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The Limo Patriot Ride is back for 2025, but with a bold new direction. In the wake of the recent devastating wildfires in California, this year’s ride supports the supports the L.A. Fire Department (LAFD) Foundation—and you’re invited to be a part of this transformative journey. Held February 27—the day following the CD/NLA Show—the tour takes participants on a motorcycle tour through the Valley of Fire an hour outside of Las Vegas. The event is sponsored by Valera Global, Camryn Limousine, Unique Chauffeured Transportation, Earth Limos & Buses, Windels Marx (Matt Daus), and Advantage Remarketing Solutions (Eric Coolbaugh).
“This year because of the horrendous fires in Southern California, Tracy Salinger of Unique Chauffeured Services, Bill Kerr of Camryn Limousine, and I decided this year’s Limo Patriot Ride should be dedicated to benefit the LAFD Foundation charity to help all those who have and continue to risk their health and lives in dealing with the horrendous Southern California wildfires,” says David Eckstein of Valera Global.
By taking part in this annual event, you will not only experience the ride of a lifetime but also play a crucial role in supporting the LAFD. This esteemed charity provides essential equipment and funds critical programs that enable the LAFD to save lives and protect our communities. Together, we can make a tangible difference. The LAFD Foundation provides vital equipment and funds programs that help the LAFD save lives and build resilient communities. By purchasing life-saving equipment, providing mental health support, and funding other critical tools and programs, the LAFD Foundation addresses the gap between the city’s budget and LAFD needs. Our success is measured by how prepared, equipped, supported, and safe Los Angeles firefighters are.
Eaglerider Rentals & Tours are once again supporting the event by offering bikes for rent. Click here to reserve your motorcycle. For those that want to take part but are unable to rent a cycle, Earth Limos & Buses is donating transportation for the spectacular journey. Riders are expected to donate at least $100 to take part in the day trip.
Your participation in this event is not just a ride; it’s an opportunity to stand in solidarity with those who risk their lives for us every day. In the past 10 years, the Limo Patriot Ride has generated over $180,000 to benefit the Marine Semper Fi fund to help our injured service members recover from their injuries.
Visit limopatriotride.org for more information.
[02.04.25]

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Forest River Bus & Van, one of North America’s premier shuttle bus and van manufacturers, has announced the acquisition of L.A. West Coaches, a leader in lifestyle enhanced luxury coach design. According to a joint press release, this strategic acquisition aims to amplify the Forest River Bus & Van product portfolio, offering innovative custom vehicles and strengthening its position in the luxury transportation market.

L.A. West Coaches has established itself as a luxury design and innovation leader (and was Chauffeur Driven’s featured cover story in January 2025 issue). With more than three decades of experience serving a diverse clientele, the company has earned a reputation as an expert in crafting high-end custom coaches. As an exclusive eXpert Upfitter for the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter platform, L.A. West Coaches is known for creating highly sought-after custom vehicles.
“We are excited to welcome L.A. West Coaches to the Forest River family,” said Forest River Bus & Van Group General Manager Douglas Wright. “This partnership represents a shared commitment to excellence and innovation. L.A. West Coaches’ proven expertise and dedication to quality align with our values, and we look forward to collaborating to expand our product range.”
For L.A. West Coaches, this acquisition highlights a mutual dedication to innovation, quality, and industry leadership.
“The ultimate compliment as a manufacturer is to be recognized by Forest River Bus & Van as a desirable addition to their portfolio of brands,” said L.A. West Coaches President & CEO Vern Kauffman. “Forest River has great respect for the technology we’ve built and taken to market, for our incredible team, and for our culture. The additional resources that Forest River Bus brings to L.A. West will further accelerate our growth and market penetration in the luxury transportation segment.”
Visit lawestcoaches.com or forestriverinc.com for more information.
[02.03.25]

