bob garrett - sc · palmetto progress motorcoach association of south carolina p.o. box 474,...

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Palmetto ProgressMotorcoach Association of South Carolina

P.O. Box 474, Columbia, SC 29202 888.376.1150 FAX 866.376.1156

President’s LetterBob Garrett

Sunshine Travel & ExpressLancaster, SC

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Summer 2010

While it does not seem to be, it has been almost a year since our annual meeting in Atlanta last August when I was elected MCASC president. So far, I’ve been busy working for and representing MCASC in various circumstances.

Shirley and I attended the ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday, May 11 at the new NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte. Veronica Armstrong and her wonderful assistants of Visit Charlotte hosted us, and even surprised me with a birthday cake at the Speedway Club on Wednesday. The Hall of Fame is certainly something Charlotte can be proud of and will be an asset to all of us in the travel business as a very special venue. Plan to spend at least four hours if you want to see most of it. I could have spent all day. After three days in Charlotte, we left Thursday morning and made a bee-line to Cherokee for yet another ribbon cutting ceremony at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino & Hotel for their new motorcoach lounge and entrance. We even had our photo taken with the Chief. Harrah’s did a really good job of making excellent accommodations for our drivers and passengers. Now, when you pull in under the garage, there is a level concrete pad to unload and there is a doorway straight into the lounge on the ground floor, which means no steps for passengers to maneuver. There are plenty of seats for your group to use while assembling to reload the coach. There is also a drivers’ lounge where your driver may rest or watch TV. There will also be designated parking at the lower end of the main parking lot just for motorcoaches. I enjoyed the opportunity to visit with Ray Robbins, President of North Carolina Motorcoach Association, who also attended the Harrah’s event. I appreciate the relationships I have developed over the years with

operators in other states. Attending events such as the special ceremonies at NASCAR and Harrah’s and association meetings in other states have been very beneficial and continues to reinforce the fact that the operators in the southeast are a fairly close-knit group. The more we interact, the better the relationship becomes. I encourage you to attend events and meetings to experience this for yourself, if you are not already doing so. I have had the opportunity to participate in other meetings important to MCASC. Recently, Pinckney Spencer (Atchison Transportation Services), Bobby Clemmer (Lancaster Trailways of the Carolinas), and I met with representatives of the South Carolina Emergency Management Division to discuss the emergency evacuation contract, which was published to all MCASC operators as well as operators in neighboring states. The contract was complicated and confusing, requiring a great deal of information that did not pertain to motorcoach transportation for evacuation purposes. The three of us made some headway and the contract was revised, but it was still cumbersome to complete. I fear many of our operator members chose not to submit the contract for that reason. David Seawell, who participated in several of the conference calls held by the Southeastern Regional Motorcoach Operators Emergency Evacuation Advisory Committee, is well aware of the Southeastern website, www.seevac.org where SC EMD can contact operators easily if the coast is threatened and SC EMD does not have sufficient operators

contracted for transportation. Bobby and Pinckney have been MCASC’s representatives on this Advisory Committee Most recently, I was invited by Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to attend the 2010 FMCSA SC Division Leadership Planning Retreat. The Retreat brought together members of industry and members of the State and Federal Enforcement teams to share ideas. The Retreat was held in North Charleston July 13-15. I was asked to present a motorcoach

industry update. I am looking forward to this opportunity. The board of directors has continuously involved FMCSA and SC State Transport Police in MCASC events, including the annual meeting, annual coach roadeo, and district meetings. It is important to cultivate a good relationship with FMCSA administrators and enforcement officers. It helps all of us when we understand the responsibility we all have to maintain a safe industry. CSA 2010, the new FMCSA safety

MCASC President Bob Garrett pictured with Cherokee Indian Nation Chief and Ray Robbins, NCMA President.

program, is the “hot topic” in the industry right now. It is scheduled to be “rolled out” November 30. Every operator must know the differences in this program from what we have been accustomed to in saferstat. We had an in-depth presentation on CSA 2010 at the annual coach roadeo in Anderson and we will have another opportunity for operators to learn about the new program at the annual meeting. I attended the North Carolina Motorcoach Association meeting last January in Durham and I will represent MCASC at several state association meetings this summer. I will attend the Georgia Motorcoach Operators Annual Meeting and Market Place in Chattanooga July 25-27 and the joint annual meeting of the Alabama Motorcoach Association and South Central Motorcoach Association in Biloxi August 1-4. I hope you will plan to attend the MCASC annual meeting and market place in Spartanburg August 23-26. Lauren Ponder with the Spartanburg CVB has been working with MCASC staff and planning committee, chaired by Elaine Johnson, to create a worthwhile experience for all members and their guests. Come join me for fun, food, and fellowship for networking, educational opportunities offered as a bonus, and a productive market place. I wish you a prosperous summer and safe travels.

