1 Minutes NLA Board of Directors Conference Call Wednesday, July ...

Sorci asked if any directors planned to attend the BusCon trade show in Chicago on September 15-16.
Several indicated in the affirmative. It was agreed that the NLA would not take a formal presence, e.g. booth
on the exhibit floor, at the show.
Sorci confirmed a DOT Advisory Committee would be formed to work with the Department of
Transportation (DOT) and/or the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) as agreed upon with
the FMCSA officials who spoke at the June 10 Association Presidents’ Summit. He indicated the committee
largely would be composed of current NLA Legislative Committee members.
Sorci announced the Limousine Association of Houston had extended an invitation to host a NLA board
meeting in 2010. The directors expressed unanimous appreciation of this and Nelson promised to accept
the invitation on behalf of the group.
Lastly, Sorci thanked all board members who actively have worked on their committee assignments this
year and requested that all directors make the greatest effort possible for the remainder of the year.
Executive Director Report
Membership
Nelson reported, as of 7/6/09, the NLA had 1,911 total members including 237 new 2009 members and
1,674 members who have renewed for 2009. The latter, she said, is a 70.1% YTD renewal rate and noted it
could be compared to a 75.7% renewal rate recorded one year previous on 6/30/08.
She continued by saying the 1,911 membership figure is 108.1% of the 2009 total budget figure of 1,767.
Moreover, the $621,007.50 dues revenue collected YTD is 111.0% of the budgeted $559,468 total revenue
for 2009.
2009-2010 NLA Directory of Members Advertising Sales
Nelson advised, as of 7/6/09, commitments for 2009-2010 NLA Directory of Members advertising sales
total $136,630. All but $6,550 of this has been collected as of this date. Should the NLA office be unable to
collect the outstanding amounts, the ads in question will not be included in the book. This year’s total sales
can be compared to the $100,000 figure targeted for this year and the $127,800 figure realized for last year’s
directory advertising.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
The National Limousine Association once again is encouraging members to take advantage of the NLA’s
federation partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to activate their own membership with the
Chamber. The NLA office has been unable to extend this promotion for almost a year due to the Chamber’s
database shutdown and revamp. U.S. Chamber membership includes complimentary dues valued at
$365/year + and a variety of other benefits. NLA members need only email info@limo.org to activate their
U.S. Chamber of Commerce membership through the NLA.
Legislative Committee Report
Kane advised the proposed RIDE Act amendment reintroduction to the Senate still is awaiting go-ahead from
Senator Frank Lautenberg’s (D-NJ) office. There is no apparent reason, other than matters deemed more
pressing, for the delay.
Solombrino said he has secured endorsement for the RIDE Act amendment from the National Business
Travel Association (NBTA) and expected a press release soon would be released by the NBTA confirming
this. He also said he recently met with longtime NLA supporter Congressman Bill Pascrell (D-NJ) who
reiterated his continued support of NLA efforts.
Kane explained a letter for the signature of Congressman James Oberstar, chair of the House Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure, has been prepared by Cornerstone Government Affairs in coordination
with the Taxi, Limousine & Paratransit Association (TLPA), for disbursement to the Department of
Transportation (DOT) in compliance with Oberstar’s personal request for the same on the NLA’s 2009 Hill
Day. The purpose of the letter is to advise RIDE Act enforcement has not been implemented as prescribed
by the 2002 law and new legislation likely will be introduced to correct this.
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