Palmetto Progress Motorcoach Association of South Carolina P.O. Box 474, Columbia, SC 29202 888.376.1150 FAX 866.376.1156 President’s Letter Bob Garrett Sunshine Travel & Express Lancaster, SC www.scmotorcoach.org Spring 2011 In This Issue d Member Changes q Southeastern Regional Operators Meeting Review y MCASC Coach Roadeo Review d Coach News q Industry News: ABA y Industry News: UMA Spring is definitely in the air! By the time you read this message, more blooms will be blooming and the trees will have new green leaves. People in my neighborhood are getting their lawns and gardens in shape, pulling out weeds which seem to grow regardless of the season, removing plants that did not survive the winter, and planting new annuals and perennials. I find myself humming and once in awhile I break out in song! Our business is also seasonal and I find the similarities go beyond that. At the onset of spring we find ourselves cleaning up for the busier spring and summer months, perhaps pulling out the weeds by removing the worn out parts and equipment, planting new growth by sprucing up the coaches cosmetically and mechanically to ensure the comfortable, safe travel of our passengers, and maybe even a new coat of paint on the office to project the best image we can to our customers. Spring brings heightened activity in planning for the next annual meeting and market place. I am so excited that MCASC will meet jointly with the Georgia Motorcoach Operators Association in Savannah August 21-24. The joint planning committee co-chaired by Todd McElmurray and Meghan Johnson from MCASC and Don Adams and Marion Kenney from GMOA, has been meeting regularly and planning a great experience in Savannah for the members of the two associations. I’m told by the staff that registration material will be published by the end of April and possibly earlier. The reason for the joint meeting was to respond to our associate members who have asked that we meet jointly to save travel funds and time out of the office or family time. Now it is up to you to take advantage of this opportunity to meet and visit with members from two associations. Operators, it is a good time for you to network with operators who may be your “best friend” if you find your coach out of service in their neighborhood! I hope you have made plans to attend. MCASC closed out the winter with its annual coach roadeo. We had a wonderful experience in Florence. Holly Beaumier with Visit Florence along with the CVB partners rolled out the red carpet for the board meeting, social events, and the roadeo which was held at the Florence Civic Center. I extend MCASC’s gratitude to Holly for the tremendous support of Visit Florence. We had good food from beginning to end, warm, southern hospitality, and one of the best roadeo events. (Please see the article in more detail about the roadeo in this newsletter.) The committees are at work keeping MCASC vibrant and productive. The true focus of the board of directors is to make MCASC one of the best motorcoach associations, if not THE best. The board’s desire now more than ever is to promote good business relationships, which result in return on investment of membership dues. April 1, today, is the deadline for dues payment. I hope that you have continued your support of MCASC by faithfully renewing your membership. MCASC can only be as strong as its collective membership. We need each other more today than ever before and we need good solid business relationships. Enjoy the spring and its beauty. Have safe travels! Bob Garrett
Transcript
Palmetto ProgressMotorcoach Association of South Carolina
