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On Tuesday, August 20, the Colorado Limousine Association (CLA) held an online membership meeting that attracted members from throughout the state.
CLA President Erica Bugbee
CLA President Erica Bugbee of ExecuStar World Class Services kicked off the morning meeting by welcoming attendees and providing a brief financial report. She then provided a wrap up on the CLA’s successful Summer Educational Conference held on July 9. Bugbee then stated that the association is set to begin the process of applying for the National Limousine Association’s scholarship, which grants local associations up to $10,000.
Speaker Harry Dhillon of Hashtag Biz Solutions
Two guest speakers were present on the webinar; the first was Robin Friedberg from Research Underwriters, who provided something of a state of the industry of the insurance business in Colorado. Next was Harry Dhillon of Hashtag Biz Solutions, who offered an introduction to the staffing, answering service, and digital marketing services his company has to offer. Bugbee was proud to report that both Dhillon and Friedberg are Gold Vendor Members of the CLA.
Before concluding, John Hafer of A Custom Coach provided updates regarding the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and the Denver International Airport (DIA). He stated that a new TNC—Driver’s Co-Op—is due to hit the market, and electric charging stations are coming to DIA next month. The discussion then turned to the DIA enforcement policies occurring at the airport terminals, namely not having PUC numbers on the front of cars. Fortunately, since COVID, officers seem to be letting most operators off with warning tickets for infractions, except in the case of not having a current “health card.”
The next CLA meeting is scheduled to be in person at a date and locale to be determined soon.
Visit cololimo.org for more information.
[08.26.24]
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L to R: CGTRG Founders Jack Nissim, Mo Garkani, and Mark Stewart
Founders Mo Garkani of The COTS Group and industry veterans Jack Nissim, and Mark Stewart are excited to introduce the California Ground Transportation Regulatory Group (CGTRG), a new non-profit organization dedicated to advancing California's chauffeured ground transportation sector.
The CGTRG serves as a central hub, uniting California's regulatory agencies, including the California Public Utilities Commission, California Highway Patrol, and California regional airports, with state legislators, chauffeured transportation companies, industry leaders, and experts. Through focused advocacy and education, CGTRG is committed to addressing the diverse needs and challenges of the industry, fostering collaboration, and driving positive change.
Collectively, Garkani, Nissim, and Stewart bring over 100 years of industry expertise. Both Garkani and Stewart have served as president of the Greater California Livery Association (GCLA), while Nissim has dedicated over 15 years as GCLA treasurer and an executive board member. Their leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence have helped shape and elevate the industry.
The CGTRG founders look forward to your support and involvement as the California transportation industry embarks on this important journey together. For more details, reach out to them at 657.279.8180 or email info@cgtrg.org.
Visit cgtrg.org for more information.
[08.23.24]
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- Category: Industry News
The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) released its most recent report, Small Business Problems and Priorities, which is a nationwide survey of small business owners (nearly 2,900 in 2024) assessing the impact of 75 key data points. The survey has been published every four years since 1982, the most recent of which was published at the start of the pandemic in 2020.
According to the report summary: “The purpose of this publication is to offer a better understanding of which issues are most critical and of least importance for small business owners. This report will help state and federal lawmakers prioritize pro-small business legislation in the years ahead.”
Of the top concerns, “Cost of Health Insurance” has reigned as the number one issue since 1986. Rounding out the top 10 include “Cost of Supplies/Inventories,” “Uncertainty of Government Actions.” “Federal Taxes on Business Income,” “Locating Qualified Employees,” “Cost of Natural Gas, Propane, Gasoline, Diesel, Fuel Oil,” “Unreasonable Government Regulations,” “Uncertainty over Government Actions,” “State Taxes on Business Income,” and “Electricity Costs (rates).”
Regarding the federal tax burden, of concern is the Small Business Deduction that is set to expire in 2025 and could result in a costly tax hike on small businesses. As such, the organization has been lobbying Congress for the so-called Main Street Certainty Act, which would make the 20 percent tax cut permanent. Click here for more information or to sign the petition.
“Interest Rates” was the biggest mover on this report, shuffling up to the 13th spot this year from the 56th in 2020. The near-zero interest rates of 2020 have been increased numerous times in the past four years to a 23-year high in an attempt to curb rapidly rising inflation, although Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell has hinted that rates may drop as soon as September as inflation is seemingly under control.
NFIB Research Center Executive Director Holly Wade
“For the last four years, small business owners have struggled with historic inflation, tax pressures at all levels of government, and uncertainty of what’s going to happen next,” wrote NFIB Research Center Executive Director of the Holly Wade in the report. “This survey helps the public understand the issues affecting the small business sector. Small businesses employ nearly half of the private sector workforce, and this publication makes clear where lawmakers should focus their attention to strengthen Main Street and every community in which they operate. Despite the headwinds and economic challenges, small business owners are working hard to create new jobs and grow their businesses, but the threat of rising costs, taxes, and uncertainty gives Main Street pause.”
To download the full report, click here.
Visit nfib.com for more information.
[08.20.24]