March 29, 2010 - American Bus Association

ABA Insider
March 29, 2010 | Issue Number 68
The Most Accurate News Source for the Motorcoach, Tour, and Travel Industry
Senator Kerry Talks Green Issues at Peter Pan
In This Issue:
The Insider Q&A: Gail Borowsky,
National Liberty Museum
2
Wyoming Bans
Texting While Driving
6
2011 Product Pavilion
Early Birders Save $200
7
Did You Know?
Diesel’s national average price per
gallon rose another 2.2 cents
recently to $2.946, a 16-month
high, the U.S. Department of
Energy said last week.
As part of his efforts to rally grassroots support for his climate change
legislation, Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) toured Peter Pan Bus Lines’
Springfield, Mass.-based eco-friendly headquarters this month.
Kerry, who is working on the bill together with Senators Joseph
Lieberman (I-Conn.) and Lindsay Graham (R-SC), toured a unique Peter Pan bus
equipped with an ultra-clean engine and emissions control system designed to
run on Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) and/or a blend of ULSD with a certain
percentage of the fuel mix being biodiesel, which helps to reduce emissions by
more than 90 percent in new coaches.
“We had a very successful visit with Mr. Kerry,” said Peter Pan President Peter
Picknelly, an ABA Board Member. “He is committed to helping our industry with his
new legislation.”
Rep. Richard Neal (D-Mass.) was also present during the event. Neal is expected
to be the next Chairman of the House Ways & Means Committee.
In other Peter Pan news, the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) recently
inspected and rated the company with its highest possible safety designation in
recognition of their outstanding company-wide safety procedures.
DOD rates motorcoach carriers on a scale from 1 to 5, with 1 being the highest
rank attainable, and 5 indicating a safety profile deemed “unsatisfactory.” The
inspection protocol includes all driver logs, paperwork, up-to-date licensing and
medical records of drivers, as well as current vehicle registrations and inspection
documentation to be in order and in compliance with all standards as set forth by
DOD. Peter Pan received a 1.
“The safety and comfort of our passengers is Peter Pan’s #1 priority,” Picknelly
said. “A positive DOD inspection is invaluable to our company’s ongoing success.”
Individual Highlights:
In the States 5
Executive Excursions 6
Marketplace Pace 7
Product Pavilion Pulse 7
New Members 8

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THE INSIDER Q&A: Gail Borowsky, CEO, National Liberty Museum, Philadelphia
ABA | How have you used the emerging
trend of “character education” at the
National Liberty Museum to attract
student bus tour groups?
GB | Character education fosters ethical
and responsible caring in young people
by modeling and teaching good
character through an emphasis on
universal values shared globally—like
hope, respect, knowledge, peace, loyalty,
equality, and democracy. Our “Heroes of
Character” exhibit and Web site asks our
youth one question: ”What do you stand
for?” Our plans include going “mobile”
and bringing the exhibit and character
education programs to the students and
teachers at their schools in the Philadelphia area. To attract student bus groups,
we promoted the exhibit at ABA Marketplace 2010 and featured the new addition
to the museum on our Tour Operator Profile Sheets.
ABA | What makes your “Heroes of Character” exhibit something motorcoach
and tour operators will want to add to their group travel itineraries?
GB | Kids can ponder what makes one “heroic” by playing the museum’s “Heroes of
Character” video game at a series of four touch-screen kiosks. The games explore
traits such as perseverance (with a cameo appearance by Martin Luther King, Jr.) and
generosity (featuring Oprah Winfrey, Ben Franklin, and others). At the last kiosk in the
exhibit, a digital camera takes a snapshot of the player with one of the game’s featured
heroes. Kids can visit the museum’s Web site from home and print out a keepsake.
ABA | How are you using social media to interest and engage the youth market?