New Members

MCASC Summer 2010 Newsletter2R

ASSOCIATESATTRACTIONSSUNCRUZ AQUASINO Operated by Aquasino Partners of SC 4495 Mineola Avenue Little River, SC 29566 702-306-2643 800-474-DICEFAX 843-273-2218 Email: [email protected] Web: www.suncruzaquasino.com Connie Ross-Karl, Senior Sales Manager

THE FONTANEL MANSION AND FARM4225 Whites Creek Pike Whites Creek, TN 37189 423-653-8889 615-256-5699 OR 877-820-TOUR FAX 423-893-9925 Email: [email protected] Web: www.fontanelmansion.com Bethe C. Pope, National Director of Sales

WONDERWORKS100 Music Road Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 865-868-1800 FAX 865-868-1818 Email: [email protected] FAX www.wonderworkstn.com Tracy Huskey, CTIS, Tour & Travel Sales

HOTELCOUNTRY INN OF LANCASTER 2133 Lincoln Hwy East Lancaster, PA 17602 717-393-3413 877-393-3413 FAX 717-393-2889 Email: [email protected] Web: www.countryinnoflancaster.com Barry H. Kidd, VP Hotels

TOURISM AGENCYTHE COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURg FOUNDATIONP.O. Box 627 Williamsburg, VA 23187 757-565-8387 800-228-8878 FAX 757-220-7708 Email: [email protected] Web: www.history.org/grouptoursAvil Wallace-Greene, Sales Manager

President‘s LetterContinued from Cover

Bob Garrett

OPERATORSCAROLINA TRAVEL & TOURS, LLC 1776 Cedar Swamp Road Kingstree, SC 29556 843-382-9293FAX 843-382-8764Email: [email protected] Web: www.carolinatravel.org Martha D. Scott, President Isaac B. Scott, Safety Manager Code- BCG 4 Coaches Operated

CHAMPION COACH, INC. 145 Ben Hamby Lane Greenville, SC 29615 864-284-9000 OR 800-583-7668 FAX 864-284-9400Email: [email protected] Web: www.championcoach.com Hazel Dance, Vice President Craig Dance, President Kevin Bruce, Safety Manager Michael Dance, Director of Operations Martin Burdette, Maintenance Manager Shane Gamble, Fleet Manager Code- BCEGIJ 27 Coaches Operated

New Members

OPERATORSATCHISON TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, INC. 14 Coaches Operated, 20 Vans, Sedans and Limousines

BROOKS TRANSIT CHARTER SERVICES 3 Coaches Operated

CAPITOL BUS LINES, INC. 10 Coaches Operated

CARDINAL COACH Web: www.cardinalcoachnc.com

CAROLINA ADVENTURES, INC. 2 Coaches Operated 1-47 Passenger and 1-57 Passenger

D & J TOUR SERVICE, LLC Email: [email protected]

JEAN’S BUS SERVICE, INC. Barbara Lynn, Outside Sales Email: [email protected]

MBF TOURS & TRAVEL, LLC Darryel Carr, Additional # 843-241-4637 Sharon Carr, Additional # 843-446-0035

ROBBIE’S CHARTERS 2 Coaches Operated

SWEPT AWAY COACH AND TOURS Thomas Jackson, Shop Foreman

TOUR OPERATORSTAMM TRAVEL Lindsay Whitlock, Travel Consultant

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:ATTRACTIONSNASCAR HALL OF FAME SOUTH CAROLINA AQUARIUMTHE COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURg FOUNDATIONTURNINg STONE RESORT & CASINO

HOTELSFOLLEY BEACH HOLIDAY INN HOLIDAY INN ATLANTA NORTHEASTLAPLAYA RESORT & SUITESOCEANA RESORTSORLANDO FUN SPOT HOTELSPHP HOTELS SMOKY MOUNTAIN RESORT HOSPITALITY gROUP

ChangesSPARTANBURg MARRIOTT AT RENAISSANCE PARK SURFSIDE BEACH RESORTWESTgATE RESORTS ADDITIONAL LISTINg: RIVER TERRACE RESORT & CONVENTION CENTER

RESTAURANTSDANDY RESTAURANT CRUISES JIMMY BUFFETT’S MARgARITAVILLE

SALES, SERVICE & PRODUCTSABC COMPANIESCAIO NORTH AMERICA/ COLONIAL EQUIPMENT COMPANYDAIMLER BUSES NORTH AMERICA ITRANSITMOTOR COACH INDUSTRIES

THEATRESIgHT & SOUND THEATRES

TOURISM AGENCYPHILADELPHIA CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

In Memory of Matthew Harper

(formerly with Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville)

Matthew Kent Harper, 47, passed away Monday, May 03, 2010 at Waccamaw Community Hospital, Murrells Inlet, SC. Matt was born in Cairo, IL on October 8, 1962. Matt started coming to the Myrtle Beach area in 1981, working during the summers at Magic Harbor Theme Park. He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern Indiana in 1986 and then moved to the Myrtle Beach area full time and worked with the Carolina Opry from 1986 until 1991. Matt later worked with the Hard Rock Restaurant Group and was with the Margaritaville Restaurant Group as their Sales Manager at the time of his death. He was very involved with numerous committees with the area Chamber of Commerce and was recently appointed to the Board of Directors for the Myrtle Beach Hospitality Association. Matt was involved with the local area humane societies and a member of Meeting Planners International and he enjoyed spending time at the beach. Funeral services were held Thursday, May 6. The family requested memorials be made to the Horry County Humane Society, PO Box 8483, Myrtle Beach, SC 29578 or the Greenwood Baptist Church, 5560 Pauley Swamp Road, Conway, SC 29527.

