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GOLA President Cliff Wright of Royal Coach and Limousine Orlando, Fla. — The Greater Orlando Limousine Association (GOLA) has been hard at work both for its association members and the community it serves.
President Cliff Wright of Royal Coach and Limousine has been refocusing the meetings on education, networking, and updates about local issues to ensure that Orlando-area operators are keyed into regional concerns while still looking inward to strengthen their companies.
“We’re helping them train their staff and employees to be better than TNCs,” he said. “Having the right vehicles is one thing; it’s the owner’s responsibility to make sure their chauffeurs are professional, on time, look good, and go above and beyond to do their jobs. We try to bring education to every meeting, especially whenever there’s local issues. We have a strong vendor base, which helps when people want to talk about what vehicles are doing well.”
The regional concerns that top GOLA’s list are TNCs’ preferential treatment at the airports and even tourist destinations like Disney Springs, while broader industry concerns include “the skyrocketing cost of insurance.” The association has poured thousands of dollars into fighting TNCs directly, and is now looking to unify with statewide operators to find strength in numbers. Wright says that GOLA has a “good partnership with Rick [Versace] and the Florida Limousine Association,” and the two are exploring a reciprocal membership package.
But it’s not just about business: In the wake of the deadly Hurricane Michael that pummeled the region last month, the association and its immediate past president Isaac Hernandez of Access Transportation of Orlando rallied members to help those still suffering in the aftermath of the third-deadliest hurricane to make landfall in the continental United States.
The “care caravan” comprised a number of vehicles coordinated by Hernandez’s church group, including a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter that GOLA members filled with donations like water, food, and diapers.
“Isaac is one of the most generous guys out there, and he and his son spent a couple days at the donation site,” Wright said. “GOLA sent them with a Sprinter full of requested items. Our members, especially people like Al [Castagna of Quick Transportation] and Marlene [Levin of Sweetwater Limousine], always rise to the occasion.”
GOLA typically convenes on the second Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. but its next meeting will be November 15, when board nominations will be voted on.
Visit getaroundorlando.com for more information.
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Guests mingle at ABC’s open house
Newark, Calif. — ABC Companies’ recently opened service and parts center hosted over 100 guests, including local and national tour, charter, and shuttle operators at its recent open house event. Attendees savored local fare and enjoyed refreshments, while ABC representatives provided guided tours of the new facility along with presentations from on-staff experts and industry vendors. Visitors were also eligible to win a number of great prizes throughout the day. A recognized leader in the sales, service and support of coach and passenger transportation solutions, ABC Companies continues to expand its footprint within the high-growth NorCal region with its new one-stop destination for robust fleet services designed to cover every aspect of equipment care and maintenance for large and small operators.
Located in the heart of the Alameda County’s Tri-Cities area, the new facility is well situated to serve a broad range of customers and to continue to attract new operators to the business.
“This state-of-the-art facility significantly increases our capacity to support customers on a larger, more far-reaching scale,” said ABC Companies Chief Commercial Officer Roman Cornell. “As the market continues to expand, this facility and location will enable ABC to galvanize its leadership position.”
Situated on more than three acres, the 30,000 square foot facility offers:
- Two acres of secure, well-lit, expertly landscaped parking area available for lease to operators
- State-of-the-art diagnostics, maintenance, collision and repair and vehicle care with 14 service bays, two- or three-axle alignment/complete tire service and balancing, and full paint booth and body shop
- A modern, comfortable driver’s lounge, featuring WiFi, work areas, large screen TV, pool table, refreshments, and more
- 6,000 square foot dedicated parts warehouse and distribution center offering ABC’s expansive parts inventory available for counter pickup and shipping
Overhead shot of ABC Companies’ service & parts facility in Newark, Calif.
“Our technical and parts expertise is second to none, and together with our on-site parts warehouse we can help customers improve fleet performance by accelerating repair and service turnaround times,” said O’Connell.“This new location is specifically designed to elevate the customer experience. It has been designed around our customers’ needs by providing support and services that can be scaled to their unique requirements,” stated Cornell.
While the tech-sector demand for employee shuttle programs at surrounding Silicon Valley campuses will benefit from this new location, Mr. Cornell added that a full range of large and small operators can utilize the one-stop facility for all of their service, maintenance and technical needs.
“While we continue to invest in newer, better, and smarter technologies, we never forget our roots and the relationships that are the backbone of ABC Companies. Decades of servicing both large and small operations keep us true to our mission -- being here for all customers, when and where they need us,” commented CEO Dane Cornell.
Visit abc-companies.com for more information.
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Carey Madrid owner Blai Matons poses with the original 1965 Mercedes that he used to start his business.
Frederick, Md. — Carey International, the provider of innovative chauffeured service solutions, customer-centric travel technology, and ground transportation logistics management, announced that it has named a new franchise operation in Madrid, Spain. Carey Limousine Madrid commenced service on November 1, 2018, and is currently accepting reservations for premium Carey services.
The coveted Carey Madrid banner was bestowed upon Blai Limousines, one of the most revered chauffeured transportation providers in Spain, and will now operate as a Carey-branded, independently owned franchise. Founded in 1965, Blai Limousines began supplying premium ground transportation solutions in Barcelona, including chauffeured services for Catalan painter, Salvador Dali, before expanding into additional service territories throughout Spain. Blai Limousines co-founders, Blai Matons and his son Oscar, opened a branch in Madrid in 2014.
"As a ground transportation pioneer in Spain, Blai Limousines was one of the first chauffeured service providers to transport customers with the Mercedes Benz, and was the first company in Spain to offer seven-passenger vehicles and Mercedes stretch limousines," said Sandy Miller, CEO of Carey International. "Offering the only true global franchise network in the ground transportation industry, Carey International engages in a rigorous vetting process to select potential franchisees which can uphold our rigorous standards for safety and reliability. After successfully completing this extensive evaluation period, we are excited to partner with Blai Limousines to make Carey Madrid a reality."
Carey Madrid will specialize in premium executive and leisure transportation, and offer point-to-point transfer services, to and from any destination, including airports, hotels, resorts, and convention centers. As-directed service chartered hourly and city-to-city services are also available. Carey features a fleet of late model sedans, SUVs, limousines, vans, mini-buses, and motorcoaches held to highest standards of mechanical performance, safety, and presentation.
Visit carey.com for more information.
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