Member Communication
Welcome New Members!

We are pleased to announce new members who have joined our Association since January 1st:

Sylvia Jackson
434-594-4810

John Bailey
717-718-0490

Dale McMichael
717-464-2767

Gary Krapf
610-594-2664

Denise Cali
(610) 776-1516

Anthony Terranova
732-219-8611

Robert Davey
201-935-0425

Bill Kaiser
706-321-8133

Jason Sharenow
973-635-2374

Joseph Patella
201-868-8994

Todd Zimmerman
609-291-7133

Laura Putt
717-454-7762

Al Dellinger
609-267-0763

Executive Director's Corner

First, thank you to those who have already registered for the  Annual Meeting, Group  Marketplace and surrounding events scheduled for October 26-27th. 

Also, I want to tell you about another great educational and networking opportunity.  It's the  NAMO (National Association of Motorcoach Operators) Annual Conference The event is scheduled for mid-August in Atlantic City.  Please visit their website for more information 

Now, do you see the list of our new Members above who have joined us this year?  We are growing! If you know a  Motorcoach company  that would benefit by joining the GNJMA, please let me know or refer them to our  website  where they can find an application for membership.

Remember, you will receive 50% off of your annual dues when a regular member joins that you referred. 

There are many benefits and  discount programs
offered.   Special discounted parking at the AC Transportation Center, SJTA partnership with violations, help fighting NYC parking tickets via M&S Parking and many others. Contact me for more details!

Best Regards,

Pattie

Register Online for 
Our Annual Association Meeting and Events!

October 26th:



October 27th:



  
A Note From Our President

Dear GNJMA  Members,

Please join us at the Annual Membership Meeting of the Greater New Jersey Motorcoach Association to be held on Thursday, October 27, 2016 at 1:00PM at Harrah's Resort & Casino in Atlantic City.  The meeting will include presentations on issues facing our industry, lunch, the Mini-Marketplace, results of the Board elections and more.

This year's meeting will be preceded by the Annual Group Leader's Marketplace being held 10:00AM-1:00PM.  Don't delay in registering your Group Leader's to reserve your time slot.  This is one of the largest Marketplace's for destination, tourism and attractions in the East Coast and therefore valuable to your customers.

Also scheduled for this year is a golf outing at the historic and beautiful Atlantic City Country Club and a private  Meet & Mingle at the Seven Stars Lounge at Harrah's. Both of these events will occur on Wednesday, October 26, 2016.  We have special room rates at Harrah's for conference attendees.  

To register for one or all of these events, please click here to be directed to the GNJMA website and registration links.  It's fast and simple.  However, if you have questions, please contact our Executive Director, Pattie Cowley .  

We encourage all members to attend the Annual Meeting so that you may be fully informed about the Association's activities during the past twelve months, as well as the important issues facing the Association during the coming year. 

On behalf of the Board of Directors, thank you for the commitment that you have shown to the work of the Association. We look forward to seeing you in October!

Sincerely,

Tim Stout
President 


New Jersey CDL Testing Concerns Update:  
Third-Party Pilot Program Proposed 
 
On Monday, July 11th, a Senate hearing in Trenton occurred and now the bill has been referred to the Senate Budget Committee.  GNJMA is closely monitoring the bill's progress and we also are continuing the conversation we started in April with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC) to provide solutions for our Members. The GNJMA Legislative Committee, along with Joseph Simonetta, our lobbyist, held a special conference call to discuss the issues at hand.

If the third-party testing pilot goes through, this will be a welcome addition to the challenges facing our Members.  In addition, NJMVC has offered a "Train-the-Trainer" program for our Members.  We are working with them to detail this plan.  Stay tuned for more information.

With that said, we are interested in knowing how you are doing with CDL testing date scheduling.  If you encounter a problem, please contact Pattie Cowley , who will in-turn work with the NJMVC to a more reasonable date.
Prevost Prep:  New Classes Starting October 3, 2016

What is Prevost Prep?
Prevost Prep is a partnership with the United Motorcoach Association (UMA) to update, revise and expand the Bus and Motorcoach
Academy's original Operator/Driver Program. The new program is
called "Prevost Preparatory School for Professional Motorcoach
Drivers", or Prevost Prep for short.

Why does Prevost support a driving program?
Prevost understands and has embraced information from their customers and the total industry that drivers are difficult to find, train and retain. Drivers are one of the industry's cornerstone resources and we must act in ways that encourage drivers to join the industry. Training is an important part of that attraction and retention.

Why do my drivers need training?
Presented by Prevost, the UMA and the College of Southern Maryland, Prevost Prep is designed specifically for drivers to meet the driver training needs of the motorcoach industry. As you know, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations require bus and motorcoach operators ensure their drivers are knowledgeable and comply with FMCSA rules and regulations (390.3 (e)). Prevost Prep prepares the driver to pass the CDL written exam or, for those who already have a CDL, gives a thorough review of applicable industry rules and regulations. Through this program driver training can be quantified and proven for insurance purposes. Participants that have completed the program satisfactorily will receive a letter of completion that can be submitted to your insurance company for insurance renewals.

How does Prevost support the program?
Prevost has committed to supporting this driving program over the next 10 years in order to expand the curriculum, update existing courses, and provide scholarships for drivers (which will be awarded through the UMA). Possibilities for future expansion of the program include behind-the-wheel training and partnerships with regional driver training schools are being considered and Prevost would take a leading role.

When is Prevost Prep available?
The Prevost Prep program has been available since 2014;  new classes begin October 3, 2016.

How do I get a scholarship?
Applications for scholarships are being taken by the UMA and will be awarded by the association on Prevost's behalf. These scholarships are open to the entire industry, not only Prevost customers and not only UMA members. Scholarships are for partial tuition on the complete course package based on the criteria set by the UMA. See the UMA website for further info and tuition rates at http://www.uma.org/academy/ .