- Details
- Category: Industry News
CD President Chris Weiss (left) with CD/NLA Show pass winner Randall Willms of Minuteman Limousine and Car Service 
L to R: Dino Olivares of Complete Fleet, Davit Kitiashvili of A2B Corporate Sedan, Barry Trabb of Complete Fleet, and George Ioseliani of A2B Corporate Sedan
The holiday spirit was in the air—and meat was on the plate—at the holiday dinner meeting of the Chauffeured Transportation Association of New Jersey (CTANJ). Held December 12 at the Fernandes Night Club in Newark, more than 90 members from across the tristate area were in attendance, as well as vendors and guests from across the country. In addition to offering a tremendous Brazilian Rodizio steak dinner, in which decadent cuts of meat were sliced and served table side, the event also served as a Toys for Toys collection. Dozens and dozens of toys filled three giant boxes for the Marine Corps-sponsored charity.
Networking was on full tilt at the dinner, as the open-bar cocktail hour, sponsored by Buffalo Limousine, Complete Fleet Livery Sales, Fleetwood Worldwide World Class Chauffeured Services, and Leros Transportation Group, gave members an opportunity to catch up and share some seasonal cheer. A DJ was on hand to spin holiday and popular favorites. What would a party in NJ be without a little Springsteen?
Lou Gastaldi from Garden State A-1 Car & Limousine Service (left) with CD Editor Rob Smentek 
Three boxes of toys were collected for Toys for Tots
While an enormous array of appetizers and salads were being offered, CTANJ President Mike Rose of My Limousine Service addressed the attendees. He first introduced the board members in attendance, who were met with a round of applause. Rose also thanked the evening’s long list of sponsors, which included Dinner Sponsors Country Club Transportation, EmpireCLS, Gem Worldwide, and Stafford/Love Limousine as well as Appetizer Sponsors Ace Limousine & Airport Service, Chauffeur Driven, Create-A-Card, Dolphin Transportation Specialists, Executive Luxury Service, Key Transportation, Long Island Limousine Association, Metropolis Passenger Logistics, Model 1 Commercial Vehicles, PAX Training, RMA Worldwide, Special 1 Media, Sterling Limousine & Transportation Services, T-Mobile, and Vander Plaat Executive Limousine Service. Executive Director Patricia Nelson also got some well-deserved recognition from Rose, as he thanked her for all she does for the association. CTANJ Vice President Joe Gulino of Gem Worldwide and Treasurer Barry Trabb of Complete Fleet also took a moment to thank sponsors and offer some appreciation to Rose, who is completing his first successful year as CTANJ president.
L to R: Carl Restivo of Advantage Remarketing Solutions, CTANJ Vice President Joe Gulino of Gem Worldwide, Ray Gallagher of RMA Worldwide, CTANJ President Mike Rose of My Limousine Service, and David Eckstein of Valera Global 
More than 90 members and guests were in attendance 
L to R: Josh Schneeweiss of Advanced Limousine & Worldwide Car Service, Chris Weiss, Steve Horowitz of EmpireCLS, and Rich Doherty of EmpireCLS
After dinner was served, Trabb acted as auctioneer as a CD/NLA Vegas Show pass was on the proverbial auction block. After some heated bidding, the winner was Randall Willms of Minuteman Limousine and Car Service, who will be joining hundreds of operators from around the world when the show returns to the Paris Hotel & Casino from February 23-26.
Visit ctanj.org for more information.
[12.17.24]
- Details
- Category: Industry News
Avant Garde President Denny Leinhos and HR Manager Katie Jones went on air with the Smiley Morning Show 
11 Avant Garde employees volunteered for Make-A-Wish
On Thursday, December 5, Avant Garde Limousines, Coach & Transportation, based in Indianapolis, attended the 28th annual Make-A-Wish Request-A-Thon hosted by 99.5 WZPL and Dave Smiley with The Smiley Morning Show. During this time Avant Garde President Denny Leinhos along with 11 other employees volunteered their time for 2 hours to help answer phones where callers would donate money and then request a song to help 250 kids in Indiana with critical illnesses. Leinhos and HR Manager Katie Jones also spoke on air over the radio to talk about the cause and the different trips Avant Garde has helped be a part of. This event went for 36 hours and was run by nothing but volunteers. In the end, $875,989 was raised which solely goes towards supporting the Make-A-Wish mission, which is based on the belief that a wish can be an integral part of a child’s treatment, and can help them build the strength to fight their illness.
