NLA Reform

It may be that only 20 people are unhappy, but they most likely are the only ones that know whats really going on at the NLA.

That may not be necessarily true. We still firmly believe that the majority of limousine owners are Internet adverse -- many don't frequent this site, or even know about it. A look thru the NLA directory shows that most don't have email addresses, and many of the ones posted are invalid.

Remember, information is power. If you don't look under the hood, you don't know what is there.

Some members just may not know what is going on, and have no way of finding out, outside of the magazines.

Michael

http://www.limos.com/limoforumgraphics/bbtitle_small.gif

You are correct about the "majority" of the industry, but let's also remember that the majority of the industry doesn't give one crap about NLA, and a majority of the NLA members don't give a second crap about NLA. The power within NLA is ultimately wielded by about 200-300 companies, if that many. And despite all of the hype about the "small" operator, NLA doesn't give a damn about him or her, only about the dues. Of the 200-300, the vast majority of them are internet savvy and most have found this forum. Let's start with this statistic - how many limos.com subscribers are NLA members. That will tell us something about where the influence is. Then again, if Cory Rozen gets elected we know that this forum doesn't have any effect at all on the industry

James H. Joseph
Pegasus Chauffeured
Motor Cars
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
jhj@pegasus-pittsburgh.com

According to *unofficial* numbers, 28% of Limos.com advertisers are NLA members. (About 300 companies or so -- our total membership fluctuates between 1,100-1,300)

More companies reside on our waiting list.

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I just received Tom Mazza's proposal and am trying to get into a Word format to post it here so everyone who is interested can download it.

Its about 10 pages so it isn't really feasible to post it word for word here, but we can allow it to be downloaded.

Stay tuned.

Michael http://limos.infopop.cc/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

http://www.limos.com/limoforumgraphics/bbtitle_small.gif

Michael I will take your forum over the magazines any day.
At least you have a chance to argue a point here, nobody checks the stories that go into the magazines and they are usually a crock. Remember the Rick Gonzales forum, well LCT lets this guy put yet another story in their book and he goes on to tell all the good he did in getting the Miami regulations changed, he wasn't even at the meetings! For the record it was the Florida limousine association/FSGTO with big imput from the Carey organization.
I almost got sucked into this guys crap.
Point is MICHAELS FORUM IS BETTER!

Well thanks for the positive encouragement on the Forum; spread the word about it as the more people who visit, the more we can effect change in the industry as seen with JHJ's bid for NLA reform .... someone said to me that I gave JHJ the "bullhorn" so he can voice his NLA airs here ... think of the Forum as your BULLHORN!

as for Mr. Gonzales, the Florida guys put a dent in his "Single Permit System" attempt late last year and I haven't heard from him since.

Maybe Tom Mazza can comment on the LCT article -

Hey Tom -- who is the gatekeeper at LCT? Is it you, Sara, or several individuals?

- M

http://www.limos.com/limoforumgraphics/bbtitle_small.gif

I think the comments on LCT were unfair.

There is a letter to the editor from Rick Gonzalez that will appear in our March magazine. As a subscriber, he is entitled to write to the magazine.

Rick has appeared in the magazine in articles written by other LCT staffers. A news article was to appear in the February magazine that I personally lobbied to kill as my independent research and contacts in FLA satisfied me that the information was not credible.

I am in charge of the editorial content of the magazine. I develop the monthly topics and editorial run sheet. My peer is Jay Seidel, working in Bobit's office who is our Managing Editor and the guy who puts the magazine together. I am relied on by the LCT staff as the "Industry Expert."

Sara is the publisher and is responsible for the content of the magazine. 95% of the time she leaves me alone for content. I was reprimanded for the news article on the selection of George Jacobs and villified by NLA Board Members in whom I revealed their votes in the magazine. I was told by my superiors that how an individual NLA Board member votes on sensitive issues should not appear in print. I don't own the magazine so I will live with this restriction. I, however, am free to criticize on my editorial page.

Like MANY, MANY limo people, my Florida Friend is lumping the magazines together. This is unfair. I feel our news coverage and the editorial stances we have taken have been strong.

How did we get from NLA reform to this?
If we are going to discus LCT lets start a new thread.

Walnuts,

Blame one of your Florida comrades! Must be someone in Palm Beach..... http://limos.infopop.cc/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://limos.infopop.cc/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://limos.infopop.cc/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://limos.infopop.cc/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

http://www.limos.com/limoforumgraphics/bbtitle_small.gif

They finally figured out the reasons behind all the intersections accidents in Palm Beach County - no one understands the arrows. http://limos.infopop.cc/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

James H. Joseph
Pegasus Chauffeured Motor Cars
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
jhj@pegasus-pittsburgh.com

is an oxymoron - "NLA" and "reform" are mutually contradictory concepts. In any event, does anyone want to disclose the REAL reason that Cory "Kookie" Rozen resigned from the NLA board. And has anyone noticed that due to resignations the board is totally different than what it was 10 months ago? Did we elect these people who are running the association? I don't think so. Is it any wonder we give NLA about as much regard as a cup of warm spit.

James H. Joseph
Pegasus Chauffeured Motor Cars
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
jhj@pegasus-pittsburgh.com

Jim I started reading this forum and thought I was asleep for 10 months, only you would dig this up. I didn't know where to post!
This litlle bit of information I can't believe myself, I don't know how Scott S pulled this one.
But Joe C is running for an NLA board position!!! They have tried to keep Joe from running for years now because he is like the Superman of the Limo industry with his truth, justice and the american way motto towards the members, and not all the board wants everything relayed.
As far as Cory I think this time just maybe he thought the AMC deal was good because he was told the NLA could defer some of the beginning fees but this blew up on him and now hes off the board.
I am still waiting for Scott to give his imput and let the people that voted for him in on whats going on.

Dear Guy: If you have a question for me please ask and I will try to get the answer for you.

Scott for starters I believe our readers (NLA members) would like some information on the status of the management company bids.

Next we would like to know who on the board is in there last term and when is it up?
We will start with this.

Dear Guy:The Nla Management contract was to expire on Dec 31 2001.The executive committee is in the final stages of finishing a contract at this time. Because they are still in negotiations it would be imprudent to give any further details. At the conclusion of the contract I would be thrilled to give you all the details of the entire process. I can assure you it will make for some very nice bedtime reading. On the issue of who is up for election if any member goes to the directory each board members term is listed next to their name in the front of the book. I think this will be a critical election and we are gearing up an interesting campaign that will suprise lots of people. This year has been very difficult for a wide variety of reasons on the board.

This forum was created by a poll. We tend to post these polls and forget about them. But take a look at the poll that started this thread and see how many have voted and how they voted.

James H. Joseph
Pegasus Chauffeured Motor Cars
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
jhj@pegasus-pittsburgh.com

It looks like Joe C is going to have the support of the FSGTO.
I am surprised he accepted the invitation to run after what some of your board members have caused in the past.
I know you can't keep him under wraps forever as he has a big following, because of his fight for the little guys.
Give the readers your opinion on what Joe can bring to the table and why you were in support of him running.
I'll be back!

I haven't had a chance to investigate this, but Joe is running again? For what reason, after what the low lifes on the board have done in the past. Guy would you like to tell why he would bother? I would like to see posted on what the views are on corey rosen leaving the board.

Dear Guy: The Nla is in transition. We need people who care about their industry to get involved in the day to day operation of this association. Joe has shown his true colors by staying involved all year by working on committees and attending board meetings. His level of participation has shown that he understands the major issues that we are now facing. In the past certain past and presentboard members tried to find ridiculous reasons to keep members from running for the board. It was treated as a private club and I think that now people are realizing that every member has a right to run for office. Let the members vote and elect the people that they want to represent their intrests. I have pushed very hard for two years to open up the whole process. Joe cares and for that reason alone he deserves to be elected.The members need to be paitent because change takes time and I think with the demise of Host we are on the road to change. Rome wasnt built in a day. The members will be the big winners in the end.

See Scott the type of information that you are providing us, is what we have been asking the NLA but with no results. Members have a need to know mentality. Obviously you are aware that the bidders for management has still to this date not been disclosed officially by the NLA. Instead people who really care opened the discussion here on this thread. I realize that change will not happen overnight. I also realize that there are good people currently in the NLA and that is why I beleive in it. But let me tell you, people that I talk to in our local association ask questions to us on why they should spend the money to the NLA to be a member when no real results are seen. We need to do as much damge control as soon as possible because it will be harder in the long run to convince people after they have left that real chang has been made. I think it comes down to two things: 1.Whether or not the NLA wants to be an open book or not and 2. For the NLA to be more involved locally on a state level and address their concerns. To this date I've waited three weeks for information that Barry stated at the limo digest show is readily available per request.

First to Nick, I know you have talked to Joe and I hope you understand our objective. We are not looking to crucify anyone in particular (Jim don't answer that) we just do not like the closed door attitude of certain board members. Your comments about your association are no different then the rest of our associations (excluding the Jersey assoc. everything revolves around them)and that is, what benefit is there to being a member.
Our association voted to not renew because the $350.00 just isn't worth it anymore. The rest of the FSGTO associaions will follow suit. What Scott says about being patient has become increasingly difficult to sell to an association. The turmoil has caused many members to join the TLPA at least there isn't any interior fighting.
Not enough of the board changed for Scott to be succesful with his changes yet. If Joe is elected Scott will have an Ally, but somebody that will also watch him.
For Big Pussy P. Joe has been dragged over the coals to keep him off the board but he is like that dam rabit and keeps coming back. If some the board thinks they are in a turmoil now wait till Joes get in.
I gotta go, Scott I will be back if you have any comments before I then let them rip.

