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Now that cash transactions are all-but-nonexistent in the luxury ground transportation industry, the importance of having a reliable credit card processor for your business can’t be overstated. With that in mind, the Illinois Limousine & Bus Association (ILLBA) welcomed guest speaker Jay Pearson of EBizCharge/Century Business Solutions on their latest Coffee With ILLBA webinar to share the value and importance of finding a processing company. ILLBA members and guests from around the country took part in the discussion.
ILLBA guest speaker Jay Pearson of EBizCharge/Century Business Solutions
What should you look for when selecting a credit card processor? According to Pearson, rates are important… but aren’t everything. While you should look closely to determine your “true rate” and shop rates periodically, it’s also important to consider whether your processor knows the industry. Did you know that the luxury ground transportation industry has more chargebacks than average, according to data presented by Pearson? It’s important that your credit card partner is aware of trends and potential trouble spots. Similarly, having a single number to call when you need assistance is vital. When you introduce a third-party company—say, PayPal—you’re only adding another level of potential aggravation when there’s a chargeback or fraud.
WLA Director Paula DeBiasi of Chicago Coachworks
Following Pearson’s presentation, ILLBA Executive Director Paula DeBiasi of Chicago Coachworks opened the session up to questions and free discussion. Construction at O’Hare Airport was raised, though it’s currently on schedule to meet its October 2022 conclusion. Other problems at the airport were talked about, notably an increase in homeless people in the terminal and the relentlessness of unlicensed black car services. DeBiasi theorized that the penalty doesn’t fit the crime since many of these illegal operators just factor the fines they receive from the police into their cost of daily business. Ultimately, reporting the unlicensed drivers to airport officials or the police remains the best way to counteract them. Other topics discussed included an increase in the theft of catalytic convertors and the dissolution of the federal mask mandate for transportation services. Many attendees agreed that they will continue to use masks based on client requests (also, your state and local mandates may still be in effect).
The next Coffee With ILLBA session is slated for Tuesday, May 17. It’s free to attend, and operators from any market are invited to take part. Register by emailing info@illba.org.
Visit illba.org for more information.
[04.19.22]
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The Wisconsin Limousine Association (WLA) held their monthly membership meeting via Zoom on Wednesday, April 13. The group welcomed guest speakers to discuss the benefits of belonging to trade association, including Illinois Limousine & Bus Association (ILLBA) Vice President Tracy Raimer and Karl Guenther of Statement Limousine.
WLA Director Paula DeBiasi of Chicago Coachworks
First and foremost, being part of a trade association gives you clout, said Raimer. For instance, membership gives you a proverbial seat at the table to make sure your voice is heard when, say, your local airport institutes a new rule that affects the industry. Furthermore, belonging to an association can offer you a de facto 20-Group where you can exchange benchmarks and advice. While addressing the fact that some operators may have concern about interacting with competitors, WLA Director Paula DeBiasi of Chicago Coachworks pointed out that associations are not social clubs; they are organizations for advocacy and education than only strengthen the industry within a given market. Guenther, who is based in Cleveland, Ohio, spoke about the formation of a new association in his region, which is quickly gaining traction and interest.
WLA President Larry Epstein of Gallant Knight Limousine
Following the discussion about trade associations, WLA President Larry Epstein of Gallant Knight Limousine informed the members on the webinar that new Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) regulations went into effect in February, which require new drivers and chauffeurs to have more training before getting a CDL license. While this is ultimately beneficial in terms of safety and compliance, it only adds to the existing challenge of hiring new drivers.
A recording of the meeting is available to members on the WLA Facebook page. The WLA is planning a conference call for their May membership meeting.
Visit wisconsinlimo.org for more information.
[04.19.22]
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- Category: Industry News
Global chauffeur service Blacklane named Henning Groß as chief technology officer (CTO). Groß runs Blacklane’s engineering and product teams, which comprise one third of Blacklane’s 350 employees. Most tech employees work in Berlin or Barcelona, and the company is hiring in both locations.
Blacklane names Henning Groß as chief technology officer (CTO)
Groß oversees the ongoing development of Blacklane’s product, technical innovation, resilience and security to support guests, chauffeurs, corporate travel managers and travel agents. His responsibilities include Blacklane’s booking platform, guest and chauffeur apps, and customer service technology.
“Blacklane has surpassed pre-pandemic monthly revenue and we forecast strong growth this year,” said CEO and Co-founder Jens Wohltorf. “Henning has the technical expertise to scale our systems to the next level and the people skills to grow and develop our crew.”
Groß replaces Frank Steuer, who co-founded Blacklane with Wohltorf. Steuer remains as shareholder and as part of the company’s board of directors. He handed over daily work to split time between Berlin and Finland with his family.
Groß has an extensive track record building efficient companies and transforming organizations. He focuses on an open culture, healthy team structures and performance-oriented values.
“Blacklane modernized the chauffeur industry. The company made local, professional chauffeurs available and affordable around the world,” said Groß. “Our priorities for the post-pandemic travel era include complimentary services for airlines and cruises, chauffeur hailing for on-demand rides, and innovative electric vehicle (EV) service.”
Groß has served as CTO in the insurance, marketing, IT services, and media and publishing industries. Before those, he held senior technical roles in online retail, automotive and translation services, and is the co-founder of three companies.
Visit blacklane.com for more information.
[04.19.22]