The LMC Group Participates in #GivingTuesday, Adds New Finance Consultant

The LMC Group raised $2000 for the Big Brothers Big Sisters of New Hampshire on #GivingTuesdayManchester, N.H. — The LMC Group participated in its third annual #GivingTuesday event on November 28 by raising money for Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of New Hampshire. #GivingTuesday is a grassroots movement held the Tuesday after Thanksgiving that encourages businesses and organizations to help others through the gift of time, donations, goods, or raising awareness.

For more than 100 years, the BBBS organization has matched at-risk children and teens with mentors who offer encouragement, guidance, and positive influence.

LMC #GivingTuesday Ambassador Aleja Seabron challenged LMC team members to participate in a #GivingTuesday 5K, combining exercise with charitable fundraising. Aleja explained, “We chose BBBS because we believe in the work they are doing. I attended their annual fundraiser, the Big Bond Bash, and was so impressed that when #GivingTuesday came around, BBBS came to mind. #GivingTuesday is a wonderful way for companies to get involved in their communities.”

Many LMC families joined in the fun as well. At the end, LMC team members had reached 100 percent staff participation and raised $2,000 with their 100% company match. LMC Founder Kristen Carroll remarked, “We are so impressed with the work that BBBS does in New Hampshire and nationwide. Research shows BBBS’s impressive results in encouraging kids to get good grades, go to college, and avoid detrimental behaviors, and we were honored to be able to support their efforts. I’m incredibly proud to be part of a team with like-minded people who generously and enthusiastically give of their time and money to worthwhile causes.”

The LMC Group Finance Consultant Jessica BoulericeIn other LMC Group news, the company recently announced the addition of Finance Consultant Jessica Boulerice to their team. Her extensive background and credentials enable The LMC Group to offer finance services, such as financial strategy and analysis, monthly reporting, budgeting, and audit/tax assistance, to help their clients achieve their goals, as well as a fractional CFO for companies requiring strategic fiscal leadership without needing a full-time CFO level resource.

Boulerice’s approach to financial strategy combines her creative thinking with her practical knowledge and experience. She is also a compelling public speaker and lecturer.

“Bringing the same creative approach to finance that we offer in our other services, Jessica is finance star who will bring the missing component of financial strategy and acumen that our team has been needing for quite some time,” says Carroll. “She is a fabulous addition to the LMC team, and we look forward to demonstrating what she can do for our small business clients.”

Boulerice is excited to be a part of The LMC Group: “Something I hear most often from executives is they believe they and their teams are working harder than ever, but they still can’t see it in the bottom line or in the bank. Without financial and operational metrics in place and tracked regularly, they may never find out for sure. I look forward to working closely with our clients.”

Visit lmc.group for more information.

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NLA Refutes Uber and Lyft’s Background Check Claims

New York — Following Uber and Lyft’s recent responses to its public service announcement (PSA), “The Signs,” the National Limousine Association (NLA) is renewing its call for legislation mandating fingerprint-based background checks and universal drug screening for ride-hailing service drivers.

In the NLA’s PSA, ride-hail apps are linked to instances of sexual assault and passengers are encouraged to think twice before utilizing these services. Uber and Lyft have responded to the PSA, claiming that they perform rigorous background checks on all drivers to ensure the safety of passengers. However, as demonstrated recently in Colorado and Massachusetts, the background checks of these companies are ineffectual, and have missed thousands of drivers with criminal backgrounds and resulted in the dismissal of 11 percent of their workforce in some cases.

NLA President Gary Buffo“Uber and Lyft continue to evade the issues and questions concerning their driver screening procedures,” said Gary Buffo, president of the NLA. Continued Buffo, “A truly comprehensive screening process would include a fingerprint-based background check solution, with the ability to find crimes many years back and across state lines. Additionally, in-person interviews, as well as drug and alcohol screening, are noticeably absent from the ride-hail vetting process, at the same time that our nation is suffering through an opioid crisis. It is time that all transportation providers are held to a much higher standard.”

Through its Ride Responsibly initiative, the NLA has formed multiple partnerships over several years to advocate for stricter driver vetting. The NLA has also tirelessly advocated for the rights of ride-hail drivers, who are currently misclassified as independent contractors rather than as employees.

Visit www.limo.org for more information.