Guy I depreciate the answer about Joe still cant see it though, that bunch is to untrusting.
I have a question for Scott, I know we keep hearing it takes time but would you be willing to let us know who you feel are your allys.
I am not yet a member of the TLPA and the boys have been hounding me (I'm joing this month)but I have a question, it seems they do not have a managment company and everything everybody tells me is they are very succesful and smooth running.
So why does the NLA really need a mgmt company?

Has anybody thought about a merger between the NLA & TLPA?

Gee this forum is scary quiet? First to the Big P, Joe needs to run to move out some undeserving.
Next just to let everyone know that the deal has been reversed and LCT will now be the NLA management company!!!
This is just a step with the NLA survival, good luck to Sara and Da Man Tommy Mazza. Now is the time to rally the troops to make the election go in the right direction and clean up the board.

Guy, Is Joe currently running for the board? I received an e-mail today through the NLA that someone (who I can't remember for the life of me) is running for an open position on the board. Did you get this e-mail? Just curious as to whats going on with that.

I remember the name now Jeff Greene.

Yes Joe is running. We need him. Jeff Greene would also be good for the Board. Please consider voting for Joe & Jeff.

John Sinibaldi
NLA Board Member
Vendor Liaison
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Yes Nick Joe is going to run, I myself felt very leary about that because of the untusting souls on the present board. Joes biggest asset is that there is no such thing as a gag order to him, he will let the people know whats going on thats why so many on the board are against. THATS why we are for him, the membership wants to know. As far as Jeff Greene I would want him to get on this forum and tell the people what his policy would be about keeping quiet, other promises are just hopes. Another important thing is who are your affiliates, see Nick some of the problems arise because guys won't make waves if they think one of their main feeds will cut them off. John S. don't usually hold nothing back as proven on these forums, right or wrong he comes on.

I received my limo scene from the NLA today and I noticed that not all of the runners are listed. Comments anyone?

I have not receive my limoscen. Mail coming to Oregon is sent by Mule Pack. Please list the individual you think are missing? I will check it out.

John Sinibaldi
NLA Board Member

Does this surprise you? The nincompoops that pass as the NLA administrative staff could screw up an anvil. Sometimes they're even more diabolical - like sending out screwed up ballots and envelopes as well as lists of candidates that just make them look like morons. Nobody knows how they count these ballots, anyhow, and since none of the by-laws are followed this whole thing is just a bunch of kids playing "corporation."

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by nkokas:
I received my limo scene from the NLA today and I noticed that not all of the runners are listed. Comments anyone?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

James H. Joseph
Pegasus Chauffeured Motor Cars
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
jhj@pegasus-pittsburgh.com

I was in West Virginia for a meeting yesterday all day, got back late and had dinner waiting. Looked through my mail and spotted the LimoScene, grabbed it and sat down to eat. Figured I'd have a minute to read the LimoScene (certainly doesn't take any longer to read, and that's if you read the ads). Big mistake! Opened the LimoScene, read Barbara Pastelak's column on what great things the NLA did this past year, started to read the drivel on the candidates - then puked all over the LimoScene, threw it in the toilet. The water won't destroy this expensive glossy paper (trying to make up in paper quality what the rag lacks in content), so if it survives the gastic juice attack I'll dry it out and read it again on an empty stomach (on an empty stomach the appropriate response is hysterical laughter), THEN I'll have something to say about it (and NLA elections) here. Later.

James H. Joseph
Pegasus Chauffeured Motor Cars
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
jhj@pegasus-pittsburgh.com

For a minute Jim, at first glance, while talking on the phone, I thought you were puking all over me. I wasn't sure what I did to deserve being thrown in the toilet. Then I realized, the NLA must have a magazine or something called Limo Scene. I wouldn't know as I have never wasted my money for an association that doesn't seem to offer much for me. But then again, you guys get a magazine with my business name for the price of your membership (woo hoo!). Just for the record though, my screen name is short for our company's real name, The Limousine Scene and should never be associated with you know who.

know about some things. Actually, Carey publishes a newsletter of similar format called the LimoScene, as does NLA. I, of course, was referring to the piece of crap that NLA promulgates.


<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Limo Scene:
For a minute Jim, at first glance, while talking on the phone, I thought you were puking all over me. I wasn't sure what I did to deserve being thrown in the toilet. Then I realized, the NLA must have a magazine or something called Limo Scene. I wouldn't know as I have never wasted my money for an association that doesn't seem to offer much for me. But then again, you guys get a magazine with my business name for the price of your membership (woo hoo!). Just for the record though, my screen name is short for our company's real name, The Limousine Scene and should never be associated with you know who.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

James H. Joseph
Pegasus Chauffeured Motor Cars
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
jhj@pegasus-pittsburgh.com

Nick and others expressed optimism that the Bobit people would be a major change in the NLA affairs, and I think it was Sara that said by-laws would be followed and told me to "be careful" because the notice of annual meeting of members would be sent out in a timely fashion, but it looks like it's Bobit that should "be careful" because they've already f**ked up the first official thing they've tried to do.
Got the putative "notice" of the annual meeting - apparently they can read a calendar, but they can't read the by-laws. Article 5, Section B of the NLA By-laws says: "Notice of the date, time, place and purpose of any meeting of the members of the NLA shall be given in writing by personal delivery or by United States mail, addressed to each member of the NLA at the address on file with the Secretary not less than thirty to forty-five (30-45) days prior to the date fixed for such meeting." The "notice" doesn't say a word about what the "purpose" of the meeting is. Guess their atention span was too short to get to the word "purpose" in the applicable section. If the by-laws ever get modified, we need to require that no sentence by longer than five words since so far no one at NLA (or Bobit) can grasp a sentence any longer (and maybe not that long).
Wait until the meeting when they go to determine whether a quorum is present!!! Ho, ho, ho!!! How are they going to count the people there? Most companies will have two or more people present. Who gets counted? Who counts? Who votes? (Silly me, thinking that there may be something going on that requires a vote). I predict this is going to be a "Hey Rube" and you'll never read about it in LCT, so keep watching here to stay up to date on this new comedy act. Oh well, we've needed a follow-up to the Three Stooges for many years.
I was seriously considering passing on this show since nothing important goes on anyhow, but it looks like I need to be there for this whole NLA thing to get a good laugh.

James H. Joseph
Pegasus Chauffeured Motor Cars
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
jhj@pegasus-pittsburgh.com

that the notice of the annual meeting didn't state any purpose because there is no purpose!!!! What's wrong with me - I should have known better.

James H. Joseph
Pegasus Chauffeured Motor Cars
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
jhj@pegasus-pittsburgh.com

Since the "letter" to the membership regarding its annual meeting is being attacked, let me remind you of what I stated earlier:

"The "save the date" notice of the meeting which will confirm the date, time, place and state the meeting purpose will be mailed to active members on February 12th. The final meeting agenda will be sent out on March 5."

Reminder that Bobit was deemed the management group on Friday, Feb. 1. The "big shipment" of all NLA property--130 boxes-- arrived from KY to the new NLA offices the following week. We hired a staff of three in that short period of time, installed phones, faxes, computers and are currently reprinting and revamping the NLA's published material. The show is 4 weeks away and the NLA is ROLLING. Things are off to a hectic albeit great start.

So while your assn. is in complete rebuild mode, how about JHJ and any other critics cutting us a little slack here. The letter was completely appropriate and its purpose is very obvious--its an annual membership general meeting, so it stands to reason that the members will be brought up to speed with what the NLA expects to accomplish into 2002 and 2003 (show to show).
We promised the notice of the GM would go out on the 12th and it did. I also stated an agenda would follow on March 5th, which it will. There will more details forthcoming but we are still ironing out the complete agenda.

Jim, we're short volunteers so how about calling Tom and putting your energies to some good use and help man the NLA booth or work the doors at the membership meeting?

Anyway, I said it before, I'll say it again. Be "careful." When you set out to burn down your own village, you only hurt yourself.

doesn't like the by-laws. First she said that when Bobit took over, the by-laws would be followed to a "t" (or words to that effect). Now we're saying we've been too busy to state the purpose of the meeting in the notice. Apaprently, they don't know what meeting "purposes" are since we're now hearing the truism, this is an "annual meeting." Telling us what the meeting "is" isn't telling us the purpose. The "agenda", which is a layman's term and used at non-corporate gatherings, to the extent that it states what business is going to be transacted, is required to be in the notice of the meeting, unless, of course, no one knows what the purpose is yet.
And, by the way, Sara, I don't regard NLA as being my village any more that Afghans regarded the Taliban as "their" government. NLA was hijacked years ago and is still a rogue organization. There is nothing admirable about the way NLA is run that makes one want to claim it as their own (unless you're one of the few who, in fact, "own" it). Perhaps I'll feel differently when it is operated in accordance with the by-laws and applicable law and not at the whim of and to serve the interests of a few members.

James H. Joseph
Pegasus Chauffeured Motor Cars
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
jhj@pegasus-pittsburgh.com

Sara, from what I've seen, it would be best if I volunteer to manage NLA and you volunteer to "work" the doors.

James H. Joseph
Pegasus Chauffeured Motor Cars
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
jhj@pegasus-pittsburgh.com

Yours was the very FIRST renewal check received into the Bobit HQ for the NLA 2002?

Come on Jim...all this play for attention when it's quite obvious you really CARE about the NLA since that seems to be the primary focus of your thought process. Really... The organziation should be flattered by your obsession of them--I know I am!

Anyway you seemed to have skated right around the volunteer issue so I'll be more blunt. We plan to call you this week to request your assistance. On office matters and running the NLA I am so glad you brought that up! The phones are going NUTS and Tom, Susan and Renee could use an able body with your intellect to help them out in Marlton!