Springisdefinitelyintheair!Bythetimeyoureadthismessage,morebloomswillbebloomingandthetreeswillhavenewgreenleaves.Peopleinmyneighborhoodaregettingtheirlawnsandgardensinshape,pullingoutweedswhichseemtogrowregardlessoftheseason,removingplantsthatdidnotsurvivethewinter,andplantingnewannualsandperennials.IfindmyselfhummingandonceinawhileIbreakoutinsong! OurbusinessisalsoseasonalandIfindthesimilaritiesgobeyondthat.Attheonsetofspringwefindourselvescleaningupforthebusierspringandsummermonths,perhapspullingouttheweedsbyremovingthewornoutpartsandequipment,plantingnewgrowthbysprucingupthecoachescosmeticallyandmechanicallytoensurethecomfortable,safetravelofourpassengers,andmaybeevenanewcoatofpaintontheofficetoprojectthebestimagewecantoourcustomers. Springbringsheightenedactivityinplanningforthenextannualmeetingandmarketplace.IamsoexcitedthatMCASCwillmeetjointlywiththeGeorgiaMotorcoachOperatorsAssociationinSavannahAugust21-24.Thejointplanningcommitteeco-chairedbyTodd McElmurray and Meghan JohnsonfromMCASCandDon Adams and Marion KenneyfromGMOA,hasbeenmeetingregularlyandplanningagreatexperienceinSavannahforthemembersofthetwoassociations.I’mtoldbythestaffthatregistrationmaterialwillbepublishedbytheendofAprilandpossiblyearlier.Thereasonforthejointmeetingwastorespondtoourassociatememberswhohaveaskedthatwemeetjointlytosavetravelfundsandtimeoutoftheofficeorfamilytime.Nowitisuptoyoutotakeadvantageofthisopportunitytomeetandvisitwithmembersfromtwoassociations.Operators,itisagoodtimeforyoutonetworkwithoperatorswhomaybeyour
“bestfriend”ifyoufindyourcoachoutofserviceintheirneighborhood!Ihopeyouhavemadeplanstoattend. MCASCclosedoutthewinterwithitsannualcoachroadeo.WehadawonderfulexperienceinFlorence.Holly BeaumierwithVisitFlorencealongwiththeCVBpartnersrolledouttheredcarpetfortheboardmeeting,socialevents,andtheroadeowhichwasheldattheFlorenceCivicCenter.IextendMCASC’sgratitudetoHollyforthetremendoussupportofVisitFlorence.Wehadgoodfoodfrombeginningtoend,warm,southernhospitality,andoneofthebestroadeoevents.(Please see the article in more detail about the roadeo in this newsletter.) ThecommitteesareatworkkeepingMCASCvibrantandproductive.ThetruefocusoftheboardofdirectorsistomakeMCASConeofthebestmotorcoachassociations,ifnotTHEbest.Theboard’sdesirenowmorethaneveristopromotegoodbusinessrelationships,whichresultinreturnoninvestmentofmembershipdues.April1,today,isthedeadlineforduespayment.IhopethatyouhavecontinuedyoursupportofMCASCbyfaithfullyrenewingyourmembership.MCASCcanonlybeasstrongasitscollectivemembership.Weneedeachothermoretodaythaneverbeforeandweneedgoodsolidbusinessrelationships. Enjoythespringanditsbeauty.Havesafetravels!
Bob Garrett
NEW MEMBERSOPERATORSSUNWAY CHARTERS & TOURS3050DickPondRoadMyrtleBeach,SC29588843-293-1773843-293-2100FAX843-293-0454Web:www.sunwaycharters.comLeeHelms,PresidentRichardBrown,GeneralManagerEmail:[email protected],CharterManagerEmail:[email protected],2Mini, 2Trolleys,2TransitsOperatedCode-BCEGHIJ
THOMAS TOURS & TRAVEL 112WestBartletteStreetSumter,SC29150803-773-2767803-464-6080FAX803-775-9197Email:[email protected],Jr.,OwnerJackieThomas,Owner2CoachesOperatedCode-BCG
ASSOCIATESATTRACTIONSEMERALD PRINCESS II CASINO P.O. Box 1736 Brunswick,GA31521912-265-7571800-842-0115FAX912-265-8296Email:kgarland@emerald princesscasino.comWeb:www.emeraldprincesscasino.comKathyGarland,OfficeManagerJenniferFerra,Marketing
RESORTS CASINO & HOTEL 1133BoardwalkAtlanticCity,NJ08401609-340-7715 FAX609-340-6305Email:[email protected]:www.resortsac.comMegLewis,ExecutiveDirectorMarketing&BusOperationsDaveSzukics,BusMarketing Consultant
Young Transportation received part of the Federal Transit
Administration grant to retrofit coaches with wheelchair lifts or to help offset the cost of
lifts on new coaches. The grant award $20 million dollars to 128 motorcoach companies
across the US.
