What We Want From NLA [Archive] - The Limousine Discussion Forum

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November 22nd, 2000, 03:40 PM

My last post in response to David Seelinger made me think that this might be an interesting idea for a topic. If you are an NLA member, jump in and tell us what you'd like NLA to do. And if you're not an NLA member, jump in and tell us what would make you want to be an NLA member.

To kick things off, here's my opening list:
1. Training materials for chauffeurs, reservationists, fleet management, fleet maintenance, accounting and finance.
2. An education and training center for the above, and periodic seminars around the country - but with far more beef than the pablum that is doled out at the trade shows.
3. Analysis of available software packages for reservations, dispatch, fleet maintenance, accounting, etc.
4. An education and training center for the above, with a place where we can sit down at a computer and work with software from various vendors without having to buy it first or look at a demo that tells you nothing.
5. A technology committee to evaluate and report to the membership on available technologies and critically evaluate them (you can't critically evaluate if you are looking to sell endorsements), and to set standards for software that vendors can work into existing packages.
6. A committee to develop recommended forms for contracts and other procedures in the industry with variants to select from.
7. A more frequently-published newsletter on newsprint to make it cheaper to publish and mail and to reduce the lead time for getting it to the members. We don't need archival-quality paper.
8. A committee to develop standards for the financial management of limousine companies (charts of account, accounting standards and practices) to help members keep good records in which lenders will have confidence and so prospective buyers will pay more to buy limousine companies, and to work with lenders in the industry to help them understand the lending opportunities so that equipment can be financed more easily and more competitively.
9. AND, my pet idea - reducing the size of the NLA board to eliminate the need for an executive committee and make it easier (and less expensive) to work together, permit the board to deal with broad-stroke issues and let the Executive Director run the association on a day to day basis (reduce the board to perhaps 8 members). THEN, with by-law changes, the creation of councils or sections within NLA that focus on particular areas, much like committees do now, except that the councils will be open to more members - they will be mini-boards of directors. The chair of each council or section will be elected, as would the council members - maybe 6 per council. Members of NLA can become "members" of councils of their choice and pay additional dues for those memberships. Each council can have its own staff member as a liaison, and publish its own newsletter. Examples of such councils - Government Relations, Technology, Fleet, etc.
By expanding participation, more good people will bubble to the surface to serve on the board of directors.
This post is not to start a debate, but to solicit ideas and suggestions. The more the merrier. No idea is too small.

November 23rd, 2000, 07:07 AM

Iwould like to suggest the following:

Lets post the NLA newsletter on the NLA web page. Members could access the news letter with a pin code.

I would like to replace the road shows with an extra board meeting. The meetings would be held in different parts of the country. I would like to see members invited to attend the meeting to observe and also have the opportunity to ask questions just like in a stockholders meeting. We could also use the event to invite non members in the area to attend and see what the NLA is all about.
John Sinibaldi
NLA Board Member
West Region

------------------

November 23rd, 2000, 07:34 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Originally posted by fivestaroregon:
Iwould like to suggest the following:

Lets post the NLA newsletter on the NLA web page. Members could access the news letter with a pin code.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I think it's already there, John. The problem is that no one wants to read it, so we don't need a PIN to access it. Otherwise, I agree that it should be accessible on the web and members given an option to pass on the hard-copy. Think of the printing and postage this would save if even 25% of members use the net. As time goes on, more and more will - except maybe for Cory Rozen (oooops - sorry).

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>I would like to replace the road shows with an extra board meeting. The meetings would be held in different parts of the country. I would like to see members invited to attend the meeting to observe and also have the opportunity to ask questions just like in a stockholders meeting. We could also use the event to invite non members in the area to attend and see what the NLA is all about.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
This can use some thought. A wag once said there are two things one should never see made, sausage and laws. NLA board meetings might fall in the same category.

[This message has been edited by jhj (edited 11-23-2000).]