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LANJ Board of Directors Conference Call Addresses BoD Election, Legislative Issues

LANJ President Jason SharenowNew Jersey — The brutal weather seen this winter in the Northeast caught up with the Limousine Association of New Jersey (LANJ) when a snow storm forced a last-minute cancellation of their January membership meeting. On Wednesday, January 25, the LANJ board of directors went forward with a conference call to keep up association news and other happenings facing operators within the NY-NJ-PA tristate region.

Chief among the issued discussed on the call was the nomination of board officers for the 2018 LANJ elections. Each of the current officers was nominated to continue their role for the coming term. These include:

President: Jason Sharenow of Broadway Elite Worldwide
1st Vice President/Treasurer: Jon Epstein of Royal Coachman Worldwide
2nd Vice President: Jeff Brodsly of Chosen Payments
Secretary: Karen Gajda of Country Club Transportation

These nominations will be presented to the membership for an official vote.

The call began with an update from Golf Committee Chair Brian O’Neill of Grech Motors, who proposed a new plan to for the marketing and operation of this year’s LANJ Charity Golf Tournament. With the 2017’s inaugural event being a huge success (grossing more than $33,000), the board unanimously agreed to move ahead with O’Neill’s suggestion.

Next, Sharenow gave his President’s Report, which addressed the unfortunate cancellation of the previous week’s meeting. Sharenow also provided the board with an update from the association’s lobbying firm regarding recent legislative matters. Representatives from LANJ will be meeting with the firm in coming weeks to get some sort of resolution with TNC background checks as well as port authority fees. Since N.J. recently sworn in a new governor, the association also touched on the potential for a new, higher minimum wage.

LANJ Executive Director Patricia Nelson followed with her report, highlighted with the announcement that the association’s membership is currently at an all-time high, with more than 150 members. Nelson also provided the board with a bit of information regarding the NLA Day on the Hill on May 23 in Washington, D.C., and the upcoming New York International Auto Show.

Before the call concluded, Epstein provided a brief Membership Committee report that largely focused on LANJ’s next meeting in March, held at Englewood Cadillac. Scott Solombrino of Dav El/Boston Coach will be attending as a guest speaker.

Visit lanj.org for more information.

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Van Hool Plans New U.S.-Based Manufacture Facility

Flip Van Hool, CEO of Van Hool (© Wim Kempenaers [WKB])Faribault, Minn. — Plans are in their final stages for Van Hool to begin building an American-based production facility later this year in Tennessee for the manufacture of diesel-powered transit city buses. ABC Companies, the exclusive North American distributor of Van Hool motorcoaches, and the manufacturer agree that offering the premium quality Van Hool line for transit-based applications is a natural product extension and an exciting opportunity for market expansion. As they enter the public market, the partners will target public agencies and private operators.

“We are focused on offering a proven product that can enable rapid market expansion into broader, more diverse service sectors,” adds Dane Cornell, president and CEO at ABC Companies. Additional private transit applications include providing and augmenting service for municipalities, county, state and federal agencies; corporate employee shuttles; university and school bus shuttles; connector services; and more. Roman Cornell, ABC Companies executive vice president and chief commercial officer, adds, “The new Van Hool transit product will offer a potential win-win for all stakeholders.”

While Van Hool has enjoyed previous acceptance in the US and Canadian transit markets with upwards of 550 bus deliveries in past years, the new production facility is a conduit for meeting “Buy America” compliance that will establish a strengthened presence in the US market. A southeastern US location has been selected for the new plant site with plant opening and production commissioning by the year 2020. The factory will be capable of producing 400 units in its first year of operation, and is modeled after Van Hool’s state-of-the-art Macedonia production facility where the market-leading Van Hool CX45 and CX35 vehicles are currently fabricated. Initial production will include diesel-powered vehicles, with plans to quickly ramp up for production and delivery of CNG and electric-powered models to buyers nationwide.

“Our experience and insights over 30 years are forming our vision for this future facility,” stated CEO Filip Van Hool. “America is our second home. We love the American mind-set and we are fortunate to have a lifetime partner who shares our business philosophy and desire to see and seize new opportunities.”

Visit abc-companies.com or vanhool.be/nl for more information.

