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PRLA Board of Directors: (L to R) Treasurer Chris Haines of Michael’s Classic Limousine, President Steve Rhoads of Rhoads Limousine, Director Anthony Onorata of Anthony Limousine, and Vice President Robert Euler of King Limousine
King of Prussia, Pa. — The Philadelphia Regional Limousine Association (PRLA) met on Monday, December 12, at Maggiano’s Little Italy for a joint general membership meeting and holiday dinner. The meeting was attended by over 30 members and friends, including CD Editor Rob Smentek.
After the attendees enjoyed a multi-course meal, PRLA President Steve Rhoads of Rhoads Limousine welcomed the members and discussed timely business regarding the association’s continued fight with the Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA).
2017 CD Trade Show and Conference pass winner Anthony Onorata of Anthony Limousine (left) with CD Editor Rob Smentek
Recently, the PPA raised their per vehicle rate a whopping 111 percent —from $405 to $856—with no announcement. In response, PRLA immediately hired an attorney who issued the city a restraining order city to put the increase on hold.
At the meeting, Rhoads shared that the efforts of the association had been heard by a Federal judge who will meet with representatives from the PPA and PRLA—including Rhoads, Mike Barreto of Flyte Tyme Worldwide, and Jordan Sanders of Hollowsands Luxury Limousines—to resolve the fee dispute and attempt to create a new set of regulations that will put the area luxury ground transportation industry on an even playing field with the TNCs. PRLA Director Anthony Onorata of Anthony’s Limousine encouraged members in attendance to brainstorm to come up with a “wish list” of changes to current PPA rules that could be introduced to the judge. Rhoads and Barreto expressed optimism that a compromise will be met with the city. The conference with the judge is scheduled for Friday, December 23.
The meeting concluded with a trio of raffles among the members. CD donated a pass for their 2017 Trade Show & Conference held October 22-25 in Orlando, which was won by Oronata. Other prizes included a kitchen appliance gift basket and a travel bag.
Visit prlainc.org for more information.
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Burlingame, Calif. — CH Bus Sales has announced the opening of a new motorcoach maintenance and repair facility. Situated just off Hwy 101 near San Francisco’s SFO airport, the new location offers a very convenient location for customers. This new facility will offer a fully stocked retail parts center and will be staffed with expertise to support all makes and models of motorcoaches.
“We are proud to be expanding into our third maintenance and service facility during our fifth year as Temsa’s exclusive distributor,” shared Duane Geiger, executive vice president of sales & service. “This full-service facility will offer technical support for our highly successful Temsa motorcoaches operating in Northern California.”
“CH Bus understands that superb after-sales support is key for success in this industry and we look forward to offering our current customers and our newest customers—the all-around support they expect,” added Geiger.
CH Bus Sales is the exclusive distributor of Temsa motorcoaches in the United States.
Visit chbussales.com or temsa.com for more information.
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Jerry Robbins (left) speaks after being recognized by the Boston Celtics’ Heroes Among Us program for the generosity he has shown the organization
Jerald “Jerry” Robbins of Weldon Worldwide passed away on November 28 at the age of 60.
He is survived by his wife Janet Brown-Robbins, brother Arthur Robbins and his wife Linda, and the many more who called him a beloved uncle, granduncle, and cousin.
An immediate and days-long outpouring of shocked grief and fond memories heartbreakingly detailed on social media from Jerry’s friends, affiliates, and transportation peers was an early indicator that his industry family across the country was also reeling from his sudden passing.
“His loyalty and generosity knew no bounds,” wrote Barry Gross of Reston Limousine. “He was first class in everything he did … I will miss him every day.”
“The absolute last thing that I expected to read was that my dear friend Jerry had passed,” added Michael Callahan of Able Limousine and New England Livery Association (NELA) president. “I mourn the loss of a very, very dear friend, but I will never lose the memories that we shared together.”
As a director of NELA, Jerry’s dedication to the industry was steadfast; his devotion to social and community causes was evident in his support of numerous charitable endeavors, too. Among them: He served on the board of directors for the New Hampshire Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NHSPCA), and had been honored by the NBA’s Boston Celtics in 2013 for his work with their Heroes Among Us program, to which he offered free transportation for the award’s recipients since 2007.
Jerry was remembered in a December 1 ceremony at Goldman Funeral Chapel in his former home of Malden. Mass., before interment at Lebanon Tifereth Israel Cemetery in Peabody, Mass. His family asked that donations be made in his memory to the NHSPCA he ardently supported, which can be sent to 104 Portsmouth Ave., Stratham, N.H., 03885.
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