Limo & Bus Compliance Aligns With Rental Limo

Phoenix — Regulatory consultant firm Limo & Bus Compliance and industry tech provider Rental Limo have announced that they have aligned to create a resource to vet affiliates, thereby improving safety within the chauffeured ground transportation industry. Their new site AffiliateVetting.com allows operators use links and information provided to help ensure that all of your affiliates are playing by DOT rules.

With safety at the core of both companies, the alliance began as light conversation between Ryan Hilberth, founder and CEO of Rental Limo, and Joe Guinn, managing partner/DOT consultant of Limo & Bus Compliance, at a Greater California Livery Association event. While it was not clear how the two companies could work together, it became evident that the two companies shared the same goals and values, and a partnership was worth pursuing to make the roads safer and more compliant.

“When I initially approached Ryan to learn more about their operation, it was not exactly clear how we could work together,” says Guinn. “I was intrigued that Ryan seemed to care so much about the legalities and compliance nuances for ground transportation, especially since his main concern was vetting his vendors rather than just trying to sign up the masses on Rental Limo.”

From there, the two parties came together and identified different opportunities where they could work together. Very soon it became clear that the two could team up and set a new precedent on vetting requirements. While requiring all Rental Limo-sourced rides to be entirely compliant would inevitably shrink their pool of available vehicles for clients, it also ensures that all vendors meet the highest duty of care.

“Ryan and I sat down for breakfast at the limo show in D.C. to discuss further, and I was impressed that for the first time a technology provider and industry supporter cared enough about safety and compliance to require that all vendors operating in their system are fully compliant with federal, state and local regulations,” says Chris Przybylski, partner at Limo & Bus Compliance.

As part of their agreement, Limo & Bus Compliance will vet all Rental Limo members, an exclusive arrangement in the chauffeured transportation technology space, making sure our new potential operators are eligible to become active Rental Limo members within 72 hours of signing up.

“We are thrilled to be aligning with Chris and Joe.  Our companies share the same philosophy on the importance of safety and playing by the rules,” says Hilberth. “These guys are extremely knowledgeable and we are super excited to be working together with them on projects involving this worthy and shared cause.”

Visit rentallimo.com and dotbuscompliance.com for more information.

[CD1017]

via Limo News http://ift.tt/2yyHkQB

Two Weeks Until the Best Industry Show of the Year Kicks Off in Orlando

Orlando, Fla. — We’re just 12 days away from the 2017 Chauffeur Driven Show at the luxurious, all-under-one-roof Gaylord Palms Hotel and Convention Center in Orlando, and we’re putting the finishing touches on what promises to be another can’t miss event. It’s not too late to join us!

Once you’ve taken in the wide-array of incisive education that our workshops and sessions have to offer, then you’ll undoubtedly want to head to our staggering 120,000-square-foot show floor to check out all the latest and greatest vehicles, products, services, and technology that industry vendors have in store for the health and growth of your business. And don’t forget, the show floor is where you’ll get the opportunity to redeem our brand-new Show Bucks you received upon registering for the event. These coupons can be with participating exhibitors on the floor to save you some money on virtually anything your company needs.

We’ll be opening the exhibit hall on Monday, October 23, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 3:30 pm sharp! Title Sponsor Ford-Lincoln Limousine and Livery Vehicles will once again be hosting a kick-off champagne reception immediately after the show floor’s official opening, so be sure to show up early enough to get your bubbly flute and make a toast. This reception will also give the manufacturer the opportunity to unveil the completely revamped 2018 models of the Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator on the floor—industry fleet staples for two decades.

This year, on both Monday and Tuesday, the last hour of each day will host a happy hour; don’t forget to grab your drinks at 5:30 p.m. and 5 p.m., respectively. Thanks to the Hudson Group for sponsoring Tuesday’s happy hour. And once Wednesday’s final installments of our educational program are over, the show floor will be our grand finale in Orlando, open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. And if that’s not enough, you’ll find some tasty fare being served up on the show floor, too: Titus Leasing Company is sponsoring Tuesday’s buffet-style lunch, and we’ll be providing a tasty brunch to power you through Wednesday.