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Chosen Payments Featured on Fox Sports

Moorpark, Calif. — Chosen Payments CEO Jeff Brodsly was recently featured on FOX Sports in a spot that recognized the company as the preferred credit card processor of the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), its members, fans, and vendors. Chosen Payments handles credit card processing at all NHRA tracks including ticket sales, concession stands, and other ancillary sales that take place at NHRA tracks or on NHRA.com.

Fox Sports reporter Lewis Bloom interviewed Brodsly during the annual Specialized Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show held October 30 through November 2 in Las Vegas. The show is the premier automotive specialty products trade event of the world, and draws a crowd of 165,000 to see the latest automotive products, customized cars and builders to one place.

Brodsly took the opportunity during the interview to reveal that two-time funny car champion Tony Pedregon would be serving as an ambassador of Chosen Payments, and indicated that he is currently evaluating the sponsorship of an NHRA team. The interview with Bloom was simulcast on NHRA.com.

Brodsly says, “It was an honor to be selected to be featured on a national network along with representatives from Coca Cola, Papa John’s Pizza and other big-name companies. In fact, it was the highlight of my career!”

Chosen Payments was recently named one of the Top 10 credit card processors in the United States by Retail CIO Magazine, and is the preferred or exclusive provider in many vertical markets. The company maintains partnerships with trade associations serving many industries, including funeral care, chiropractic care, jewelry stores, moving companies, ground transportation companies, and others in the automotive industry such as car dealerships and the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA).

Visit youtube.com/watch?v=eDBtwS7eXao to see the Fox Sports clip or chosenpayments.com for more information.

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Boston Chauffeur Moves Into New Headquarters

Boston Chauffeur Founder & CEO Mark Kini (third from left) meets with staff in the company’s new headquarters
Beverly, Mass. — Full-service luxury ground transportation provider Boston Chauffeur recently announced that they have relocated into new offices at 600 Cummings Center. The company’s new headquarters offers a more contemporary and larger setting that will allow for collaborative employee interaction.

Boston Chauffeur Founder and CEO Mark Kini said of the move, “We are tremendously excited about the move. This is a new chapter for Boston Chauffeur as we work to overcome the many challenges the business and our industry face in 2018.”

The new headquarters will also allow the company to offer a separate area for training and development, which includes an LCD projector, smart TV technology for educational streaming videos, and old-fashioned whiteboard for classroom use.

In addition to the benefits of operating in a larger space, Kini says the new location has already provided the company with an increase in walk-in business. The company has already had numerous bookings from walk-in clients since the beginning of the new year.

Visit bostonchauffeur.com for more information.

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Premier Transportation Promotes Two Team Members

Jami Crouch, National Affiliate Manager
Dallas, Tex. — Premier Transportation Services has announced the promotion of two key members of their team.

Jami Crouch has been named as the company’s national affiliate manager. Crouch’s responsibilities will include managing the extensive list of valued partners around the world, while also continuing to source, price, and manage  groups for their travel throughout the US and globally. Since joining Premier in January 2017, she has demonstrated a genuine ability to connect with affiliate managers and owners alike. Crouch will work remotely from her hometown of Indianapolis, Ind., and will continue to represent Premier at the various trade shows.

“It has been such a pleasure to work with some of the greatest people in the industry over the past year,” says Crouch. “I have had an opportunity to be mentored by and learn about the Industry in a way that I never knew possible. My journey with Premier has been such an incredible experience and I look forward to 2018, and growing with our national partners for years to come.”

Premier has also appointed Corey Witzel as director of dispatch and special projects, a role that will see him continuing to maintain relationships with Premier’s local affiliates. For more than a decade, Witzel has worn many hats in the industry, including that of a chauffeur, and brings a strong problem-solving skill set to the management team, which fits perfectly with the needs of any dispatch department.  Witzel also serves as Premier’s IT manager, overseeing the company’s software platform.

Visit premierofdallas.com for more information.

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Ride Responsibly, PAVE Call for Better TNC Background Checks

NLA President Gary Buffo Marlton, N.J. — The National Limousine Association’s (NLA’s) Ride Responsibly initiative partnered with nonprofit organization Promoting Awareness, Victim Empowerment (PAVE) to produce a public service campaign, starring actress, activist, and sexual violence survivor Pamela Anderson.