MCASC Spring 2011 Newsletter2
HOTELSBEST WESTERN PLUS ORLANDO GATEWAY 7299UniversalBlvd.Orlando, FL 32819 407-351-5009 800-445-7299 FAX407-363-7807Email:[email protected]:www.bworlando.comTraceySartini,SalesManager
HILTON OCEANFRONT RESORT HILTON HEAD ISLAND 23OceanLaneHiltonHeadIsland,SC29928843-341-8015 843-842-8000x8015FAX843-341-8036Email:[email protected]:www.hiltonoceanfrontresort.comCharleneClick,SalesManager
HOLIDAY INN ATLANTA CAPITOL CONFERENCE CENTER 450CapitolAvenueAtlanta,GA30312404-591-2000OR800-HOL-IDAYFAX404-591-1999Email:[email protected]:www.hiatlanta.comAndreMotley,Corp.AccountManager
CROSS COUNTRY TRAILWAYS, INC. 20Coaches,1WheelchairAccessible
G&B TRANSPORTATION, INC. Web:www.gbtransportation.comGeorgeE.JonesFAX877-832-8090GeorgeMuhammad864-593-5658VictorAnderson,Mainten.Operator864-229-0040OR864-223-0723877-832-9080
IONOSPHERE TOURS, INC. Email:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:www.ionospheretours.com JEAN’S BUS SERVICE, INC. 17CoachesOperatedJeanK.Cauley,Owner/PresidentBarbaraLynn,CharterDepartmentJohnW.Cauley,Sr.,Owner/Secretary
LEWIS BUS LINESRobertStanley,Operations, Charter&OfficeManager
PALMER BUS CO., LLC 803-516-2260
�MCASC Spring 2011 Newsletter
CHANGES ASSOCIATESMore changes have been made than space allows in this newsletter. Please check the web site listing for correct contact information for the following associate members:TOUR OPERATORCharleston Harbor Tours
ATTRACTIONSCharleston Harbor Tours Chimney Rock Columbia Museum of Art Fun Factory in the SmokiesGeorgia Aquarium Harrah’s Cherokee Casino & Hotel Magnolia Plantation & Gardens South Carolina AquariumSouth Carolina State MuseumStone Mountain ParkTanger Outlet Center The Fontanel Mansion & Farm Titanic-Museum Attraction WonderWorks
HOTELSBest Western Premier Eden Resort Inn & Suites Caesars Entertainment Comfort Suites West of the AshleyCountry Inn & Suites Atlanta Gwinnett PlaceHarrah’s Casino Tunica Hotels of the Smokies LaPlaya-Inner Circle Daytona Seralago Hotel Main Gate EastTides Folly Beach
RESTAURANTSCFC of Charleston Dandy Restaurant Cruises Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville
SALES, SERVICE & PRODUCTSBus Group Setra from Daimler Buses North America
THEATRESSmith Family Dinner TheaterTennessee Shindig
TOUR RECEPTIVESGroupConnect, Inc.Sunsational Tours
TOURISM AGENCIESAlbany CVB Anderson CVBCharleston Area CVB Chattanooga CVB Columbus GA, CVB Duplin County Tourism Georgia Department of Economic Development-Tourism DivisionGreater Birmingham CVBGreenwood Regional Tourism & Visitors Bureau Mountain Lakes CVB Rock Hill/York County CVB Spartanburg CVB Tuscaloosa Tourism & Sports CommissionVisit Savannah Wytheville CVB
Operator MembersBelow is an important link about
motorcoach permits for Washington, DC.
http://dmv.dc.gov/info/trippermit.shtm
Washington, DC Tour Bus Parking link
http://ddot.dc.gov/DC/DDOT/On+Your+Street/
Traffic+Management/Parking/Tour+Bus+Parking
Private Charter Operators visit the link below to become a registered charter provider:
http://ftawebprod.fta.dot.gov/charterregistration
Check Gas Prices. Click on “Petroleum”, then click on “Weekly Retail Gasoline and
Diesel Prices” for weekly rates:
http://www.eia.doe.gov/
FORMER MEMBERS ASSOCIATESHOTELSHAMPTON INN SOUTHLAKE 1533SouthlakeParkwayMorrow,GA30260770-968-8990FAX770-968-6730Email:[email protected]:www.atlantasouthlake.hamptoninn.comAnneJiles,DirectorofSales
HOTELS OF THE SMOKIES P.O. Box 1383 PigeonForge,TN37868 800-555-2650FAX865-286-1122 Email:[email protected] Web:www.4lodging.com KennyEmbrey,DOSM
OperatorsMeetingFebruary1-3wereagainunanimousintheiropinionthatthemeetingwasoneofthebesttheyhadattended.“Ienjoythesmallgroupatmosphereandthewaythatcreatesmoreavailabilityforone-on-oneconversationwithindustryleaderslikePeter Pantuso, Vic Parra, Brandon Buchanan, and Ken Presley and programspeakers.Ienjoytheoperator-to-operatordiscussioncreatingaforumtolearnfromoneanother.”Theseandothercommentswereheardoverandover.Thehotel,HiltonWilmingtonRiverside,waswelcomingwithfriendlystaff;weatewellbothattheHiltonandtheafter-hoursevents;wehadagoodbedtosleepwell.Combinethatwithaveryinformativeprogramwithexpertspeakersandyouhaveagoodcombinationforlearningandnetworking. Ifwecouldhavea“doover,”Idon’tthinkwewouldchangeathingexceptperhapsthedate.BecausetheTennesseeMotorCoachAssociation’sannualmeetingwasheldinTunica,Mississippiwithoverlappingdates,attendancewasaffected.Understandably,someoperatorswereobligatedtoattendtheTennesseemeeting. SponsorswhomadeitpossibletoprovideaworthwhileexperienceincludingspecialeventsfornetworkingincludeABC Companies, Allen Insurance Group, American Bus Association, Daimler Buses, Duplin Winery, Rodes Roper Love Insurance, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino and Hotel, Motor Coach Industries, North Carolina Motorcoach Association, and United Motorcoach Association. I believetheeveningeventsatDuplin WineryandtheBattleship North Carolinawereenjoyedbyall.DuplinCountyismyhomecountyandIwasproudofthewayinwhichtheareaattractionsfed,entertained,andinformedthosewhoattended.IlearnedthatthereareghostsonboardtheBattleship.Thankfully,Ididnotencounteranyduringourdinnerevent! Theprogramwasexcellent.Industryleadersmentionedabovesharedtheirknowledgeandinspireddiscussionofissues“nearanddear”toallofus,suchasthedilemmaofseatbeltsoncoaches.Yes,Iknow,weareabouttogetamandateandstandards.Newequipmentwillcomewithseatbeltsinstalled,lapbelts,two-pointbelts,orthree-pointbelts.Whataboutourolderequipment?
