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GBTA Applauds Prioritization of TSA Funding in FY 2024 Budget
The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) commends the inclusion of a provision in the recently passed $1.2 trillion 2024 US federal government spending package, which reinstates revenue collected from airline ticket security fees back to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Part of the fee had been diverted to help reduce the federal deficit, starting in 2014, but the entire fee is now going to the TSA. The move is expected to fund the hiring of more TSA personnel and upgrade equipment to improve traveler safety and streamline services.
GBTA has long been advocating for those fees to be reinstated back to TSA and considers this news to be a major benefit for the business travel industry and business travelers.
“We’ve heard from our members and our industry how traveling for business could benefit from more convenience and consistency and TSA has coped with the challenges that arise from having to do more with less,” said GBTA CEO Suzanne Neufang. “This reallocation of funding will help further ease the friction the business travel community has faced, and GBTA will continue to advocate for even better and safer air, rail, and roadways for all travelers.”
The budget also includes funding for additional Customs and Border Protection officers as well as the potential for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to explore adding more preclearance locations, with a focus on the Indo-Pacific region. The appropriations package can be read here.
Visit gbta.org for more information.
USTA Praises Much-Needed Funding to Lower Visitor Visa Wait Times
U.S. Travel Association (USTA) is lauding the appropriation in the federal budget of $50 million to help the US State Department to speed up the visa wait times. This has been a long-fought battle for the association, as wait times have been more than a year in some cases.
“U.S. Travel applauds Congress for directing funding to address excessive visitor visa interview wait times, which currently average 400 days in top source markets. The State Department must now deploy these resources as quickly as possible to lower wait times and facilitate growth in inbound visitation,” says USTA Executive Vice President of Public Affairs and Policy Tori Emerson Barnes. “Further, U.S. Travel urges Congress to consider other critical measures like the Visa Processing Improvement Act (S.2632) to modernize the entire visa process, particularly as the US prepares for a decade of major international events.”
Visit ustravel.org for more information.
ABA Reacts to New Emissions Regulations
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently released its phase 3 ruling for heavy-duty vehicles, which sets stronger emissions standards with the 2027 model year. Motorcoach associations like the American Bus Association (ABA), in conjunction with commercial vehicle industry organization Clean Feight Coalition, support “appropriate” climate initiatives, but are sounding the alarm on the accelerated shift toward electric vehicles, noting that “modern motorcoaches, powered by clean diesel, are among the most environmentally friendly modes of transportation.”
“…[T]he ABA expresses grave concerns regarding the EPA’s recent rule mandating a rapid shift to electric vehicles. This forced march towards electric vehicles will result in a significant increase in equipment costs, potentially doubling them. Moreover, the current lack of infrastructure and limited electric capacity make this transition impractical and financially burdensome for the industry and consumers,” says ABA President & CEO Peter Pantuso, who added that a gradual approach would allow for the needed infrastructure to catch up.
“…Rushing this process without adequate infrastructure and electric capacity will only burden the end user, the consumer, and the taxpayer with increased costs. The ABA urges policymakers to consider the long-term implications and feasibility of such a transition, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive plan that addresses the challenges associated with electric vehicle adoption. … This approach necessitates a comprehensive plan that addresses the challenges associated with electric vehicle adoption.”
Visit buses.org for more information.
[04.02.24]
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Spring is here… which means it’s time to start planning for the CD/NLA Executive Retreat! Mark your calendars because we’re returning to Miami from June 2-5 for our version of a working vacation where we promise equal parts education, networking, recharging, and loads of fun.
Capped at just 200 operators—with 70 slots already filled—we’re thrilled to be able to deliver all the focused education and networking that you desire while infusing our activities, including all the food and drinks you’ll ever need, with our host city’s local flair. You might just forget that you’re on a business trip as we’ve left some time for kicking back and lounging by the pool or ocean, because your clients shouldn’t be the only ones to enjoy a little bleisure.