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L to R: CTANJ Secretary Jason Sharenow of Broadway Elite Worldwide, CD President (and CTANJ Board Member) Chris Weiss, and Director Jason Messinger of BBZ Limousine & Livery Service
The Chauffeured Transportation Association of New Jersey (CTANJ) kicked off 2025 with a luncheon membership meeting on January 28. Sponsored by Grech Motors, the event was held at the Hanover Marriott in Whippany, N.J., and attracted 72 members and guests from the tri-state area. CD President Chris Weiss and Editor Rob Smentek were in attendance.
The 2025 CTANJ Board of Directors
Following the buffet lunch, CTANJ President Mike Rose of My Limousine Service introduced the afternoon’s guest speaker, Assemblyman Mike Inganamort (N.J.-25). Inganamort gave a report about what’s happening in the state capital regarding proposed legislation that could affect the industry. First, he shared that there is currently a bill in the works that would expand paratransit throughout the state. He also stated that he is working on a delay of advanced clean truck legislation, which, he revealed, is a copy-and-paste identical bill to one that passed in California. Of course, the largest issue at hand is congestion pricing, which is now in effect in New York City. Inganamort called the fee a “money grab” to bail out the city’s troubled transit authority. Officials from both sides of the bench are opposed to the tax, and N.J. Governor Phil Murphy is seeking aid from the Trump administration to eliminate the measure. The assemblyman also addressed the “bad actors” in the industry who are operating from social media without the appropriate licenses and insurance, and said he is committed to partnering with CTANJ to solve this problem. Inganamort also revealed that traffic deaths are up a staggering 14 percent in the state, and an effort is being made to combat human trafficking when the World Cup comes to the area next year.
CTANJ President Mike Rose of My Limousine Service (left) with N.J. Assemblyman Mike Inganamort (R-24th District)
After Inganamort’s presentation, CTANJ held elections for the general board and executive officers. All seats were ratified unanimously.
President: Mike Rose of My Limousine Service
1st Vice President: Joe Gulino of Gem Worldwide
2nd Vice President: Jeffrey Cartagena of Leros Transportation Group
Secretary: Jason Sharenow of Broadway Elite Worldwide
Treasurer: Barry Trabb of Complete Fleet Livery Sales
PAC Chair: Jason Sharenow
L to R: CD Editor Rob Smentek, Philadelphia Regional Limousine Association President Tracy Salinger of Unique Chauffeured Services, CTANJ Director Nancy Vargas of DH2 Transportation, and Director Jason Messinger of BBZ Limousine & Livery Service
Board of Directors: Anthony Azara of Avalon Chauffeured Services, James Blain of PAX Training, Chris Bockus of Dav El/BostonCoach, Gary Dersarkissian of The Good Life Transportation, Sam Emam of Special 1 Media, Jay Erlich of Europe Limousine Service, Ray Gallagher of RMA Worldwide, Mike Marroccoli of EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants, John Maziarz of Arrive in Style, Jason Messinger of BBZ Limousine & Livery Service, Mohamed Osman of Fleetwood Limousine Worldwide, Tim Rose of Dolphin Transportation Specialists, Josh Schneeweiss of Advanced Limousine & Worldwide Car Service, David Seelinger of EmpireCLS Worldwide, Nancy Vargas of DH2 Transportation, Chris Weiss of Chauffeur Driven, and Randall Willms of Minuteman Limousine and Car Service.
L to R: CTANJ Treasurer Barry Trabb of Complete Fleet Sales, 1st Vice President Joe Gulino of Gem Worldwide, Shady Azer of Gem Worldwide, and Billy Placier of Commonwealth Worldwide
Rose also discussed the association’s plans to address legislators about illegal operators, and encouraged members to visit the new CTANJ website, which includes recordings from CTANJ’s recent webinar series. Additionally, he urged members to get involved with the various sub-committees, including the Membership Committee, which is tasked with expanding the association’s roster. Rose noted that the Ask CTANJ program will continue, which allows operators to get answers for business-related questions from experts within the membership, with a mentoring program planned in 2025.
CTANJ Executive Director Patricia Nelson
Next, Weiss spoke about the upcoming CD/NLA Show, held February 23-26 at the Paris Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. He’s anticipating record-breaking attendance and revealed that the room block at the hotel is sold-out. Weiss also encouraged attendees not to miss the special bonus workshop held Wednesday, February 26, which is being delivered by Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS). This session alone would cost operators thousands if they attended outside of the CD/NLA event.
CTANJ 2nd Vice President Jeffrey Cartagena of the Leros Transportation Group
Rose then took the opportunity to welcome five new members to the association, and recognized guests/prospective members. On behalf of CD, Weiss offered to cover $50 off fees to any new members, which was matched by Trabb.
CTANJ’s next quarterly meeting is being held March 18 at the Make-A-Wish Foundation headquarters in Monroe Township, N.J. Members can also plan ahead for the association’s annual golf outing, which will be held on June 23.
Visit ctanj.org for more information.
[01.31.25]