You won’t want to miss the education on the show floor, either. Insurance is an increasingly thorny topic for operators, and our Are You Getting the Best Possible Insurance Rates? session presented by Bob Crescenzo of Lancer Insurance and Steve Friedberg of Research Underwriters will help demystify everything from selecting the coverage that’s best for you to keeping your premiums in check. And whether you’re new to the big-rig game or are just keeping up with current trends, Rules of the Road: Staying on Top of Bus and Motorcoach Regulations with Joe Guinn of Limousine & Bus Compliance will include scores of tips and information to ease your stress and anxiety about staying in compliance. Both of these sessions are moderated by Jason Sharenow of Broadway Elite Worldwide.

Before you get to the show, head on over to the Apple Store or Google Play online to download the official show app, sponsored by North Point Transportation Group, to your phone. You can find everything from a full event schedule to a complete property map, create an itinerary and take notes during sessions, receive pop-up notifications, and connect with over show-goers. It’s like having a personal assistant, a social media platform, and a navigational tool by your side at all times!

Visit chauffeurdrivenshow.com for more information.

[CD1017]

via Limo News http://ift.tt/2xxrNgd

WLA Unites With Other State Orgs

WLA President Mike HartmannWith the Badger State becoming one of the newest battlegrounds in the industry’s ongoing fight to bring TNCs to regulatory betterment, the Wisconsin Limousine Association (WLA) continues to work with local airports and transportation officials for the safety of the riding public.

WLA President Mike Hartmann of Stardust Limousines and other members and regular supporters have been frequent fixtures at various transportation-related meetings, with the most recent being the October 2-4 installment of Wisconsin Association of Taxicab Owners’ (WATO’s) annual meeting. WATO’s legislative director is Gary Goyke, who’s not only WLA’s legal advisor but also working with Hartmann on the Wisconsin Coordinated Transportation Cooperative (WCTC), a group of private transportation professionals representing all sectors of the state’s transportation all working together to promote statewide passenger safety. WCTC held its own conference during the annual meeting, as Hartmann and the WLA are embracing every avenue possible to get out their message.

In the face of Uber’s recent partnership with Miller Lite that promises passengers discounted rides to the Green Bay Packer’s Lambeau Field, association members have also discussed ways to get the word out that TNC drivers’ lack of proper vetting and insurance can spell disaster for their passengers.

To further its commitment to passenger safety, WLA has also been collecting a donation to help support Ride Safe World, a nonprofit organization committed to improving operational standards for not only TNCs but also taxis. The initiative was born of a recognition that TNC’s emergence means that “transportation markets and the general public around the world have had to contend with uninsured rideshare accidents and a drastic inflation in assaults on customers by (TNC) drivers who are not vetted or properly trained in providing commercial transportation.”

Ride Safe World’s administrator Justin La Plante has asked the WLA to help expand the company’s networking reach in order to ensure that the nascent company has the funding and support it needs to carry on, and the association has jumped at the chance to welcome a new voice to their side.

As the neighboring Illinois Limousine Association (ILA) has been down similar paths before and shares several overlapping operators with the WLA, the two associations have been joining forces to fight the good fight and spread their message with a united front.

The next WLA conference call will be October 18.

Visit wisconsinlimo.org for more information. 

[CD1017]

via Limo News http://ift.tt/2xxkxkm

Pure Luxury Transportation Acquires Green Carpet Limousines

(L to R) Erin Shields of Green Carpet Limousine with Gary and Jennifer Buffo of Pure Luxury Transportation Petaluma, Calif. — Pure Luxury Transportation has purchased San Francisco-based Green Carpet Limousine. Erin Shields, the former owner of Green Carpet, will be joining the Pure Luxury team in a business-development role.