Let's discuss this in detail...

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Sara McLean:
Yours was the very FIRST renewal check received into the Bobit HQ for the NLA 2002?

Come on Jim...all this play for attention when it's quite obvious you really CARE about the NLA since that seems to be the primary focus of your thought process. Really... The organziation should be flattered by your obsession of them--I know I am!

Anyway you seemed to have skated right around the volunteer issue so I'll be more blunt. We plan to call you this week to request your assistance. On office matters and running the NLA I am so glad you brought that up! The phones are going NUTS and Tom, Susan and Renee could use an able body with your intellect to help them out in Marlton!

Let's discuss this in detail...<HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Be inclusive, not exclusive, follow the by-laws, offer the services that the founders set the N.L.A. up for, PROVIDE ACCURATE STATISTICS AND NUMBERS, and no more protecting crooks like the original livery coach ( The current owner is legit, and has a very good program, I would recomment him to any serious operator. I will write Mr. Dennis B. Adams a letter of reference anytime. He represents what is good about our trade and his software is not that of the original livery coach. )And last but not least, if there wasn't a need for two magazines, there would not be a LIMOUSINE DIGEST. Every operator should look at joining the T.P.L.A., in addition to the N.L.A. . We have to band together for our industry to survive and prosper. BE INCLUSIVE!!!!!!!! GO TO ALL SHOWS!!! Ty and Sara and Tommy have a nice one coming up in Vegas. Go to the SHOW and learn...

Dean Schuler

Considering that the check was sent out a few days AFTER the renewal date, that really says something - either nobody renews on time, or the whole membership is busted, or everyone else is considering whether they are really going to renew or not.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Sara McLean:
Yours was the very FIRST renewal check received into the Bobit HQ for the NLA 2002? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Sara, you really are off-base and your effort to be cute is not flattering. I really don't care about NLA except that it needs a stake driven in its heart. What I CARE about is a national trade association and the potential for doing really good things, which NLA is never, ever, ever going to do for all the reasons I've been pointing out for almost two years.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Come on Jim...all this play for attention when it's quite obvious you really CARE about the NLA since that seems to be the primary focus of your thought process. Really... The organziation should be flattered by your obsession of them--I know I am!<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I didn't intend to skate around the volunteer issue. In case my position isn't clear, let me make it crystal clear now. First, I don't have time to waste on "working doors" or "answering phones," nor, for that matter, even being an NLA director (you didn't ask, but I'll say so anyhow). Second, I see no value in trying to contribute anything to NLA because the organization is without redeeming value. What would I contribute my time to? A new association, for which a lot of the groundwork is already laid - good by-laws and some sound concepts on which to build an association. Short of that, forget it, Sara. It doesn't seem you have taken me seriously. But in time, my dear, you will see come to pass everything I have said about NLA for almost two years. The only thing that has changed is that NLA won't die as fast as I would have predicted because Bobit has too much of a vested interest in the organization continuing (even as a shell, or, perhaps I should say shill) as an adjunct of the Las Vegas Show and will prop up NLA for as long as it is useful.
If you want a volunteer, call Joey Cirruzzo, he has a messianic drive when it comes to NLA.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Anyway you seemed to have skated right around the volunteer issue so I'll be more blunt. We plan to call you this week to request your assistance. On office matters and running the NLA I am so glad you brought that up! The phones are going NUTS and Tom, Susan and Renee could use an able body with your intellect to help them out in Marlton!<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Is the foregoing enough detail?

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Let's discuss this in detail...<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

James H. Joseph
Pegasus Chauffeured Motor Cars
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
jhj@pegasus-pittsburgh.com

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by JHJ:
Sara, from what I've seen, it would be best if I volunteer to manage NLA and you volunteer to "work" the doors.

James H. Joseph
_Pegasus Chauffeured Motor Cars_
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
jhj@pegasus-pittsburgh.com)<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
How true.......

Dean Schuler

Take a look at the poll that I posted when this topic was started. I had forgotten about it until this thread got active again - but it seems like a bunch of people think that "radical reform" is in order - that doesn't mean moving the office, tinkering with the by-laws and having you come on board as a cheerleader. Radical reform means NLA needs gutted and rebuilt.

James H. Joseph
Pegasus Chauffeured Motor Cars
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
jhj@pegasus-pittsburgh.com

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by JHJ:
Considering that the check was sent out a few days AFTER the renewal date, that really says something - either nobody renews on time, or the whole membership is busted, or everyone else is considering whether they are really going to renew or not.

Quote: "Originally posted by Sara McLean:
Yours was the very FIRST renewal check received into the Bobit HQ for the NLA 2002? "

Sara, you really are off-base and your effort to be cute is not flattering. I really don't care about NLA except that it needs a stake driven in its heart. What I CARE about is a national trade association and the potential for doing really good things, which NLA is never, ever, ever going to do for all the reasons I've been pointing out for almost two years.

Quote: "Come on Jim...all this play for attention when it's quite obvious you really CARE about the NLA since that seems to be the primary focus of your thought process. Really... The organziation should be flattered by your obsession of them--I know I am!"

I didn't intend to skate around the volunteer issue. In case my position isn't clear, let me make it crystal clear now. First, I don't have time to waste on "working doors" or "answering phones," nor, for that matter, even being an NLA director (you didn't ask, but I'll say so anyhow). Second, I see no value in trying to contribute anything to NLA because the organization is without redeeming value. What would I contribute my time to? A new association, for which a lot of the groundwork is already laid - good by-laws and some sound concepts on which to build an association. Short of that, forget it, Sara. It doesn't seem you have taken me seriously. But in time, my dear, you will see come to pass everything I have said about NLA for almost two years. The only thing that has changed is that NLA won't die as fast as I would have predicted because Bobit has too much of a vested interest in the organization continuing (even as a shell, or, perhaps I should say shill) as an adjunct of the Las Vegas Show and will prop up NLA for as long as it is useful.
If you want a volunteer, call Joey Cirruzzo, he has a messianic drive when it comes to NLA.

Quote: "Anyway you seemed to have skated right around the volunteer issue so I'll be more blunt. We plan to call you this week to request your assistance. On office matters and running the NLA I am so glad you brought that up! The phones are going NUTS and Tom, Susan and Renee could use an able body with your intellect to help them out in Marlton!"

Is the foregoing enough detail?

Quote: "Let's discuss this in detail..."
One last thing. if there were 12,000 operators at the LIMO PEAK in 1989 ( Maury " THE WIZARD ' Sutton, L&C Publisher , csutton@ucla.edu ) HOW MANY of us are there now ? I can say with confidence that there are a helluva lot of us. Dean Schuler
James H. Joseph
_Pegasus Chauffeured Motor Cars_
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
jhj@pegasus-pittsburgh.com)<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Dean Schuler

I am a small three car operator. On a couple of occasions, I have asked Tom for his advise and he has always taken the time to provide it. Although I have never met Sara, I have emailed her. She also has taken the time to answer me. There has never been penny one in it for them. They responded as professionals to help me out.

I mention this because I think it is time to give these folks a break. The constant bashing over every move they make is ridiculus. Jim, I understand and share your frustration with the NLA. I also may be niave in my hope that it can be turned around. But at least we have some folks willing to try. Even if their motives are profit driven, so what? The world is all about profit. Are we in our business to be nice guys? Or are we in it to make a buck or two?

Don't frown on Sara for being "cute". A little levity can go a long way. If I was not running my business while holding down a full time job, you can bet I would be involved.

You spend a lot of time and effort to bring NLA issues to the forefront. I am grateful to you for doing this. But how about lending them a hand and becoming directly involved. I would think your ideas would be better received.

Anyway, these are just my thoughts and I appreciate everyone for the input they provide.

One last thing......a new NLA fundraiser.....

JHJ vs. Sara in a no holds bared "King of the Forum" match. To be held in beutiful Las Vegas. Looking forward to the meeting. Bye for now http://limos.infopop.cc/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