Avant Garde Limousines, Coach & Transportation presented Make-A-Wish Foundation with a check for $10,000
This is the sixth year that Avant Garde has partnered with Make-A-Wish in providing transportation for all Wish participants from rides to and from the airport for Disney World, to shopping sprees, wanting to be the Colts mascot Blue for the day, and the most recent event which was transporting 27 kids over 3 days to see Taylor Swift. So far Avant Garde has helped transport over 300 Wish participants and that number continues to increase. The average cost to fulfill a wish is $10,000 per child, and in the past Avant Garde has donated $4,000. However, this year Make-A-Wish was presented with a check for $10,000, which will help fulfill one full wish for a child. Along with the donation Avant Garde will also help support and sponsor the family that ends up being chosen to receive the Wish.
Visit avantgardelimos.com for more information.
[12.17.24]
- Details
- Category: Industry News
NLA Board of Directors attending a strategic planning meeting in Phoenix
The National Limousine Association (NLA) has announced its priorities for 2025 following a strategic planning meeting with the Board of Directors in Phoenix last week.
“The insights and expertise shared during this meeting will be the foundation for an impactful year ahead,” said NLA President Brett Barenholtz of Above All/Maine Limousine. “We are united in our mission to protect and promote the interests of our members while driving innovation and sustainability in the luxury transportation sector.”
The meeting aimed to chart a bold course for the luxury ground transportation industry in 2025, establishing the following areas of focus:
- Tackling the Insurance Crisis: By partnering with leading insurance associations, the NLA aims to create a dedicated risk category for luxury ground transportation, distinguishing it from ride-hailing and taxi services to address the insurance crisis among operators.
- Implementing New Sustainability Initiatives: The NLA reaffirms its commitment to environmental leadership by supporting carbon offset programs and incentivizing the adoption of electric vehicles among members. Plans are underway to launch an NLA Green Certification Program in 2025.
- Co-Hosting the Industry's Largest Trade Show: Next year’s flagship Chauffeur Driven/NLA Show—scheduled for Feb. 23-26 at the Paris Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas—will feature innovative exhibits, engaging seminars and unparalleled opportunities to connect with peers and leaders in the luxury transportation sector.
- Commemorating the 40th Anniversary: Celebrations for the upcoming 40th anniversary of the NLA will include a major event at the annual convention, a commemorative publication and a digital campaign highlighting the association’s history and accomplishments.
- Expanding Advertising Initiatives: Building on the success of its 2024 campaign, the NLA will expand its efforts to educate the public about the unmatched safety, reliability, and luxury offered by its members.
“We are at a transformative moment in the industry,” said NLA Treasurer Rick Versace of A1A Global Ground. “This meeting wasn’t just about solving today’s problems—it was about envisioning what the future of luxury ground transportation should look like and taking bold steps to get there.”
As the NLA approaches its 40th year, its leadership remains steadfast in its commitment to advocating for the industry and equipping its members with the tools to thrive in an evolving marketplace.
In other news, the NLA is now accepting applications for the 2025 Vegas Show Scholarship Program, which provides operators the opportunity to attend the CD/NLA Show in Vegas for the first time.
The scholarship includes:
- One (1) Full Show Pass to the CD/NLA Show in Las Vegas ($549)
- Three (3) paid nights at host hotel, Paris Las Vegas ($600)
- One (1) year NLA membership if scholarship winner is not currently an NLA member ($395+)
- Networking and education to grow your business (Priceless!)
“Like so many operators, I remember how overwhelming and intimidating my first show was,” says Barenholtz. “By providing guidance and support to first-time show attendees and new NLA members, we can hopefully set them up for success, help their businesses grow, and make them show attendees for life!
To be considered for the scholarship, applicants must own a chauffeured transportation company that has at least one (1) vehicle, have the required local/state/federal licensing and proper insurance, work chauffeured transportation as your primary business, have never attended an NLA event or Chauffeur Driven Show in any capacity previously, and have not previously been awarded a Scholarship by the NLA. Furthermore, recipients MUST participate on the Scholarship Orientation Conference Call (to be held prior to the show) and attend the various sessions and events at the CD/NLA Show. For full requirements, please consult the application. In addition, the recipient must provide a written report on the experience after the show.
The application deadline is Wednesday, January 8th.
Visit limo.org for more information.
[12.16.24]