Winner of the 2016 CD Show pass Michael Green of A Platinum Plus Limousine (left) and CD’s Industry & Brand Ambassador Philip Jagiela Columbia, Md. — The Maryland Limousine Association (MLA) and Maryland Motorcoach Association (MMA) held a joint meeting on September 20 at the Double Tree by Hilton. Co-sponsored by Wells Fargo and PB Mares CPAs & Consultants, the meeting was attended by 20 members and guests, including CD’s Industry & Brand Ambassador Philip Jagiela.

The event quickly got underway with a presentation by guest speaker Brodie Mack, safety operations program manager, eastern service center, of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Mack spoke about two hot button topics affecting both associations: fire safety and regulations and compliance. First, he addressed risk management relating to bus fires, advising attendees that equipment failure is the biggest cause of fires. Mack stress the importance of pre-trip inspections and the proper maintenance of your vehicles and their operating systems. During the second half of his presentation, geared towards limo operators, he reviewed the federal regulations that govern the industry. Mack emphasized the importance of keeping accurate drivers’ logs, and informed the group that in 2017, it will be a requirement to have electronic logs.

The next speaker, Roland H. Pachino, serves as a senior tax manager for meeting’s co-sponsor PB Mares. His session offered business owners with tips and advice on the ins and outs of selling and valuing their companies. Pachino reviewed multiple layers of selling your company, and explained how valuation is “more theoretical than actual.”

L to R: Marvin Prince of LSA Worldwide, MLA President Joanna Fridinger of The Limo Lady, and Thomas Quill of Royale After lunch was served, two representatives from co-sponsor Wells Fargo addressed the MLA and MMA members. Joe Silhavy, vice president, principal business relationship manager, and Michael Sontag, vice president, business development officer, provided an overview of funding options that Wells Fargo can provide to the limousine and motor coach industries. According to the reps, Wells Fargo is the largest motor coach funder in the country, and they suggest treating your banker as a “partner” in the business.

Jagiela was the day’s final speaker, and took the opportunity to congratulate MLA President Joanna Fridinger of The Limo Lady and MLA & MMA Executive Administrator Mary Presley on the concept of bringing the associations together for meeting. He then praised the value of the meeting’s educational content, and encouraged attendees to “keep their listening ears on” when receiving education at the meetings. Jagiela then spoke about the upcoming CD Show in Washington, D.C., spotlighting the education and new Benchmark Breakout sessions.

Before the meeting was adjourned, Jagiela gave away a show pass, eschewing the familiar business card raffles in favor of a Chauffeur Driven trivia question. The pass was won by Michael Green of A Platinum Plus Limousines.

Visit mdlimoassoc.org or marylandmotorcoach.org for more information.

[CD1016]