�MCASC Summer 2010 Newsletter R

Member in the Spotlight: Harrah’s Cherokee Casino & Hotel

On May 13th, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino & Hotel cut the ribbon to officially open a new Motorcoach Lounge, accommodating greater numbers of group visitors. Presiding over the festivities was Darold Londo, General Manager of Harrah’s Cherokee, who introduced Principal Chief Michell Hicks, Eastern Band of Cherokee Nation; Norma Moss, Chair, Tribal Casino Gaming Enterprise Board of Advisors; and Ray Robbins, president of the North Carolina Motorcoach Association. The four joined hands to cut the ceremonial ribbon. Invited guests included the presidents of regional motorcoach associations and owners/operators of motorcoach companies. The nearly 100-seat Motorcoach Lounge affords a comfortable waiting area for motorcoach guests, state-of-the-art digital arrival and departure screens and a large, well-appointed Driver’s Lounge with seating, TV monitors, a desk for computers and vending machines close by. The new Motorcoach Lounge, which also includes a new, dedicated Total Rewards Center, connects to the first floor of the casino’s new eight-level parking garage containing five motorcoach bays for pick-up and drop-off of customers. When completed later this month, the new, eight-level parking garage will also have spaces for 2,311 automobiles. An additional, new Total Rewards Center and a small chocolate shop will be located on the second level. “With the opening of this new facility, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino & Hotel can now welcome scores of additional visitors who arrive by motorcoach, and provide a comfortable setting for drivers and passengers alike,” commented Darold Londo, General Manager. “The new multi-level parking garage will allow our customers who arrive by car to pull right into the property with immediate access to the casino and hotel.” The new Motorcoach Lounge is a key element in the Earth/Water-themed “zone” of the casino. The bi-level structure features 460 new electronic games and a 15-seat, full-service bar with seven bar-top games. Over 100 games are designated as non-smoking. To reduce the effects of smoke throughout the casino, a new HVAC system that continuously pumps 100% fresh outside air into the atmosphere has already been installed. Opening late in 2011, a 150-seat Food Court with a variety of casual dining options will be located on Level

One, and a new Buffet with seating for 600 will be the focal point of Level Two. From Level Two, guests will enjoy a panoramic view of the themed gaming “zones” and the hotel’s dramatic Rotunda. The Motorcoach Lounge, new parking garages, casino expansion and renovation, and the 21-story Creek Tower of guest rooms and suites that was topped out on April 9, 2010, are all part of the casino’s $633 million expansion and diversification effort that will position Harrah’s Cherokee Casino & Hotel as the premier gaming destination in the Southeast and a world-class entertainment and tourism destination. Scheduled for completion in 2012, the expansion is the most significant hospitality development currently underway in the Southeast and one of the largest in

the U.S. The 56-acre property’s “Master Plan” for its hotel and casino will enable Harrah’s Cherokee to provide the greatest number of accommodations in North and South Carolina. In addition to a new 3,000 Events Center opening Labor Day Weekend 2010 with performances by Hank Williams Jr. on Friday, September 3, and Lady Antebellum on Saturday, September 4, the completed resort will have entertainment and VIP lounges, an 18,000-square-foot spa, an all new state-of-the-art

digital poker room, Asian gaming room and a variety of new restaurant and retail outlets. Paula Deen’s Kitchen, a 404-seat, full-service restaurant by the noted Food Channel celebrity chef will open at the end of 2010; Ruth’s Chris Steak House will open in the fall of 2011; and BRIO Tuscan Grille is scheduled to open in early-2012. Opened in 2009 as a guest amenity is nearby Sequoyah

National Golf Club, an 18-hole, par 72 championship course designed by golf architect Robert Trent Jones II and Native American golf pro Notah Begay III. Owned by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indian Nation and managed by Troon Golf, prominent developer, marketer and manager of upscale golf properties,

the course is available to guests at Harrah’s Cherokee who have privileged access through Harrah’s Cherokee Service Connection Center and Casino Host Teams. In June 2009, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Nation, owners of Harrah’s Cherokee Casino & Hotel, approved a referendum which now permits wine, beer and spirits to be served on the casino floor and in the property’s restaurants, cafes, VIP lounge, and guest accommodations via room service. Harrah’s Cherokee Casino & Hotel is an enterprise of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Nation, located 50 miles west of Asheville at the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Harrah’s Cherokee Casino is open 24 hours a day to guests 21 years of age or older. For more information about Harrah’s Cherokee, please call (828) 497-7777 or visit our website at www.harrahscherokee.com.

Shirley and Ray Robbins, NCMA President pictured with Shirley and Bob Garrett, MCASC President.

MCASC Summer 2010 Newsletter�R


The gang has arrived in town. Dressed to the nines in black and white tuxedos, the 18 new residents of 88 River Road arrived in darkness on a chilly night in early April. Fast Eddie was first out of the van, followed by Little Joe, Fearless Frank and then Stormin’ Norman. One by one they were shown to their new digs – the new Penguin Playhouse at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. The disgruntled group had just made a 10 hour road trip from New Orleans and they were hungry and tired – and ready for a good swim.

Once in their new home, most took immediately to the water. They dove in, speedily darting back and forth as they played in the waves while becoming familiar with their new surroundings. It didn’t take long for their quirky and whimsical personalities to show through. The playful colony of Blackfooted Penguins is now totally acclimated to their home in the new $5 million, state-of-the-art indoor/outdoor habitat - ready to meet their public. The unique, naturalistic exhibit is the largest and costliest expansion ever at the aquarium, now celebrating its 10th year in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. More than 12 million have visited the aquarium since its opening in December 2000.