Willthemandaterequireretrofit?What’sthecostofthat?Weheardnumbersfrom$8,000to$30,000+.Thecoachmanufacturers’panelinspiredmorediscussionaboutthisissue.Ithink,generallyspeaking,weallknowthatourcustomerswilldemandseatbelts.Canyouimaginedrivinguptoaschoolforastudenttripwithseatbeltsinstalledinonecoachandnotanother?Thatwasaquestionposedbyoneoperatorandthoughtaboutbymanymoreaswelistenedtotheconversation.Expertspeakerswerethehighlightofthemeeting.TosaythatBill Schoolmanispassionateisanunderstatement!Whatishepassionateabout?Transitauthoritywasteoffederalandstatefundsishishotbutton!BillsharedhiseffortstofighttheNewYorkMetropolitanTransitAuthority.ItwasincredibletolistentoBill’spresentationoutliningthewasteoffunds.Whathithomewithallofuswashisstatementthatallofusarepayingforthatwastethroughourtaxdollars.Wesatupstraightaswesuddenlybecamestakeholders!AsaresultofBill’spresentation,theNorthCarolinaMotorcoachAssociationBoardofDirectorswouldvotelatertodonate$5,000tothefundtofightMTA.Bill’scompanyisClassicCoach/HamptonLuxuryLinesinBohemia,NY.WediscussedtechnologywithRyan Kelly withTerrapinBlue,who“stoodin”forKate SherebawithSaucon.Kate’sflightwascancelledduetothesnowstorminthenorthwest.Wediscussedpre-employmentscreeningregulationswithBrad WatkinswithConsolidatedSafetyServices.Larry Yohe,retiredaccidentinvestigatorwasalsogroundedduetothesnowstormandwefilledthattimediscussingtheorganizationoftheSoutheasternRegionalMotorcoachOperatorsCoalition,decidingthegovernancestructure,reviewingamissionstatementandbudget,andrecognizingthecostofadministration.Amoreformalorganizationtoprovideunityofvoiceintheindustrywasagreeduponbythepresidentsofthestateassociationsinthesoutheastandsouthcentralstatesbasedonthedirectivebytheoperatorsattendingthe2010meeting.Morgan Brown conductedanimpromptuevacuationexerciseafterdinner,anditcreatedagreatdealofawarenessfortheevacuationprocess.MorganservesontheSoutheasternRegionalMotorcoachOperatorsEmergencyEvacuationAdvisoryCommittee.(Yes,thatisamouthful!)Jimmy Kelton,chairmanoftheadvisorycommitteepresentedhighlightsoftheworkofthecommitteeoverthepastyear.Thiscommitteewasformedattherequestoftheoperatorsattendingthe2009meetingtoaddressissuesandconcernsaboutdrivertreatment,contract
David and Ana Fussell, owners of the Duplin Winery, which provided a great atmosphere, entertainment, wonderful food and wine.