November 23rd, 2000, 01:05 PM

I think the newsletters being emailed is a great idea we have enough paper stacking up in our office. Besides nobody outside the NLA should have to be subject to newsletters like in the past, (oh sorry, I know positives only).
Economics for meetings, meetings should be put together around both LCT and LD shows.
The TLPA has a meeting scheduled during the LCT show, as I happen to be on one of their committees it pushed me to make a show I was unsure of going to.
Agenda, that needs to stay focussed,to many sidetracks. The gas guzzler issue is a perfect example it has gone on to long, this is something that effects all, but hits the little guys hardest! If we need to solicit the aid of the TLPA then so be it, just do it.
I would also like to see surveys go out to limo companies about trade members. A strong committee is needed to monitor this.
I know trade dollars are important but to many limo companies are having problems with trade members like Car Corp and others (by the way they are no longer an NLA member)the NLA is how I was so lucky to meet them.
I need to go for now.

What was all the hoopla about a health insurance plan for members? Where did it go? It was a big deal at the road show in Orlando. Another let down. Well revive it, if our endorsed Mr. Andrews cant do it find another company, there is tons out there that might listen.

November 23rd, 2000, 01:52 PM

Guy just beat me to the punch. A big deal was made at the Orlando Roadshow about a new medical/dental program for NLA members. Apparently it has died. Many operators, drivers, office staff, etc... cannot find reasonable insurance. It would be nice if the NLA could develop a program in conjunction with the insurance industry that could be offered to its members at a reasonable price.

A second request would be to see the NLA take something to completion successfully. It seems that every issue they take on, dies of stagnates along the way. I have heard gas guzzler tax more times than I can count - its still there - it hasn't gone away - make this a priority legislative issue. It affects every operator in the industry, big and small.

November 25th, 2000, 08:33 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Originally posted by RSM:
Guy just beat me to the punch. A big deal was made at the Orlando Roadshow about a new medical/dental program for NLA members. Apparently it has died. Many operators, drivers, office staff, etc... cannot find reasonable insurance. It would be nice if the NLA could develop a program in conjunction with the insurance industry that could be offered to its members at a reasonable price.

A second request would be to see the NLA take something to completion successfully. It seems that every issue they take on, dies of stagnates along the way. I have heard gas guzzler tax more times than I can count - its still there - it hasn't gone away - make this a priority legislative issue. It affects every operator in the industry, big and small. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I have very strong opinions on how we can add value for members of the NLA.
In addition to the various legislative issues which need to be addressed, I can not see why we don't pursue developing major savings to our members in the following areas:
1--------insurance.
2-------- fuel.
3--------long distance telephone expenses.
4-------- 2 way radio communications.
5---------beepers
6---------tires
7--------- auto parts.
The list is endless and we really need to put together a well experienced team to use the clout of our membership to secure such reductions in expense.
If only one vendor came to bat, our members would not only save money but pay for its mebership dues for years to come.
I welcome some thoughts on this subject.
Ron Sorci

November 25th, 2000, 09:14 AM

November 25th, 2000, 10:12 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Originally posted by RPS:
I have very strong opinions on how we can add value for members of the NLA.
In addition to the various legislative issues which need to be addressed, I can not see why we don't pursue developing major savings to our members in the following areas:
1--------insurance.
2-------- fuel.
3--------long distance telephone expenses.
4-------- 2 way radio communications.
5---------beepers
6---------tires
7--------- auto parts.
The list is endless and we really need to put together a well experienced team to use the clout of our membership to secure such reductions in expense.
If only one vendor came to bat, our members would not only save money but pay for its mebership dues for years to come.
I welcome some thoughts on this subject.
Ron Sorci<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Ron,
I agree 100%, I do have concerns about Endorsing Vendors, I beleive it clouds the road for new deals to be made with Vendors, who may come forward with even better deals. I realize of course that we get dollars for the endorsements, however, there are many more ways to make money than this way. Dont misunderstand, I am very gratefull to those Vendors who have given dollars to this association, but I beleive the opinion of many members, who look poorly to this practice, outways the return.
Additionally, having non voting Vendor members, in my opinion, is a conflict for the association, although they may not vote, they certainally have influence. I would preffere that they be possible Advisors to the board.
i have spoken to many members in the last few days, now that i have been posting here. I am getting many calls from members, and have been logging there opinions, I would like to share this info with you in the near future.
Regards
David