GB | As well as our Web sites, the museum has launched a companion “Heroes of
Character” Facebook page, and we use Twitter, Flickr, and YouTube to maximize our
message and increase our brand recognition. The Museum has also used bloggers
to make ourselves heard with an audience interested in a particular topic—such
as teachers, students, home-schoolers, young mothers, seniors, and the event
members of the press. We find it generates more Web site traffic.
ABA | How does your proximity to the historic district in Philadelphia affect
your ability to attract visitors?
GB | Our location itself is a great advantage to groups and motorcoach operators.
Located in historic Old City, we have convenient bus drop-off and pick up areas
near the front of our entrances. Each visit can be paired with nearby restaurants,
“Liberty Trail” attractions such as the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall or other sites.
We have a group tours department that can be reached by calling (215) 925-2800
x129 for bookings, or operators can go online.
ABA | What have you found to be successful in attracting student groups?
GB | Being as personalized as possible. The National Liberty Museum is unique in that
every tour is led by a professional museum educator who provides a personalized
2

March/April 2010
ABAInsider
and interactive experience for all. Our museum has been recognized for having the
“best docents in the city of Philadelphia.” The Museum’s standard 90-minute tour
includes the museum’s major works of glass art, and a theme of your choice from
“Diversity Appreciation,” “Heroes of Character,” or others. You can suggest a theme
and we will work with your group. Tour operator rates are available. The Museum
makes special arrangements for early/late visits to the museum for large groups.
ABA | What do you plan to do to use Marketplace 2011 in Philadelphia January
8-12 to elevate the awareness about the National Liberty Museum?
GB | The city of Philadelphia is delighted to host Marketplace 2011 and we plan to
participate by attending the 2011 Marketplace, participate in the pre/post FAM
tour visits, Dine-A-Round opportunities and having our staff serve on the various
Marketplace Committees.
CHECK OUT
THE LATEST
DESTINATIONS
ONLINE
President Signs Bill Keeping Highway Trust Fund Solvent
President Obama has signed a jobs bill
that would also provide almost $20
billion immediately to ensure the
solvency of the Highway Trust Fund
(HTF) through 2011 following the
Senate’s approval of the measure in a
68-29 bipartisan vote March 17.
The bill expands eligibility for Build
America Bonds and extends surface
transportation policy through
December, provides the HTF $19.5 billion so it can meet its financial obligations
through 2011, and increases the transportation funding baseline from which
future legislation is written. The Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment (HIRE)
Act (H.R. 2847) also includes an extension of Build America Bonds used by state
and local governments to cut financing costs for infrastructure projects.
3
THE
SPORTS
SECTION
Halls of Fame | NCAA
Sports | Li tle League
World Series
GLORY
DAYS
SPORTS HALLS OF FAME
GIVE FANS A HOME
MARKETPLACE WRAP UP
THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION
TRAVEL
RESOURCE
EAST
CENTRAL
& WEST
Page 43
The Official Publication
of the American
Bus Association
MCI Rehiring 100 Workers to Build New 70-Coach Order
Motor Coach Industries is rehiring 100 workers for its Winnipeg, Manitoba and
Pembina, N.D. assembly plants as it inks the finishing touches on an order for 70 new
coaches. The news of the hiring back of 100 workers comes on the heels of a
Winnipeg newspaper report that MCI had gradually reduced more than half its
Winnipeg workforce over the past 18 months. “We are very pleased to be adding
jobs,” MCI VP & Chief Customer Officer Pat Ziska told the ABA Insider. “In 2009, many
companies, including MCI, streamlined to adjust to the weaker economy. And now
we’re doing what any good business would do with a recovering economy—rehiring!”
With the order for 70 new 2010 D4505 coaches, MCI is well into the process of
reinvigorating its staff at both the Winnipeg and Pembina plants, where the D4505
is assembled. The major structural components are built at the Winnipeg plant;
the finishing components added at the North Dakota plant. “Coach orders not
only benefit our line-rates, but those of our suppliers,” Ziska added. “Job creation in
the transportation sector advances the industry. We look forward to spreading this
good news and the great story MCI has to tell.”

