The Greater California Livery Association (GCLA) is rolling out the red carpet for its annual Expo and Trade Show on September 19 in Costa Mesa. The event will feature food, drink, entertainment, and networking, as well as a “Next Generation” vehicle display. The GCLA is welcoming operators to evaluate vehicles side by side such as the Chrysler 300, Hyundai Equus and Genesis, Lincoln MKT and MKS, Cadillac XTS, BMW 535 GT and 7 Series, and the Mercedes S350 and S550. Coachbuilders will also be displaying stretched vehicles, Sprinters, and buses of all sizes.

The keynote speakers for the event will be two travel industry veterans: Traci Ward of Visit California and Jon Severini of the California Travel Association.

Earlier this summer, GCLA President Mark Stewart of Blue Moon Limousines reflected on some of the current issues the association is juggling. In June he met with the new director of the California Public Utilities Commission (PUC), Brigadier General Jack Hagan. Along with GCLA Consultant Paul Haney and Director Rich Azzolino, Stewart discussed San Diego International Airport (SAN) and its Vehicle Conversion Program. They highlighted the issues that come into play with the implementation of this program such as lack of vehicles available from OEMs and non-existent fuel infrastructure among others. Despite repeated requests to drop this program, SAN has continued as planned.

After the meeting however, Hagan sent a request to the president of SAN asking them to delay any further decisions on the program until the PUC could conduct a comprehensive review. The GCLA will submit an official opinion letter and Stewart plans to keep members apprised of the matter.

The GCLA is also alerting those doing business in Los Angeles to police crackdowns on limousines and to make sure chauffeurs have trip sheets.

“Industry support is more crucial now than ever and may end up being the difference between staying in business or folding for some of our fellow operators,” Stewart says. He emphasizes that everything the GCLA does benefits businesses across the state. “Don’t take a free ride on the efforts of active GCLA members.”

For more information or to register for the GCLA Expo, visit www.gcla.org. LD09/12