The Greater Atlanta Limousine Association (GALA) had a meeting last month and welcomed many new members to the group. The meeting’s guest speaker was state Senator John Albers who addressed several key issues that are impacting business owners in the state.

One of the most important is the issue of Georgia’s 8 percent sales tax on limousine service, as well as vehicle purchases and parts. GALA and its membership—not to mention operators across the state—feel that the tax ultimately puts a financial burden on the customer as a pass-through fee while also taking a significant chunk of revenue from business owners. Along with Albers, the association is looking into legislative action to have the sales tax eliminated.

GALA members have recently been affected by Uber since it just entered the Atlanta market. The on-demand chauffeured service is completely automated through an app on a person’s smartphone, giving customers quick and cheap access to black cars. The concern around the industry is whether or not Uber is playing by the rules and obtaining all of the proper licensing and permits that other traditional chauffeured services are required to have.

Later this month, GALA will host a golf tournament on September 25 at Rivermont Country Club. Proceeds will benefit Children’s Health Care AFLAC Cancer Center of Atlanta and the 9/11 Memorial Fund in New York. The event is open to the industry and will be a great opportunity to network and bring attention to two great causes.

For more information, visit www.georgialimo.org. LD09/12