The PSA, which can be viewed at youtu.be/bb9ZxP4rgSk, draws attention to the vast number of sexual assaults that have occurred in ride-hailing vehicles and questions if these were caused by insufficient background check procedures. It serves as a call to action following alarming revelations of sexual harassment and assault that reach far beyond Hollywood and Washington, D.C.

The video, titled “The Signs,” is Anderson’s second PSA for the Ride Responsibly initiative, and comes on the heels of the #MeToo movement. It is a stark reminder that even getting from point A to B comes with a risk.

“The astounding number of tweets that referenced #MeToo and #uber was absolutely frightening, and disheartening to say the least,” said NLA President Gary Buffo. “It is time to recognize that these services are simply unsafe and pose an inherent threat to anyone using them, due to the blatantly insufficient background checks that transportation network companies (TNCs) use. Our partner, PAVE, has been instrumental in our campaign to inform the public about the dangers these services pose. Together, we are actively working to compel safety measures that will prevent these crimes.”

For more than 20 years, Angela Rose and PAVE have been the only national charitable organization committed to both sexual harassment and assault prevention and recovery. Through its support, social advocacy, training, and education programs, PAVE is leading the way and tackling these issues head on in the hopes of minimizing their occurrences and impact.

Rose, the founder and director of PAVE, said “through our work with survivors, we have always been aware that cases of sexual assault and harassment can occur just about anywhere. Unfortunately, this now includes ride-hail apps such as Uber and Lyft, which is why we have partnered with the National Limousine Association and Pamela Anderson. It is critical that everyone be made aware of the risks associated with ride-hailing apps and PAVE is excited to support this campaign with best practices and tangible safety tips. It’s important to note that no matter how many safety tips you practice, it is never your fault if someone harms you.”

She added: “While we are so proud of the #MeToo movement and all of the brave men and women that have come forward, we are constantly working to bring an end to these crimes.”

“When I first embarked on my quest to raise awareness about the safety risks associated with ride-hailing apps, I had no idea of the frequency or disturbing nature of the incidents,” Anderson said. “The reaction to our first campaign was inspiring, and also disheartening, as many voices came to the surface echoing the sentiment, #MeToo. Action, however, is more effective than a hashtag, and it is critical that we take the next step, demand justice for victims and force ride-hail apps to ensure our safety in their vehicles. Fingerprint-based background checks are a simple step that these transportation providers can take, and it is beyond me why this practice isn’t commonplace in 2018. These apps are optimized for predators and will remain so until common sense safety measures are put in place.”

Visit rideresponsibly.org and limo.org to learn more about the Ride Responsibly initiative and the NLA, respectively. Visit pavingtheway.net to learn more about PAVE.

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Inglewood Chamber of Commerce Honors Local Businesses for Outstanding Corporate Social Responsibility

Representatives of Motev accepting the IAACC Company of the Year Award
Inglewood, Calif. — The Inglewood Airport Area Chamber of Commerce (IAACC) held its annual Installation of Officers and Awards Gala on Friday, December 8, 2017, at the Sheraton Gateway LAX to recognize three Inglewood-based businesses for their outstanding corporate citizenship.

Of the IAACC’s 2017 awardees, Motev—the all-Tesla black car service—seemed to have particularly impressed the chamber with its commitments both to a business model specifically predicated on sustainability, as well as one focused on directly improving its proximate community. For its efforts, Motev garnered IAACC’s Company of the Year Award. The other businesses recognized by the IAACC at the gala included the Los Angeles Rams and the Los Angeles World Airport.

“We are truly thrilled!” beamed Robert Gaskill, Motev co-founder and CEO. “From day one, our focus has been to provide a beneficial and hyper-local impact on our immediate neighborhood and surrounding community.”

On average, electric vehicles reduce automobile emissions by about half that of gasoline powered cars. In Los Angeles, if just 10% of current motorists switched to electric cars, that would translate to an annual emissions reduction of approximately 8.75 metric tons. Put in those terms, the commitment Motev is making to environmental sustainability seems worthy of the IAACC’s recognition.

“We are extremely proud of our company’s focus on sustainability,” offered Chief Administrative Officer Tiffany Hinton. “It’s the reason our website landing page prominently displays our pledge to plant a tree for every ride Motev provides, which currently exceeds more than 3,000 trees planted in American forests.”

