On April 29, the Long Island Limousine Association (LILA) held a membership meeting at the Four Points Sheraton in Nassau County. Fifty members and guests were in attendance to discuss the association’s ongoing measures to eliminate illegal operators in their market. LILA President Tom Gouldsbury of Azure Limousine is optimistic about the headway made in recent months.
L to R: Joe Marotta of Acrisure Insurance, Douglas Schwartz of Executive Transportation, Charlie Gandolfo of Dynasty Limo, LILA President Tom Gouldsbury of Azure Limousion, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romane, and Ariel Ullberg of Azure Limousine
“We are currently seeing a lot of momentum. We are here to educate the officials, officers, and legislators, and we’re starting to see real results,” he says.
Recently LILA directors were part of a Zoom meeting with the East End Police Chiefs Association. The association’s goal was to create awareness of unlicensed operators amongst law enforcement. During the meeting, LILA shared an enforcement tip sheet for officers and discussed an East End press conference for the Summer & Fall Season to alert local restaurants and venues to only hire licensed operators. Gouldsbury says that a face-to-face meeting has been scheduled with two local police chiefs to further elucidate the dangers presented by these operators.
Furthermore, it was reported that the association had a productive meeting with Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, who pledged his support to the industry by agreeing to increase enforcement through the hiring of investigators to eliminate unlicensed operators. In May, Romaine will take part in a press conference with LILA and Suffolk County Police Department to alert the public to only hire licensed cars during prom season.
“Romaine has also assigned one of his legislators to work together with us so we can funnel the plate numbers and information directly to him. We really got the ball rolling,” says Gouldsbury.
Lastly, it was revealed that LILA will be featured in local newspapers on Long Island. Members can look forward to a story about the association and their current battle, along with a public service advertisement.
During the meeting LILA’s public relations representative Anthony Manetta shared a slide deck recounting the highlights of their ongoing awareness campaign, including the establishment of a public tip line to report illegal operators. Chauffeurs, owners, and the public at large are encouraged to call 631.944.8448 or email ContactLILALongIsland@gmail.com with any information regarding bad actors.
Visit lilimoassociation.com for more information.
[05.05.25]