Battleship North Carolina
Speaker Bill Schoolman, Classic Coach/Hampton Luxury Lines with Ken Presley, United Motorcoach Association.
prices,communications,andrepresentationoftheindustryindecisionmakingrelatingtoemergencyevacuation.AsJimmy’spresentationconfirmed,thecommitteehasmadetremendousprogressinaddressingtheissuesidentifiedasaresultofHurricaneKatrinaandotherhurricanesinthegulfstatesandexpandedthecommittee’sfocustoincludecreatingawebsite(www.seevac.org)asacommunicationstoolintheeventofanemergencyevacuationandopeningdialoguewithtransportationproviderssuchas Transportation Management Services(TMS),InternationalTrailways,andtheemergencymanagementdivisionsinthesoutheasternandsouthcentralstates.ThefinaleofthesoutheasternmeetingwasaworkshopconductedbyAllison Transmissionrepresentative,Mike Corressell and Covington Power Servicesrepresentative,Maynard Harding.Wehadafulltwodaysofdiscussionandpresentationsandattheendoftheninthsoutheasternmeeting,itwasnosurprisethattheoperatorsandthecoachmembersfeltitwasaworthwhileuseoftheirtime. SouthCarolinaoperatorsattendingthemeetingincludedBob and Shirley Garrett, Sunshine Travel and Express; David and Nancy Parham, Ionosphere Tours; and Elaine and Robert Johnson, Cross Country Trailways. Thedateandlocationofthe2012SoutheasternMotorcoachOperatorsCoalitionwillbeannouncedwhendetailsarefinalized.Youwillwanttomakeplanstoattendandexperienceforyourselftheuniquenessofthisforumforoperators.Safe travels,
Jim Harris, Southeastern Committee Chairman North Carolina Motorcoach Association
In Memory of Bobby Clemmer
Mr.RobertLee“Bobby”Clemmer,age74,diedSaturday,February19,2011attheMedicalUniversityofSouthCarolinainCharleston.HewasthefounderandbusinessownerofClemmer’sMachineShopandLancasterTours,Inc.dbaLancasterTrailwaysoftheCarolinas.“Bob”or“Bobby”,asknownbymanyfriendsandacquaintances,originallyprovidedtransportationforGeneralTireemployeesintheLancaster,SCarea.HewasamemberofTrailways,UnitedMotorcoachAssociation,theAmericanBusAssociation,andtheMotorcoachAssociationofSCwhereheformerlyservedasmemberoftheBoardofDirectors.MostrecentlyheservedasamemberoftheSoutheasternAdvisoryCommitteeforDisasterRelief.LancasterTrailwaysoftheCarolinasprovidedtransportationformanyconvalescentcentersandassistedlivingfacilitiesintheareaandthroughoutthestateofSouthCarolina.SpecialrecognitionfromthePresidentoftheUnitedStateswasgiventoBobbyforbeingchosenthetransportationproviderofthe‘President’sOwn’MarineCorpBandwhileontour.HewasespeciallyproudtobepartofthehomecomingforseveralSouthCarolinaNationalGuardUnitsservingactivedutyinIraqwhenBobbyprovidedtransportationreunitingthesoldiersandtheirfamiliesChristmas2009. Bobbywasquite,notsayingagreatdealinagroupsetting;butwhenhedidspeak,hewasveryopinionatedwhenitcametoprovidingmotorcoachtransportation.Hewasveryknowledgeableaboutmotorcoachesmechanicallyandasuccessfulmotorcoachowner/operatorhelpinghisfellowoperatorswhenhecould.Bobbywillbemissedgreatly. The family requests in lieu of flowers contributionsmaybemadetotheEducationalFoundationofUSC-LScholarshipFund,P.O.Box889,Lancaster,SC27721.