Visit motev.com for more information.

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Universal Limousine and Transportation Wins 3rd Quarter 2017 LMC Circle of Excellence Award

Marc Sievers of Universal Limousine and Transportation
Sacramento, Calif. — Universal Limousine and Transportation is the recipient of the 3rd Quarter 2017 LMC Group Circle of Excellence Award. Universal won the award for excellence in business development.

Marc Sievers started Sacramento-based Universal Limousine and Transportation in 1993 with only two vehicles. Universal grew rapidly, enabling Sievers to open a San Francisco branch in 1997. Over the years, Universal’s commitment to impeccable customer service and safety established its reputation as the chauffeured car service of choice in the Sacramento area. Universal’s fleet of late model coaches, buses, sedans, and limousines grew, and with that growth came the opportunity to contract with numerous clients requiring shuttle and large-group movement assistance. Its client base is composed of Fortune 500 executives and entertainment industry personnel, such as actors and musicians.

Universal’s approach to business development is best described as strategic. Sievers has acquired vehicles and hired chauffeurs who have the School Pupil Activity Bus (SPAB) designation so he can bid for contracts in local municipalities. He maintains long-term relationships with his shuttle contract clients, and these relationships serve as great references when he competes for other contracts in the RFP process. Universal works with local sports teams such as the Sacramento River Cats and the Sacramento Kings, and these partnerships link Universal to the community and raise its visibility. Recently, Marc has also partnered with The LMC Group to enter new markets and cultivate critical business relationships.

LMC Group’s Nicole Olivier, who collaborates with Universal in their business development efforts, said: “Universal Limousine and its owner Marc Sievers have been shining examples of what we can do for a client who is involved and helps steer the direction of business development. They have been responsive to requests for information and proactive on developing key business relationships on their own. We continue to uncover some great business leads due to their active participation in the sales process. Universal, Marc, and his team are the blueprint for successful partnerships going forward.”

Visit lmc.group for more information.

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DH2 Names New Account Sales Manager

Joe Sonnick, account sales manager
New York — DH2 Chauffeured Transportation proudly announced Joe Sonnick, a veteran in the transportation industry, as their new account sales manager. His duties will consist of building new and existing corporate accounts and will focus on new business development. 

“Mike [Vargas, DH2 President] and I are thrilled to welcome Joe to our team,” said CEO Nancy Vargas. “He has an impressive record of success in our industry and a genuine commitment to excellence.”

Nancy Vargas, CEO
Sonnick has an extensive background in the chauffeured ground transportation industry. He has worked through all facets of operations and has been in business development and sales for over 25 years.

“I am excited to have the opportunity to add my experience and knowledge to the wonderful team at DH2,” Sonnick shared.

Visit dh2limo.com for more information.

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ABC Companies Celebrates the 10,000th Van Hool Delivery at UMA Expo 2018

ABC Companies Executive Vice President & CCO Roman Cornell (left) delivers the company’s 10,000th Van Hool coach to Bill Torres of DC Trails (right). ABC’s Ryhan Cornell and Brian Pinckney offer applause. San Antonio, Texas — ABC Companies chose the 2018 UMA Expo as the stage to celebrate the delivery of the 10,000th Van Hool coach in North America. The new motorcoach was presented to DC Trails owners Bill and Liliana Torres on the show floor on January 8. Roman Cornell, ABC executive vice president and chief commercial officer, noted how pleased ABC was to celebrate this milestone with DC Trails.

Roman spoke of how when ABC Founder Clancy Cornell signed the agreement with Van Hool in 1987 to become the exclusive North American distributor he never fathomed how successful the partnership with Van Hool would become.

Members of the ABC and DC Trails teams show off their custom DC Trails socks. “We all wish Clancy could have been with us to celebrate this achievement. None of this would have been possible without his tireless dedication to our industry and the loyal business and personal relationships he established throughout his life,” said Cornell.

Ryhan Cornell, ABC account manager, presented Torres with orange custom designed DC Trails socks as a special gift to celebrate this event.

“Wildman Bill Torres has a passion for Harley’s and for socks,” added Roman. “We are happy to add these socks to his rather extensive collection.”

Visit abc-companies.com for more information.

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