A Night of Honor & Celebration
Person of the Year
David Seelinger
Empire International, Norwood, N.J.
A true “visionary” with an entrepreneurial spirit in the industry, Seelinger recently bought out his partners in the N.J.-based Empire and merged with Calif.-based CLS Worldwide to create the second largest network in the country. He has an exuberant passion for the industry and rarely is he without a smile or a quick joke, even when jockeying from coast to coast to handle the operations of the two companies. He has also an integral part of this and past Limo Digest Shows as a speaker and sponsor. Seelinger continues to be a great leader, shows remarkable fortitude, and has a keen foresight for trends and patterns in the industry.
Legislator of the Year
Congressman David Camp
Michigan, 4th District
Camp, a Republican congressman representing the 4th district in Michigan, was chosen due to his staunch support of the industry, most notably through his work to have limousines exempted from the Gas Guzzler tax. He was also a cosponsor of the “Real Interstate Driver’s Equity Act of 2001” signed into law in 2002, which protects the ability of limousine operators to conduct interstate business. He continues to work closely with associations.
Innovator of the Year
Joseph Cirruzzo Sr.
A Elegant International, Staten Island, N.Y.
Cirruzzo’s heart lies with the limousine industry. He was integral in the conceptualization of the limousine industry Hall of Fame for Limousine Digest. He worked hard with the magazine’s advisory board to keep the project alive every step of the way, and he takes his role on the advisory board very seriously. He is a true friend to the industry, and he continuously fights to make it better for everyone.
Image
LeGrande Affaire
Santa Clara, Calif.
Phil Restivo, owner of LeGrande Affaire, has been the recipient of the image award for numerous years. The company is an extraordinary marketer whose promotional materials include high-quality jackets, ice buckets with a complementary bottle of wine, shirts, calculators, pads, and just about anything else they can put their name on. Their marketing materials are continuously updated and are always innovative and fresh.
Association of the Year
Greater Orlando Livery Association
Orlando, Fla.
GOLA successfully fought with the Orlando airport to prevent Walt Disney World greeters access to the third floor of the airport, which was taking business from area operators. The greeters were given an unfair advantage with access to passengers that other companies were not. The greeters were funneling passengers to the Walt Disney World Express service, which gave free transportation to the theme parks when prearranged and reduced business for those companies who relied on the tourism dollars. This was a major accomplishment for the tourism-reliant area.
Most Dedicated Association Member
Richard Greiner
Great Lakes Limousine Association, New Baltimore, Mich.
Although not an owner of a company, Greiner dedicates countless hours to the Great Lakes Limousine Association, most recently in the organization of LimoFest, which was the first-ever mini show for the Detroit area. LimoFest brought operators from the Detroit and surrounding areas together to help them learn about upcoming events like the Super Bowl. Greiner represents the association on many Super Bowl committees and traveled to Washington in 2005 to lobby with other industry members.
Most Dedicated Association Member
Glenn Stafford
Virginia Limousine Association, Manassas, Va.
Stafford is the owner of Love Limousine of Virginia, and has served as president and board chairman for the Virginia Limousine Association. He has worked and continues to work tirelessly for the operators in Virginia and participates on nationwide projects with the National Limousine Association.
Community Service
Georgia Limousine Association
Atlanta, Ga.
Yearly, the GLA transports children from a camp for burn victims on a limousine parade. Over 50 different companies from all over the state send all types of limousines. The kids each get their own limo, and they are caravanned to the town center where spectators wave and the kids get the celebrity treatment. Additionally, the association participates in taking children from the Children’s Hospital to the festival of trees each December
Community Service
Wynne Sedan and Limousine Group
Dallas, Texas
Wynne Sedan and Limousine Group of Dallas supports various charities including the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Susan G. Komen Run for the Cure. During the recent hurricanes, Wynne was very involved in helping with FEMA efforts in the Gulf Coast, including providing food and clean water for those trapped, transporting the injured to get medical assistance, and the rescue of countless abandoned pets.
Employee of the Year
Laura Starr, Aristocat Limousine
Fraser, Mich.
Starr wears many hats including dispatch, reservations, and accounting duties. A favorite of visiting clients at Aristocat, she meets client’s every need. She’s even responded to calls for broken down limos during the brutal winter temperatures. She and her family went to the shop and picked up another limo and gave the passengers cash so they could go get a hot drink while they were loading. Starr is committed to quality service and customer satisfaction, and she has a passion for the Detroit area.
Chauffeur of the Year
Ira Korf
Carizma Limousine
Westbury, N.Y.
Korf, along-time chauffeur, loves his job and has a true passion for customer service. He is always early, prepared, and genuinely excited to start the day. According to his fellow co-workers, he’s always ready to jump in and help in a last-minute crisis, regardless of the day or hour. He is a conscientious employee who is willing to change his personal plans if he feels he can help, and he is a beloved member of the Carizma family.
Chauffeur of the Year
Joseph G. Fell
Belaire Limousine
Bel Air, Md.
Fell has worked at BelAir Limousine for the past 5 years and is a gentle heart who has captured the admiration of clients. Recently, an affiliate in California sent clients to Maryland who were not prepared for cold, East Coast weather. He went the extra mile and provided gloves and hand warmers for the clients. According to his employer Carolyn Nelson, he always provides a perfect ride each and every time, and is calm in the most difficult situations.
Small Operator of the Year
Around the Clock
San Diego, Calif. / Partners: Phil Riccio, Dave Rogers,
and Regina Tachiquin
Phil Riccio, Dave Rogers, and Regina Tachiquin started Around The Clock after they lost their beloved boss, John Chester of Limousines by Linda, in 2003. They began with only two Lincolns, and now run four Lincolns and a GMC Yukon. Their drivers are professional, their cars are first class, and they are known for their reliability. The work with numerous affiliates, and service the greater San Diego area.
Midsize Operator of the Year
M & L Limousine
Orlando, Fla. / Owners: Lisa and Amondo Sapiro
Amondo and Lisa Sapiro serve the corporate and celebrity markets in Orlando, FL. Their current fleet of executive sedans, SUVs, stretches, and minibuses is a long way from the single six-passenger they started with in 1995. M & L also works with ELS International to provide international service to their traveling clients. Amondo was one of the founding members of the Greater Orlando Livery Association and has served as the president for the past 2 years.
Large Operator of the Year
USA Transportation Service
Fort Lauderdale, Fla. / Owner: Michael Solomon
Nominated by the greater Ft. Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau, who gave him the hometown hero award, Solomon is dedicated to the industry. Solomon is passionate about customer service, and he motivates everyone around him to do the same. In business in South Florida since 1980, Solomon maintains a diverse fleet of sedans, limousines, vans, mini-coaches, and motorcoaches. USA specializes in hospitality transportation with exclusive contracts at top area hotels. He offers convention planners and hoteliers customized programs. LD