We’re beyond excited to announce that the legendary Fontainebleau is our host property this year. Located in beautiful Miami Beach, it doesn’t get more iconic than Fontainebleau. This midcentury modern hotel was the go-to haunt for jet setters and Hollywood elite alike in the ’50s and ’60s. It was the place to see and be seen, and now you too can lay your head where thousands of dignitaries and celebrities once stayed.
Special thanks to all our sponsors—including Platinum Sponsor Lancer Insurance—for supporting this highly anticipated event. Others include Gold Sponsors A1A Global Ground, Complete Fleet Livery Sales, First Class Customs, Limo Anywhere, MCI, Nissan, PAX Training, and Volvo; and Affiliate Sponsors Destination MCO, Gateway Global, Great Bay Limousine, Limo Miami, North Point Global Transportation Services, Premier Transportation, and VIP Global.
We’re thrilled to release our schedule for the event, which includes intensive education from Forbes Travel Guide, as well as interactive workshops and roundtables that will have you getting to know your peers from other markets. No Retreat is complete without local flavor, so look for two dinner events that will capture the distinct vibe of Miami Beach. First, we have our Sunday night kickoff party on the exquisite Ocean Lawn at the Fontainebleau, featuring magnificent waterfront views of the Atlantic. Sip on cocktails from our open bar and soak in the salty warm air under the dusky sky as you enjoy dinner, live music, and entertainment. Then on Monday night, we cruise through Biscayne Bay for our private yacht dinner party—a perennial favorite of CD/NLA Retreats. The four-hour tour features a delicious buffet and an open bar.
Stay tuned to future e-news pieces that will give you the lowdown on everything the CD/NLA Executive Retreat has to offer!
With space filling up quickly, you’ll want to register today. Head on over to cdnlaexecutiveretreat.com to take advantage of our $899 early-bird rate—the price will be increasing soon. And while you’re there, book your stay at the Fontainebleau for just $279/night. This room block is sure to fill fast!
Visit cdnlaexecutiveretreat.com for more information.
[04.02.24]
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- Category: Industry News
LANJ establishes the Barbara J. Chirico Scholarship Program
The Limousine Association of New Jersey (LANJ) is proud to announce the Barbara J. Chirico Scholarship Program, which has been established to assist the children of current LANJ member families who will be attending college, trade school, or post-graduate school in the coming year.
The Scholarship Program has been established in the memory of Barbara Chirico, founder of Gem Worldwide Transportation, past president of the National Limousine Association, and longtime LANJ member and officer who passed away in January 2024. A chauffeured transportation industry trailblazer, Chirico was well known for her zest for life and the help she gave to others.
The parent(s) of each scholarship applicant must be a current/active owner or employee of a LANJ member company at the time of the scholarship award.
Three scholarships are being offered:
- Barbara Chirico Academic Excellence Scholarship ($2,500)
- Barbara Chirico Community Service Scholarship ($1,000)
- Barbara Chirico Leadership Scholarship ($500)
Scholarship Program applications will be emailed to all LANJ members on April 1, 2024.
Application submissions will be considered by the Scholarship Review Committee, which will be comprised of at least five LANJ board members and Barbara's daughter Deanna Gulino of Gem Worldwide. Committee members shall be appointed annually by the LANJ president.
All completed applications must be submitted by June 30, 2024. Scholarship awards will be made by July 15, 2024.
Following are the criteria for scholarship selection:
- Application completion and thoroughness
- Current GPA and school performance
- Volunteer activities, sports, and club memberships
- Work ethic and demonstration of responsibility
- Detailed narrative that demonstrates the applicant's need, strong moral character, and family values
Scholarship funds will be paid directly to the scholarship recipient's educational institution. Scholarship recipients will continue to be eligible for four years of college term if they maintain a GPA of 3.2 each year. Copies of college transcripts can be submitted directly to the Scholarship Committee annually for payment of the scholarship award. Recipients will be capped to four years of awards.
Visit lanj.org for more information.
[04.01.24]