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The NLA Awarded $100,000 in funding to regional industry associations
The National Limousine Association (NLA) is pleased to announce it has awarded a record $100,000 in funding through its Association Grant Program. This initiative directly supports its member associations and assists the funding of vital projects and programs that align with the Association's goals and values.
“The NLA is fortunate to be able to allocate funding for this important program,” said NLA President Brett Barenholtz of Above All/Maine Limousine. “Each of the last three years we have increased the program budget, and I hope we can give back even more to our member associations next year. The Grant Program is part of the NLA’s ongoing commitment to supporting its members and member associations in any way we can.”
This year, the NLA received a record 15 applications from members showcasing a wide range of impactful projects and initiatives from coast to coast. This was up from eight applications the previous year, which shows the industry, and the member associations, are thriving, growing, and active.
“By providing grant funding to our local, state, and regional association members, the NLA is able to directly support their projects and initiatives,” stated NLA Executive Director Kyle Hammerschmidt, CAE. “These grants allow them to grow their membership, increase value, host events, educate their members, and tackle important issues."
The NLA presented a check at the CD/NLA Fall Show during its NLA Presents: Association Update and 2024 Election Preview at the Fall Show on Monday, October 14, at the Gaylord National.
"We can’t thank the NLA enough for these grant funds. This support empowers Ohio Chauffeured Transportation Association (OCTA) to continue to grow and make to make a meaningful impact in Ohio and pursue our mission,” stated OCTA President Karl Guenther of Statement Limousine. “We are focused on expanding our membership across the state by providing tangible value and strategically addressing the ongoing issues at CLE. These grant funds allow us to do just that.”
In other news, NLA will be holding a live Facebook chat with the nominees for the upcoming election this October 24 at 2:00 p.m. ET. To join, visit NLA's Facebook page here. Board elections are scheduled to begin on November 4.
Visit limo.org for more information.
[10.21.24]
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The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) and CWT, a self-described business to business for employees platform, are peering into their crystal ball—backed by a healthy dose of data—to prognosticate what the near future of business travel could look like. As a supplement to their Global Business Travel Forecast, the organizations have released a supplement called 2040: Baseline, Boom, or Bust, which focuses on three scenarios that could impact the state of corporate travel in the coming decades.
The supplement recognizes the rapid changes in demographic shifts and global volatility in addition to emerging technologies as part of its considerations. Further, it offers recommendations to businesses to navigate the changing landscape and prepare their companies for the evolution.
Among the interesting observations is the prediction that the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) for ground transportation could become standard practice as the push for sustainable travel intensifies, meaning that ground transportation could replace short-haul flights—that is, if virtual tech doesn’t replace the “need” to travel.
The potential scenarios addressed include:
- Base Case: Business travel is projected to stabilize with a moderate growth rate, reaching just over 1 billion passengers by 2040. This growth is driven by a balanced approach to sustainability and technology, with companies adopting eco-friendly practices and advanced travel management tools. Companies will prioritize essential travel, leveraging virtual meeting technologies to enhance efficiency. The percentage of the workforce involved in business travel is expected to rise to nearly 18%, reflecting a steady but measured increase.
- Boom: Under the boom scenario, business travel experiences robust growth, with the number of global business travelers exceeding 1.2 billion passengers by 2040. This surge is fueled by increased travel to emerging markets, particularly in Africa and Asia, which are projected to account for a substantial portion of the growth. The widespread adoption of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and advancements in green technology contribute to this scenario. Nearly 22% of the global workforce is involved in business travel, driven by heightened global collaboration and the integration of AI, VR, and automation in travel processes.
- Bust: In the bust scenario—the most pessimistic of the three—business travel growth slows significantly, with the number of business travelers reaching around 800 million by 2040. This slowdown is attributed to stringent sustainability regulations, slow adoption of eco-friendly practices, and the rise of remote and flexible work arrangements. Companies will increasingly rely on virtual interactions and hybrid events, focusing on essential trips only. Geopolitical instability and economic uncertainty further contribute to the reduction in travel, with stricter visa regulations and carbon taxes playing a role in the diminished travel demand.
“The future of business travel is at a critical juncture, driven by technological advancements, sustainability mandates, and evolving global dynamics,” said CWT EVP & Chief Customer Officer Nick Vournakis. “Our report emphasizes the need for businesses to be adaptable and proactive in their travel strategies. Whether navigating a boom in global travel or adapting to a slowdown, businesses that proactively integrate technology, prioritize sustainability, and stay agile will be best positioned to thrive in this shifting landscape.”
The full report is available here.
Visit gbta.org for more information.
[10.22.24]
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MLA President Len Joseph of On The Town Limousines (left) with VLA President Bill Kerr of Camryn Executive Transportation
The Maryland Livery Association (MLA) and Virginia Limousine Association (VLA) held a joint meeting on October 15 in the ballroom at the CD/NLA Show at the Gaylord National. Sponsored by Advantage Remarketing Solutions and HILB Group, the meeting featured a packed house of operators and vendors from the Beltway Area and beyond. Under the theme of “the Importance of Local Associations,” MLA President Len Joseph of On The Town Limousines and VLA President Bill Kerr of Camryn Executive Transportation presented as a tag team and welcomed several high-profile guest speakers.
First, NLA and New England Livery Association President Brett Barenholtz of Above All/Maine Limousine was introduced to talk about the NLA and associations as a whole. He said that being part of regional/national organizations presents operators with a “unified voice,” particularly in times of crisis. Barenholtz also spoke of the importance of lobbyists to local associations, as they give the group a powerful voice with legislators. Lastly, the NLA president said that being part of regional associations is “like having a 20-group” as you can share ideas and issues with fellow operators.
Next, Kerr introduced representatives from the meeting’s sponsors. Eric Coolbaugh of Advantage Remarketing Solutions spoke briefly about his company’s services as dealer and financer of vehicles, and he was followed by Bryan Johnson of insurance provider the HILB Group. Joseph then took the opportunity to thank Chris Weiss and Rob Smentek of Chauffeur Driven for supporting local associations in the magazine and at meetings. A representative from Limo Anywhere also spoke, offering 50 percent off set up fees to the meeting’s attendees.
NLA Treasurer/Florida Limousine Association President Rick Versace of A1A Global Group was next to take the podium. He reinforced Barenholtz’s sentiment about the strength of lobbyists and then spoke a bit about the insurance crisis facing the industry. Versace cited tort abuse as the primary cause of the exceptionally high rates that operators are seeing. He also discussed the importance of operators and chauffeurs having access to the curb at airports.
Then, Jennifer Matthews and Andrea Bickley of the Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority were introduced. The pair was on hand to perform on-site permitting for operators who operate at Dulles and Regan International Airports.
Kerr and Joseph then offered tips and advice to build stronger local associations. Joseph advised leaders to “always think about takeaways and bring education to every meeting.” He shared that the MLA member attendance has grown substantially at their meetings and credits the education and guests that they offer at their lunchtime meetings. He also suggested that organizations need to build a board of directors the way one would build a business. Joseph encouraged the associations to get good vendors involved on the board level. Kerr discussed the recent revamping of the VLA with a new board and emphasized the importance of joining other regional associations as an affiliate member.
Visit marylandliveryassociation.org or virginialimousineassociation.org for more information.
[10.21.24]