Membership change forms are available at the following link:
www.scmotorcoach.org/MCASC_Change_Form.pdf
MCASC Spring 2011 Newsletter6
Seventy–ninepeoplewereregisteredtoattendthe2011coachroadeo.Holly Beaumier with Visit Florenceandtheareaattractionspartnersweregreathosts.TheeventbeganwithadinnereventsponsoredbyVisit Florence and its partnersattheLynchesRiverCountyParkfeaturingamini-tradeshowshowcasingthelocalattractionsforgrouptours.Dinnerwasdeliciousandthefellowshipwasgreat.Hollyacquiredseveralnicegiftsasdoorprizesandsomeluckyfolksleftwithlocalgoodies,includinglocallymadebaskets. VisitFlorencealsosponsoredlunchandrefreshmentsfortheroadeoeventattheFlorenceCivicCenter. Wehad24driversregisteredtoparticipateintheroadeowrittentestsanddrivingskillsfrom5-Star Transportation, Atchison Transportation Services, Capitol Bus Lines, Carolina Travel & Tours, Champion Coach, Ionosphere Tours, Jean’s Bus Service, MBF Tours and Travel, See & See Friendly Tours, Sunshine Travel & Express, and Swept Away Coach & Tours.Ittakesmanytocreateasuccessfulroadeoevent.Ihavelisted,tothebestofmyknowledge,allwhoassistedwiththevarious“duties.”(If I have omitted someone, please know that it
is not intentional.) ABC Companies, CAIO, Motor Coach Industries, Prevost, and Setra from Daimler Buses North AmericasponsoredT-shirtsforeveryonewhoattendedtheroadeo,plaquesandcashprizes,andcoachesforthedrivingskillscompetition. Whilethedriverswerecompletingtheirwrittentests,theoperatorsparticipatedinasessionwithAntonio Wilson, Safety Investigator for Federal Motor Carrier Administration,whoreviewedComprehensiveSafetyAccountability(CSA).EventhoughAntonioprovidedareviewduringtheannualmeetingandmarketplaceinAugust,theplanningcommitteefeltitwouldbebeneficialtooperatorstohearthepresentationagain.Wemustbeveryfamiliarwiththeterms,whattheymean,andhowtousetheCSAwebsite.Operatorsshouldchecktheirdataoftentomakesureitisaccurate.WelearnedhowtocorrectdataifthereareerrorsthroughtheuseofDataQs.
AspeciallunchguestwasJanice Baroody with the Pee Dee Regional Transit Authority.JanicespokeaboutbuildingagoodrelationshipbetweenPDRTAandtheMCASCoperators.Hersinceritywasevident.Janicehasalreadybeguntoworkwithlocaloperatorstoprovidetransportationforsuchevents
Safety Investigator Antonio Wilson, FMCSA provided an update on CSA 2010.
The following coach manufacturers provide coach for the roadeo driving competition, ABC Companies, Motor Coach Industries, Prevost, and Setra from Daimler North America.
Tour at the Pearl Fryar Topiary Gardens.
MCASC Eighth Coach RoadeoFebruary 14 - 15, 2011
Florence, SC
The South Carolina Cotton Museum offeredinformation during the mini-trade show.
7MCASC Spring 2011 Newsletter
Thedrivingskillscompetitionwasheldafterlunchandwhenthescoresweretallied,thetopthreedriverswereFirst Place- Geoff McCorquodale, Ionosphere Tours; Second Place- Regginald Heyward, Champion Coach; and Third Place- Darryel Carr, MBF Tours & Travel.Inadditiontotheplaquesandcashprizes,eachofthetopthreedriversweregivenarestaurantgiftcardsponsoredbyMarion Kenney (Allen Insurance Group). ItwasagooddaytobeinFlorence.Ifyoumissedtheroadeo,youmissedsomegreatfunandfellowship.Ihopeyouwillplantoparticipateinthe2012roadeo.WatchyourcommunicationsfromMCASCfortheannouncementofthedateandlocationassoonasdetailsarefinalized.Whetherornotyouhavedriversavailabletoparticipate,itisabeneficialeventforallmembers.
Jo Lynn Lott,Chairman, Roadeo Committee
MCASC President Bob Garrett, Sunshine Travel and Express pictured with Janice Baroody, Pee Dee Regional Transportation Authority.
Roadeo Winners left to right: Third Place- Darryel Carr, MBF Tours & Travel; Second Place- Regginald Heyward, Champion Coach; and First Place- Geoff McCorquodale, Ionosphere Tours.
Coach Roadeo Winners First Place Driver
Geoff McCorquodale, Ionosphere Tours
Second Place DriverRegginald Heyward, Champion Coach
Third Place DriverDarryel Carr, MBF Tours & Travel
First Place MechanicDonald Barnes, Swept Away
Coach & ToursInformation about the Florence area is available online at www.visitflo.com.
Gene Parnell, South Carolina Transport Police and David Parham Ionosphere Tours. C.T. Norton and Cassandra Dollard from the South Carolina Transport Police also attended to help judge the driving course.
2011 MCASC Coach RoadeoVolunteers and Judges
HollyBeaumier
KevinBruce
JohnnyCauley
TomClare
CharlesColeman
RuthColeman
RyhanCornell
CassandraDollard
BobGarrett
ShirleyGarrett
GeneHall
DaricHartleroad
CynthiaJackson
ElaineJohnson
MeghanJohnson
RobertJohnson
MarionKenney
BillLeonard
JoLynnLott
ToddMcElmurray
LindaMorris
C.T.Norton
TimO’Bryan
DavidParham
GeneParnell
ClaudePayne
BrianPinckney
SamPipkin
KenPope
TomWood
An apology is given to those omitted from this list. All volunteer effects are greatly appreciated.
