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The leisure & hospitality (L&H) sector continues to be the big winner in the most recent May jobs report, released June 4 by the US Department of Labor. The sector was the hardest hit during the pandemic, reflecting 39 percent of all jobs lost in 2020, but has been clawing its way back as the economy improves and people return to regular activities. L&H represents a broad swath of industries, including hotels, restaurants, and travel.
Overall, 559,000 jobs were added in May, of which 292,000 were in L&H. Vaccination rates have leveled off in recent weeks, although more than 63 percent of US adults and 43 percent of the overall population (vaccinations are currently available to people over 12 years of age) have received at least one dose of the vaccination as of June 7, which has prompted many states to relax mask and capacity restrictions and allow more businesses to open with greater numbers of people. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also dropped its mask mandate for fully vaccinated individuals in May.
While the good news is the sector is ramping up for a robust second half of 2021, the issue of hiring or rehiring has been a problem for many businesses in our industry. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that salaries have increased in L&H, up from $14.58 in May 2020 to $15.87 in May 2021 (non-supervisory positions). Salaries were trending upward around 1-2 percent since 2017, although dropped sharply in 2020 as the pandemic shut down most of the travel and hospitality businesses domestically and globally. The difficulty in filing key roles and competition for better-paying jobs may force those in our industry to raise wages to attract and keep workers, which could be a tenuous situation for already cash-strapped companies.
The next jobs report is due July 2.
[06.08.21]
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- Category: Industry News
Limo & Bus Compliance (LBC) founders Chris Przybylski and Joe Guinn are excited to announce the launch of SafeLimos.org, an independent third-party compliance certification for passenger transportation providers. The site includes an affiliate management system that automates the process of collecting affiliate agreements and certificates of insurance. SafeLimos.org will start certifying new members July 1, 2021.
According to LBC, certification with the site sets you apart from your competitors and also makes your company available for outbound work from larger affiliate partners. Several national companies have committed to using SafeLimos.org certified companies and more are being added daily.
“SafeLimos was founded with a simple vision: to increase safety and transparency in the passenger transportation industry,” said Przybylski and Guinn. “We built and maintain an expanding database of compliance regulations to help you select the best partners.”
SafeLimos certified members must go through the following verification process:
Chris Przybylski of Limo & Bus Compliance
- Apply at SafeLimos.Org
- Agreement to the SafeLimos Code of Conduct
- Verification of appropriate federal, state and local licensing
- Verification of appropriate airport and port authority permits
- Verification of auto and general liability coverage
- Verification of owned and covered fleet (only company owned/insured vehicles will appear on your available list)
- USDOT rating of None or Satisfactory
- Approval
Joe Guinn of Limo & Bus Compliance
Members can search by vehicle type, location, and other criteria such as GNet Membership, NLA Membership, Software, PAX users and more. Users can select your preferred partner and request a partnership. If the affiliate agrees, you’ll receive a signed agreement, COI and if you’re both GNet users, you’ll be connected automatically.
“We believe that integration is the key to increasing efficiency and profitability in our industry. We are incredibly honored to be working with some of the biggest names in our industry to create bilateral communication and integration,” added Przybylski and Guinn.
The website offers two levels of involvement: a basic membership that includes appropriate badging and the ability to accept agreements in the system, and the affiliate management membership, which includes access meant for users with outbound work who need to manage both inbound and outbound affiliate agreements. The basic membership is available at $75/year while the affiliate management level costs $300/year.
Visit safelimos.org or call 480.999.2250 for more information.
[06.08.21]
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- Category: Industry News
INKAS Armored Vehicle Manufacturing recently unveiled its redesigned next generation vehicle that has become a symbol of luxury over the last two decades: the armored Cadillac Escalade. Fortified with INKAS innovative protective solutions and certified armored materials, this iconic vehicle becomes a fortress on wheels.
INKAS is a leading Canadian-based company that specializes in the design and production of a wide range of armored vehicles, including executive SUVs, luxury sedans, special purpose military vehicles, personnel carriers, cash-in-transit vehicles, and more. Since 2000, INKAS Armored Vehicle Manufacturing has been providing armored vehicles for banks, law enforcement agencies, corporate clients, and individuals all over the world.
Under the hood, this armored Cadillac Escalade features a powerful 6.2-liter V-8 engine producing 420 hp coupled with a 10-speed automatic transmission, and is available in standard RWD and 4WD options. For more controlled ride handling, a 3.0L turbodiesel engine can be added upon request. With the optimized independent rear suspension, this vehicle guarantees a smooth ride and provides the utmost comfort and luxury to its occupants.
This full-size luxury SUV boasts its symbolic front end, horizontal headlights, and stylish vertical taillights that span from bumper to roof. With an extended wheelbase, the armored Cadillac Escalade provides a spacious interior layout that comes fully equipped with high-end technology that enhances the driving experience. INKAS raises the bar with key features that include a massive 38-inch OLED screen stretched across the dash, and exquisite seating wrapped in premium leather and offering heating and massage functionality.
The armored Cadillac Escalade comes with hands-free Super Cruise, extended driver-assist features, digital rear-view mirror, adaptive cruise control, ambient lighting, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto compatibility, lane keep assistance, and more. This vehicle brings spaciousness and functionality, and includes an advanced entertainment system with a 36-speaker sound system compatible with Apple and Android. Individuals can even choose from a variety of high-quality upholstery and decorative elements to match their personal style.
The INKAS Armored Cadillac Escalade is precision-built to exacting standards with innovative, light-weight ballistic armor, covering the vehicle with full, all-around protection. The armoring technologies ensure the vehicle is secured to the ballistic protection level of CEN 1063 BR6, while maintaining the vehicle’s original features. INKAS has implemented its new proprietary armored overlap system, which offers protection for door seals by ensuring no bullets can penetrate them. Additional protective upgrades include sirens and PA systems, LED strobe lights, a blackout package, engine bay fire suppression system, door-assist mechanism to counteract the weight of armored doors, and much more.
The new INKAS Armored Cadillac Escalade is now available for worldwide delivery to all major seaports, as well as airfreight upon special request. A video of the vehicle can be viewed here.
Visit inkas.ca for more information.
[06.08.21]