First Penguins to Call Gatlinburg Home, Now Living the Good Life

at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies New $5 Million Penguin Exhibit, The Penguin Playhouse

Aquarium guests are able to view the penguins from both above and below water level and unique to this exhibit, visitors can crawl through clear underwater acrylic tunnels and pop up on the penguin’s private beach to view the birds nose to beak. “Our penguin habitat is a wonderful family experience that showcases these beautiful birds and adds a new dimension and added value to our guest’s aquarium visit,” said Ryan DeSear, General Manager of Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. “Each penguin has its own little personality and charisma. The habitat is an entertaining and playful environment for both the humans and the penguins. I’m not sure which species is having more fun.” The penguins who are now calling Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies home are all captive bred and are part of the Species Survival Plan of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. When they reach breeding age, they too will contribute to the survival of this species in the wild. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies (www.ripleysaquariumofthesmokies.com), the second most attended attraction in Tennessee, was Voted The Number One Aquarium in America by TripAdvisor.com and Forbes Traveler has named it one of America’s best aquariums. More than 100,000 exotic sea creatures live in its 1.4 million gallons of water. The aquarium is known for its shark exhibit that features 11-foot sharks and one of the longest underwater tunnels in the world. For more information contact Phyllis Emery the Group & Area Sales Representative at 865-430-8808 x2156 OR 888-240-1358 or by FAX 865-430-8818. You can also email Phyllis at [email protected]. Ripley’s Aquarium Of The Smokies, 88 River Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738.

ADA Compliance Forms are available for

download at the following link:

http://www.scmotorcoach.org/

ADA_FORMS_2008.pdf

Information about ADA Compliance can be

found on the FMCSA website at:

http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-

regulations/bus/company/ada-

guidelines.htm

MCASC Summer 2010 Newsletter�R

The most successful live variety show in the South, The Carolina Opry, reached an unprecedented milestone when it began its 25th season on May 2, 2010 in Myrtle Beach, SC. Twenty-four years ago Calvin Gilmore burst onto the scene with The Carolina Opry and forever changed the entertainment and tourism landscape of the Myrtle Beach area. Today, The Carolina Opry boasts over 6,700 performances and has been running longer than any show in Broadway history. Gilmore is pulling out all the stops for this historic Silver Anniversary with all new shows featuring fresh music, comedy, dance, costuming and special effects. The show will commemorate this milestone throughout the 2010 and 2011 season with special events and commemorative tee shirts, hats, Christmas ornaments and other souvenirs. The Carolina Opry has blossomed into an institution on the Grand Strand. It has garnered coverage from NBC Nightly News, USA Today, CNN, Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, The New York Times, Detroit Free Press, and a host of others. Through a national television series and accolades like these, Gilmore was able to put a national spotlight on Myrtle Beach as a whole. The Carolina Opry has successfully maintained its place at the top of the polls and remains a standard in entertainment in the South. The Carolina Opry is the only show to be named Most Outstanding Attraction by the Governor of South Carolina, the only show to win the Governor’s Cup, the only show to be voted Best of the Beach year after year and the only show to receive countless accolades from national media. You can see Gilmore’s shows live nightly at 8:00pm in the Gilmore Theater, with The Carolina Opry show on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays and the Good Vibrations show on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Call 913-4000 for more information or to book your seats now for this historic 25th Silver Anniversary season. Tickets can also be booked online at www.TheCarolinaOpry.com.

The Carolina Opry Reaches an Unprecedented Milestone

Beginning its 25th Season

Did you know?If you have a coach going to

Canada, you better have a first aid

kit on board. An operator reported

recently that her coach was placed

out of service because she did

not have a first aid kit on board.

Luckily, the authorities allowed her

to purchase one and let the coach

continue on the trip. This happened

about 7:00 a.m. with a full load of

passengers.

Don’t let it happen to you!

Tanger Outlets Appoints Kathleen Hackshaw

General Manager Mebane Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc. (NYSE:SKT) is pleased to announce that Kathleen( “Kathy”) Hackshaw has been named general manager of the company’s soon to be opened outlet center in the Mebane, NC market. A graduate of Greensboro Page High School, we are pleased that Ms. Hackshaw is returning home as the general manger of the new Tanger Outlet Center in Mebane. Ms. Hackshaw brings over 12 years experience in U.S. shopping center management to the company, including the opening of North Georgia Premium Outlets and Orlando Premium Outlets where she won national marketing and customer service awards. She is quite familiar with the major metropolitan markets of Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill and Greensboro/High Point/Winston-Salem, having been a Regional Shopping Center Director based in Cary, NC. Most recently she was the Corporate Asset Manager for JTS Management Company in Baton Rouge, LA. Ms. Hackshaw holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC. She is a former board member of IFMA (International Facility Management Association) and a former board member of the Orlando/Orange County (FL) Visitors Bureau. She was a member of the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce (GA), and she served on the New Mexico Governor’s Committee for Women in Business.


Reprinted from United Motorcoach Association Press release.

UMA Successful In Effort To Overturn Charter Rule Exemption

In King County, WASubmitted by Linda Morris

Tom and I started in April trying to find some time to get away for a short, mini-vacation to rest and relax with some friends who have traveled with us many times. We just needed a break. I needed one from the office and Tom needed one from farm work. Our friends, Bill and Carolyn, were “ready to get out of Dodge.” Finally in early June we found a mutually convenient date and I worked a few extra hours so my desk would not be totally covered when I returned. Well, really, we left on Thursday afternoon and returned on Sunday evening. How much can my workload suffer in that short time? Well, that’s another story for another time. Let’s continue the trip. Bill saw an article in a Virginia magazine featuring Burke’s Garden, which is located in Tazewell County. Carolyn and I said that might take five minutes to run through Burke’s Garden and get on with more exciting stops! Surprise, surprise! Of course, we never heard the end of that! Burke’s Garden is a wonderful find in western Virginia. I wish I could say it is motorcoach friendly as operators would love to take tourists there; however, we climbed the mountain on hairpin turns and narrow roads. Burke’s Garden sits atop a mountain and has been called, “God’s thumbprint.” It is the highest valley in Virginia and is a community of lush farms. We stopped at the General Store, the only store, in Burke’s Garden and purchased a tour guide for $5. If you follow the guide, which we did, you wind through farms for about two hours, much more time than Carolyn and I allotted for the visit! Burke’s Garden has a post office, a school, a fire department, and the general store. In its heyday, Burke’s Garden reached a population of 1500 people, farmers and their families engaged in producing export cattle. It was said that Burke’s Garden beef was a featured item on the menus of London’s finer restaurants. Since that time, the population remains about 250 to 300. There are many stories told in the tour guide about some of the farms and many of the homes date back to pre-Civil War. We were riding along and suddenly our mouths gaped open! Yes, we really did see a camel farm! Being the nosy tourists that we are, we just drove down the winding driveway of the Lost World Ranch to see camels grazing the lush green fields. We really enjoyed our visit to Burke’s Garden and consider it one of those proverbial “best kept secrets” which we were fortunate enough to discover. As we headed back toward Wytheville, we stopped at West Wind Farm Vineyard & Winery, a fourth generation farm in the Blue Ridge Mountains of southwest Virginia, located in Max Meadows. It is truly a lovely winery. As we entered the building housing the wine tasting area and gift

