The North Carolina Limousine Association (NCLA) has had a busy summer preparing for this month’s Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Charlotte. The event will take place in the first week of September and is expected to draw more than 35,000 people to the city.

The association has held several meetings in Charlotte with representatives from the Passenger Vehicle for Hire (PVH) office. NCLA President Carolyn Henson of Prestige Limousine Services says management changes at PVH had some of the members worried if cooperation would be an issue, but she says it has been smooth so far. “It’s such a large event and there are a lot of things we need to do to make sure our members are prepared, like getting permitted by the deadline, learning routes to pick up and drop off, and dealing with security clearance. The city has been working really well with us and answering our questions,” she says.

One unexpected benefit of the DNC has been increased membership from the Eastern part of the state, says Henson. Prior to the DNC announcement, a majority of NCLA members were from the Raleigh area. “Operators have been encouraged to join for the information that the NCLA provides, especially regarding the DNC, and it has brought a great boost in attendance.” She says new vendor members have also committed to the association.

The NCLA is also excited about its improved relationship with officials at Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU). “There once was a time when they wouldn’t return our calls, but representatives have been coming to our meetings and they have actually requested to become members of the association. It’s great to have this level of involvement from them, and it’s a testament to the things that a working relationship can accomplish.”

We’d also like to congratulate Lenora Bowman of Johnny B’s Limousine Service in Charlotte for winning a free pass to The 2012 Limo Digest Show. The NCLA will be paying for her hotel stay through a scholarship. See you there, Lenora!

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