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Lindsey Limousine President & CEO Michael Lindsey with his new 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ
Lindsey Limousine, based in Windsor, Conn., recently announced the addition of an all-electric SUV in their fleet, which they say is a first for the state of Connecticut. The company says they chose the 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ for its sharp styling, modern cabin, and a driving range of up to 308 miles per charge for “electrifying sophistication.”
“We’re always working to bring the latest technology into our business, and there is definitely a trend toward electric vehicles,” says President & CEO Michael Lindsey, adding that electric vehicles have many advantages over alternative powered combustion engines because they produce zero tailpipe emissions and are better for the planet. “I think bringing the first electric vehicle into the Connecticut limousine industry will serve as basis for other companies to start doing the same.”
Lindsey Limousine was founded in 1989 and offers a variety of vehicles ranging from sedans and stretches to minibuses.
Visit lindseylimo.com for more information.
[01.22.24]
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NOTE: FinCEN issued the following update on 3.26.25: All entities created in the United States — including those previously known as “domestic reporting companies” — and their beneficial owners are now exempt from the requirement to report beneficial ownership information (BOI) to FinCEN. Existing foreign companies that must report their beneficial ownership information have at least an additional 30 days from March 26, 2025—until April 25, 2025, for most companies—to do so. For more information, see press release and alert.
BY RICK VERSACE
On January 1, 2024, the US Department of the Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) initiated a landmark move through the enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act, a 2021 legislation that was enacted to curb illicit finance. This act mandates that all companies operating in the United States must report information about who owns or control their corporate entity.
Rick Versace
The Inception of Compliance
The limo industry, known for its impeccable service and attention to detail, now has another detail that every operator must be concerned with. For existing companies, those that were already in business before January 1, 2024, the deadline to report is January 1, 2025. However, any new companies created in 2024, have a mere 90 days to file after setting up a new corporation—although that window is reduced to 30 days starting in 2025. The penalties are steep, as much as $500 per day for noncompliance.
Our industry is used to regulatory compliance, but this new federal requirement is something that every operator should be aware of. For small business owners, the cost of noncompliance could cripple your business.
The FinCEN Partnership
While FinCEN adds another layer of complexity to owning and operating your business, the aim of FinCEN is to safeguard the financial system from scams, combat money laundering and related crimes, and promote national security. Part of FinCEN’s mission is a commitment to assist small businesses to come into compliance.
FinCEN has released The Small Entity Compliance Guide, which is written in plain language, to help guide small businesses through the requirements step by step. Operators can use the guide for navigating the intricacies of the Corporate Transparency Act. The guide outlines the information needed, the filing process, and the deadlines, making the seemingly complex task more manageable. This report only needs to be filed once unless updates to ownership are required.
Navigating the Compliance Highway
If you have an accountant, make sure they know about any new corporation you might set up, and if you don’t have an accountant, you can file with FinCEN yourself. The process of filing is not complicated, and you can follow the guide provided by FinCEN. The steps are easy to follow and free of charge. The online platform designed for reporting companies streamlines the submission of beneficial ownership information.
The Limelight on Compliance
Compliance is not just a regulatory checkbox; it was an opportunity for businesses to demonstrate their commitment to ethical practices, accountability, and national security. The interconnected nature of the Corporate Transparency Act means that each small business's compliance contributes to a collective effort to combat scams and money laundering. The data collected by FinCEN, while safeguarding against financial crimes, also served as a powerful tool for national security.
The US Beneficial Ownership Information Registry is now live, and every operator should make sure that all the corporations they own, or control are registered. Compliance with the Corporate Transparency Act should not be looked at as a burden; but an opportunity for businesses to showcase their commitment to ethical practices, accountability, and national security.
Rick Versace is the owner of A1A Limo in Florida, treasurer of the National Limousine Association, and president of the Florida Limousine Association.
[01.16.24]
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We’re pleased to announce that the CD/NLA Vegas Show Early-Bird Rate has been extended to 11:59 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 17. This is your last chance to save $70 to secure your space for $549. If you’re an NLA member, you can save an additional $100 and get four days of education, networking, and fun for only $449. Don’t wait, click here to register now to join us at the MGM Grand on March 3-6.
One of the most exciting things about Vegas is the influx of new faces at the show. In addition to seeing our old friends and colleagues, it’s encouraging to see so many first-time attendees take part in the event. This not only proves that our industry is alive, well, and growing, but it also provides veteran showgoers with the opportunity to expand their network with new companies and markets.
