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L to R: Bill Battisti of Nationwide Bus Sales, Paula DeBiasi of Chicago Coachworks, and CD/NLA Show pass winner Gregory Allen of Chauffeured by Gregory
On January 21, the Illinois Limousine & Bus Association (ILLBA) rang in the new year at Carlucci Rosemont in Rosemont, Ill., at their annual holiday dinner. Despite temperatures being well below zero, more than 30 members and guests were in attendance for an evening loaded with networking and fellowship.
“It was a really great time. The majority of our meetings focus on education and advocacy,” says ILLBA Executive Director Paula DeBiasi of Chicago Coachworks. “It was nice to have this one night a year to be able to relax, celebrate, and network.”
ILLBA President Art Rento of the Pontarelli Companies addressed the membership, thanking them for coming and recognizing Event Sponsors Nationwide Bus Sales and Verdant Commercial Capital, as well as Contributing Sponsor MCI. Bill Battisti from Nationwide also briefly spoke about his company’s current inventory and services.
Following an upscale three-course Italian meal, the association held raffles for various door prizes, courtesy of Raffle Sponsors Chauffeur Driven, Chicago Coachworks, Galaxy Limousine Service, and Model 1 Commercial Vehicles. A show pass to the 2025 CD/NLA event in Vegas was donated by CD and the NLA, and was won by Gregory Allen of Chauffeured by Gregory.
DeBiasi revealed that ILLBA plans to continue its popular monthly Coffee With ILLBA webinar series in the new year.
Visit illba.org for more information.
[01.27.25]
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As we’re sure you’re aware, the CD/NLA Show returns to Vegas on February 23-26, and we’re excited to bring you our brand of networking, education, and fun to the Paris Hotel & Casino, right in the heart of the Strip. With registration at a fever pitch, we are anticipating this to be a record-breaking event. If you haven’t taken the opportunity to register, do it today. And while you’re at it, secure your accommodations at the Paris by clicking here. Our exclusive room block—averaging $165/night—is moving quickly and ends on 1/31.
In addition to four days of sessions and roundtables, along with dedicated networking activities, we’re pleased to present one-of-a-kind after-hours events to let you unwind after you spend the day enhancing your business. We’re kicking things off on Sunday at 9:30 p.m. with our always-entertaining Opening Night Party on the Show Floor, courtesy of sponsor Titus Leasing. This amazing event lets you mingle with attendees and vendors in our massive, packed-to-the-gills exhibit hall for a night of drinks, laughs, great conversations, and fun entertainment. While you’re browsing the aisles, you’ll find a strolling mentalist, a magician, a quick-draw caricaturist, and even a juggling bartender. And when you start to feel the wear and tear of a long day, stop by our amazing oxygen bar for some quick rejuvenation. Whether you’re ready to jump on a fantastic show-only deal, or you simply want to scope out what’s new while enjoying a few spirits from our open bar, this casual party will be the perfect way to relax with your peers.
“A never-miss event. The show staff knocked it out of the park. The networking opportunities are amazing,” says Dave Shaw of Olympus Limousine.
Then on Tuesday—yes, Tuesday—evening at 10 p.m., join us for our Bon Voyage Party, courtesy of sponsor VIP Global. This year, we’re moving things to the spectacular Cheri Lounge, a rooftop venue in the Paris Hotel that has to-die-for views of the Strip, including the iconic Fountains of Bellagio and its famous water show. Of course, we’ll have the requisite open bar, light fare, and you can dance the night away courtesy of music from a DJ, but did we mention the fabulous backdrop of the Las Vegas lights? Before we say au revoir to the 2025 CD/NLA Vegas Show on Wednesday, we say merci to all our friends new and old for three awesome days.
“Amazing show and networking. Best one in years for attendance and engagement,” says Darren Croasdale of La Costa Limousine.
Speaking of the show floor, we’re thrilled to announce that we have the biggest and most expansive vendor area we have seen in more than five years, if not longer. To give perspective, this show floor is three times bigger than the last time we were at the Paris. Over the three days you’ll have to shop on the show floor, you can expect a wide array of OEMs, bus manufacturers and dealers, technology, financial services, insurance, and virtually everything you need to run a luxury ground transportation operation. What’s more, we’re offering lunch on the floor both Monday and Tuesday, which is naturally included in your registration. For a full list of exhibitors and a view at the show floor plan, click here.
