The National Limousine Association conducted its first Presidential Summit on June 26 in Atlanta. The summit was open to officers of local non-profit, state associations. ?It was a great turnout,? said Carolyn Nelson, association liaison and first vice president of the NLA. ?We had 50 attendees that came from associations from all over the U.S.?

?Five years ago we discussed having some kind of meeting away from the show where we could just concentrate on the associations,? Nelson explained. ?With this being my last year on the board, I wanted to make sure that it happened.? Cheryl Berkman from Music Express, David Seelinger of Empire International and Scott Solombrino from Dav El sponsored the Summit. Proceeds from the event went to the Harold Berkman Memorial Fund.

Speakers addressed many topics affecting the industry today. Barry Lefkowitz, lobyist for the NLA, educated attendees on legislative issues and how associations can be more effective. Bruce Cottew, executive director of the NLA, detailed the partnership between state and national associations. Berkman discussed the NLA today and its service to operators. LCT's senior editor, Tom Mazza pointed out current trends in the industry.

A surprise presentation by Maria Tildon, from the Washington D.C.-based The Century Council, informed the crowd of the importance of programs like ?Prom Promise.? The Century Council, which is funded by several liquor distillers, has many promotional programs to assist operators and associations with keeping children from underage drinking.

?I could not have done it without the help of Valencia Sidbury (president of the Georgia Limousine Association),? Nelson admitted. ?The Summit was just awesome,? Nelson said. ?We?re still flying high from it.?