on the NLA problems. The involvement of Tom and Sara does not portend a solution to the "NLA Problem." The reason: First, Sara has claimed to be a board member (the by-laws do not provide for her to be such and, moreover, even if they did there is now a clear conflict of interest) for years and has not contributed anything to the solution - so what is going to change now - and her board "membership" is a shining example of the complete and total disregard for the by-laws. Second, Bobit is only a management company - it "works the doors" (to coin a phrase) for the awful and atrocious board of directors and hustles volunteers (apparently). So now, maybe, people will answer the phones which "are ringing off the hook" and perhaps will perform competently in an administrative capacity - they got our dues check and even noted that it was the "first" received, suggesting that maybe someone is watching the store. But as far as Sara and Tom's good intentions and devotion to the industry are concerned - did I ever question that? Of course not. The reason that their efforts will not reform NLA is that they have neither the power not the capacity to do so, even if they had the intention to do so - which I already pointed out that Sara does not.
The REAL "NLA Problem" I have been pointing out for nearly two years - the fundamental concept of NLA, and its fundamental structure, is terminally flawed, and the structure of governance of NLA guarantees the failure of any effort to reform it. I'll keep on Tom and Sara as far as the mechanics of applying the by-laws are concerned, because their (indeed, anybody's) failure to do so is inexcusable. But I will not be criticizing them for what is truly the failure of the structure of NLA and the board of directors populated by incompetents and worse, malevolents. So when we say, "let's give Tom and Sara a chance," what are we giving them a chance to do? Answer the phones better? Publish a LimoScene better? Increase membership better? And to what end? To continue the same drifting policies set by the elected board of directors that NLA has been following for how many years now. Get real, folks. Bobit is only the "management company," not a replacement board of directors.
And let's just hold on with respect to volunteering for a minute. Do you have any idea how many hours per year I spend on the phone with NLA people discussing these problems and how to solve them? Does anybody other than a select few know that in December, 2000 I drafted an entire new set of by-laws for NLA and met with David Seelinger, Ron Sorci and Joey Cirruzzo at David's office in New Jersey (for several days) - at my expense (and, keep in mind, this is the kind of thing I am normally paid to do). Did anything ever happen after that - NO! Did anything I contributed find it's way into policy or practice - NO! Did I waste my time - YES! Would I ever do it again - YES, but not for NLA.
Look, folks - I've said this many times before. I've practiced law in the business arena for over 30 years. If you don't think experience means anything, then that means that everyone who owns and operates a limousine business, regardless of how many years, are all equally competent to do so and that it makes no difference how many years you are in the business, and we know that isn't true. I've seen companies come and go, I've seen them turned around. When I was in law school, I worked a couple of years at one of the largest national trade associations in the country, so I'm not a virgin at trade associations, and certainly not in the structure of businesses and the law applicable to them. All of this points me in one direction - NLA is not a viable trade association and never will be, it is a mere fig leaf to serve other interests. The kind of restructuring that it needs is no different than starting a new association from scratch, and you don't have to fight goofballs on the board of directors to do that. NLA has made a contribution to the industry by happenstance - we now know what NOT TO DO when a new association is formed. Remember, it took two tries to get the United States of America right (remember the Articles of Confederation). You have to be smart enough to know when to give up and do what's right. But, as I have pointed out, I've found precious few in this industry who are smart enough to recognize that. NLA is the perfect example of doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. Duh!
Robert, why don't you address the fundamental flaws in NLA instead of bleating about giving Tom and Sara a chance - a chance to do what, the same thing over and over, but perhaps better than Host did the same thing over and over. By the way, scroll back to my posts over the past year or so and you will see a complete agenda for the reform of NLA and dozens of new, worthwhile programs - but NLA is too busy on road trips trying to increase membership to advance the programs the members deserve.

James H. Joseph
Pegasus Chauffeured Motor Cars
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
jhj@pegasus-pittsburgh.com

[This message was edited by JHJ on February 18, 2002 at 08:40 AM.]

[This message was edited by JHJ on February 18, 2002 at 08:40 AM.]

I was one of the first members of the NLA, not a founding board member but joined the NLA at its inception. The goals of the NLA were as follows: 1. To eliminate the gas guzzler tax. 2. To get the members at national insurance deal. 3. To prevent unfair legislation against our industry.

After a few years I finally chose to drop our membership in the NLA because none of the above goals were met. The NLA started morphing into a legal organization that fought the IRS on the contract labor issue. The one member that comes to mind is George Jacobs and his fight with the IRS. There were others but his case stands out and I think it was the largest. The NLA and George were successful in their fight to keep his people classified as contract labor. The NLA, in my opinion, got bogged down in this leagal quagmire and abandoned its original goals. I re-joined the NLA in 1996 with the hope that a nation insurance deal was in the works and that you had to be an NLA member to get the deal. Of course we never really had an insurance deal. We have kept our membership since 1996 because we get business referrals from the NLA book and because John Sinibaldi helped us collect some past due accounts from other NLA members. The most positive thing I can say about recent events at the NLA is John Sinibaldi lighting a fire under the deadbeats. I don't want to attack Sara and Tom because I think they love the limousine business and truly want things to work out. I was 100percent for Tom getting the management contract for the NLA but I dont feel comfortable with a trade magazine running the NLA, it just doesnt sit right with me. Nothing against Sara and Bobbit but I want an independent association and an association that I was promised when I joined. I will probably keep our membership just because I want to stay included in the membership book and I dont really expect much more than that from the current association. I think most of the membership probably feel the same way. Anyway I hope for the best mainly because I think its better off with Bobbit than Host in the long run. I have also joined the TLPA and will look to it for the really serious issues to be addressed as it seems much more professional and they seem to have stuck to their goals.

Wade Randolph

When I refer to fundamental flaws in NLA, part of that concept is that it has no goals, let alone clearly-defined goals. It has no business plan? It offers no service that people are willing to pay for other than to "belong," which says something about the industry. Goals may legitimately change over 15 years in any business. But I think it's fair to say that NLA can't list much in the way of achievements. And EVEN IF NLA had clearly-defined goals and a business plan, the structure of the association defeats the ability to implement them. To the rest of what Wade said, I say "amen."

James H. Joseph
Pegasus Chauffeured Motor Cars
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
jhj@pegasus-pittsburgh.com

mud wrestling with Sara would be a lot more fun than mud-flinging, and probably raise a lot more money http://limos.infopop.cc/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Limos4You:

One last thing......a new NLA fundraiser.....

JHJ vs. Sara in a no holds bared "King of the Forum" match. To be held in beutiful Las Vegas. Looking forward to the meeting. Bye for now http://limos.infopop.cc/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

James H. Joseph
Pegasus Chauffeured Motor Cars
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
jhj@pegasus-pittsburgh.com

Sara,

There are a lot more people in this world who are sitting back and hoping that you and Bobit really do make a difference. You have the support of a great many operators in the Greater California Livery Association and we greatly value the time you spent recently to come to our monthly meeting and help educate us on running a better business.

An industry magazine is intended to keep those in the industry it serves abreast of trends and areas of interest which affect the industry. As such, I can't think of a better fit. On one hand you research and obtain trends and information, on the other you share the information through the magazine AND the association.

As far as all the legal stuff, I believe in time, the old NLA will be gutted, as it should, and the new NLA, managed by Bobit will be better than ever.

Carry on with the mission you have undertaken. Ignore those people who have way too much time to sit back and armchair quarterback your every move.
Do what is best for us as an industry. Most importantly, keep cashing those checks from those who bash you - it will help you feel better!

I support you and I am smart enough to know, this is a done deal. All the bitching and complaining in the world will not undo the awarding of the management company. So, while I respect the opinions of others, I accept the fact and ask you, what can I do to help? How can I make the organization better? HOw can I help help you turn it around?

I just saw in a news item that the Pope has taken part in three exorcisms, one as recently as last month. I assume most people have seen the joke going around the internet about the Pope longing to drive a limousine, which makes me wonder if we can get him more involved in the industry and get him to exorcise the NLA board of directors. This, of course, in the spirit of Sara's volunteerism.

James H. Joseph
Pegasus Chauffeured Motor Cars
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
jhj@pegasus-pittsburgh.com

I knew that this was going to get long again so I waited to let JHJ and Sarah respond before I thought it would be appropriate to respond.

First JHJ CHILL OUT my man. I agree with a lot of your points but I think the heat that you are giving Sarah is way to premature. She literrally has just walked in the doors as a rep for the management company and you are already down her throat. Like you said the management company is not responsible for the reform of the NLA. THE PEOPLE THAT YOU VOTED FOR ARE!!! If you have a problem call the person YOU voted for. If they do not support you then why did you vote for them? That is why it is so important for the industry to get INVOLVED!!! Meet these people that run for the board at the shows and ask them questions and ask them why I should vote for you. I do not blame the NLA. I blame the LAZY operators that do not get involved. The Association is only going to be as strong as it's membership. If you were to start a new Association it would end up no where as long as people do not get involved. The NLA is going to be around and it is going to be around for a long time. JHJ you need to be proactive!!! you want change run for the freeking board. It will be a lot easier to get elected on the board and stir up change then it would be to start a new association. I also think you lose credibility by jumping down Sarahs throat every time she speaks on this forum. THIS IS WHAT I AS A MEMBER WANTS. Let them talk here. If I were in their shoes and everytime I opened my mouth you jump down my thoat I would mo longer post hear either because it is a waste of time. Sarah is trying to establish a new medium of contact by posting here and you are ruining it. Do not get me wrong. You can express your opinion and objections but you take it to the extreme which achieves nothing. Unfortunately I think you are hurting yourself because a lot of people know who you are and really do not like your tactics and they stay away from this forum because main ideas and thoughts get lost in the mumbo jumbo. I am not JHJ bashing at all Jim so relax when you respond but the girl has only been their for a couple of weeks. Let the dust settle, talk to the the people YOU voted for, get involved, and lets all make it work. Change does not happen over night. I know that you have talked to certain people that have run for the board and you must beleive that they can do some good or you would have not voted for them. If you have issues with the NLA you should bring it up with them.

I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE MEETING ITS GOING TO BE EXCITING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nick, what you suggest is a waste of time. I worked with Ron Sorci, David Seelinger, Joey Cirruzzo and others, and I even voted for Scott Solombrino (what a disappointment). This time, I didn't even cast all 6 votes because there wasn't anybody worth voting for other than a couple of people (Joey amon g them). But no matter who you vote for, you have people who still vote for Barbara Pastelak, Cheryl Berkman and John Sokol. The voting is a waste of time because the board is too big, there's not enough talent to populate such a large board, the board can't get anything done because it is too unwieldy, and the "regionalization" (which is contrary to the by-laws) is anti-democratic and guarantees that the board will be populated by morons who get elected. Now it apears we are electing members "at large," as well as from regions. WHERE DID THIS COME FROM? The by-laws say nothing about part of the directors being elected by region and part at-large. I guess it came from the moron of the day.
This association is going nowhere. The only thing I've jumped on Sara about so far is the failure to follow the by-laws as to the annual meeting in March, as well as the history (which is undeniable) she has, i.e., of flaunting the by-laws. Sara, historically, has been part of the problem rather than the solution. Bobit may answer the phones more often, and may improve the "administration" of NLA, but cannot influence the goof-balls on the board, nor will she attempt to, or she would have already done so. Sara has been right there all along while the board has wrecked the NLA, and even claims to be a member - strange, because if I were in her position I'd be trying to put distance between the board and me.Remember these posts - in a year or so I will be sure to point out that "I told you so."

