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Outgoing President Erica Bugbee of ExecuStar Transportation
The Colorado Limousine Association (CLA) held a second monthly meeting on January 29 via Zoom after the previously scheduled in-person meeting was impacted by inclement weather. More than a dozen members were in attendance.
President Erica Bugbee of ExecuStar World Class Transportation immediately got down to business by raising several motions to amend the association’s bylaws. Among them were the adoption of an online service to allow members in good standing to vote electronically rather than the mandated in person as well as a 30-day grace period for members whose dues have expired to participate in voting. Additionally, she raised a motion to change the meeting schedule from monthly to quarterly, with exceptions for special events, online, or as needed. After some healthy banter between members, all were adopted.
Board nominations were also discussed. Several members threw their hats into the ring, although the secretary position was ultimately left vacant. All nominated ran unopposed. Othmane Ettachfini of American Eagle Limousine was the only incumbent, and he will assume a second term as treasurer.
Outgoing Secretary Deanna Ballard of World Travel Management
The 2025 CLA Board is:
President: Youssef Marrakchi of Centennial Transportation
Vice President: John Hafer of A Custom Coach
Treasurer: Othmane Ettachfini of American Eagle Limousine
Sergeant at Arms: Andrew Wasmundt of Two Brothers Transportation
Chairman (filled by outgoing president): Erica Bugbee of ExecuStar World Class Transportation
Outgoing Secretary Deanna Ballard of World Travel Management led a round of thank yous to Bugbee for her leadership over the past two years.
The new board will begin their terms as of the next meeting, which is scheduled for February 18 at their usual Denver Tower Tap & Grill location.
Visit cololimo.org for more information.
[01.31.25]
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Dan Tomlinson
It’s with a heavy heart that we share the sudden passing of Dan Tomlinson, who was part of Lancer Insurance’s Loss Control team. He was 55.
Dan, a native of Michigan, was involved in the motorcoach industry for much of his career, starting with tour provider Indian Trails, where he served as the company’s safety director. Eight years ago, he joined the Lancer Insurance team as a regional manager for safety and loss control. In late 2024, he was promoted to assistant vice president of loss control.
He traveled frequently through his involvement with Lancer and the American Bus Association’s Bus Industry Safety Council, of which he was an insurance representative on the executive committee. Known for his deep understanding of bus and safety issues, he was often a featured speaker at conferences and association meetings, including at the 2024 CD/NLA Show in Maryland last fall. According to his family, he also traveled extensively for pleasure, including an annual trip to Aruba with his bride of 25 years, Jackie. Closer to home, he was an avid camper and built a community of like-minded outdoor enthusiasts.
Despite his busy work schedule, his family said it was important to him to give back to his community. He was committed to his work with the Special Olympics, even serving as the assistant area director of Shiawassee County (Area 22) for more than a decade. According to his celebration of life, his interest in the organization began as an avenue to help his youngest son participate in sports, which led to a passion that spanned a dozen years.
“All of us at Lancer Insurance are devastated by the sudden loss of our beloved friend and colleague, Dan Tomlinson. We are truly grateful for the outpouring of support from across the industry, which speaks volumes about Dan’s character and the admiration that people had for him. Our deepest condolences go out to his wife, Jackie, and the entire Tomlinson family during this incredibly difficult time,” said Lancer Vice President Steven O’Shea.
Dan is survived by his wife Jackie; children Richard, Shelby, Skyler, and Brooke Tomlinson; and numerous grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested a donation in Dan’s honor to Area 22 Special Olympics.
Condolences to the Tomlinson and Lancer families.
[01.28.25]
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The American Bus Association descends on the City of Brotherly Love this February 1-4 for its annual ABA Marketplace. The 46th annual iconic show brings together an expected 2,500 attendees from North America’s motorcoach and group travel industries, offering opportunities to expand business growth, network, and stay up to date on industry innovations.
Each year, ABA Marketplace features more than 50 expert educational sessions and special interest council meetings, vetted business appointments and networking, and a broad range of products and services on its show floor. According to the show marketing, attendees can expect to see numerous new vehicles from coach manufacturers, including:
ABA President & CEO Fred Ferguson
- ABC Companies will present the Van Hool 2025 CX45 motorcoach, designed for safety, efficiency, and connectivity. Key features include a 360-degree camera, Smart Vision mirrorless cameras, and tail swing detection for enhanced driver assistance. Fleet management is optimized with ABC Connect telematics, tire monitoring, and a solar-powered smart charge system. Passengers enjoy high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi for seamless travel connectivity.
- Daimler Coaches North America presents their 2025 Mercedes-Benz Tourrider Premium Coach, equipped with an ADA lift and advanced safety features. Celebrating 130 years of innovation, it includes Active Brake Assist 5, ESP stability, and a 360° camera. Mercedes-Benz's legacy in safety began with the first anti-lock braking system for buses in the 1970s.
- MCI will showcase its industry-leading, clean-diesel J4500 coach. The model year 2025 on display incorporates over 20 significant quality upgrades and new features to help increase uptime and reduce operating costs. Drivers will appreciate enhancements to seating, visibility, and footwell insulation, among other improvements. The 2025 J4500 is also compliant with the new rollover safety standard (FMVSS 227).
- National Bus Sales introduces the 2026 Ultra Coachliner DXL, a true front-engine motorcoach. This model is cost-effective and easy to maintain, featuring upgraded HVAC, suspension systems, and custom sway bars. It nods to the industry’s roots, where front-engine designs were standard for accessibility and repair efficiency.
- Prevost showcases its 2025 H3-45 motorcoach, crafted with operators, drivers, and passengers in mind. It is their sleekest design with greater fuel efficiency, reduced wind noise, and a smoother ride. LED headlights offer 60,000+ hours of life, while Cloud One seating combines unmatched style, comfort, and safety.
- TEMSA North America highlights its 2025 TS45 motorcoach, prioritizing passenger comfort, driver satisfaction, and operator efficiency. The TS45 delivers superior travel experience with enhanced interiors and advanced specifications. It continues TEMSA’s commitment to style, safety, and reliability.
“ABA is proud to unite a diverse membership representing leaders from motorcoach and charter bus, group travel, and tourism organizations for the largest event of the year,” says ABA President & CEO Fred Ferguson. "With US travel and tourism spending projected to grow in 2025 and consumers planning to travel more, Marketplace serves as a vital platform for our members to forge meaningful connections and stay informed about the latest innovations in the travel and motorcoach industries."
Visit marketplace.buses.org for more information and to register.
[01.28.25]