“It was my first time at the CD/NLA show and it was a great experience! The showroom floor was impressive and overall, the whole experience was motivating and educational,” says Suzy Clifton of Altamont Limo.
“This was the best show ever. It was busy and the show floor was crowded. Great job,” says Jimmy Barnes of Jimmy’s Limousine.
Visit cdnlavegas.com for more information.
[01.21.25]
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LILA President Tom Gouldsbury and board members hosted a successful legislative affairs breakfast with elected officials and staff representatives from state, county, town, and village government to discuss pressing issues facing the transportation industry on Long Island.
The Long Island Limousine Association (LILA) proudly announces the resounding success of its recent legislative breakfast on Thursday, January 16. This event brought together members of the LILA Board along with state and local elected officials to discuss pressing issues facing the passenger transportation industry on Long Island.
In the days leading up to New Year’s Eve, LILA alerted all New Yorkers to only hire licensed car, van, and limousine operators, and launched an unlicensed operator tip line. Unlike licensed operators, those who are unlicensed and operating illegally are not required to comply with a background check, are not registered with the New York State Department of Transportation or Consumer Affairs, are not required to carry safety equipment within the vehicle, and do not carry livery-specific insurance, leaving passengers completely unprotected in the event of an incident.
As part of its public awareness campaign, LILA shared information with regional representatives about the dangers of hiring unlicensed car operators, many of which solicit business through “mom’s” pages and other groups on Facebook and various social media platforms. LILA board members are calling on local elected officials and law enforcement agencies to assist with cracking down on illegal car operators transporting passengers across Long Island.
The topics discussed at the breakfast include new enforcement measures, the creation of a public database of licensed operators, greater education of local law enforcement agencies, and broader awareness amongst the public at airports, train stations and tourist destinations to only hire licensed operators.
Dignitaries who attended LILA’s first legislative breakfast include New York State Senator Siela Bynoe (D), New York State Assemblyman Michael Fitzpatrick (R), Suffolk County Legislature Presiding Officer Kevin McCaffrey (R), Babylon Supervisor and Chair of the Suffolk County Supervisors Association Rich Schaffer (D), Town of Islip Supervisor Angie Carpenter (R), Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer DeSena (D), Suffolk County Legislature Deputy Presiding Officer Steve Flotteron (R), Minority Leader Jason Richberg (D), Legislator Samuel Gonzalez (D), Legislator Rebecca Sanin (D), Town of Islip Councilman Mike McElwee (R), Village of Lindenhurst Mayor Michael Lavorata (R), and staff members representing New York State Senator Mario Mattera (R), New York State Assemblyman Doug Smith (R), Suffolk County Executive Edward Romaine (R), Legislator Catherine Stark (R), and Legislator Stephanie Bontempi (R).
“I want to thank all of the elected officials and their staff who took the time out of their busy schedules and came to our legislative breakfast,” said LILA President Tom Gouldsbury of Azure Limousine. “This event shows our commitment to advocating for the interests of our industry while building strong relationships with our lawmakers who understand the unique challenges we face.”
“This successful breakfast marks a significant step in strengthening our association’s advocacy efforts and ensuring that the voices of transportation professionals are heard in legislative discussions,” said LILA Vice President Charles Gandolfo of Dynasty Limousine. “We spoke a great deal about the role that consumer affairs and law enforcement play in our mission, and our representatives listened and are already taking action.”
“The posts you see on social media with recommendations of unlicensed drivers are too frequently responded to while these drivers are putting people’s lives in danger,” said LILA 2nd Vice President Jim Powers of All Star Limousine. “We appreciate our elected officials helping us to get the word out and making sure their respective agencies partner with us to put passenger safety first.”
“LILA’s legislative agenda for 2025 includes important issues regarding public safety that not just impact the limousine industry, but consumers, residents, venues and small business owners throughout Long Island,” said NLA Second Vice President and LILA Board Member Doug Schwartz of Executive Limousine. “These issues are non-partisan directly reflect the mission of the National Limousine Association, to represent the interests of the private driver transportation industry. I am excited that so many of our governmental partners are joining LILA in its public service campaign to urge operators to get licensed.”
Visit lilimoassociation.com for more information.
[01.21.25]