James H. Joseph
Pegasus Chauffeured Motor Cars
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
jhj@pegasus-pittsburgh.com

Very well said. I couldn't have said it better myself. Some people have way, way too much time on their hands, are filled with negativity, hate change, impede progress and alienate most people. Enough is enough. Let's give the new management company a chance to change what was messed up over a period of years. If you aren't happy with the way NLA is run, STOP paying dues, quit reading and writing posts about it here and get over yourself. Get on with life. It is way too short to spend so much energy being negative on something that isn't going to put food on your table or make a hoot's bit of difference in your personal life and most certainly will continue with or without you.

for how we got where we are. If it doesn't affect your personal life and you don't think you can change it, you should quit, exert no energy and get on with life. And if you don't give up and walk away, you are negative and alienate those who are merely along for the ride, like LimoScene. Now I understand perfectly what Nick said - the problem is people like LimoScene. In fact, don't I remember posts from LimoScene saying why he never felt the compulsion to be an NLA member? At least he practices what he preaches - why does he read the NLA forum? I guess to be alienated!
Now here's evidence of a keen intellect in operation - arguing for radical change in NLA is evidence of "hating change" and "impeding progress." Some people should read what they write before they press the "Post Now" button. You're right, LimoScene, you couldn't have said it better yourself - in fact, not nearly so well.


<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Limo Scene:
Very well said. I couldn't have said it better myself. Some people have way, way too much time on their hands, are filled with negativity, hate change, impede progress and alienate most people. Enough is enough. Let's give the new management company a chance to change what was messed up over a period of years. If you aren't happy with the way NLA is run, STOP paying dues, quit reading and writing posts about it here and get over yourself. Get on with life. It is way too short to spend so much energy being negative on something that isn't going to put food on your table or make a hoot's bit of difference in your personal life and most certainly will continue with or without you.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

James H. Joseph
Pegasus Chauffeured Motor Cars
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
jhj@pegasus-pittsburgh.com

Jim Luff I was reading some of your past posts and noticed you talking about how the NLA has no redeeming value and you would not join because it was a waste of time. Now you call others "bashers" because they speak their mind about the NLA. The "bashers" are paying members and your not. Dont you people remember the heat Tom Mazza took from Bobit about printing the truth from the old NLA board. Do you really think the industry's largest trade publication will ever print the truth about the NLA now? I am all for giving Tom Mazza a year to see what happens. Lets get back to our original goals and give the members some real benefit. This forum is for people to speak their minds about the NLA and other issues we face, lets not silence anyone that has a legitimate opinion.

Wade Randolph

I have no regrets over my posts in the past regarding NLA. I stand by what I said. However, at THAT TIME, NLA was a different organization with NO management. It was a clique of people who had no better than a social organization. As for the NLA of today......they probably have a long way to go to become a viable organization to the industry. But geez, can't you stop bitching long enough to take breath and let them get started? Who cares what the old NLA did. Wake up! It's over! It would be best to throw away the old by-laws, membership lists, etc. and start all over. I know for a fact that NLA spent $2000 yesterday on attorney fees to review every single detail of the bylaws because of all the stink right here. That money could have been better spent lobbying for our industry rather than protecting it from our own...don't cha think?
I am not going to get into a pissing match here with you guys. I support our industry. I attend every single local association meeting (California) which is a two hour drive EACH way for me. I recently got involved in the complaint by "Stranded in Arizona" to clear a brother operators name. There was nothing in it for me personally except to keep the reputation of the industry shining. Wade, I have the greatest respect for you. Please understand my post was to reflect an attitude of "wait and see" rather than kill the new emporer before we get started with a new regime. I still don't believe it's a great organization but I continue coming back here to follow what is going on so that I maight make an intelligent decision to join the organization based on it's CURRENT management as opposed to it's past management, which is just that, PAST!

Let's see now, what's changed at NLA? The person who answers the phone. The location of the office. The location to which we mail checks for dues. What's not changed? The by-laws. The Board of Directors. The general counsel of the association. The disregard for the by-laws (electing directors by regions, electing some directors at large, holding meetings without proper notice and, probably, without the ability to determine a quorum, having non-directors attending board meetings and pretending to be board members, having the board influenced by "vendor member" who are only supposed to have one representative on the board, but instead have many). The cronyism. The self-interest of the management company. Maybe it's me, but if this is "change" it seems that NLA evidences the old adage - the more things change the more they stay the same.
By the way, if Bobit had anything to do with spending $2,000 to have the by-laws reviewed then their competency and judgment is seriously in question. There's only one reason to do so, i.e., so that they can say they did it and impress people like Jim Luff. What they are really doing is sending the by-laws to someone who will give them the answers they want and who has some interest in such matters that is not independent. Who'd they pay $2,000 to enrich at the expense of NLA - Bobit's general counsel????
How come the members don't know about this kind of nonsense? I guess Jim Luff talks privately to Sara - which explains why he's suddenly a shill for Bobit.

James H. Joseph
Pegasus Chauffeured Motor Cars
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
jhj@pegasus-pittsburgh.com

I have not spoken to Sara. I am not a shill for Bobit and I am STILL not a member. However, I am watching and waiting to see what is happening. As far as being impressed with the $2000 expenditure, I wasn't even amused, much less impressed. My understanding of the expense is actually not to impress me, but to appease YOU! Or, should I say people like you that are so worried about the bylaws of the silly little "club" that is has been. I never joined because of the very things you mention Jim. So at least we agree on the cronyism, the clique etc. that the NLA was/is. As far as the bylaws, the meetings, who's who etc. I see it as being similar to a little hobby club like say a ham radio club that forms a little group, tries to run it under parlimentary rules, following every little note in Roberts Rule of Order but in the end, if the whole thing fell apart because no one followed the bylaws, nobody would even blink or notice they were gone. Ditto for the NLA. As far as lobbying efforts, Congressman Bill Thomas, Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee is from my home town of Bakersfield, CA. He and I have discussed the Gas Guzzler Tax one through both oral and written communication. I have an advantage of being able to sit next to him at the local NASCAR track and share my concerns about the industry directly to him. I don't need Barry to do that for me. Jim, can we just agree to disagree? I am not promoting the NLA. I accept your points about the same board and all the other things you have pointed out which carry merit. The only thing two things I am trying to convey are as follows:
1. Rome was not built in a day. A new management company was hired to MANAGE the organization. In my opinion, that means becoming familiar with the bylaws, operational procedures and other pertinent information and then adhering to the same in it's management.
2. If you are so unhappy with the way it is operating, STOP buying into it year after year and then complaining about how it's done. If you were unhappy with the food at a restaurant, you surely would not keep going back to eat there on your anniversary each year.

I respect your position and will conclude my input to the thread. It was not posted for me to be attacked for expressing an opinion contrary to your own.

That is the reason the new management team is reviewing the by-laws. This is good.

I must admit, when I first began to read these forums I was appalled at the negativity herin. For those who may feel the same I suggest you do what I did. Scroll back, way way back. Read this story from the beginning. The NLA threads go back about 2 years. When you do, you will realize that there are some NLA members here that care a great deal about our industry. I for one am happy that the 'powers that be' are held accountable to their responsibility.

As for the new management:
Tom Mazza I have known for many years. In my opinion there is no better person for the job in the industry today. The man knows his stuff when it comes to our industry. He is dedicated to the betterment of all involved. If there is a person alive who can influence the board from the outside, it's Tom. He is one of the best communicators I know and to stray from his advice is to prove to the world that you have your own agenda. Tom is for the industry, for us, not for the hidden agenda of some board members.

Sara I don't know as well. I have sent her e-mail in the past and had a response. I see her posts here both recently and in the archives, I also see her post on the LCT forum. They are always a positive helpful response. All I've ever heard of her is positive. By all accounts she is a a woman of class and exeptional character. She should not be refered in any context related to mud-wresteling. If someone spoke of my wife like that I want to kick some a**. Most of all, she comes here and offers response. Lets hear it and not chase her out. Breaking the line of communication by stripping someone of their dignity will not help anything, anytime, anywhere.

I too will sit back and see what impact can be made, to an extent. It is up to us members to keep our board in line. I once read a JHJ post where he said he was sending in his dues so he could continue to scrutinize the NLA. I agree with his tactic. How can you bitch if you haven't paid for the right to do so.

I beleive it will be better for the industry to reform the current NLA than to start anew. I sincerely think that if we can't bring the NLA around, there will never be an adiquate association exclusively for limousines. I don't want to start a run-on about the US government, but I don't see anything different about the NLA board. If you don't like what the government is doing, you call your rep. and set him strait. I you don't like what the NLA is doing, post your complaint here, THEN CALL A DIRECTOR and set them strait, then the rest of us can call to.

Can any of you imagine how quickly things would turn around if every board member had to talk to JHJ twice a day? I'd say pretty quick. Especially if we all started pestering them.

