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Orchard Park, N.Y. — Towne Automotive Group & Towne Livery is welcoming the brand-new 2017 Lincoln Continental in a big way. The Buffalo-based dealership is throwing a two-day welcome bash August 12-13 that includes an unveiling and test drives for the in-demand Lincoln flagship vehicle.
Until now, only a pre-production model was available, and even then, customers weren’t able to drive or kick the tires, as it were, by exploring the vehicle’s interior. David Bastian, commercial sales manager for Towne, says that his is one of the first dealerships in the nation to give customers what they are craving: the chance to drive it! All operators are invited to join the event, which will also include Towne’s retail customers. Bastian has posted a video of what customers can expect here: goo.gl/GCclJZ.
The event kicks off Friday night at Shea’s Performing Arts Center in downtown Buffalo. Guests are invited to join for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at 6 pm, leading up to the stunning black Continental’s debut at 7 pm. Attendees will be able to sign up for an exclusive ride and drive, which will take place between 10 am and 4 pm the following day. Bastian says that money for every test drive will be donated by Towne to Kids Escaping Drugs, a Western New York organization that creates education and advocacy programs for adolescents and their families suffering from alcohol and drug addiction.
“Our customers are so excited about the Continental and we felt it needed a proper introduction,” says Bastian, who is spearheading the event. “People remember the style of the previous Continentals and are eager to get behind the wheel of this new vehicle. This is the event where they can do so—and we’re proud to be first in the nation to offer those test drives.” He adds that the event will be filmed with Go Pro cameras so that customers can see their reactions on social media. (Note: The vehicle will be black and will include many amenities specific to the Livery model.)
The event will also coincide with the Limousine, Bus, Taxi Operators of Upstate New York (LBTOUNY) meeting, which will be held at 5:45 pm at Coca-Cola Field. The hour-long meeting has a full docket, including updates on USDOT regulations, area TNCs, and the ongoing sales tax repeal. Attendees are invited to stay for the 7 pm baseball game between the Buffalo Bison and Pawtucket Red Sox. Those planning to attend should RSVP by email LimoInfo@LBTONY.com or by calling 716.683.7455.
Towne Auto has secured a room block at the Buffalo Marriott Harborcenter for $189 per night, August 12-14. Rooms can be booked online at goo.gl/q2dspw.
Attendees can RSVP for the event here: goo.gl/IpQshh.
Visit townelivery.com or send an email to dbastian@towneauto.com for more information.
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CD’s Director of Events Jess Pavlow (left) with Carey International’s Director of Global Sales Maria Charno
Atlantic City, N.J. — From June 11-14, Meeting Planners International (MPI) held its 2016 World Education Congress (WEC) in Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center, and CD’s Director of Events Jess Pavlow was on hand for a convention that offered certification opportunities, more than 80 educational sessions, insights from an array of speakers and peer conversations, and more, all crafted to benefit the meetings industry.
The event drew more than 2,000 attendees—44 percent of whom were planners and 56 percent were suppliers—to the New Jersey seaside town.
WEC, which is MPI’s annual signature event, kicked off its first day featured a schedule packed with specifically targeted forums and chances to get more hands-on education through the event’s on-site certification programs. That evening, the welcoming celebration took to nearby Bally's Beach Bar to end the first day with some high-energy networking.
Sunday saw opportunities like a session where first-time attendees learned how to get the most from their inaugural WEC experience, both the open general and numerous concurrent educational sessions, as well as several by-invitation groups that focused on specific facets of the industry. The open session included a discussion with SXSW’s Executive Director and Lead Planner and a presentation from Keynote Speaker Amy Blankson, the co-founder of GoodThink.
Comedienne and former Miss New Jersey Dena Blizzard was the host of MPI’s 2016 WEC
After a morning of assemblies, research presentations, and classes, Monday afternoon’s RISE Awards presented seven awards across three categories—individual achievement, community achievement, and organizational achievement—to meeting and events industry professionals who have demonstrated exceptional achievements.
“We salute each of these leaders who were nominated by their peers for outstanding contributions and performance,” said MPI President and CEO Paul Van Deventer. “Their achievements will be recognized within our global community for years to come.”
The conference’s final day capped off the event with highlights that included the Innovation Showcase, MPI Town Hall, and a preview of MPI’s 2017 WEC—and a closing night celebration that took the party to Harrah’s poolside.
The 2017 WEC will be held in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand from June 19-22.
Visit mpiweb.org for more information.
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Allston, Mass. — Commonwealth Worldwide Chauffeured Transportation has been awarded “Best Car Service” by Boston magazine for the sixth time since 1984.
Dawson Rutter CEO Commonwealth Worldwide Chauffeured Transportation
Bostonmagazine’s description reads:
“Whether you want your high-profile clients chauffeured around town or simply need a lift to Logan, Commonwealth Worldwide has you covered, stylishly. Founded in Boston nearly 35 years ago, the international car service boasts sparkling new fleets of luxury sedans and SUVs, as well as an app that allows users to track their vehicle, contact their driver, or adjust their itinerary with ease. Move over, Uber.”
“This is truly a testament to our team of dedicated professionals–not only here in Boston, but our offices and fleet operations in New York City as well as our worldwide affiliate partners–for their attention to every detail to ensure that our clients enjoy a flawless experience from beginning to end,” said Founder and CEO Dawson Rutter. “It is indeed very gratifying to be recognized throughout Boston and New England for our great customer service and our great company.”
In addition to being selected Best of Boston five other times, Commonwealth has been awarded national “Operator of the Year” by the Taxi, Limousine & Paratransit Association, the “Concierge Choice” Award from the New York City Association of Hotel Concierges and the Hartford Insurance “Pewter Stag” Award for Safety.
Visit CommonwealthLimo.com for more information.
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