However, for the operators new to the CD/NLA event, they may be filled with equal parts excitement and anxiety, as the show can be a bit overwhelming when you’re a newbie. With that in mind, we’re proud to present our annual First-Timers’ Event on Sunday, March 3 at 1:30 p.m. We’ll kick things off with a brief orientation, where you and your fellow first-timers will be paired with an experienced industry professional who can make recommendations for the best sessions to attend, people to meet, and allay any other confusion you have about the show. Furthermore, you can always reach out to anyone on the CD or NLA teams for more assistance, but we take it one step further. Lifelong friendships and business relationships often start at our shows, so you’ll get to know at least a few people who can lend a hand after attending our orientation. After the First-Timers’ Event, all you have to do is concentrate on your investment in attending the show.
“As a first timer to the show, I felt very welcomed and everyone was friendly. I met fantastic people and made connections that will be very helpful to our business,” says Nancy Plante of Executive Express.
And speaking of investment, first-time operators may be curious as to what the price of admission entails. Well, to start, you get four days loaded with classroom-style education and interactive roundtables, as well as dedicated networking events like the Affiliate Central Global Forum, Women in the Industry Breakfast, and the International Meet & Greet. Your ticket also grants you admission to our expansive show floor where you can wheel and deal with vendors, builders, and manufacturers of all the tech, services, and metal you need for your business. Furthermore, attendees are invited to two evening parties featuring entertainment, all-you-can-eat light fare, and open bar. Last but not least, we supply three breakfasts and two lunches.
Whether you’re a first-time attendee of Vegas veteran, you’ll want to check out our full schedule of events so you can plan to get the most out of the CD/NLA Show. Our schedule is where you’ll find everything from sessions like Cyber Security: Common Threats for Small Businesses and DIY Marketing: Tips & Tricks to Reach Your Audience and Promote Your Brand to our Technology roundtable, not to mention the International Panel Discussion, and our extended show floor hours on Monday and Tuesday. What’s more, you’ll be able to plan your time at Tuesday’s Affiliate Central Global Forum and the first-ever Chauffeur Driven Advertiser Meet & Greet. See the full schedule below.
Sunday | March 3
9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Registration
12:00 p.m. - 1:15 p.m. .. Cyber Security: Common Threats for Small Businesses
1:30 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. ..... First-Timers’ Event
1:30 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. ..... Advanced Operator Session: Taking the Next Leap
3:00 p.m. - 4:15 p.m. ..... Succession & Estate Planning
4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. ..... Association Summit
4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. ..... Livery Coach Solutions User Group Meeting
6:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. ..... Break
9:30 p.m. - 11:30 p.m. .. Opening Night Party on Show Floor
Monday | March 4
7:00 am - 6:00 p.m. ....... Registration
7:00 a.m. - 7:45 a.m. ..... Breakfast
8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. ..... Small Operator Session: Expanding Your Retail Footprint
9:15 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. ... FMCSA Updates
9:15 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. ... International Panel Discussion
10:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. . NLA Annual Membership Meeting
12:15 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. ... Keynote Address
1:45 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. ..... Show Floor
1:45 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. ..... Lunch on the Show Floor
5:45 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. ..... International Meet & Greet
7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. ..... Break
9:30 p.m. - 12:00 a.m. ... Monday Night Party: ’80s vs. ’90s
Tuesday | March 5
7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. ..... Registration
7:15 a.m. - 8:00 a.m. ..... Breakfast
7:15 a.m. - 8:00 a.m. ..... Women in the Industry Breakfast
8:15 a.m. - 9:15 a.m. ..... Sustainability & EV Panel Discussion
9:30 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. ... DIY Marketing: Tips & Tricks to Reach Your Audience and Promote Your Brand
9:30 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. ... Music Express Affiliate Meeting
11:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. . What Rich Clients Want But Won’t Tell You
11:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. . Limo Anywhere User Group Meeting
12:15 p.m. - 1:15 p.m. ... Lunch
1:15p.m. - 2:45 p.m. ...... Affiliate Central Global Partner Forum
1:45p.m. - 5:15 p.m. ...... Show Floor
5:15p.m. - 6:30 p.m. ...... Chauffeur Driven Advertiser Meet & Greet
Wednesday | March 6
8:00 a.m. - 8:45 a.m. ..... Breakfast
9:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. ... Wellness Session
10:30 a.m. - 11: 45 a.m. Technology Roundtable
“I have been attending the industry shows for over 15 years and will continue to attend based on the consistent takeaways from the many different aspects of the show,” says Len Joseph of On The Town Limousines. ”The educational contribution by the CD/NLA Team just gets better and better each and every year. Regardless of how long you’ve been in the industry, you will continue to learn and therefore grow session by session. Networking with associates and leaders of the industry is a never-ending feature and benefit of the show. The bottom line is simple: attend, learn, network, and grow with the transportation industry.”
Visit cdnlavegas.com for more information.
[01.16.24]