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The GCLA Board
The annual Greater California Livery Association (GCLA) meeting and holiday party is an always-popular end-of-year event that attracts members, vendors, and guests from throughout the state and around the country, and this year was no exception. Nearly 200 people, including CD President Chris Weiss, attended the event on December 7, which was once again held at The Proud Bird in Los Angeles.
L to R: CD/NLA Vegas Show pass winners Carlos and Nancy Garcia of Carlos Transportation Service, CD President Chris Weiss, and CD Executive Retreat pass winner Alex Darbahani of KLS Worldwide
Following a cocktail hour and dinner, outgoing GCLA President Mo Garkani of The COTS Group and Executive Director Sara Eastwood Richardson delivered announcements and provided a recap of 2021. Other speakers included representatives from Diamond Sponsors Motev, Century Business Solutions, and Chosen Payments, as well as Weiss, who got the crowd revved up for the 2022 CD/NLA Show in Las Vegas this March 27-30.
L to R: Robert Alexander of RMA Worldwide, Patrick O’Brien of O’Brien & Associates, and Chris Weiss
Then, Garkani was presented with the 2021 GCLA Award of Excellence in recognition of his years at the GCLA helm and for his “outstanding professionalism, leadership, and industry involvement that has provided a great benefit to all California operators and supporting agencies.” With Garkani stepping down from the board, it was time to announce a new set of officers and directors:
L to R: Carol Grant of Chosen Payments, Chris Weiss, Kristen Carroll of The LMC Groups, and Melissa Lodi
President: Robert Gaskill of Motev
1st Vice President: Maurice Brewster of Mosaic Worldwide
2nd Vice President: Thomas Buck of Beau Wine Tours
Treasurer: Jack Nissim of Avalon Transportation
Secretary: Selim Aslan of MIB Limousine
L to R: Katie Martinez of Chosen Payments, Thomas Buck of Beau Wine Tours, and J.R. and Maria Garza of Diamond Limousine
The 2022 GCLA Directors include Don Manke of ABC Worldwide Transportation, Aaron Lesasoy of Code 3 Limousine and Transportation, Harry Dhillon of Ecko Transportation Worldwide, Chris Hundley of Limousine Connection, Alex Darbahani of KLS Worldwide, Mark Stewart of Ground Logistics International, Victoria Davis of American Limousine, Adrian Davis of Five Star Transportation, and Darren Croasdale of La Costa Limousine. Vendor members include Katie Martinez of Chosen Payments, Steven Wolfson of Century Business Solutions, and Mark Freeark of TIB Insurance. Patrick O’Brien of O’Brien & Associates remains GCLA counsel.
Visit gcla.org for more information.
[12.14.21]
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Insurance is a ubiquitous hot button topic in our industry. In addition to consistently rising rates, the insurance industry is constantly evolving, with new parameters for coverage and what is expected from operators.
Last week, Bill Faeth of Limo University hosted a livestream entitled "Insurance: What to Expect in 2022.” This session, featuring Nathan Spears of SouthPoint Risk Advisors and Mike Marroccoli of LimoInsurers, provided valuable information to help operators prepare for the coming year. The two experts offered valuable advice and shared their opinion about what luxury ground transportation businesses are currently experiencing in the marketplace and what they can expect in the future.
Timely topics addressed included the recent closure of Global Liberty Insurance, and how that will immediately affect operators, particularly in the Northeast. Also discussed, of course, was the increase in rates, which often equate to 10-20 percent annually for the average operator (honestly, what costs aren’t going up?). The importance of in-vehicle camera systems was emphasized during the livestream, with Spears and Marroccoli sharing that the $150 investment of a camera can ultimately save a company thousands, if not millions, of dollars in the long run.
If you’re an NLA member who missed the event, you can click below to access the recording in the NLA's Members Only Facebook Group. You must be a member of the group to view the recording.
In other NLA news, the association held its annual Board Meeting on December 6 in Northern California. Among the items addressed was the strategic plan for 2022 and the need for passionate and dedicated members to get involved. As such, the NLA is encouraging members to take part in the various committees that work throughout the year on everything from advocacy to membership benefits to charity fundraising and more. To check out the open committees, or better yet, to enroll in a program, click here to fill out a volunteer form.
Visit limo.org for more information.
[12.14.21]
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- Category: Industry News
WLA Secretary/ Treasurer Karen Lotts of A Knight Rider Limousine
The Wisconsin Limousine Association (WLA) held its monthly conference call on Wednesday, December 8. The chief matter discussed was the impending retirement of longtime WLA Secretary/Treasurer Karen Lotts of A Knight Rider Limousine Service.
Effective immediately, Lotts is stepping down from her position as she prepares for her move to Florida, with her company, A Knight Rider, ceasing operations on December 24. At this time, there were no imminent plans to sell the business.
“It’s been 30+ years since we started our limousine company, and more than 12 years with the WLA… it's time to move on,” says Lotts. “Everyone in the industry has been absolutely wonderful to work with! The members of the WLA, Illinois Limousine & Bus Association, and Minnesota Chauffeured Transportation Association are amazing people and full of knowledge. And, from the NLA to the Wisconsin State Patrol and FMCSA, no question has been too small for their input and help. Mostly, I will miss my brides and grooms, and the shock on people’s faces when I parallel park my 180-inch stretch limousine on a busy street.”
WLA President Larry Epstein of Gallant Knight Limousine said he will be sorry to see Lotts go, but wished her the best of luck in her future endeavors.
Also during the call, CD Editor Rob Smentek provided a brief update on the upcoming CD/NLA Show in Vegas this March 27-30. Lotts then announced the winner of the WLA’s second annual Virtual Ugly Sweater contest, in which members were encouraged to send in a photo of a particularly ugly holiday sweater to be selected via raffle. DeVon Gillespie of Milwaukee Executive Livery was the winner for the second consecutive year, and he will receive a custom WLA metal tumbler.
Visit wisconsinlimo.org for more information.
[12.14.21]