Most importantly, Let's turn over the Board. There are some new people coming on there too. Let's get to the new board members and fast. Let's get them here or by phone or e-mail let's tell them how we want OUR association run and make it clear to them that hidden agendas will earn them the right to vacate their seat in the next election. If we can get Sara, Tom and more of the board here to hear our concerns we may make more progress than anyone will beleive. http://limos.infopop.cc/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

Lastly, we need little guys on the board. The only trouble with that is that most of us can't afford to pick up the travel costs, much less be away from our companies for any matter of days. Since we're already proposing radical reform, why don't we impose that four of the seats be 'free'. The could be filled only by candidates who run less than five cars and the NLA could pick-up travel expenses for those positions. Just a thought. http://limos.infopop.cc/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Matt Harrison
AAA Guaranteed On-Time Limouisne, Clinton NJ

by tinkering with the board goes in the wrong direction. Let me try once again to explain why. This is a small industry. There are only about 1400-1500 NLA members, and most of those belong to "belong." Only about 200-300 members vote in any election. These are the "interested" people. Out of that number, far fewer are willing or able to serve NLA as directors or officers, and even fewer are competent to do so, even if they were willing and able. In short, we have a very shallow pond to draw leadership from. Sixteen board members, plus God-knows-how-many interlopers (vendors, Bobit, etc) is too big to conduct business by conference telephone. If you know anybody who has served on the board and tells you what these circle jerks are like, it's laughable. Now, let's go further. Given this very shallow talent pool, when you slice and dice the board to create regions (or representation of 5 or less car companies), you reduce the participation by qualifid people. In the end you end up with - well, NLA!
I've said it before, and I'll say it again. We need a 6 person baord of directors, no vendors, no Bobit, nobody else - just-plain-six. These directors should all be elected "at large" nationally. Then, when we have an election, you might get 12-15 candidates to pick the best of, regardless of where they come from or how big their company is.
A board of directors is not a city council, or a Congress, or a legislative body. It is a management oversight body, and arguments that it should be "representative" are goofy. It should be competent and objective, and if it is everything else takes care of itself. When you keep imposing qualifications and slicing and dicing and restricting, it is merely symptomatic that something is wrong with your board. If you have an eight cylinder engine and 3 cylinders are missing, you don't add 3 cylinders and end up with an 11 cylinder engine with 3 cylinders missing - you fix the cylinders. You don't say, well let those three cylinders oeprate on a different timing cycle - you know what happens then.
To the extent that NLA needs to have "representative" input, it should not come by tinkering with the board, it should come by participation on committees which address particular interests. THIS is how real trade associations operate. Scroll and read ALL the way back and you'll find this subject discussed at length and in depth.
Until the board is reduced to 6 and everyone else kicked out of the boardroom, and the 6 are elected at large, I regret that the end comment here will always be "I told you so."
So when you say "let's wait and see," please tell me how anyone will ever get up the nerve to change the by-laws to a 6 person board and eliminate 10 current members, plus the legion of vendors, publishers and other hangers-on that claim they are "directors."
To coin one of Tom Mazza's favorite phrases, "trust me," reduce the board to 6 members elected at large and over 90% of all NLA problems are solved. By the way, does anybody know how many board members the ORIGINAL un-amended NLA by-laws provided for? Eight! Since then we've been going the wrong direction.
Why am I so pessimistic about the new management? Because regardless or how well-intentioned they are, or ambitious (and I believe they are), all Tom Mazza will get done is talking on the phone to over 20 "directors," and all the "over 20 directors" get done is talking to each other. I think Tom Mazza will burn out in a litle over a year. He will be frustrated by his inability to get things done, and long for the life he had before NLA. Ask anyone who has served as Executive Director of NLA, or a high-level staffer, and they'll confirm exactly what I am saying.

James H. Joseph
Pegasus Chauffeured Motor Cars
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
jhj@pegasus-pittsburgh.com

[This message was edited by JHJ on February 21, 2002 at 10:37 PM.]

Jim I would have to agree with the amount of board members, my (own opinion) it is to many. I would rather see committees made up that answer to the board, this USUALLY works well with other organizations i am involved with.
But just to let everyone know being mailed out to all members is an overview of bylaw changes for this year along with a voting ballot to aprove, so pay attention and look them over. I don't believe it made the changes for this year but I would still like to see a change that lets the members vote for the President I am going to harp on that one.

Hey Jim,

Are you feeling ok? That was the best post you have ever written on the NLA. Why? Because it was constructive. Constructive critisism that is.

By the way I agree with your comments on the board being way too large. I think as Guy in Tampa said their needs to be more committees formed. I think that this would result in more things getting done. We will have people who would focus in certain areas instead of many and report to the board who would then make final decisions. Getting everyone involved in every topic gets nothing done but rake up phone bills. You never know Jim with the bylaws being reviewed we may get some new bylaws. I just hope that the NLA will include it's paying members to participate, voice ideas, and be better informed.

really doesn't get anywhere when the people being criticized don't want to be criticized and don't want to listen - they only understand one thing, getting hit in the head with a 2x4. Scroll way back and you will find my much more in depth comments about the structure a national trade association in the limousine industry should have.
As for by-laws - I've messed around with the NLA by-laws for a long time and mere amendment will not address the horrible draftsmanship of the present by-laws. They are so bad and inconsistent as to be worthless - a comment, I might add, that also applies to the Association.
There, is this post better, Nick?


<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by nkokas:
Hey Jim,

Are you feeling ok? That was the best post you have ever written on the NLA. Why? Because it was constructive. Constructive critisism that is.

By the way I agree with your comments on the board being way too large. I think as Guy in Tampa said their needs to be more committees formed. I think that this would result in more things getting done. We will have people who would focus in certain areas instead of many and report to the board who would then make final decisions. Getting everyone involved in every topic gets nothing done but rake up phone bills. You never know Jim with the bylaws being reviewed we may get some new bylaws. I just hope that the NLA will include it's paying members to participate, voice ideas, and be better informed.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

James H. Joseph
Pegasus Chauffeured Motor Cars
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
jhj@pegasus-pittsburgh.com

Hey gang I like coming on but can the first post (with Cory Rosen) be removed I really can stand seeing it anymore. Ha Ha

Do you want me to modify it to extract the "Cory" references and keep the main content/poll intact?

http://www.limousinesonline.com/proudmember.gif

to make the reference disappear the same way he disappeared.


<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Viperion Corporation / Limos.com:
Do you want me to modify it to extract the "Cory" references and keep the main content/poll intact?

http://www.limousinesonline.com/proudmember.gif <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

James H. Joseph
Pegasus Chauffeured Motor Cars
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
jhj@pegasus-pittsburgh.com

The lobbyist that the NLA is paying, does he do anything besides have his picture taken with politicians and cash his check? If not, would it be appropriate to bring up getting rid of him at the Vegas meeting?

be an appropriate forum, but you may find this will remedy itself shortly because NLA can no longer afford paying what it has been paying for a lobbyist. In case you don't know (and you wouldn't, for despite all the balyhoo of putting the NLA financial statements on the web site for members to see and review, the first, last and only year ever posted was 2000), NLA is pretty much busted. Membership cannot accurately be determined due to poor records, and as renewals come up the renewal (retention) rate is atrocious. In my revision of the by-laws which I provided to a number of directors (without effect), I provided for annual dues for all members to be paid on January 1 of a fiscal year, so that at least withint a month or so you can figure out how many members you have and who they are. The "rolling" method now used is an administrative nightmare. I understand that the NLA membership rolls may be carrying numerous members who haven't paid dues in years because Host didn't want to have it known how steep the membership decline has been. So, because of the rolling method of renewals, it will be a year before NLA discovers that its membership is probably around a thousand members, maybe less. In the meantime, operating revenues are in a death spiral.
By the way, the only suggestion in a complete, new set of by-laws that I made that has found its way into the proposed by-law revisions (more about this later today) is that the by-laws can be amended only by vote of the members and not by the self-serving board of directors, who used this power in the past to serve their own interests. So much for the theory espoused here that you should talk to your directors to make your voice heard.
I'll have comments on the by-law revisions later today, as well as on what is NOT being changed.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Limos4You:
The lobbyist that the NLA is paying, does he do anything besides have his picture taken with politicians and cash his check? If not, would it be appropriate to bring up getting rid of him at the Vegas meeting?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

James H. Joseph
Pegasus Chauffeured Motor Cars
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
jhj@pegasus-pittsburgh.com

be appropriate for someone at the annual meeting to ask for financial statements for NLA, and why the members are kept in the dark about the financial condition of the association. This was a big pitch of some current board members, like Scott Solombrino and David Seelinger, but when the finances went south under their watch they no longer champion making financial statements available to members.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Limos4You:
The lobbyist that the NLA is paying, does he do anything besides have his picture taken with politicians and cash his check? If not, would it be appropriate to bring up getting rid of him at the Vegas meeting?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

James H. Joseph
Pegasus Chauffeured Motor Cars
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
jhj@pegasus-pittsburgh.com

We received yesterday the proposed by-law revisions to be voted on by the members (assuming a quorum is present) in Las Vegas. Here are my thoughts on these revisions.

