Virginia Limousine Association
Meeting Minutes
October 5th, 2009
Opening:
The regular meeting of the Virginia Limousine Association (VLA) was called to order at 7:15 PM on January 8th, 2008, in Fredericksburg, VA by VLA President Dick Zweber.
he regular meeting of the Virginia Limousine Association (VLA) was called to order at 7:00 PM on October 5th, 2009, in Richmond, VA by VLA President Paul Walsh.
Present:
- Henry Potter, Affinity Limousine
- Audrey Stroud, Black Tye Limousine
- Randy Throckmorton, Celebrities International Limousine
- Patrick Helvey, Executive Town Car & Limousine
- Mark Swineford, Premier Limousine Service
- Paul Walsh, Superior Executive Transportation
- Brian J. Douglas, V&K Limousine
- Randy Allen, James Limousine
- Jack Joyce, Down Under Limousine
- Pam Tripp, Tripps Travel
- Paul Walsh, Superior Executive Transportation
- Jack Rolfe, Georgetown Insurance
- Glenn Stafford, Love Limousine
A. Approval of Minutes
The minutes of the previous meeting were not available.
B. Treasurer's Report – Pam Tripp
Checking balance was reported at about $9,000. Need to audit the books yearly was discussed and agreed upon as unnecessary expense to pay auditor. Treasurer will supply list of all expenditures to the membership instead.
C. New Business
Paul Walsh talked about recent credit card fraud that occurred in the Virginia Beach area, costing several operators money lost due to chargebacks of funds from stolen cards. A goal was set to determine method of alerting members to potential fraud schemes using an “amber” alert type system. Twitter or text messaging based system will be investigated for use in the future.
Paul announced plans for the VLA to solicit new members at the Limo Digest Show in Atlantic City using a show floor booth space provided by Limo Digest free of charge. Create-A-Card has been hired by the VLA to develop logo, brochure, and booth table cloth. Paul presented several versions of possible logo for member feedback. Paul asked for volunteers to help man booth, volunteers include Glenn, Patrick, Randy. Another method of soliciting new members is to prepare mailing once per year to all legal limousine companies in the state from the official DMV list. We need to identify method of obtaining current list electronically from DMV.
Prom pledge plans were discussed. We continue to look for ways to obtain federal/state/local grants for prevention of drunk driving to assist us with prom pledge program. One goal is to conduct parade in March next year, prior to St. Patrick’s day. Another is to target schools with Students Against Drunk Driving (SADD) clubs to host parade stops, and to have additional parades next year in Northern VA and Beach area.
Enforcement issues were also discussed. One idea was to create/modify a cheat sheet of DMV regulations pertaining to the limousine business to distribute to law enforcement officials. One member pointed out that DOT is looking for errors in weight classification of Town Car stretch limousines.
We continue to pursue the objective of working with DMV to promote enforcement against illegal limousine companies. We need to schedule follow up meeting with DMV officials.
Election of board was also discussed. Betty Callahan made the motion, seconded by Audrey Stroud:
"I move that the current officers of the VLA remain in service on the board for 2010. I additionally move to suspend the bylaws with regards to the nomination and election rules for electing new officers for 2010."
The motion will be voted on by all members at the next VLA meeting. Holiday party plans were discussed. Decision was made to hire Casino night company again for the party, and to hold the party on Sunday, January 10th, 2010 because of busy schedules of members in December. Budget was set at $1,500, with target of lower cost per person than 2008 party. Monday, November 30th, was set as the next regular meeting date for the VLA.
D. Adjournment:
Meeting was adjourned at 9:00 PM by Paul Walsh. The next general meeting will be April 7th in Fredericksburg.
Minutes submitted by: VLA Board