November 25th, 2000, 11:53 AM

I would like to add to real good points above.
First the endorsing of trade members should stop! It is not worth the money to have people question what is going on. What has happened in the past with some of these trade members is that their deals haven't been very good. If the NLA is going to give them access to all its members they should give deals that can't be beat.
The perfect example of a good trade member is apex merchant services, they offer good rates for everybody and I don't believe they are an endorsed member.
Trade members should not vote, but they can still give their input, maybe they could be part of a committee. We have Mike Kiouses from HRH that does a lot for the local (WFLA) and state (FSGTO) organization, more then any other trade member, but he still has no vote.
I also like Rons ideas, but the most needed one, health insurance, I think will be the toughest. I to was at that Orlando road show when Curt Andrew got everybody fired up about it then nothing ever happened. You can't bring a kid to a candy store then tell them the candy is no good, that tastes bad forever.
But you guys are going in the right direction, just don't let these ideas die.
Another thing I like is having Carolyn Nelson as the Association liason, but she has a big area to cover, I know what its like just trying to keep up in Florida, maybe that committee can be expanded. I myself would love to go to a meeting involving just other association heads. I don't mean like that association summit that takes place at shows, that is a waste of time.
Has anybody ever wondered why every member of a local association doesn't belong to the NLA? Make it appealing to the associations to have all their members belong to the NLA. Do a half price for the NLA dues for companies that belong. Half price for the association's fee if all members (100%)belong. Get creative! As you guys can tell I am all for associations if they are there for the right reasons.
I'll go for now.

November 26th, 2000, 12:26 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Originally posted by Guy in Tampa:
I would like to add to real good points above.
First the endorsing of trade members should stop! It is not worth the money to have people question what is going on. What has happened in the past with some of these trade members is that their deals haven't been very good. If the NLA is going to give them access to all its members they should give deals that can't be beat.
The perfect example of a good trade member is apex merchant services, they offer good rates for everybody and I don't believe they are an endorsed member.
Trade members should not vote, but they can still give their input, maybe they could be part of a committee. We have Mike Kiouses from HRH that does a lot for the local (WFLA) and state (FSGTO) organization, more then any other trade member, but he still has no vote.
I also like Rons ideas, but the most needed one, health insurance, I think will be the toughest. I to was at that Orlando road show when Curt Andrew got everybody fired up about it then nothing ever happened. You can't bring a kid to a candy store then tell them the candy is no good, that tastes bad forever.
But you guys are going in the right direction, just don't let these ideas die.
Another thing I like is having Carolyn Nelson as the Association liason, but she has a big area to cover, I know what its like just trying to keep up in Florida, maybe that committee can be expanded. I myself would love to go to a meeting involving just other association heads. I don't mean like that association summit that takes place at shows, that is a waste of time.
Has anybody ever wondered why every member of a local association doesn't belong to the NLA? Make it appealing to the associations to have all their members belong to the NLA. Do a half price for the NLA dues for companies that belong. Half price for the association's fee if all members (100%)belong. Get creative! As you guys can tell I am all for associations if they are there for the right reasons.
I'll go for now.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