Thank you!
MCASC Spring 2011 Newsletter8
Coach News Reprinted from Bus and Motorcoach News, issue March 1, 2011.
For ABC CompaniestheUMAExpowaslargelyaboutachievinga“newlook.”ABCfeatureda“newlook”2011VanHoolC2045coach,anda2001C2045thatlookedlikenewasaresultofacoachrefurbishingprogramABCintroducedattheExpo.Inresponsetocustomerinput,aswellasmarkettrends,thenewestC2045VanHooloffersupgradedfeaturesdesignedtoincreasethecoach’scurbappealandpassengerexperience,aswellasprovidemoredurabilityforoperators.“Asoneofourmosthigh-demandunits,weanticipatethatoperatorswillrespondfavorablytothenewlyre-styledC2045andhowitcanupgradetheirfleets,”ABCCompaniesPresidentandCEO,DaneCornellsaysofthecoach.ABC’snewrefurbishmentprogramoffersamenuofservicesthatwillenableoperatorstorevitalizetheircoachestotheextentitmakesgoodbusinesssense. “Basic”refurbishingoptionsrangefromsuchbig-ticketitemsasnewAmayaseatswiththree-pointseatbelts,torebuiltCumminsengineorAllisontransmissions,tonewfrontcaporrearcapwithwindow,tonewinterior.AlsoonthemenuaresuchitemsasrebuiltA/Ccompressor,newpaint,newREIA/Vsystemwithflat-screenmonitoring,andalistofmechanicalfixesandupgrades.TherearealsooptionssuchasWi-Fi,KVHsatelliteTV,110-voltoutlets,andSauconTDSwithNavman.ABCsaystheprogram’selementsmaymake“soundseconomicsense”formanycoachoperations.
CAIO North Americabroughtits45-footG3600toExpo.TheG3600combinesanintegralbody,producedbyBrazilianbusmakerCAIOInduscar,withaFreightlineXBPthree-axlechassis.Theresultisawell-equipped,57-passengar,102-inch-widwcoachwithalonglistofstandardandoptionalfeatures,includingCumminsengine,AllisonB500,andCarrierHVAC.A37-foottwo-axleCAIOisalsoavailable.Formoreinformationvisitwww.caio-na.com.
IC BUSrolledintoUMAMotorcoachExpowiththisHCSeriesBronzemodelthatservesasashuttlefortheChicagoBlackhawksNationalHockeyLeagueteam.ThisHCSeriesBronzeisavailableinwheelbasesfrom158to200inches,andseatingfor17to29.IthasaMaxxForce7200-horsepowerengine,Allison1000,hydraulicdiscbrakes,andmultiplexwiring.Skatesareoptional.Moreinformationisavailableatwww.icbus.com.
Motor Coach IndustriesreturnedtotheUMAExpothisyear,offeringnewenvironmental,safetyandstylefeaturesforitsD-,E-,andJ-modelcoaches.All2011MCImodelsfeatureelectronicstabilitycontrol,automatictractioncontrol,all-wheeldiscbrakesandanti-lockbraking,SmartWavetire-pressuremonitoring,Amerexfiresuppressionsystem,andoptionalthree-pointpassengerseatbelts. ShowcasedontheExpofloorwasMCI’stop-sellingJ4500.“The2011J4500matchestheindustry’sleadingcomfortandsafetyfeatureswiththemostreliableandeco-friendlypowertraininNorthAmerica,”saidPatriciaZiska,MCIVicePresidentandCCO.MCIagainhadthethreetopsellingcoachesinNorthAmericaduring2010,withitsJ4500,D4500,andD4505models,accordingtofigurescompilesbyNationalBusTradermagazine.TheJ4500hasbeenthesalesleaderforsevenconsecutiveyears.
Setra from Daimler North AmericawastheonlymajormotorcoachsuppliertointroduceanewbusatUMAMotorcoachExpo.ThenewSetraComfortClassS407,targetedforbothscheduled-serviceandchartermarketswasofficiallyunveiledattheTampaexposition.BasedontheprovenSetra400Seriesplatform,theSetraComfortClassS407hasanumberoffeaturesaimedatmakingthenewmodelmoreeconomicaltooperatorinthedemandingenvironmentofline-haulservice. SetraisthelargestmanufacturerofcoachpassengerseatsinEurope,andithasdesignedauniqueseatfortheS407calledSetraRoute.Inadditiontoreducingweightandcost,ituseslessspace,allowingfornominalpassengercapacityof56. TheSetraRouteseatsareavailablewithtwo-orthree-pointseatbeltsthatmeetstringentEuropeanstandards.AnadditionalpassengerseatingoptionfromAmericanSeating,thePremier,providingathree-pointseatbelt,isalsoavailable.
