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L to R: Quentin Bassey of RSTQ Transportation, Len Joseph of On The Town Limousines, Jodie Lethgo of Career Driver, Holly McCulloh of Hilb Group Insurance, Joanna Fridinger of The Limo Lady, and Japneet Singh of Executive CLS
The Maryland Limousine Association (MLA) held their bimonthly membership meeting on Tuesday, April 16. Hosted at Jimmy’s Famous Seafood in Baltimore, the event welcomed 25 members and guests. Representatives of the Philadelphia Regional Limousine Association (PRLA) were welcomed to the meeting, including PRLA Secretary/NLA Board Member Tracy Salinger of Unique Limousine and Ace Shaer of Ace Limousine & Airport Service.
The lunchtime meeting kicked off at noon with MLA President Len Joseph of On The Town Limousines thanking everyone for making the time to attend. Everyone was given the opportunity to introduce themselves and give a brief elevator pitch of their company or service. Joseph then introduced guest speaker Dr. Jermaine Hunter of H3 Safety Consulting, who provided an overview of the importance of CAB Reports and the SAFER System.
Dr. Jermaine Hunter of H3 Safety Consulting addressed the attendees
Produced by the Central Analysis Bureau, the CAB Report compiles data points into a database for all federally filed transportation companies. Hunter pointed out that the information contained within the report (unsafe driving, crash indicators, maintenance, clearinghouse, driver fitness, to name a few) is valuable for negotiating insurance rates. Similarly, the SAFER System (the FMCSA Safety and Fitness Electronic Records) compiles a concise electronic record of an operator’s identification, size, commodity information, and safety information. According to Hunter, this system is also used by insurance companies to underwrite and price insurance, so having a “satisfactory” rating is especially valuable.
CD Swag Winners: Carlo D’Addario of American Limousines, Joanna Fridinger of The Limo Lady, Tracy Salinger of Unique Limousines, and Peter Kaindi of Boutique Black Car
Following Hunter’s presentation, which included a lively Q&A segment, CD Editor Rob Smentek was invited to discuss the upcoming CD/NLA Executive Retreat in Miami on June 2-5. Smentek encouraged everyone to take advantage of early registration and revealed that Forbes Travel Guide will be providing anchor content at the event. He also shared a bit about the nightlife events, including the beachfront reception dinner party at the Fontainebleau and a private yacht trip on Biscayne Bay. Smentek also raffled off CD branded prizes, including T-shirts and ear buds.
Next, Joseph shared that the MLA Board held a recent productive meeting that led to the formation of three new committees: Legislative, Fundraising, and Membership. Board members Japneet Singh of Executive CLS and Ray Gavino of Translogic Executive gave a brief update on the D.C. For Hire issues surrounding “D.C. to D.C. travel.” While, fortunately, not many members have reported problems, they advised everyone to have their decals ready and manifests accurate. Singh informed the attendees that operating permits for the upcoming Presidential Inauguration will start to be distributed in August. Additionally, Joseph mentioned that the association is in the process of revamping their website.
The meeting concluded with guest speaker Jodie Lethgo from Career Driver, who spoke about the company’s recruiting services. An alternative to sites like Indeed.com, Career Driver looks to source candidates based on strict criteria. Lethgo also pointed out that the company handles digital marketing solutions, and they are offering a discount to active MLA members for lead generation.
The next MLA meeting is scheduled for June 18 at a location to be determined.
Visit mdlimoassoc.org for more information.
[04.17.24]
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A National Limousine Service, an Atlanta ground transportation service provider with more than 40 years of service, has been recognized by Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport with the Triumph Award, presented annually to a top small business supplier at the facility.
CEO Darrell Anderson (center) received the award during the ATLNext Industry Day luncheon
The Maynard H. Jackson, Jr. Legacy Awards, hosted by ATLNext—the development, planning, and construction arm of Hartsfield Jackson—recognize the excellence that exists among the vendors and contractors who ensure that the world’s busiest airport is also its most efficient. A National CEO Darrell Anderson, a veteran entrepreneur with several companies under his corporate banner, was honored on March 26 at a gala luncheon event during the ATLNext Industry Day. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens was also on hand to present the awards.