For the past 10 years, the company has operated as an “eco-friendly choice” in the chauffeured transportation industry, and has provided more than 25,000 rides in the Bay Area. According to Shields, Green Carpet’s mission has led to a reduction of over 3 million pounds of carbon-dioxide emissions.

“When Erin approached us several months ago, we were thoroughly impressed with her dedication to her clients and especially her employees. We instantly knew Green Carpet would be a perfect fit within our corporate structure, as we share very similar visions and goals,” said Gary Buffo, president of Pure Luxury Transportation.

“I was so thoroughly impressed, not only by Pure Luxury’s corporate structure, but also by their technology advances, core values, mission statements, and their goals. I am so excited that Green Carpet and our employees and clients will benefit greatly by this acquisition. Not to mention, I am so proud to become a part of a fantastic forward thinking company,” stated Shields.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Visit pureluxury.com for more information.

[CD1017]

via Limo News http://ift.tt/2yetLph

Prevost Sponsors Online ABA Driver Training Courses

Sainte Claire, Q.C. — Prevost is proud to announce that it has partnered with the American Bus Association (ABA) on a series of online courses to help motorcoach companies recruit and retain drivers. The new ABA Driver Program is available now through the ABA website, www.buses.org.

Prevost is the sole sponsor for the ABA Driver Training program, which was developed by safety experts from industry-leading motorcoach companies and manufacturers. The program was designed to give new drivers the knowledge and theory needed to take the test required to earn a CDL. The courses can also be used to provide continuing education for experienced drivers.

“The benefit of sponsoring the ABA Driver Training program was clear right away,” said Francois Tremblay, vice president and general manager at Prevost. “Prevost’s commitment to our industry goes beyond the manufacture of motorcoaches. We understand that drivers are the key to operators’ business and success, and we will do everything we can to help them recruit, train, and retain drivers.”

According to the ABA, each Driver Training course incorporates industry best practices and is peer-reviewed to ensure the safety of drivers, passengers and the public.

The program is also intended to provide an easy and convenient way for motorcoach operators to offer quality driver training and education. The ABA courses can be taken from any computer with internet access, eliminating the need for motorcoach companies to develop, schedule and administer their own training classes.

In addition to its sponsorship of the ABA Driver Training program, Prevost has been a supporter of other industry driver training programs and sponsors complimentary job listings on Hire Heroes, a website that helps companies recruit military veterans for open positions.

Visit prevostcar.com for more information.

[CD1017]

via Limo News http://ift.tt/2yejwkJ

EmpireCLS Selects New Event Technology Partner

EmpireCLS Chairman and CEO David Seelinger

Norwalk, Conn. — EmpireCLS Worldwide Chauffeured Services has announced a new partnership with etouches, a global provider of cloud event management software and sourcing solutions. The partnership will enable meeting and event professionals to arrange luxury transportation services to and from their meetings and events.

EmpireCLS provides chauffeured, security-detailed transportation services for hotel brands, meetings, events, and travelers in more than 700 cities globally.

“Through this partnership, etouches adds to its end-to-end solution with the various integrations EmpireCLS currently has in place,” said David Seelinger, chairman and CEO of EmpireCLS. “Our teams have begun working together with the goal of simplifying meeting planners’ lives moving forward.”

“EmpireCLS is a top choice for transportation, as we continue to enhance meeting and event planning,” said Mike Tenholder, VP of channel and partner management at etouches. “EmpireCLS greatly surpasses competitors in terms of comfort, customized service and the overall passenger experience.The partnership bolsters our position as a company that continually expands the way we serve our clients with powerful solutions that elevate the attendee experience, start-to-finish.”

Visit empirecls.com or etouches.com for more information.

[CD1017]

via Limo News http://ift.tt/2yeM25N

Deem Appoints Board Member, Partners with GroundWidgets, Showcases Tech

Deem Board Member John McCrackenSan Francisco — Deem, a mobile and cloud technology provider for the business travel industry, has appointed John McCracken as board member. McCracken has led companies to sales and marketing success in the IT healthcare, software, and ecommerce industries at leading companies resulting in IPOs and several significant exits.

