A. Approval of Agenda
The agenda was unanimously approved as distributed.

B. Approval of Minutes
The minutes of the previous meeting were not available for approval.

C. Comments from Outgoing President
Dick Zweber, outgoing President of the VLA, opened the meeting by recognizing all attendees, and introducing the new Board Members. Dick also took time to give special recognition to a beloved VLA member that we lost this past year, Jim Tripp. The VLA membership is grateful to Dick and the other outgoing Board Member, Glenn Stafford, for their tireless efforts and many hours of service to the VLA.

D. New Board Members
The following new board members were appointed: President Paul Walsh Superior Executive Transportation 1st Vice-President Dan Frasier Atlantic Limousine 2nd Vice-President Henry Potter Affinity Limousine Secretary Randy Allen James Limousine Treasurer Pam Tripp Tripp's Travel Sargeant-at-Arms James Glover Glover's Limousine

E. Treasurers Report (Given by Randy Throckmorton)
Checking balance is $280.55, with membership checks totaling $1,875 to be deposited.

F. President's Report
The new VLA president, Paul Walsh, covered a number of topics. 1. Meeting dates for the rest of 2008 were proposed and accepted as follows:
February 4th
April 7th
June 2nd
August 4th
October 6th
December 1st

The question was asked if Sundays were a better meeting date, but no consensus was reached.

2. Recommendation was made to appoint a membership committee to solicit new members for 2008. With the meeting held in Fredericksburg, the lack of participation by Northern VA limousine companies was disappointing. Jack Rolfe offered to help with membership drive in NVA. 3. NLA/LCT scholarship program and requirements were presented, members who meet the requirements were encouraged to apply prior to January 25th deadline.

4. Proposal was made to hold VLA meeting at NLA/LCT Las Vegas convention. Atlantic City LimoDigest show was recommended also because more members would be present. Future goal of conducting VLA meetings at both conventions was agreed to.

5. Amendment to by-laws was proposed by Paul Walsh raising dues to $125 per year for all membership types, and changing some of the language of Article 3, Section 4 concerning requirements for membership, renewal requirements, and new calendar dates for membership invoicing and payment deadlines. Due to the amount of changes proposed, it was agreed the changes would be submitted in writing to the membership prior to the next meeting for review, comments, and voting.

6. Web site status was updated by Glenn Stafford. VLA has contracted a professional webmaster (Hank Daley) to maintain and keep current the VLA website. Members were reminded to post links to the VLA site (and NLA site) from their own sites. Meeting minutes will be posted on the Web site.

G. Vendor Presentation – Jack Rolfe, Georgetown Insurance
Jack discussed several issues of importance to all members. Liabilities of drinking alcohol in for hire vehicles, drivecam and GPS tracking, farm out liabilities, child car seats.

H. 2008 Virginia Legislative Session Bills of Interest to Limousine Industry
Glenn Stafford reviewed the highlights of several bills that could impact members. HB#39 (and several others) prohibit the use of wireless communication devices while operating a vehicle. It is important that limousine operators retain an exemption from these types of bans to maintain the level of communication with Chauffeurs required in the operation of our businesses. HB#27 proposes modifications to the open container law. From the lively discussion, it is apparent that current law is not clearly understood by members. A proposal was made to create a summary of all current open container laws, and invite an ABC beverage control board employee to a future meeting to help educate members. James Glover has good contact at ABC board. Similar need exists for member education regarding seat belt laws as it relates to passengers in for hire vehicles. Based on upcoming study by Glenn, a summary of all legislative matters impacting the industry will be posted on the web site soon.

I . Prom Season
The members set a goal of promoting a safe prom season for legal operators. Regional lists of prom dates and locations by high school would benefit members and law enforcement. Methods of pro-actively promoting the Limousine Company Prom Pledge with local high schools were discussed. Distribution through high school administrations, PTA associations, and/or Education Associations were proposed.

J. New Business
One member demonstrated a low cost GPS tracking device (<$250) that can be used effectively for random monitoring of chauffeur driving habits and patterns.

Adjournment:
Meeting was adjourned at 9:15 PM by Paul Walsh. The next general meeting will be on February 4th, 2008, in Richmond.
Minutes submitted by: Randy Allen
Approved by: All Board Members