ABAInsider
Did You Know?
Myrtle Beach business and convention
travel helped tourism to the
region, as the group sales division
of the local Chamber of Commerce
announced a 28 percent surge in
2009 for room reservations.
TAP Expands Guaranteed Departures 75 percent
Travel Alliance Partners, LLC (TAP) has introduced its 2010/2011 series of TAP-branded
tours featuring more than 250 Guaranteed Departures, signifying nearly four times
the number of tour programs available since the group began offering such
itineraries in 2006. TAP tours available in the 94-page 2010/2011 brochure, and also at
www.GuaranteedDepartures.com, cover more than 500 destinations worldwide.
To support the expanded program, TAP has launched a call center where
travelers and travel professionals can call (866) 373-0790 to discuss tours and ask
questions through a live operator. Travelers who book any of TAP’s 2010
Guaranteed Departure programs can be confident their vacation is secure and will
never be cancelled because of insufficient guest participation. TAP provides a
range of Guaranteed Departures year-round in the form of motorcoach tours and
other travel modes, as well as tours that highlight various holidays and special
events. Tour prices are land-only, but airfare and comprehensive travel insurance
can also be purchased through TAP members when done so in conjunction with a
tour. For more information or reservations, call (866) 373-0790 or visit
www.GuaranteedDepartures.com.
4
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Motorcoach Council Elects New Board
The Motorcoach Council Inc. elected its new Board of Directors
this month, as Founding Chairman Todd Holland of Ramblin
Express stepped aside from the day-to-day duties to serve in an
advisory role as an ex-officio Board Member. Vice Chairman Brian
Annett of Annett Bus Lines Inc. was unanimously chosen to
succeed Holland as Chairman. Joining new Chairman Annett as
vice chairman will be Jack Wigley of All Aboard America, who
also served on the Board for the past two years as a director. “I
am honored and excited to Chair the Motorcoach Council Board
over the next two years,” Annett said. “The groundwork has been laid by the
founding partners, the prior board and our former Chairman, Todd Holland. His
dedication to this campaign has been unwavering. He led with a ‘never say die’
vision that has gotten the Council where it is today.”
The Board also voted to establish a new rotating seat to be filled by a state
association, the inaugural seat of which will be filled by the Tennessee Motor
Coach Association.
The Directors elected to serve two-year terms on the Motorcoach Council’s
Board with new Chairman Annett and new Vice Chairman Wigley include Ron Bast
of Riteway Bus Service, Inc.; Scott Merriman of Scenic America Tours, Inc.; and
James Mills, of Gaylord Transportation & Tours. Operators elected to serve oneyear
term as Directors are Gladys Gillis of Starline Transportation (re-elected); and
Sandy Allen, of Royal Coach Tours. The Council’s board will continue to include one
standing seat for an executive-level member of both national associations to
include Peter Pantuso of American Bus Association; and Victor Parra of United
Motorcoach Association. Steve Klika of International Motorcoach Group will
continue serving as a non-voting, ex-officio member of the Board, with Holland
joining him in that capacity.
Also during the meeting, longtime Council staffer Heather Horton was named
the Council’s new Executive Director, and Pamela Wolff was named Director of
Strategic Alliances and Industry Partnerships.

ABAInsider
“Customers from
all over the world
can plan to get to
Cape Cod from
Boston’s Logan
Airport and South
Station without
a car.”
—Chris Anzuoni, VP
of Plymouth & Brockton
Tourism Cares Headed to San Francisco in June
Tourism Cares will be holding its 8th annual event on historic Angel Island in San
Francisco Bay June 3-5. Travel industry professionals are encouraged to join in and
help to rehabilitate various recreational areas and trails across the island. More than
300 volunteers have gathered each year at events beginning with Ellis Island in
2003. Jobs for volunteers span the spectrum from light work to heavy lifting, and
each participant can choose their intensity level. Those unable to attend are being
asked to consider becoming sponsors, encouraging friends and colleagues to
attend, or to put their company logos on the official T-shirts for the event.