A Mini-vacation to Western Virginia

Continued on Page 8

Happy Summer!

The United Motorcoach Association (UMA) is pleased to announce that it has won its case against the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to have the Murray Amendment ruled unconstitutional. The amendment placed by Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) in last year’s Department of Transportation appropriations bill prohibits the FTA from enforcing the Charter Bus Rule against King County Metro Transit. Under the charter rule, public transit agencies are not allowed to use federally funded buses to operate charters if a private carrier is available and capable of performing the work. UMA strongly believed the senator’s amendment to be harmful public policy and joined forces with the American Bus Association (ABA) to have the amendment overturned. UMA notes that prior to filing the lawsuit, it first took a number of steps to dissuade the Senator from continuing her course of action. “This is truly exciting news,” states Victor Parra, UMA President & CEO. “While we only turn to a lawsuit as a last recourse, in this case, we felt compelled to pull out all stops to protect the interests of our members. This is a huge victory for the industry.” In the ruling, the judge upheld UMA’s contentions that the senator’s amendment violated their member, Starline Luxury Coaches’, First and Fifth Amendment rights and specifically noted UMA’s recent request for a cease-and-desist order against King County Metro Transit. “Having the judge uniquely cite that UMA has spent the past several years participating firsthand in the Charter Rule enforcement process on behalf of Starline is very satisfying,” added Ken Presley, UMA Vice President of Industry Relations. “In particular, we are pleased that the judge ordered the FTA to enforce the Charter Bus Rule.”


News From:

ABA Partnership with InterCall Will Save Members MoneyReprinted from ABA Insider, Issue 70, April 26, 2010.

. ABA’s newest money-saving member-benefit Premium Partnership is The Member Conferencing Program from Intercall®. As the world’s largest conferencing services provider, Intercall offers time- and money-saving solutions ranging from simple audio-conferencing to innovative Web-conferencing platforms such as WebEx® and Microsoft Live Meeting®. ABA members who use the program will receive exclusive member pricing on both audio and web conferencing with rates as low as $.05 per minute on toll free audio-conferencing. There are no contracts to sign or minimum spending requirements. For more information, call the Member Conferencing center at 800-514-2818 from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. EST or go online to enroll.

ABA CEO Pantuso Chosen For FMCSA Safety Advisory group

Reprinted from ABA Press Release.

American Bus Association (ABA) President & CEO Peter J. Pantuso has been selected as one of eight new members of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Motor Carrier Safety Advisory Committee (MCSAC), FMCSA Administrator Anne S. Ferro announced this week. “I am honored to have the opportunity to represent the motorcoach industry and its safety-minded community of operators as a member of this governmental advisory committee,” Pantuso said. “Motorcoaches are the safest form of surface transportation, but our industry is committed to making the safest even safer. I hope to serve the public on this panel by advocating for sound, science-based regulations and stiffer law enforcement to keep illegal operators off of the roads.” Established by Congress in 2006, the MCSAC is charged with providing information, advice and recommendations to FMCSA on motor carrier safety programs and regulations.

ABA Partnership With HP To Save Members MoneyReprinted from ABA press release on April 28, 2010.

The American Bus Association announced a new money-saving member benefit through a Premium Partnership with HP to offer all ABA members special pricing and significant discounts on a wide range of HP business products they use every day, including printers, notebooks, PCs, domestic shipping services, internet servers and more. “HP’s computer recycling program shows they’re a great green business partner,” Pantuso added. “And when you can save green and go green, everyone wins.” For more information, call ABA Director of Membership & New Business Development Roderick Lewis at 800-283-2877 or email [email protected].

shop, I heard, “Is that the Morris’?” I turned around to find David Manley, North Carolina Motorcoach Association’s 2010 Rookie of the Year! His family owns West Wind. We tasted some delicious wine, bought some delicious wine, chose some nice gifts, and then we took a glass of wine to the patio overlooking some of the most beautiful scenery you could want to see as you relax and enjoy the fruit of the vine! It was hard to leave but we had a few more stops to make in our western Virginia journey. But, operators, you need to know that this is a great stop on a winery tour or if you are in the area for other attractions (which I’ll get to in a moment). West Wind holds concerts on the lawn during late spring, summer, and fall. Again, it is a perfect stop for those who enjoy winery tours, or just like wine. Sometimes we and our friends take “pot luck” on our short excursions, but I did have the foresight to call Shane Terry at Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theatre to inquire about the current performance. Shane was gracious and generous allowing the four of us to have dinner and the performance of Grease complimentary. I was delighted to learn that Shane played a part. He was Sonny LaTierri. You might rent the movie to refresh your memory unless you are a Grease fan. Sonny was a spunky character. Shane played it well and exhibited his talent in song and dance. Shane was one of the three top talents in NCMA’s talent show this year. It was a delightful evening and the food at Wohlfahrt Haus was delicious. There were several motorcoach groups there and again, I’m glad I talked with Shane before we left as I think he had a full house. I thank Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theatre for their hospitality. Our destination was Burke’s Garden and we found many treasures in our journey. Our trip was memorable. Carolyn and I will have more faith in the choices of our husbands in the future. Who am I kidding?

