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TLPA AND THAT’S A WRAP!..... The 6th largest Annual Convention & Trade Show in the history of the Taxicab, Limousine & Paratransit Association assembled over 875 people from around the globe for the 92nd Annual Convention & Trade Show at the new JW Marriott at L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles, CA from October 27–31, 2010. Transportation industry leaders and experts nationwide, global association members, vendors, spouses and friends of TLPA convened for over three days of quality programming and networking. Current emerging issues were discussed in depth allowing for the development of new initiatives and the advancement of current ones. Educational programs were delivered through 18 Concurrent Roundtables, 15 Concurrent Breakout Sessions, and 3 General Sessions. Not only did the Annual Convention bring TLPA members and friends together for educational enrichment but also offered a number of unique and exciting networking opportunities beginning with the Annual TLPF/Gateway Insurance Golf Tournament at the Brookside Golf Club which included a Putting Contest and Reception to the TLPF Women’s Spa Program, followed by a Pre-Opening Night Cocktail Reception which took place at The Standard Hotel Rooftop and Bar. Convention events continued with a Host Operator Tour of L.A. Yellow Cab Co-Op, a daily Shopping Shuttle (Thursday and Friday), the Grand Opening Cocktail Reception of the Convention and Exhibit Hall, the Women In Transportation Dinner with guest speaker Rita Robinson, General Manager of the L.A. DOT, and a Member Appreciation Cocktail reception. To close this record making convention the Silent Auction benefiting the TLPA Action Fund and Banquet Dinner with special entertainment by mathemagician, Dr. Arthur Benjamin (also son- in law of Past President Dizengoff) was concluded. Finally, The Surf City All-Stars Band, the best surfin’ beach party band around on par with their friends the Beach Boys, entertained Convention participants well into the evening. Of the convention’s many memorable moments one of the most noteworthy was a speech given by newly elected President, Robert McBride. President McBride outlined his agenda and vision for his year as TLPA President. McBride outlined several goals for his year as President including expanding TLPA membership by twenty percent. In addition, McBride said he would further engage the association in important community related programs including re-energizing the Taxis on Patrol initiative which encourages TLPA operators nationwide to act as an extra set of eyes and ears for law enforcement agencies in their communities. He also pledged to continue to promote TLPA's Pink Ride program in the fight against breast cancer. During the TLPA Pink Ride this year, some 100 for-hire transportation companies across the United States, Canada, and as far away as Great Britain designated "pink" vehicles within their fleets. The effort generated public awareness of the disease that affects one in eight women and raised more than $100,000 for breast cancer charities and research organizations. Then there was the State of the Industry Address by Past President Dizengoff. During this address he outlined his accomplishments as President of the TLPA from 2009 -2010. Past President Dizengoff travelled significantly across the country and around the world to address legislators, regulators and industry organizations on behalf of TLPA and the industry. Part of his travels included trips to Washington, DC to advocate on Capital Hill on TLPA’s behalf. While in D.C. he conveyed to our elected officials the importance of considering the needs of our industry when considering legislation that would help or hurt our members such as the Anti-Texting legislation, the Cap & Trade Energy Taxes, the Ride Act, the New Freedom program as well as others. Under communications, a significant number of informative publications were produced to keep members abreast of the activities within the organization. Under research, he elaborated on a government grant to educate private operators about how to participate in the transportation planning process and to educate operators on how to make grant proposals in the New Freedom program. This grant also allowed TLPA, in addition, to develop training seminars, a handbook and video which is in the final production stages not to mention the world’s first web based taxicab driver education program as the first step in revolutionizing our industry. These were major accomplishments during his year in office. The growth of TLPA’s public relations program also contributed to the significant efforts made to strengthen the image of this industry specifically with the implementation of the Pink Ride program and its continuance per the newly approved two year