IN THE STATES: Connecticut Lawmaker Pushing Belt Bill for School Buses
A Connecticut bill requiring that all school buses have
three-point safety belts in buses beginning with the
2012 model year has passed out of the Transportation
Committee of the Connecticut State Senate.
State Senator Antonio Guerrera (D-Rocky Hill)
sponsored the bill after a January school bus crash in
his district killed 16-year-old student Vikas Parikh.
Parikh’s family and friends testified at a public hearing
that the teenager would still be alive had there been
seat belts on the school bus.
Although Guerra has assured his supporters that the bill will pass the House and
Senate, it faces stiff opposition from many state education groups. Among groups
opposed to the bill are the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education, the
Connecticut Conference of Municipalities and the Connecticut School
Transportation Association. Each of these groups argues that the high-backed
cushioned seats on school buses that are designed to absorb crash impact—
known as compartmentalization—renders the evidence for an added safety
benefit by having belts on school buses unclear. Please contact ABA’s Pat Jones at
(202) 218-7224 or pjones@buses.org if you would like further information.
5
IN THE STATES: Plymouth & Brockton on Google Transit
The Plymouth & Brockton Street Railway Company (P&B), Cape Cod Regional
Transit Authority, Bridgewater State College (BSC), and the Cape Cod Chamber of
Commerce have formed an alliance to launch the online tool “Google Transit Trip
Planner” so visitors to Cape Cod can get to and around the region without a car.
Google Transit has developed a global network of transit providers on the web
so that transit consumers can plan their trips by simply typing in the starting
address and ending address of their trips on their computer or smart phone.
Google Transit’s computers will find the next bus and connecting service to a
consumer’s destination. The Cape’s regional bus service and the inter-city bus
carrier from Boston’s Logan Airport and South Station have partnered with the
GeoGraphics Laboratory at BSC to provide the data to Google.
“Customers from all over the world can plan to get to Cape Cod from Boston’s
Logan Airport and South Station without a car,” said Chris Anzuoni, VP of P&B and
an ABA Board member. For more information, visit www.capecodrta.org.

ABAInsider
Did You Know?
The deadline for 2011 Top 100
Events In North America nominations
is May 7, and any ABA
member can nominate an event
for consideration. Get complete
details at www.buses.org/top100.
IN THE STATES: Wyoming Becomes 20th State Banning Driving While Texting
Wyoming has become the 20th state to enact a statewide ban prohibiting drivers
from texting while behind-the-wheel, passing a law earlier this month that will
allow law enforcement officials to ticket anyone caught texting while driving in
the state. In 2009, more than 200 distracted driving bills were considered by state
legislatures and legislative activity is expected to remain strong in 2010.
“Wyoming has taken an important step to eliminate distracted driving,” U.S. DOT
Sec. Ray LaHood said. “Texting while driving, like talking on cell phones while
driving, is dangerous to the driver doing it and all of those around them.”
Alex’s Lemonade
Stand Foundation
has funded more
than 100 research
projects at nearly
50 institutions
across the country.
6
EXECUTIVE EXCURSIONS: New Names & Faces at VISIT Milwaukee, Atlantic
City CVA, Sheraton Norfolk, DC Civil Rights Panel
Paul Upchurch Liz Dyer Clyde Hart
VISIT Milwaukee has
named Paul Upchurch
its new president &
CEO. He joins VISIT
Milwaukee after 30
years in the hospitality
and tourism industry.
For more information
call (800) 554-1448 or go
online to www.visitmilwaukee.org… The Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority
has named Mark O’Day national sales manager for its New York office. O’Day will
book conventions, meetings and trade shows for the Atlantic City Convention Center
and other AC-area properties from NYC-area groups. He previously did sales and
marketing for the Greater Providence CVB, the New York CVB, and for several
hoteliers. His new phone is (212) 247-3484; e-mail is moday@accva.com … Liz Dyer,
APR, who served as media relations coordinator for the Virginia Beach CVB—
including during ABA Marketplace 2008—is the new sales manager for the Sheraton
Norfolk Waterfront Hotel … ABA’s SVP for Government Affairs Clyde Hart is one of
13 DC citizens who have been appointed to serve two-year terms on the DC Advisory
Committee of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights.