Linda Morris

Mini VacationContinued from Page 7

MembersPlease place a link to the MCASC

web site on your web site and the

MCASC logo to proudly show

your status as a current member.

Email your logo request to

[email protected].


groupConnect Launches Laptop IncentiveReprinted from ABA Insider, Issue 72, May 24, 2010.

GroupConnect, a membership benefit to all tour and motorcoach operator members of ABA and OMCA, has announced its new Winner’s Circle Club for ABA & OMCA tour operators. The first 20 tour operators planning 20 tours, now through October 31, will earn a free mini laptop. Laptops will be awarded at ABA Marketplace in Philadelphia January 8-12, 2011. To participate, go towww.GroupConnect.com, and send out quotes to travel industry suppliers. After you have completed your first 20 tours in GroupConnect, with a minimum of 10 quotes sent per each tour, you will become a member of the GroupConnectWinner’s Circle Club. Starting in 2011, there will be a quarterly incentive for all Winner’s Circle members and an annual incentive trip. For additional information or assistance, go to info.groupconnect.com/Tutorials, or contact [email protected]. Each of the 20 tours will need to have a minimum of 10 quotes sent, or a total of 200 quotes, to qualify to earn your mini laptop.

Virginia Asks Feds to OK Tolls on I-95 at North Carolina Border

Reprinted from ABA Insider, Issue 72, May 24, 2010.

Virginia has submitted an application to the Federal Highway Administration to toll I-95 near the North Carolina border, Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) has announced.Deficient pavement and structures contribute to I-95 having one of the highest accident rates of all Virginia’s major transportation corridors, McDonnell said in a statement. Tolling I-95 could generate between $30 million and $60 million annually if tolls were $1-$2 per axle, the Virginia Department of Transportation estimates. All revenues from tolling would be used exclusively on the I-95 corridor, the statement said. Revenues would first be used to make safety improvements and then to improve pavement and infrastructure. After those improvements were made, Virginia would use toll revenue to add capacity where needed. North Carolina’s DOT is working on a study to evaluate the needs of the 182-mile I-95 corridor from Virginia to South Carolina, with completion set for fall 2011.

Coach Luggage Should Be Unlocked at Border CrossingsReprinted from ABA Insider, Issue 74, June 21, 2010.

Customs & Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Detroit crossing have advised their driver and tour escort that passengers should refrain from locking their suitcases. A CBP spokesperson reiterated that travelers are responsible to present all goods for inspection, and a locked bag can interfere with inspection. Typically, travelers are asked to open any locked items or compartments. In the rare event where an unaccompanied bag is encountered that is locked, CPB has the authority to cut or break the lock to perform inspection as necessary. CPB officers at the land border crossings do not carry keys for the “TSA airport-approved locks” that some

travelers use on their suitcases. Canada’s Border Services Agency said their policy on baggage locks is identical to the U.S. policy. Coach and tour operators should advise passengers in advance of travel that baggage locks are not advisable for the portion of the journey that includes a border crossing.

ABA Meets with Senator’s Staff on Tour Bus, group Travel Issues

Reprinted from ABA Insider, Issue 72, May 24, 2010.

ABA President & CEO Peter Pantuso and SVP for Government Affairs & Policy Clyde Hart met June 18 with the staff of Sen. James Webb (D-VA) following the Senator’s letter to DC Mayor Adrian Fenty and U.S. Park Service Director Jonathan Jarvis blaming the problem of traffic congestion in and around the nation’s capital on tour buses couldn’t be more inconsistent with the fact that motorcoaches are part of the solution to gridlock. “Motorcoaches ease congestion, as each full coach displaces up to 55 single occupant vehicles at a time,” Pantuso said. “During the peak tourist season in DC, as many as 1,000 tour buses per day bring groups of all kinds to the city to see its many attractions and monuments, thereby taking up to 55,000 additional cars off of the congested city streets each of those days.” ABA believes Webb has correctly identified the need for additional tour bus parking, which is long overdue in a city whose many attractions recognize the value bus tours play in their livelihoods and that of the city in general. “The Capital Region’s local economy is highly dependent on tourism dollars spent on hotels, restaurants, admission tickets, retail shopping and more,” he added. “And the economic vitality resulting of those tourism dollars coming into the area creates jobs and increases the tax base,” Hart said. In Webb’s home state of Virginia, where many tour bus groups stay when they visit the Capital Region, the private bus and tour industry generates $795,954,200 in direct economic activity annually; in DC, that figure is $895,622,780 in economic activity; in Maryland, it’s $780,537,600. Combined, bus and group tour activity in the three areas is nearly $2.5 billion annually. More buses are the answer to fighting congestion, because they take cars off the roads by the thousands. The groups they bring also add to the region’s tax base and create jobs, many of which are in Virginia. ABA urges all members to customize ABA’s sample letter to send the message to Sen. Webb that buses are the best way to fight gridlock.

Operators Reminded to File All ADA FormsReprinted from ABA Insider, Issue 72, May 24, 2010.