“We are very encouraged by John joining us as our newest board member,” said Krish Panu, chairman, Deem. “He has a wealth of experience in the technology and innovation sectors and we know he’ll bring that expertise to our business. He is well respected in the industry and a great addition to the team.”

McCracken was recently responsible for commercial activities as chief revenue officer for Castlight Health, including marketing and sales. Prior to Castlight, he led the worldwide sales team for Jive Software, where he helped drive Jive’s growth through its IPO in 2011. McCracken also held leadership positions at Mercury Interactive Corporation, CheckFree Corporation, and American Express.

“John is known as an exceptional and high integrity individual,” said Panu. “He is versed in many markets and will boost our success going forward. We look forward to working with him as we tackle the challenge of providing business travel solutions to the entire corporate travel ecosystem.”

“I’m excited to join the Deem team and think the timing couldn’t be better,” said McCracken. “The corporate travel industry is asking for disruption and we have the technology, the people and the solutions to give the industry exactly what it wants.”

In other news, Deem and GroundWidgets, a ground transportation software and technology development company, have announced that GroundWidgets has acquired Deem’s Voyageur back office system for car service operators.

“It’s all part of our push to make ground transportation an integral and completely integrated part of the business travel flow, enabling businesspeople to book rides as easily as they reserve flights and hotels while using company-compliant software,” said John F. Rizzo, president and COO of Deem. “This is a great opportunity to drive demand for ground transportation services, and grow the market for everyone.”

The agreement enables Deem to focus on its top priority—the Deem WorkFource and Ground Work platforms for corporate travel booking, management expense, ground transportation for business travelers, travel managers, travel management companies and suppliers.

“GroundWidgets is excited about welcoming Voyageur/Whisk customers into our portfolio of back office software solutions and corporate automation tools. We have the domain expertise and knowledge to transition customers seamlessly from Voyageur to our flagship product, SantaCruz or one of our other cloud based options” said Apurva Patel, CEO of GroundWidgets.

Lastly, Deem showcased Intelligent Attach, at the 4th annual Innovat, hosted by The BTN Group on September 28. Deem presented alongside FCM Travel Solutions, HRS, Flightsayer, Mezi, and others as part of corporate travel’s most innovative technologies.

The showcase followed Deem’s recent release of Intelligent Attach for hotel and car service, a breakthrough technology that brings a new level of personalization, audience segmentation, and convenience to the travel industry. VP of Innovation, Gadi Bashvitz presented the technology onstage to hundreds of corporate travel buyers, suppliers, and technology providers. Deem’s Intelligent Attach platform predicts preferred hotels and ground transportation options for travelers based on search history, traveler behavior, corporate and agency preferences, and real-time sentiment data points extracted from millions of traveler reviews, to improve attach rates of hotel nights and car service bookings to travel itineraries.

“Despite years of investment to improve hotel and car service attach rates, corporate travel itineraries suffer from rates of less than 50%,” said Rizzo. ”This is a major stumbling block in corporations’ efforts to rein in business travel costs and we’re fixing it with Deem’s Intelligent Attach.”

“Intelligent Attach addresses two critical aspects of the recommendation process: finding the correct hotel, or ground transportation option and explaining to the traveler why these are the correct option for them,” said Bashvitz. “It knows if a hotel meets the traveler’s chain preference, is within the corporate policy, is quiet and whether the Wifi works and what ground transportation option the traveler can, and wants to book. It’s that knowledge, paired with traveler behavior that allows the technology to learn over time.”

BTN Innovate combines cutting-edge education, innovation and industry networking for pre-qualified corporate travel managers and travel procurement professionals with a minimum $5 million annual T&E budget.

Visit deem.com for more information.

[CD1017]

via Limo News http://ift.tt/2yePi1a