Lancer Insurance
Thursday, March 28, 2024

LANJ

The Limousine Association of New Jersey (LANJ) hosted its “2023 Kick-Off Meeting” on February 15 at the Hampton Inn in Woodbridge. More than 50 members and guests from across the tri-state area were in attendance for the luncheon meeting, including CD Editor Rob Smentek. LANJ welcomed Ken Lucci of Driving Transactions, who presented a two-part educational lecture.

LANJ LANJ’s first 2023 meeting attracted more than 50 members and guests

After welcoming new faces and old friends, LANJ President Jason Sharenow of Broadway Elite Chauffeured Services got things started by delivering the LANJ Report, a roundup of association news. First on the docket was a rundown on what’s being done to fight the proposed congestion pricing in New York City. LANJ is working closely with its lobbyist and N.Y. stakeholders to oppose this plan, which will likely begin in 2025. Next, Sharenow informed members that the N.J. State Police have a new bus inspection team that is performing inspections on bus operators. He said that the troopers have been cooperative and friendly during their “level 3” inspections (i.e., largely paperwork).

LANJ Shady Azer of Gem Worldwide Ground Transportation (left) and LANJ President Jason Sharenow of Broadway Elite Chauffeured Services

Sharenow then took a few minutes to discuss the upcoming CD/NLA Show in Las Vegas on March 5-8, with a particular focus on the educational content (as he serves as Co-chair of the CD/NLA Educational Committee). He then congratulated Chauffeur Driven on the recent publication of the 10th anniversary issue, which was met with a round of applause from attendees.

LANJ Guest speaker Ken Lucci of Driving Transactions

Next, the LANJ Membership Committee was thanked for their hard work with getting membership back on track. Sharenow was pleased to announce that operators and vendors are rejoining, and new members—both local and affiliate—are joining the association.

The LANJ Report was concluded with the announcement of the 2023 Board of Directors, which was unanimously approved by membership.

LANJ L to R: Vince Pipitone of Secure Trans Connection, Barry Trabb of Complete Fleet Livery Sales, and Randall Willms of Minuteman Limousine & Car Service

President: Jason Sharenow of Broadway Elite Chauffeured Services
First Vice President: Joe Gulino of Gem Worldwide Ground Transportation
Second Vice President: Mike Rose of My Limousine Service
Secretary: Karen Gajda of Country Club Transportation
Treasurer: Barry Trabb of Complete Fleet Livery Sales
PAC Chair: Pete Corelli of Lakeview Custom Coach
Directors: Anthony Azara of Avalon Chauffeured Services, Jeffrey Cartagena of Leros Point to Point/Royal Coachman Worldwide, Johnny Donohoe of Sterling Limousine, Jay Erlich of Europe Limousine Service, Michael Fogarty of RMA Worldwide Chauffeured Transportation, Mike Marroccoli of EPIC insurance Brokers & Consultants, John Maziarz of Arrive in Style Transportation, Jason Messinger of BBZ Limousine & Livery Services, Tim Rose of Dolphin Transportation, David Seelinger of EmpireCLS, and Chris Weiss of Chauffeur Driven

LANJ LANJ President Jason Sharenow of Broadway Elite Chauffeured Services

Lucci then took center stage for his engaging two-part session, Creating Winning Pricing Strategies By Knowing Your Costs/Selling Value Instead of Price. In both halves, he emphasized that selling based on price is not good for the luxury ground transportation industry. Instead, operators should be instituting a value-based marketing strategy, which is when “you can tangibly justify a higher price.” Lucci also touched upon the importance of dynamic pricing, which is “underused” in our industry. While he sayt there may be some resistance to fluctuating rates among corporate clientele, there are ways to institute demand pricing, such as surcharges, add-ons, green-outs, and by-vehicle pricing. Lucci’s accompanying PowerPoint presentations will be made available to LANJ members via email blast.

Visit lanj.org for more information.

[02.21.23]