<UL TYPE=SQUARE>
<LI> Generally speaking, the proposed revisions are a small band-aid on a gaping, oozing wound. There are those who will say that at least this is a start, to which I respond that NLA doesn't have a long-term future and a bold move was in order, but to no avail.
<LI>On the bright side, at least somebody is now trying to conduct corporate business in a legal manner. We now have a proxy for the first time in NLA history. But will we ever have a “general proxy” by which one member who can’t go to a membership meeting can give his proxy to a buddy who is going, and which is the only way we may ever have a quorum at an NLA membership meeting (unless, of course, membership keeps dropping in which case we can fit the entire membership in a back room at Shorty’s Bar & Grill).
<LI>The proposed revisions are more remarkable for all the awful, inartful language that is NOT being changed than the tinkering which they propose.
<LI>It is hard to believe that a “committee” labored for almost a year on these by-laws and this is what they produced. This shows that no matter how much “participation” you get from members, it won’t solve the NLA’s fundamental problems.
[/list]
Now let’s look at the band-aid which is proposed to be applied, although there is one REALLY SIGNIFICANT change in the method of doing things, as we’ll see below.
<UL TYPE=SQUARE>
<LI>The redefinition of Association members is not of much interest to the membership at large.
<LI>The revision on the provision regarding notices of meetings clears up the dreadful and inconsistent language that notice should be given “30-45” days before the meeting, whatever that ever meant.
<LI>The revision to Article 5, Section F, regarding “Nomination of Directors” is the most important. To fully understand the importance of this change, here’s the old language: “Thirty(30) days prior to the annual meeting along with the notice of the annual meeting, the NLA office shall mail a copy of the report of the Nominating Committee to all members. The election shall be done by mailed ballot. The mailing will include the Ballot on a colored card with specific instructions, a ‘Ballot Only’ envelope, the resumes of the chosen slate of nominees and an ‘NLA Eelctions’ return envelope.” The new language is: “Together with the notice of the annual meeting of members, the NLA office shall mail a copy of the report of the nominating [sic] Committee to all members.” In other words, this is the provision that provided for voting by mail (not election by mail, but voting by mail), and it is now gone. It appears that voting will now take place, as set forth in Article 5, Setion E, at the Annual Meeting. When I first read this revision I thought they left something out, but they didn’t. Every proposed revision is a restatement of the entire section or subsection being revised, and the proxy refers to “amended and restated” by-laws, and the proxy is consistent with the “Proposed Revision” provided with the proxy (surprisingly). So, FINALLY, election by mail is gone (although inconsistent with the proposed revision to Section G of Article 5).
<LI>As for the proposed regionalization of the Board, I have already made my feelings on this misadventure known numerous times. By way of contrast, perhaps I should say what my completely revised set of by-laws provided in this area. As I have said, I had proposed that the board be reduced to six in number and be elected in its entirety every two years, or, alternatively, half of them every year. The reason for this is to be able to “throw the bums out” when they run amok. Look at the difficult time we have had for years now trying to get the board to a desirable composition. It takes too long when the board is 16 members and elected for staggered terms. I provided for election of directors “at large,” but provided for cumulative voting. Election by regions is anti-democratic and various interests can be asserted by cumulative voting. The folly of the “regionalization” is that it assumes that geography is the only, or even a, legitimate interest to be dealt with. There are also big companies and small companies, companies predominately in retail business and others predominately in corporate business. The logical extension of this “regionalization” is that we will have a 100-person board of directors, 20 elected by geography, 20 by size of company, 20 by retail companies, 20 by corporate companies, and 20 by companies whose owners are left-handed. There is no end to this kind of slicing and dicing nonsense. NOW, what does cumualtive voting do. Assume that we have a six man board that is elected every two years. Each member gets six votes. With cumulative voting you can cast all six votes for one candidate, or any combination of votes for any combination of candidates. Thus, if members from the West think they need a “western” board member, they can accumulate their votes for one “western” candidate and thereby insure his or her election. And if the “East” wants to dominate the board, they will split up their votes among too many candidates and the reverse will happen - they will lose representation. Remember, only between 200-300 members vote, so when you slice and dice down to 4 regions, you only have 50-70 votes per region, assuming that the members voting are as evenly distributed as the membership is alleged to be. For my part, I’d rather have 200-300 members voting for 6 directors than 50-70 voting for three. With regionalization, there is no way to get the best people on the board. After a couple of go-rounds, there’s no talent left to serve.
<LI>The proposed revisions to Article 5, Section G relating to replacement of directors is subject to the same objection as to regionalization, but it is worse. Why? Because what it is really trying to do is restrict the board’s discretion because we don’t trust the board (with good reason, I might add). Why should the replacement seat go to “also-rans.” By this theory, if George Bush becomes incapacitated, Al Gore should be named to succeed him. If the problem we are trying to get at is the board of directors, then let’s get at it, but not by imposing more, and more, and more, and more restrictions on the members’ democracy (which is, essentially, non-existent already).
<LI>Term limits in NLA are as stupid here as in the political arena. We don’t have enough talent to populate a 16-person board, so when we find someone competent, willing and able to serve, we then throw them out after two terms. This makes room to substitute a real moron. Shouldn’t the members be able to elect whomever they want. What interest is being protected with this goofy requirement.
<LI>The wording on the 1997 election should never have been in the by-laws, but it raises the question of how much time the committee which worked for a year on these revisions spent on making this decision.
<LI>I have to admit that I was greatly amused with the musical chairs method of replacing vacant officerships. Everybody moves up. In business this is called the Peter Principle - you keep moving up until you reach the level where you are truly incompetent. Think of this applied to the Federal Govenment. Bush resigns, Cheney becomes President, the Speaker of the House becomes Vice President, the Secretary of State become the Speaker of the House - what a hoot! Same problem as above. Why can’t the board just fill the vacancy created? Because we don’t trust the board! We will keep amending by-laws ad infinitum to keep trapping the board of directors from doing something. The board elects a president to be a president, and a secretary to be a secretary, and not to be a "replacement" president. Each position requires different talents (assuming NLA officerships require ANY talent) and should be filled by people who are being appointed for that particular job, not to play musical chairs.
<LI>The only sensible provision of the proposed amendments (other than eliminating voting by mail) is that now the by-laws can only be amended by the members, rather than the directors. Yes, Virginia, the old by-laws actually let the directors amend the by-laws - that’s how we got where we are. That’s how we got 16 board members.
<LI>Of the hundreds of inartful, goofy provisions still in the by-laws, here’s a few of the problems. The by-laws provide for making a former member an “honorary” member, but there’s no such category of membership. Do they pay dues? Do they vote? What rights and privileges do “honorary” members have? The revisions say there will be 16 members, 12 by region and 4 at-large. But the by-laws say that “four vendor-members shall be added to the board, with a 1-year term, non-voting, and paying their own expenses.” What does that mean? Do we have a 16-person board, or a 20-person board? The proposed revisions eliminate electing directors by mail, but the provisions on regionalization talks about "distributing" ballots to the various regions. What does that mean? If it meant mail, they would have said mail. If they meant mail, how does this fit with the elimination of the provision providing for elections by mail. Perhaps we "distribute" the ballot by Pony Express or air drop and the members carry them back to Las Vegas. I could go on forever, but all of these problems were identified over a year ago and the committee couldn’t come to grips with them even if they had a road map.[/list]
Said it before, and I’ll say it again. The by-laws are so bad that they can’t be amended. All you do is create more problems.

James H. Joseph
Pegasus Chauffeured Motor Cars
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
jhj@pegasus-pittsburgh.com

[This message was edited by JHJ on February 24, 2002 at 11:14 AM.]

From reading back, and recent posts I can basicly determin the first thing we need is an entirely new set of by-laws from which to run the association. Everything else stems from the new by-laws, so shouldn't that be our primary focus?

Let's make a list. For those who will take the time to scrol back, you can see most of what needs to change right here. I have gone back pretty far, but my problem is that by the time I get back to here, I've lost track. Here is a start:

1)We need to reduce the size of the board to 6, no more than 8 directors.

2)No venders should be on the board in any respect.(Wouldn't that be like giving Enron a seat on the House ways & means committie?)

3)We need to have dues paid all in the same month so we can track membership.

4)By-laws can be changed only by a vote from the membership

5)All 6 directors should be elected from abroad.

6)???

Let's build on this. Jim I know I've hit a few of the things that must have been in your revisions and I'm sure I've missed more than that. Put them in here and lets keep building.

We've got a really positive tone sounding here. Let's continue in this fashon. If we can get a strong accounting of changes that need to be made between now and the meeting at the show I'll bet we can make an impact. With any luck we'll be voting in the new by-laws at the fall show.

One of the most important points made in prior posts is that most of the NLA members belong just to say they belong. We can stress at the meeting the fact that if they want to belong, they need to support radical changes so they will belong to an association with a purpose. The alternative will be no more NLA.

Overall what we need is a well defined list of goals, all in one place and an action plan to get them implemented.

Matt Harrison
AAA Guaranteed On-Time Limouisne, Clinton NJ

By the way, if there is any real interest, I can put the by-laws I proposed for NLA in .pdf format on a blind page on our web site with a click-through from limos.com so anybody who wants them can either reads them or download them. This takes up a fair amount of server space and I don't want to do it unless there is real interest. The difference between the present NLA by-laws and what I proposed is striking just by a simple reading. My version comes from the REAL corporate world, not something that somebody invented out of whole cloth. Alernatively, I can post them right here where you all can make comments on them article by article, sections by section. Let me post the first two sections as an example, and get some feedback on which method you prefer. And, by the way, you will see that there are some sections with no content because I thought discussion was needed among directors and/or members as to which way a particular section should go. You will also see that in some sections, there is bracketed language that is alternative language for discussion. And, finally, there are some subjects not addressed at all that need discussion. I have a list of these discussion points that goes along with the proposed by-laws. Give me some feedback, especially on how you want the provisions presented (here or on our web site).

James H. Joseph
Pegasus Chauffeured Motor Cars
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
jhj@pegasus-pittsburgh.com

I have been wrestling with the proposed by-law changes now for several days. I am very conflicted about whether and how to vote for these changes. The normal way the by-laws are amended is to vote for each change individually, instead of a whole slate of changes. I agree with a few of the changes and oppose the others, but I have no choice and must either vote for them all or against them all, but I guess this is how they wanted it so it would be forced down the members' throats. On balance, I'm for requiring members to amend the by-laws rather than the directors, and I'm for eliminating voting by mail, which is also changed. I oppose regionalization and the goofy method of replacing directors and officers. If I vote at all, I think I'd vote FOR the changes since the NLA members swallow whatever is fed to them and the amendments will probably pass in any event. The final decision I have to make is whether I care at all, and perhaps I should deposit the proxy in the round file where it really belongs. I am really stunned that Joey Cirruzzo was involved in this abortion. Viva NALA!