David and Guy
Thanks for your comments to my earlier point.
My ideas regarding saving NLA members money clearly does NOT involve endorsing any vendor.
Specifically , I suggest we put out RFP'S to groups of vendors in all of the categories I suggested and see what comes back.
I am also certain that once a vendor sees the purchasing power of our members, we will be pleasantly surprised with the results.
When I first brought this suggestion up I was told that our industry does not have enough statistical information available to supply to potential vendors.
I have enough knowledge to combat that and believe we must start this process as soon as possible.
With respect to endorsing vendors, I agree that the concept and process under which such vendors are chosen clearly needs to be addressed. There are probably more arguments against having endorsed vendors than there are for having them in the first place.
There are 'happy mediums" which can be developed and once again I'd like to play an active role in working toward this goal.
I am certain there are ways to 'give back" something to our members and encourage the process to finally begin,
Ron Sorci

November 26th, 2000, 11:42 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Originally posted by jhj:
My last post in response to David Seelinger made me think that this might be an interesting idea for a topic. If you are an NLA member, jump in and tell us what you'd like NLA to do. And if you're not an NLA member, jump in and tell us what would make you want to be an NLA member.

To kick things off, here's my opening list:
1. Training materials for chauffeurs, reservationists, fleet management, fleet maintenance, accounting and finance.
2. An education and training center for the above, and periodic seminars around the country - but with far more beef than the pablum that is doled out at the trade shows.
3. Analysis of available software packages for reservations, dispatch, fleet maintenance, accounting, etc.
4. An education and training center for the above, with a place where we can sit down at a computer and work with software from various vendors without having to buy it first or look at a demo that tells you nothing.
5. A technology committee to evaluate and report to the membership on available technologies and critically evaluate them (you can't critically evaluate if you are looking to sell endorsements), and to set standards for software that vendors can work into existing packages.
6. A committee to develop recommended forms for contracts and other procedures in the industry with variants to select from.
7. A more frequently-published newsletter on newsprint to make it cheaper to publish and mail and to reduce the lead time for getting it to the members. We don't need archival-quality paper.
8. A committee to develop standards for the financial management of limousine companies (charts of account, accounting standards and practices) to help members keep good records in which lenders will have confidence and so prospective buyers will pay more to buy limousine companies, and to work with lenders in the industry to help them understand the lending opportunities so that equipment can be financed more easily and more competitively.
9. AND, my pet idea - reducing the size of the NLA board to eliminate the need for an executive committee and make it easier (and less expensive) to work together, permit the board to deal with broad-stroke issues and let the Executive Director run the association on a day to day basis (reduce the board to perhaps 8 members). THEN, with by-law changes, the creation of councils or sections within NLA that focus on particular areas, much like committees do now, except that the councils will be open to more members - they will be mini-boards of directors. The chair of each council or section will be elected, as would the council members - maybe 6 per council. Members of NLA can become "members" of councils of their choice and pay additional dues for those memberships. Each council can have its own staff member as a liaison, and publish its own newsletter. Examples of such councils - Government Relations, Technology, Fleet, etc.
By expanding participation, more good people will bubble to the surface to serve on the board of directors.
This post is not to start a debate, but to solicit ideas and suggestions. The more the merrier. No idea is too small. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
JHJ, This association has been around for a very long time. These things you are asking are elemental for the succes of the industry. I wish you luck. As an observer now, I can share with you quite freely that the revolution will not be contained by small minds. Sincerely, Dean Schuler, Limousine Industry Council. ( www.limogram.com (http://www.limogram.com) ) P.S. I know you do not have insect imagery... or a small mind.

November 27th, 2000, 04:45 AM

Re: NLA Endorsements

Let me be blunt: THE NLA SHOULD NOT BE ENDORSING ANY TYPE OF PROGRAM because a fairly run trade organization should be non-biased and non-partisan.

Does the NLA endorse any Internet advertising program as of yet? I hope not--that will be the "straw that broke the camel's back" as far as I am concerned.

Everyone knows that I am particular neutral in the NLA discussion; however I will turn agressive if I hear the NLA endorsing anyone of my competitors for reasons fueled by advertising dollars, not by results.