A National, among the largest minority owned transportation companies in the region, has provided services at Atlanta’s airport for four decades. While currently the holder of a contract to provide shuttle services around the campus to international passengers, A National has handled curbside management, a central business district shuttle service, an airport terminal management contract, commercial vehicle facility management, and any number of emergency situations when called on by the airport. Additionally, they provide crew transportation services for up to 20 airlines and cargo carriers, shuttle services for many airport hotels, and airline employee transportation to and from pilot and flight attendant training. The A National Transit division provides mobility services for the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA), the nation’s 9th largest transit system.
The Triumph Award is one of several presented annually to airport vendors, contractors, and advocates for diversity and inclusion at Hartsfield, in honor of the iconic 3-term mayor who is credited with launching Atlanta’s Equal Business Opportunity program. His courageous leadership in the 1970s marked the initiation of municipal supplier diversity, when the city was building the airport that bears his name. Atlanta is still among the leaders nationally in the way it offers opportunity to a diverse mix of vendors from every background and industry category.
Darrell Anderson is a highly respected and well-known figure nationally in the transportation industry, having served on the boards of many limousine associations and other industry leadership posts.
Visit anationallimo.com for more information.
[04.17.24]
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If you’ve ever wanted to immerse yourself in the one-of-a-kind vibe of Miami Beach but never made the trip (or are eager to return), now is your chance. The CD/NLA Executive Retreat this June 2-5 is a perfect opportunity to get to know the world-famous Miami Beach area firsthand, but also get scores of professional insights that you can immediately apply to your business.
One of the key points that makes the CD/NLA Executive Retreat different from our annual shows is the limited size of the event, which makes it ideal for unparalleled networking. Because it is capped at just 200 operators, you’ll have more one-on-one time with your colleagues and form genuine relationships that often last far beyond the four days you’ll spend in Florida. We design events so that we move and break bread as a group, but also learn to rely on each other in our educational roundtable events. And because the retreat is open to operators of all sizes and years in business, the cross-section of shared knowledge is unmatched.
“We always have a good time at the retreats. They offer us the opportunity to spend quality time with our industry friends, fostering strong relationships and ensuring that we gain valuable insights and knowledge,” says Ariadna Noches of Mundi Limousines.
Our retreat is about as all-inclusive as it gets when it comes to meals and drinks. From our opening dinner & reception to our daily breakfasts and lunches to our private VIP cruise aboard the Biscayne Lady yacht, we’ve got you covered.
On Sunday evening, we transform the legendary Fontainebleau into an island paradise as we host our opening reception on the exquisite Ocean Lawn, just feet away from a magnificent waterfront view of the Atlantic. Sip on cocktails from our open bar and soak in the salty warm air under the dusky sky as you enjoy a Latin-themed dinner accompanied by a live band. And if after-dinner stogies in the night breeze are your thing, we’re thrilled to have our very own cigar rollers on site.
The following night we set sail on the crystal waters of Biscayne Bay during our private yacht dinner cruise. After a luscious dinner, linger on one of three decks for unforgettable views of the Miami skyline and opulent architecture while sipping on drinks (did we mention open bar?) under the sunset. On this exclusive three-hour cruise, we’ll have DJ’ed music, warm breezes, and, of course, the company of industry colleagues.
“The Executive Retreat is always a great opportunity to spend quality time with industry friends old and new. It's a more intimate experience with great parties and focused content for leadership issues,” says Colin Devine of FourthStreet.
If by Wednesday, you haven’t had your fill of fun in the sun, why not close things out with a bit of adventure? The CD/NLA Executive Retreat returns to the water for an incredible private airboat tour of the Everglades. On this excursion, you will enjoy a 60-minute airboat tour where you will be zipping along at speeds up to 60 miles per hour. Journey deep into the River of Grass on this guided tour for an opportunity to uncover some of the area’s best-kept secrets. Tours are led by an experienced guide who knows the best places to see gators, snakes and other wildlife that can only be found on this region. The tour will conclude with a 20-minute live gator presentation. Seating is strictly limited to 50 operators, so you’ll definitely want to register in advance.
To register for our incredible June event, simply click here. Also, you’ll want to book your stay at the Fontainebleau before our $279/night room block closes on May 1.