The U.S. Department of Transportation May 11 assessed a civil penalty against Continental Airlines for filing incomplete reports with the Department tabulating complaints that passengers with disabilities registered with the carrier. Continental was ordered to cease and desist from further violations and assessed a civil penalty of $100,000. Bus operators must file the same paperwork with theDepartment, or face potential fines. Contact Norm Littler at [email protected] for more information. Forms are due by the last Monday in October. They must be submitted annually.


News From:

Major gulf oil spill fails to slow down casino runsExcerpt from Bus and Motorcoach News, issue May 15. Motorcoach operators who make regular runs to beach-front casinos along the Mississippi Gulf Coast are closely monitoring emergency efforts to contain the large oil spill from the out-of-control well off the Louisiana coast. If substantial amounts of oil reach the beaches, it could send their passenger counts and revenues spiraling downward. Three weeks into the disaster, the oil threat has had little impact on the scores of regular line runs and frequent charter trips that dozens of operators make to Biloxi, Miss., and other gambling sites along the coast. Collen Hotard, owner of Hotard Coaches in New Orleans, said casino runs have remained steady during the crisis and he expects the oil threat to have little impact on the business in the short run. However, he cautioned that if the oil slick causes a huge economic disaster up and down the coast, it eventually would be felt by the motorcoach industry. “It would trickle down to us, just like it would everyone else,” he said. Vicki Stevison of Good Times Tours in Pensacola, Fla., said while the oil threat has not affected her casino runs, it did lead to the cancellation of a charter trip to a music festival in New Orleans. She said the news media ran articles about the smell of oil being so strong in New Orleans that it was making people sick, and it caused her charter group to cancel the trip. “And the story wasn’t even true,” she lamented. Mary Cracchiolo, public relations director for Beau Rivage Hotel and Casino in Biloxi, said she has received no cancellations and the regular-run and charter coaches continue to arrive as usual. However, she said the hotel has been getting inquires from tour escorts who want to make sure the casino is operating normally and the beaches are open. Cracchiolo said as a precautionary measure, Beau Rivage has placed a 2,400-foot boom in the water in front of the property’s beach to help protect it from the oil if it were to reach the area. Bob Davidge, public relations director for Hollywood Casino in Bay St. Louis, Miss., said no charter or regular-run motorcoach trips have been canceled at his casino either. “We started tracking any fluctuation in tourism, but we haven’t seen anything yet,” said Davidge, whose casino is a major destination for motorcoaches from New Orleans, Atlanta and other communities. He noted there was some indication that the crisis may have brought more people to the property, including some who traveled by motorcoach. “This may have accelerated some short-term plans for visits because no one knows how long we’re going to have these beautiful beaches,” he said. However, he cautioned that the oil spill could have some long-term negative impact, especially for those who are starting to make summer plans and are concerned about the uncertainty of what the beaches might be like by then. That may already be happening in some areas.

FMCSA boosts UCR fees, rate is doubled from 2009Reprinted from Bus and Motorcoach News, issue May 15. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has made a hefty increase in Unified Carrier Registration fees for 2010, but the new rate is slightly lower than the agency initially proposed last year.Here’s the new fee schedule for 2010:• Up to two vehicles: The fee was raised to $76 from $39, or a 95 percent increase. The FMCSA had initially proposed a new fee of $87, meaning it set the final fee at roughly 10-12 percent below what it originally proposed.• Three to five vehicles: New fee $227, up from $116 ($256 was originally proposed)• Six to 20 vehicles: $452, up from $231 ($514 was initially proposed)• 21 to 100 vehicles: $1,576, up from $806 ($1,793 was initially proposed)• 101 to 1,000 vehicles: $7,511, up from $3,840 ($8,541 was initially proposed)• 1,001 to 200,000 vehicles: $73,346, up from $37,500 ($83,412 was initially proposed) Private and for-hire bus and truck companies, as well as brokers and leasing companies, must pay the fees. Brokers and leasing companies pay the smallest fee in the schedule. The federal agency said that under the law it was obliged to set the fees at a level that will provide sufficient revenue to the states that participate in the system that pays for commercial motor vehicle safety programs. The convoluted process of setting the UCR fee schedule begins with a recommendation from a 15-member board, which primarily includes representatives from state agencies and industry. For this year, the board wasn’t able to achieve unanimity on how best to levy the fees. So, the FMCSA did its own analysis and settled on a fee schedule that presumes a significant improvement in compliance, which critics contend is wishful thinking. The agency contends that stepped-up enforcement efforts are starting to pay off. The fees established when the program was set up three years ago have not produced enough total revenue to pay for the state enforcement programs. While some states collected what they required, taken as a whole the plan has been between $27 million and $31 million short each year since it began in 2007. The shortfall has been primarily blamed on inadequate enforcement and miscounting when carriers report how many vehicles they have. The FMCSA said that while “a compliance rate of 100 percent is not feasible,” it based the new fees assuming a compliance rate of 86.42 percent, which would be a marked improvement over states’ past performance in registering carriers. Payment of the fees is supposed to be enforced at roadside and destination inspections through an online search of state data. The FMCSA said that states have been getting better at this, although the enforcement effort is not the same in each state. The new fees have been put into effect at many states and operators should be seeing notices soon, or may have received them already. The complete rule setting the fees can be viewed at www.gpoaccess.gov. This increase is not expected to be the last. Officials familiar with the program say the fees soon may need to rise further to satisfy states’ need for revenue.

11MCASC Summer 2010 Newsletter R

MCASC Newsletter Advertising FormPutting 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: Yearly rate (4 issues): Black & White Color Black & White Color1/4 page: $150 $275 1/4 Page: $350 $800 1/2 page: $225 $425 1/2 Page: $550 $1250Full page: $350 $650 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 “hard copy.” The disk will be returned only

at your request. Ads may also be emailed to [email protected], with a hard copy mailed to the MCASC office. Please contact Angie with any questions at the MCASC office at 888.376.1150 or email [email protected].