The NLA should stick to vendor "endorsements" through DISCOUNT programs. For example, "As an NLA Member you can receive a 10% discount for an advertising account in Limos.com". This doesn't "endorse" a vendor, just gives an incentive to be apart of a program and gives every NLA member a benefit of the association, in every advertising service, not just ours, but everyone.

MHO
Michael Composto, CEO & Founder

November 27th, 2000, 04:55 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Originally posted by XENEFOX Media Corporation:
Re: NLA Endorsements

Let me be blunt: THE NLA SHOULD NOT BE ENDORSING ANY TYPE OF PROGRAM because a fairly run trade organization should be non-biased and non-partisan.

Does the NLA endorse any Internet advertising program as of yet? I hope not--that will be the "straw that broke the camel's back" as far as I am concerned.

Everyone knows that I am particular neutral in the NLA discussion; however I will turn agressive if I hear the NLA endorsing anyone of my competitors for reasons fueled by advertising dollars, not by results.

The NLA should stick to vendor "endorsements" through DISCOUNT programs. For example, "As an NLA Member you can receive a 10% discount for an advertising account in Limos.com". This doesn't "endorse" a vendor, just gives an incentive to be apart of a program and gives every NLA member a benefit of the association, in every advertising service, not just ours, but everyone.

MHO
Michael Composto, CEO & Founder

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Michael,
I agree completely.
The concept should simply be--------attract as many vendors as possible who would appreciate the potential of selling to NLA members.
They would give our members a discount from their published rates and hopefully enable our members to recover some or all of their dues in a short period of time.
I can think of countless vendors who would love such an opportunity without having to be 'endorsed' by the NLA.
Ron Sorci

November 27th, 2000, 06:27 AM

November 27th, 2000, 11:12 AM

[/b][/QUOTE]
JHJ, This association has been around for a very long time. These things you are asking are elemental for the succes of the industry. I wish you luck. As an observer now, I can share with you quite freely that the revolution will not be contained by small minds. Sincerely, Dean Schuler, Limousine Industry Council. ( www.limogram.com (http://www.limogram.com) ) P.S. I know you do not have insect imagery... or a small mind.[/B][/QUOTE]

Hey Dean - what is this Limousine Industry Council? I believe this qustion was raised earlier but never received an answer.

November 28th, 2000, 05:26 AM

Insofar as a website, the NLA should have an online educational center, aiken to our Industry Resource Center found at:
http://www.limos.com/irc/index.asp

This center has old article archives, discussion center "hot topics" and some web related limo "classes".

Although such industry-oriented content is not our focus, we find the need exists and will do our apart in filling this need.

=)
Michael

November 28th, 2000, 12:20 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Originally posted by Hesch (from Florida):
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
JHJ, This association has been around for a very long time. These things you are asking are elemental for the succes of the industry. I wish you luck. As an observer now, I can share with you quite freely that the revolution will not be contained by small minds. Sincerely, Dean Schuler, Limousine Industry Council. ( www.limogram.com (http://www.limogram.com) ) P.S. I know you do not have insect imagery... or a small mind.[/B][/QUOTE]

Hey Dean - what is this Limousine Industry Council? I believe this qustion was raised earlier but never received an answer. [/B][/QUOTE]
Go to www.limogram.com (http://www.limogram.com) and receive your answer. Sincerely, Dean Schuler

November 28th, 2000, 01:05 PM

Hey Dean unlike the bars in New Orleans, your page would not open.

December 9th, 2000, 01:50 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Originally posted by Big Pussy Bompinsiero:
Hey Dean unlike the bars in New Orleans, your page would not open.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE> The site was attacked, now it is secure. If you go there now, you will find it open. Dean P.S. The Palm Court Jazz Cafe or Tujaque's are my two favorite places. The Palm Court hires only the oldest jazz musicians-wonderful music. Tujaque's has been around since 1856, I take all my out-of-town guests there. Come to New Orleans, and we will feed you the Best Food and Best Music. Dean P.S. The bars are open 24 hours, and arn't bad either!!!!!!!!