extension. Finally, and worth mentioning, was the announcement of a joint promotional agreement with VISA that would be an incentive program to encourage taxicab drivers who are affiliated with TLPA member companies to accept credit cards for fare payments. Overall, Past President Dizengoff’s efforts in his year would serve as a platform for greater works in the years to come. The annual convention also served as the platform to honor the TLPA Operator and Driver of the Year. These awards are bestowed upon individuals who are deserving of recognition because of the credit they bring to our industry. Without the company infrastructure created by operators, and the exceptional customer service provided by drivers there would not be a viable for-hire transportation industry. These awards honored the individuals who have helped us all move closer to the industry goal of providing perfect service. While perfect service at all times is not attainable, these individuals delivered that level of transportation service perfection. The 2010 honorees were:
Let’s not forget the Trade Show with 11 Vehicle exhibit spaces, 89 Booth display spaces including 20 new exhibitors showcasing 81 vendors in all. Vendors represented categories such as Dispatch Systems, GPS, MDT, Radios, Payment Systems, Software, Advertising, Fuel Programs, Insurance, Reservation Networks, Brokers, Financing, Vehicles, Loss Prevention, Meters and Roof Lights. This year’s trade show introduced new products, services, technologies and innovations to those in attendance in turn providing an array of options for TLPA member companies to improve their operations, operate more efficiently, benefit from cost savings and run successful businesses. All in all the Annual Convention & Trade Show was one of the best ever in the history of the TLPA. According to attendees, 40.7% rated the convention & trade show as excellent and 59.3% rated it as good, and we hope to surpass these percentages and the expectations next year when we head over to San Francisco for the 93rd Annual Convention & Trade Show taking place at the Hilton Hotel. Information will be available in the months ahead. Just visit us online at www.tlpa.org to stay informed. This article was written by Jenny Abreu, TLPA’s Manager of Meetings. 2011 TLPA MEETINGS Spring Conference & Expo • April 12 - 15, 2011 Mid-Year International Leadership Conference • July 27 - 29, 2011 93rd Annual Convention & Trade Show • October 26 - 30, 2011 'TLPA PINK RIDE' RAISES OVER $100 K FOR BREAST CANCER PROGRAMS Taxicab, Limousine & Paratransit Association Members Turn Out in Force with Pink Vehicles for First Ever Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign (ROCKVILLE, Maryland) One by one vehicles began changing their look in advance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. Taxis went from yellow to pink. Pink ribbons dotted black limousines. Pink ribbon placards appeared on paratransit vehicles. Now, with most of the association's members reporting in on their efforts, TLPA is pleased to announce that the program has raised in excess of $100,000 for breast cancer programs. Approximately half of that will go to TLPA's official partner in the effort, the American Cancer Society. The other half will go individually to charities designated by participating members. This year, 100 transportation companies hailing from 33 US states, parts of Canada, and as far away as Great Britain participated in the TLPA Pink Ride program. TLPA Pink Ride was so successful in some cities that many members are already saying they will participate again next year. "People say that small businesses, which our members are, are the backbone of our economy, and this shows how we're the heart of it, too," said Alfred LaGasse, CEO of TLPA. "In most cases these are small, family owned and operated businesses. They invested a huge amount of time and effort in making this program a success, all across the country, and, in fact, around the world. The communities in which these companies operate are rightfully very proud to have them as neighbors and business leaders."
Pink Taxi—from United Taxi, Clearwater, FL
From Checker Transportation Group, Kansas City, MO
Pink Ride Van—from Barrie Taxi Ltd., Barrie, Ontario, Canada
From Yellow Checker Cab Co., Inc., San Jose, CA
Botley Farm—from Radio Taxis Group, London, England Established in 1917, the Taxicab, Limousine & Paratransit Association (TLPA) is a non-profit trade association of and for the private passenger \transportation industry. Its extensive membership spans the globe to include over 1,000 taxicab companies, executive sedan and limousine services, airport shuttle fleets, non-emergency medical transportation companies, and paratransit services. For more information, please visit www.tlpa.org.
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