MARKETPLACE PACE: Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation Chosen As 2011 Charity
The Marketplace Advisory Committee has chosen Alex’s
Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer as the
Marketplace Gives Back charity for 2011. Alex’s Lemonade
Stand Foundation started in Pennsylvania in 2000, when
then four-year-old cancer patient Alex Scott set up a
lemonade stand in her front yard to raise money to help
find a cure for childhood cancer. Her lemonade stand was
a huge success and became an annual event. Alex wanted
to raise more money for childhood cancer patients and encouraged others
nationally to start their own lemonade stands. In the summer of 2004, Alex’s stand
and other stands inspired by Alex across the country raised Alex’s goal of $1
million for childhood cancer.

ABAInsider
ABA’s Product
Pavilion is quickly
establishing itself
as the industry’s
most valuable
exhibit show.
Alex lost her battle with cancer in 2004, but her legacy continues to inspire others.
Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation continues to raise money for cancer research
projects, a travel program to assist families traveling for treatment, and nursing
grants to improve the quality of life and care of children with cancer. For more
information about the Marketplace Gives Back charity, visit www.alexslemonade.org
or become a fan of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation Facebook page.
MARKETPLACE PACE: “Lost Heroes Art Quilt” Headed to Branson
Yellow Ribbon Fund Gold Star Mother Nancy
Hecker, who appeared onstage with Tony
Orlando during the Marketplace 2010
Opening Ceremonies to share how the 2010
Marketplace Gives Back charity had touched
her personally, is now working to ensure the
“Lost Heroes Art Quilt” receives the national
recognition it deserves.
Following Marketplace, Hecker and her
husband went to Pensacola, Fla., to both visit
(Left to right) Candy Martin,
Tony Orlando and Nancy Hecker.
their younger son, John, a Marine pilot serving as a flight instructor there, as well as
setting up and moving the “Lost Heroes Art Quilt” to the National Museum of Naval
Aviation. The quilt has also been on display at the Alabama State Capitol in
Montgomery, and is currently at the new National Museum of the Infantry and
Soldier Center at Patriot Park, Ft. Benning, Ga. “We continue to be amazed at the
reaction it receives from all who see it,” Hecker said. “After connecting with Tony
[during Marketplace 2010], the quilt will be on display at the Welk Resort Theater
during Branson’s Veterans Week Celebration. I’m trying to get many of the families
whose heroes are represented on the quilt to come for Veterans Day, and see for
themselves the honor, love, and respect shown for their heroes and all who serve.”
7
Did You Know?
ABA has 1108 bus and tour company
members, 82 of which are based
in Pennsylvania.
PRODUCT PAVILION PULSE: Early-Bird Registration Offers Exhibitors $200 Off
ABA’s Product Pavilion, the show-within-a-show for operators and equipment and
service providers, will be expanded to two days (Jan. 8-9) during Marketplace 2011
Jan. 8-12 in Philadelphia. The expanded show comes in response to exhibitor and
operator demands for more time to conduct business together, and exhibitors can
save $200 off the normal investment in booth space by registering early online.
ABA’s Product Pavilion is designed to build more business for all participants by
providing exhibitors the opportunity to display their newest products and
services in an inexpensive, time-saving, and results-driven manner to an audience
of more than 750 bus operators in a one-stop exhibit show at Marketplace
offering everything under one roof. “ABA’s Product Pavilion is the best investment
for manufacturers, equipment suppliers and service providers, and its surging
growth is quickly establishing it as the industry’s most valuable exhibit show,” said
ABA Senior VP for Meetings, Education & Member Services Lynn Brewer.
