor will be open for lunch, courtesy of Titus Leasing. If you’re interested in exhibiting in the forum, a few tables/markets will be available before August 1. Contact Director of Events Jess Pavlow at jess@chauffeurdriven.com for more information.
“The Affiliate Central Global Partner Forum was great! I really enjoyed meeting so many partners in a relaxed format,” raved Bruce Adcox of AGENDA: USA.
Meanwhile, CD’s Education Committee has been hard at work assembling a roster of sessions that will inspire why offering instant takeaway for operators of all sizes. Once again, Educational Sponsor FASTTRAK has stepped up to the plate to lend their continued support of the event. For a full look at what we have in store for Boston, visit chauffeurdrivenshow.com/show-info/schedule-at-a-glance.html.
Visit chauffeurdrivenshow.com for more information.
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Leros Point to Point COO Michael Basso
Valhalla, N.Y. — Leros Point to Point is excited to announce the acquisition of AAA Worldwide Transportation. Based out of Clinton, N.J., AAA Worldwide Transportation will continue to operate in its current location for the immediate future. The addition of AAA Worldwide Transportation allows Leros Point to Point to continue to grow its New Jersey footprint.
“We’re very excited about the acquisition. Scott Greenwald and Ken Schapiro have done a great job building an excellent team that provides first-class service. We look forward to continuing that same service while providing AAA customers access to a much larger diverse fleet and worldwide network,” said Leros Point to Point COO Michael Basso.
With the addition of AAA Worldwide Transportation, Leros Point to Point will be adding 30 vehicles and 50 employees, and will operate a diversified fleet of over 375 vehicles within the New York tri-state area consisting of sedans, SUVs, vans, minibuses, and full-size motorcoaches. The combination of Leros Point to Point and AAA Worldwide Transportation will create an extremely competitive organization positioned for greater growth, and with the financial strength to better manage market challenges and weather economic volatility. The winning combination of joint resources will allow both companies to provide a more flexible and efficient customer service model.
AAA Worldwide Transportation GM and Partner Scott Greenwald, said: “It is a great feeling knowing Leros Point to Point is committed to excellence. Ken and I know our customers will enjoy the more diverse product offerings while continuing to receive that personal touch.”
This, of course, is Leros Point to Point’s second acquisition in less than a year. In November 2018, the company announced their purchase of Royal Coachman Worldwide in Denville, N.J. Basso shared his experience with that acquisition during a panel devoted to M&A during May’s Chauffeur Driven Executive Retreat in Austin, Texas.
Visit leroslimo.com for more information.
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