he Minority Limousine Operators Association (MLOA) is continuing to grow stronger as new operator and vendor members come on board the organization. After only about a year in operation, the association has nearly 80 members. On a recent conference call, MLOA President Maurice Brewster of Mosaic Global Transportation encouraged members to reach out to the vendors they use regularly to invite them to join. The MLOA is also offering an iPad as a prize to the person who brings in the most vendor members.

The MLOA is planning several educational events for its membership including a two-part webinar series with Pat Charla and Jennifer Wong of Drive Profits. The webinar will look at social media trends and how to use them to bring in business. The MLOA is also creating a social media presence of its own on Facebook and Twitter (@MinorityLimos). Be sure to follow and like to show your support.

Authur Messina and Lenore D’Anzieri of Driving Results, a limousine industry consulting group, have also planned a webinar for the MLOA on September 28. Messina says it will focus on perfecting your elevator pitch and tailoring it to stand out. The topic is timely as The 2012 Limo Digest Show is around the corner.

Another major educational event is being planned for October 3 in Atlanta. Organized by MLOA board member Darrell Anderson in conjunction with a local Georgia organization, the event will feature several seminars focusing on topics like writing and winning RFPs, helping minority businesses get involved in contracts, and more. More details will be released soon, so stay tuned to the MLOA website for updates.

The MLOA recently announced its newest board member, Treasurer Travis Latham of Fellowship Fleet in Chicago. Brewster says Latham brings enthusiasm, knowledge, and commitment to the board. Joe Rivera of All Gems Transportation in Orlando has also joined the MLOA membership committee.

MLOA members welcome operators to visit their booth on Association Alley at The Limo Digest Show and attend their association meeting on Monday, November 12.

For more information or to read its newly launched blog, visit www.mlooa.org. LD09/12