Space Dimensions1/4 page: 3.5” wide x 4” tall 1/2 page: 7.5” wide x 4” tall Full page: 7.5” wide x 10” tall

Name: _______________________________________________ Signature:____________________________________

Company: _________________________________________________________________________________________

Mailing Address:_____________________________________________________________________________________ City StateZipTelephone:________________________ Fax:________________________ Email:________________________________

Make check payable to the Motorcoach Association of South Carolina and mail with hard copy to: MCASC Office, 106 Main Street, Brookneal, VA 24528

Questions: 888.376.1150 or FAX: 866.376.1156 or Email: [email protected]

It’s warming up, don’t give A/C maintenance short shriftExcerpt from Bus and Motorcoach News, issue June 1. By Dave Millhouser

Here are some things to consider as hot weather approaches. You might want to have a drivers meeting to do some training on how you want the A/C used in your coaches, and how to work the systems -- WITHOUT dropping them on the tarmac. In addition to reviewing idling laws (and the fact that you don’t want drivers napping in an empty bus with the engine running), you may want to discuss how long before a pickup they should start the engine. Different buses may cool down faster. They should understand how the driver A/C and the passenger unit can either supplement or interfere with each other. Opening and closing fresh-air vents can make a difference. Newer A/C’s sometimes display a code when they fail, which a trained driver can read and give you an idea of what’s wrong. Finally, when there is an unexplained failure in a modern system, sometimes turning the electrical system off, then back on, will re-boot it successfully. It’s worth a shot, but don’t go too far. One definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over, expecting different results. In addition to the obvious, like checking refrigerant levels and replacing both Freon and air filters, it’s worth looking at some less obvious items that sometimes behave badly. Somewhere in the back of your bus are some flailing belts. Turn the engine off and check them. Some belts only turn fans but one brute is turning an A/C compressor which requires lots of horsepower. Check, and preferably, replace it, because it has a right to be tired. Take a peek at the

compressor mounts and brackets. While you’re back there look for any signs that the compressor is leaking, or that Freon lines are either chafing or cracking. You may want to make sure that HVAC wires that have been resting all winter have tight, clean connections so that when your driver requests A/C, something cool happens. If your compressor clutch is old, replace it now, before the Bus Fairy gets a chance to mess with it. You’ll want to clean your condenser, and make sure that winter salt hasn’t eaten TOO many of the fins. It doesn’t matter how cold you’re A/C chills the air if it doesn’t make it into the passenger cabin, so periodically it’s a good idea to clean out the ducts. In some coaches they’re part of the sidewall, in others the package rack. In every case, if they are full of candy wrappers and trash, you’re A/C is not going to work. Where applicable, check the return ducts, too Make sure your electrical system is in good shape (I know -- we say this at the beginning of every season). Complying with idling laws means more starts and stops, and your A/C is sucking lots of current for hours on end, so check your alternators and batteries. Alternators grow less efficient when they’re hot, so just when you need them the most, they’re getting tired. Batteries tend to use more water in the heat. Your customers will tolerate all sorts of indignities, but heaven help you if the A/C doesn’t chill them.Dave Millhouser is a bus industry marketing consultant and freelance writer. Contact him at: [email protected].

2010 MCASC Annual Meeting & Market PlaceAugust 23 - 26, 2010

Spartanburg Marriott at Renaissance Park, Spartanburg, SC

2011 ABA MarketplaceJanuary 8 - 12, 2011

Philadelphia, PA

2011 UMA Motorcoach ExpoJanuary 19 - 23, 2011

Tampa, FL

2011 Southeastern Regional Motorcoach Operators MeetingFebruary 1 - 3, 2011

Hilton Wilmington Riverside, Wilmington, NC

PresidentBob garrett

Sunshine Travel & Express803-283-4407 FAX 803-283-4409

[email protected]

Vice PresidentJohn Thomas

Eastside Transportation Service864-609-5466 FAX 864-801-3636

[email protected]

Secretary/TreasurerBuddy Young

Capitol Bus Lines, Inc.803-794-9661 FAX 803-739-1450

[email protected]

Immediate Past PresidentWalter Bryant, Jr.

Bryant Tours843-552-2811 FAX 843-207-0624

[email protected]

Charles ColemanSee & See Friendly Tours, LLC

803-496-9394 FAX [email protected]

Bennie ElliottCarolina Transit of the Low Country843-681-3970 FAX 843-681-3781

[email protected]

Willie HendersonHenderson Charters, Inc.


Elaine JohnsonCross Country Trailways


JoLynn LottJean’s Bus Service, Inc.


Baldwin “Nick” NicholsonLakim Bus Service, Inc.


Sam Pipkin5 Star Transportation


Frankie SistareLancaster Trailways of the Carolinas, Inc.


Pam YorkGray Line of Myrtle Beach


Officers

Directors

Associate RepresentativesCricket Elliott-LeeperAtlanta’s Gwinnett CVB


Claude PayneABC Companies


Lauren PonderSpartanburg CVB


Ken PresleyUnited Motorcoach Association800-424-8262 FAX 703-838-2950

[email protected]

AdministrationLinda Morris

106 Main Street, Brookneal, VA 24528888-376-1150 FAX 866-376-1156

www.scmotorcoach.org [email protected]

Board of Directors

Calendar

bob garrett - sc · palmetto progress motorcoach association of south carolina p.o. box 474,...

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