�MCASC Spring 2011 Newsletter
News From:
$28 Billion Trade Surplus in Travel and Tourism Industry
Tire manufacturers raise prices as rubber costs climbReprint from Bus and Motorcoach News, issue March 1, 2011. Truckandbustiremanufacturershaveboostedpricesbyupto12percentinrecentweeks,pointingtorisingrawmaterialscosts.Atthesametime,industryanalystshaveraisedconcernsaboutfuturesuppliesbecauseofclimbingsalesofnewover-the-roadtrucksandtrailers. Adouble-digitpriceincreasewouldmeanthatatirethatpreviouslycost$350wouldnowbeatleast$35more.A12percentincreasewouldpushthetirepriceto$392. IncreasesbyBridgestoneBandag,Michelin,ContinentalTire,GoodyearTire&RubberCo.,YokohamaTireCorp.,andDoubleCoinhavebeenreported. Pricesfortwokeytirecomponents-naturalandsyntheticrubbermadefrompetroleum-haverisendramatically,reportstheTireIndustryAssociation. Rubberhasnearlyquadrupledinpriceduringthepasttwoyears,to$2.15apound,andoilhassurgedtoaround$90abarrel. “Unfortunately,severelyescalatingrawmaterialscosts,aswellasenergyandothercostsrelatedtomanufacturing,havemadeapriceincreaseofthislevelunavoidable,”saidKurtDanielson,presidentofBridgestoneBandag,inastatementannouncinganimmediate12percentpriceincrease. Thesurgeinbigtruckandtrailersaleswasn’tanticipated,complicatingproductionplans.Mosttiremanufacturersreducedcapacityandidledplantstomanagetheirinventorieslastyear. Industryexecutivessay2010caughtthembysurprise.Themarketpredictionforgrowthofbigrigsaleswaslowsingledigits,butthegrowthpercentageendedinthehighteens. Someestimatesshowthatindustryinventorylevelsareatanall-timelowandproductioncapabilitiesarelimitedduetoshortagesinrawmaterials.Giventhesqueeze,industryanalystssaytiredemandcouldoutstripsupplyforthenextcoupleyears. ThelatestpriceincreasesbegantakingeffectinDecember.Yokohamaraisedpricesupto6percent,whileContinentalleviedanincreaseofupto8percent.Michelinalsoraisedpricesanaverageof8percentinDecember. Goodyearhasnotpubliclyannounceditspricingactions,buta12percentincreasehasbeenreportedfortheU.S.tiremaker. Risingcommoditypricesworldwide,especiallyrubber,aregenerallybeingfingeredasthebasisforthelatestincreases.Rubberpricescouldspikeevenhigher,basedonpricingactionsonsomeworldcommodityexchanges. Rubberpricesnowareabout50percenthigherthantheywerewhencrudeoilhititsall-timehighof$147abarrelin2008.
11MCASC Spring 2011 Newsletter
Putting your advertisement in the MCASC Newsletter gets you right in touch with motorcoach companies in South Carolina. We invite you to use this form to contract for your ad space.
The costs are as follows:
One Issue:
Black & White Color 1/4 page: $150 $275 1/2 page: $225 $425 Full page: $350 $650
Advertising is also offered at a yearly rate (4 issues): Black & White Color 1/4 Page: $350 $800 1/2 Page: $550 $1250 Full Page: $1050 $2150
The ad should be received as a .JPEG or .TIFF file with a resolution of 350 or higher, or a PDF file with embedded font files and Macintosh compatible. A disk is preferred and should be accompanied by a
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please contact the MCASC office at 888.376.1150 or email [email protected].
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Make check payable to the Motorcoach Association of South Carolina and mail with hard copy to: MCASC Office, 106 Main Street, Brookneal, VA 24528
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Upcoming Issues For Advertising_____ Summer 2011 Deadline: May 1, 2011_____ Fall 2011 Deadline: August 1, 2011_____ Winter 2012 Deadline: November 1, 2011_____ Spring 2012 Deadline: February 1, 2012