James H. Joseph
Pegasus Chauffeured Motor Cars
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
jhj@pegasus-pittsburgh.com

Jim I know you don't like to hear me say lets see what happens through out this yearcause if anything is to be improved it must be this year. One thing though I do not feel it should take that long to redo by-laws, even national ones. Every year we update something in our local association, we changed the aniversary date of renewal to January this year it is much better.
As I said before I do agree with the fact that there is to many Directors, it should be less if the number is 6 with two at large thats fine I still believe committees work better and get more people involved. I have mixed emotions about the regional set up, the TLPA does not have this but because of the committes set up its not needed I like that. My concern about the regional set up is what happens if nobody wants to run from that area? Lets say the west has nobody do they force feed somebody from the east to represent the west? That would seem to defeat the purpose if that is the result. I would again push for these changes and the membership voting for the President this year if its not changed then I would have a problem again. I would not mind getting a copy of the by-laws that you have, could they be used for a statewide organization or maybe at least as a guide?
TT

does the TPLA have? I'm not a member, I was just wondering.

Matt Harrison
AAA Guaranteed On-Time Limouisne, Clinton NJ

Can't edit the message.

Matt Harrison
AAA Guaranteed On-Time Limouisne, Clinton NJ

It took all kinds of wailing, moaning and gnashing of teeth to get NLA to post a year-end financial statement on its web site, accessible to members only. Solombrino, Seelinger and others supported that effort - until they got on the board. Once again, all NLA financial affairs are kept behind closed doors. Wonder why? When will the 2001 financials be posted on the web site? Probably never! Wonder why they weren't made available at the love-fest in Las Vegas that was apparently intended to pass as an annual meeting. People must have been too busy hugging to notice that there was no beef on the bun.

James H. Joseph
Pegasus Chauffeured Motor Cars
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
jhj@pegasus-pittsburgh.com

The financials posted on the NLA web site are for calendar 1999. We should have seen 2000, and now 2001. NLA is two years behind in disclosing its financial condition to members. Joey Cirruzzo led the charge on these disclosures - where is he now that he's on the board?

James H. Joseph
Pegasus Chauffeured Motor Cars
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
jhj@pegasus-pittsburgh.com

was anyone in Las Vegas who went to the NLA "annual meeting" not mesmerized to the point where they can tell us whether a quorum call occurred and, if so, how many "members" were present. "Standing room only" is not the way you describe a quorum, especially since many companies have wives, girlfiends and managers present - or was that the purpose to try to get a quorum. And if a quorum was present, what was the membership number that was used to calculate the necessary 10%. Maybe we haven't heard whether the by-laws were amended because there was no legal meeting - or worse, the amendments were defeated (most NLA members wouldn't know what they were voting for anyhow).

James H. Joseph
Pegasus Chauffeured Motor Cars
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
jhj@pegasus-pittsburgh.com

we ought to get this poll current. A lot of people voted.

James H. Joseph
Pegasus Chauffeured Motor Cars
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
jhj@pegasus-pittsburgh.com

[JHJ]

Please check out the new NLA web site. It is materially improved. Some parts still need work, but it is off and running in the right direction. The limo directory needs improved from the standpoint of the geographical areas covered. The references with documents for new companies is a good start. And now for the game - how many times does the name Thomas "I" Mazza appear on this site?

James H. Joseph
Pegasus Chauffeured Motor Cars
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
jhj@pegasus-pittsburgh.com

[David Merrill]

I agree with Jim, and I want to take the opportunity to apologize to the NLA techinical committee reguarding the web site. Yes it is very nice, it is a step in the right direction, my comment about the part that I felt "sucked" was the NLARide.com part. After Tom told me that it just went live and needed to be Tweaked, it was much clearer, I felt I expressed that to him but I guess I did not. Sorry you feel the way you do Tom, but to personally attack me when I critize a non living entity, I think is a little unprofessional. I was only trying to offer suggestions as to what I felt would make it better. When a person looks for a Limousine service in West Branch, Mich. They don't want to find a list of every Limousine service in the state of Michigan. I understand that it needs to be worked out.

If any one is interested in seeing the exchange of E-mails between the NLA and my self, I have hard copies and will fax them to you opon request.

David E. Merrill

[JHJ]

Things have been as quiet here recently as if it were the NLA.

James H. Joseph
Pegasus Chauffeured Motor Cars
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
jhj@pegasus-pittsburgh.com

[Dean Schuler]

I and many, many others in the Industry would very much like to see Barry's contract renewed. I have spoken with quite a few veterans from the 1970's and we agree that never has the Industry had such potent political representation. Let's hope the the NLA chooses the correct path for our warrior. Barry is available to assist any state or local association in their fight for a "Square Deal" from regulatory authorities. As you well know, our Industry historically has been treated like Rodney Dangerfield-that is : with no respect !!!!!!! KEEP BARRY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dean Schuler

[JHJ]

AH . . . Springtime!!!
Spring has finally come to Pittsburgh. The trees are in bloom, the lilacs and dogwoods are fragrant. The snow is gone, the sky is blue. Makes you almost feel like you want to hug Tom Mazza.

James H. Joseph
Pegasus Chauffeured Motor Cars
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
jhj@pegasus-pittsburgh.com

[Dean Schuler]

JHJ, When they give me monthly what the TLPA and the UMA does, I will consider a hug. Once Napolean is gone, things will improve-unless, of course, we get another Napolean.

Dean Schuler

[Dean Schuler]

You know when I was an NLA DIRECTOR, no one wanted napolean back on the Board because of his alleged bad payment practices-all Directors felt this way. My guess is that napolean paid his back bills to get back on the Board-an ancient part of the lct empire that has changed as the INDUSTRY has grown up. I was not impressed with him in Vegas and I can say that the Limousine Industry Council can't wait for him to leave the NLA BOARD. Some Council members made comments about " oil-can harry " . I will not make such comments but I will point out that the times are changing in the for-hire transportation trade. Even darryl norman will have to find a real job..........

Dean Schuler

[Dean Schuler]

Having a National Lobbyist with POWER to represent us is the major key for our growth as an Industry. napolean isn't a priority-we know what "it is about" and we are not concerned about "it's tepid power ". You see, the veterans of our wonderful Industry have been around 30-50 years-and ferrets don't concern us. Barry is a very good lobbyist-I hope the NLA Board, in it's wisdom, retains him.

Dean Schuler

[JHJ]

My understanding from informed sources is that the issue is not whether Barry should be employed by NLA, but whether he should be paid a flat monthly retainer as in the past, or hourly for the work actually performed. Barry works for other associations and at least some directors feel it is impossible to tell if NLA is getting its money's worth. If my information is accurate, this is probably the only thing that I have seen the NLA directors do that is businesslike and reasonable . . . which is also an argument that my information is not correct.


<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Dean Schuler:
Having a National Lobbyist with POWER to represent us is the major key for our growth as an Industry. napolean isn't a priority-we know what "it is about" and we are not concerned about "it's tepid power ". You see, the veterans of our wonderful Industry have been around 30-50 years-and ferrets don't concern us. Barry is a very good lobbyist-I hope the NLA Board, in it's wisdom, retains him.

Dean Schuler<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

James H. Joseph
Pegasus Chauffeured Motor Cars
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
jhj@pegasus-pittsburgh.com

[Dean Schuler]

My current stance is to support the efforts to get rid of the Gas Guzzler Tax.

Dean Schuler

[Dean Schuler]

I think it would be very appropriate here to have a statment from an NLA REP on the progress that has been made on the Gas Guzzler Tax and what actions we as an Industry need to take to get rid of this unfair tax. Let's defeat the gas Guzzler and then we as an Industry need to take on the insurance issue. It is High Time on both issues...

Dean Schuler

[Dean Schuler]

I spoke with Barry today. All of you need to call your Congresssman and Senators and go on record to get the idiot Gas Guzzler tax off our backs. We defeated this tax in the 1980's, then things took a slide and it came back. I will supply Barry's press release to anyone who e-mails me their fax number. My e-mail is info@signaturelivery.com,my fAX IS 504-837-5607.

Dean Schuler

[Dean Schuler]

If you don't wake up and assist with the greater issues, then you are doomed to the lower levels of retail...

Dean Schuler

[gnoila pres.]

RIGHT ON DEAN! WE HAVE TO STOP ASSUMING THE PROBLEM WILL GO AWAY OR IT IS NOT MY PROBLEM.

[Dean Schuler]

I remember ARNOLD when I was the best body surfer in Santa Monica/Venice Beach 1976. I agree with ARNOLD-it is time for TOTAL RECALL-Bye Bye for the merchants of malfeasance !!

Dean Schuler

[Dean Schuler]

The prior post applies to any and all industry misfits. See JHJ to find out if you qualify for this status...

Dean Schuler

[JHJ]

Hey, here's something different that no one has mentioned. On the NLA website you can click on Financial Information and look at each of the IRS Forms 990 for 2000, 2001 and 2002, and there is a statement that you can e-mail the office (with a link to do so) and they will mail a regular financial statement. The Forms 990 are pretty interesting, particularfly as they show the NLA reliance for its survival on the Las Vegas Show. But at least the financials are now on the table.

James H. Joseph
Pegasus Chauffeured Motor Cars
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
jhj@pegasus-pittsburgh.com

[JHJ]

Time to bring this topic to the top of the forum again. Start at the last page (6) and come forward.