- Details
- Category: Industry News
L to R: Jeff Schmidt of Research Underwriters, Alan Candeub of Park Avenue Limousine, Ryan McTiernan of Lancer Insurance, and Steve Rhoads of Rhoads Limousine Service
Ridley Park, Pa.—The Philadelphia Regional Limousine Association (PRLA) welcomed close to 50 members and guests at its summer meeting on July 10 for a casual evening of networking at Stinger’s Waterfront. CD Director of Events Jess Pavlow and Editor Rob Smentek were among those in attendance for the event, which was sponsored by Lancer Insurance and Prevost/Volvo motorcoaches.
After kicking things off with an open-bar cocktail hour, PRLA President Johnny Donohoe of Sterling Limousine welcomed the group, which included operators spanning the Northeast corridor. Pledging to keep things short and casual, Donohoe then welcomed association Treasurer Bob Euler Jr. of King Limousine, who delivered some excellent news in regard to the organization’s financial situation. After settling with their former lobbyist, the PRLA’s coffers are in the black and the outlook for the future remains positive.
The PRLA members and guests at Stinger’s Waterfront
Euler also provided an overview of recent developments with the Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) and the Philadelphia International Airport. First, he informed the operators that there is a “crackdown” in place at the airport. In April, more than 20 chauffeurs were ticketed for solicitation and parking in the cell phone lot. As the chauffeurs are the ones receiving tickets, as opposed to the operation, Euler encouraged members to be vigilant so that any unpaid tickets don’t penalize the companies down the line. Also, he revealed that the PPA is proposing levying $2.50 per trip fee on TNCs. While parity with Uber and its ilk is far from imminent, the PRLA Board supports of this fee, which puts them on a path toward a level playing field.
CD Show pass winner Tyrone Gale with CD Director of Events Jess Pavlow
Next, Secretary Tracy Salinger from Unique Limousine introduced sponsors Jay Snead from Prevost/Volvo and Ryan McTiernan from Lancer Insurance, who each spoke briefly about the services they offer the industry. Salinger then told attendees that the PRLA was donating $500 to a GoFundMe set up for Statement Limousine in Sheffield, Ohio, whose operation was devastated by a fire. She encouraged members to donate as well.
After Donohoe made his closing remarks, longtime PRLA member Dennis Adams of Celebrity Limousines bid the group an emotional farewell, as he is retiring and heading for warmer climates. Finally, the meeting concluded with a raffle of a pass to the 2019 Chauffeur Driven Show in Boston. The winner was Tyrone Gale, who is returning to chauffeured ground transportation after a short break away from the industry.
PRLA’s next meeting is scheduled for September 25, at a location to be determined.
Visit prlainc.com for more information.
[CD0719]
- Details
- Category: Industry News
PBA Executive Director Patricia Cowley
Easton, Pa.— Chairman of the Pennsylvania Bus Association (PBA) John Bailey recently named Patricia Cowley as the new Executive Director of the Association. The announcement was made at the PBA’s annual meeting in Atlantic City, N.J., this past June.
Cowley stated the following:
“As the Pennsylvania Bus Association has been doing great things for the industry, I am excited about this opportunity to bring my energy and skills into the mix. My initial primary goals are to increase awareness of the value of the association to operators, and to enhance the existing programs and processes for the benefits of the members.
A little more about me: I have been actively involved in the related activities of the bus industry since the early ‘90s, and also serve as the executive director of the Greater New Jersey Motorcoach Association. My initial introduction was through Charter Partners. We managed a very large purchasing program for transportation clients throughout the mid-Atlantic and Midwest regions. I was involved in the development of an industry peer group called Motorcoach Partners with Integrity (MPI). During my involvement with MPI, I have facilitated all aspects of group management. I developed several cooperative purchasing programs, including the purchase of fuel and other common supplies. From an educational value perspective, I have organized events for our members’ safety leaders, drivers, mechanics, human resource personnel, and the owners.
I also bring experience working with a board of directors. I currently serve as the secretary for the Cooperative Partnership Insurance Company, domiciled in Vermont. I have fulfilled this role since 2005. Part of my responsibilities include generating board and committee agendas, meeting material development and distribution, including post-meeting material, follow-up on deliverables, coordinating meeting arrangements, and corresponding with state legislators and attorneys. I have my bachelor’s degree in business administration, and an accounting degree.
I am looking forward to making some positive changes in addition to the initial primary goals stated above. In line with the PBA objectives, these will include recruitment of additional members and enhancing communications to bring more value to the membership. Further, these initiatives will include implementation of consistent, informative communications utilizing email, tapping into social media, enhancing the website and databases, exploring industry topics for educational purposes, and interaction with other transportation industry leaders and contacts.”
PBA was founded in 1923 and represents motorcoach operators, associate members, and travel supplier members.
For any additional information, contact Bailey at either jbailey@baileycoach.com or 717.718.0490, ext. 117.
Visit pabus.org for more information.
[CD0719]
- Details
- Category: Industry News
RoadStallion custom Sprinter
Easton, Md.—Luxury chauffeured group transportation provider RoadStallion recently announced its expansion into five new markets: Nashville, Chicago, Los Angeles, Baltimore/Washington, and Central Wisconsin. Customized RoadStallion Sprinters are also available in NYC, Atlanta, Tampa, and at every major U.S. event venue, since RoadStallion operating partners bring the fleet to the venue city to serve clients attending those events.
Together, with its operating partners in each market, RoadStallion arranges transportation on a personalized, bespoke basis to fit each customer’s requirements. These include exclusive ground transportation packages for premium events such as the Kentucky Derby, The Breeders’ Cup, The Masters, NBA All-Star game, NCAA Final
Four, CMA Awards, and major PGA events. Clients can also book a customized Dream Golf Day in a RoadStallion to 5-star golfing venues throughout the country.
Interior of a RoadStallion Sprinter
“A few reasons operators choose to partner with us is because we help drive business to our operating partners beyond what they generate on their own,” says Executive Vice President of RoadStallion Steve Duncan. “We also share the risk and reward of success without interfering with our operating partners’ complete control over the
deployment, positioning, and pricing of the services they provide using RoadStallions.”
RoadStallion describes their vehicles as highly differentiated, which allows their operating partners to compete more effectively in their markets and earn greater margins.
“We believe in the strength and power of the ‘wow factor’ in our business, says Anuj Patel of Pontarelli Companies. “It starts with our customer service and ends with our chauffeurs and vehicles. The RoadStallion provides that wow factor every single time someone uses it—or even just sees it for the first time. The RoadStallion team is hands-on and has been with us every single step of the way to ensure the perfect experience for us and all of our customers.”
Visit roadstallion.com for more information.
[CD0719]