The schedule includes an invitation-only “Operator & Leadership Preview Event
and Reception” (4:30-6:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 8). Exhibits will be open Jan. 9 from
11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. For more information regarding the Product Pavilion, visit
www.buses.org/marketplace or call (800) 283-2877.

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Did You Know?
Marketplace 2011 registration
opens April 6. Check out the important
dates and deadlines here.
ABAInsider
Eron Shosteck, Editor In Chief
Roderick Lewis, Membership Editor
Pat Jones, Contributing Editor
Brian Parker, Advertising Director
Judith Whitt, Circulation Manager
QUALIFIED OPERATORS
The following Motorcoach & Tour Operators submitted
application(s) for membership between March 9-22, 2010,
and have met all membership requirements. They are
currently in the mandatory 30-day period for member
comments.
A W Griffith Transportation Consulting LLC
Anthony Griffith, President
Glen Oaks, NY
www.awgriffithtransconsult.com
Corporate Coach of Chicago
(DOT: 1675142)
Chris Peterson, President
Des Plaines, IL
www.corpcoach.net
Corporate Executive Coach, LLC
(DOT: 1675223)
Nathaniel Stanley, Owner/Operator
Randallstown, MD
Dynamic Tours & Transportation Inc.
(DOT: 682703)
Assad Dakkak, President
Orlando, FL
www.dynamicbuses.org
Krapf’s Coaches Inc.
(DOT: 774388)
Karen Ferry, Director of Sales
West Chester, PA
www.krapfbus.com
Panorama Tours, Inc.
(DOT: 637916)
Michelle Petelicki, President
Clifton, NJ
www.panoramabustours.com
Travel Lovers Tours and Cruises, Inc.
(DOT: 1176208)
Barac Wimberly
Saint Petersburg, FL
www.travelloversinc.com
Tuxedo Tour and Travel
(DOT: 1896536)
Todd Hugendubler, Owner
Lebanon, PA
www.tuxedotour.com
V.I.P. Charters
(DOT: 1056203FL)
Sharon Ponder, Owner
Riviera Beach, FL
www.chartersbyvip.com
TRAVEL INDUSTRY
The Broadmoor
Tiffany Fonda, Travel and Tour Manager
1 Lake Ave.
Colorado Springs, CO 80906
PH: (719) 471-6345 Fax: (719) 577-5779
tfonda@broadmoor.com
www.broadmoor.com
Lodging
Days Inn Florida Mall
Lillian Gomez, Sales Manager
9301 S Orange Blossom Trail
Orlando, FL 32857
PH: (407) 855 0308 Fax: (407) 581 0265
daysinnflor@yahoo.com
www.thedaysinnfloridamall.com
Lodging
Euroworld Holidays, Ltd
Larry Voelker, Owner
611 N 50th St.
Milwaukee, WI 53208
PH: (414) 777-0412 Fax: (414) 777-0413
info@euroworldholidays.com
www.euroworldholidays.com
Travel Agency
Sheraton Parsippany Hotel
Kelly Bodnarchuk, Group Sales Manager
199 Smith Rd.
Parsippany, NJ 07054
PH: (973) 560 5157 Fax: (973) 515 3180
kelly.bodnarchuk@sheraton.com
www.sheraton.com/Parsippany
Lodging
Slice N Dice Eatery
Ben Fisher, Manager
2173 Crystal Plaza Arc
Arlington, VA 22202
PH: (703) 418 4444 Fax: (301) 299-1526
fcompanies@aol.com
www.slicendice.net
Restaurant
8
700 13th Street NW, Suite 575
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 842-1645
FAX (202) 842-0850
E-MAIL: abainfo@buses.org
www.buses.org
ABC Companies recently
delivered 11 new Van
Hools to Coach America.
The Anaheim, Calif. division
took delivery of three
TD925 coaches, and
eight Van Hool ADA
equipped C2045Es have
been added to Coach
America’s Woodland
commuter fleet in
Houston, Texas (left).