Large Operator of the year

RESTON Limousine

Reston Limousine is spearheaded by President and CEO Kristina Bouweiri, one of the industry's most recognized female business leaders. The company was founded in 1990 by her husband, William, and is now one of the largest in the Washington, DC metro area, with more than 250 employees and 170 vehicles. With a dynamic management team, the company continues to be the benchmark of customer service excellence. Kristina is also a mentor to like-minded female entrepreneurs across a wide spectrum of industries.

LEADER was founded 12 years ago by CEO Bruce Henrich with the credo, "It's always, always about the people and the relationships." He used The Ritz-Carlton, which was also his former employer, as the model for his service. LEADER's fleet is now 13 with 21 employees, and 2012 was one of its best years on record. With his focus on technology and treating employees like family, LEADER has become one of the market's most recognized and fastest-growing services.

Midsize Operator of the year

LEADER Chauffeur Services Worldwide

Rene York, CEO Bruce Henrich, and Yolanda Moore

Small Operator of the year

ILS Worldwide Chauffeured Services

Owner and President Ali Mohammedi

ILS Worldwide was founded more than 25 years ago in Southern California by Owner and President Ali Mohammedi. With just under a dozen vehicles, ILS has everything from vans to Cadillac and Mercedes-Benz sedans to serve its diverse, high-end clientele. ILS has the distinct honor of being nominated by one of its affiliates and friendly competitors.

ILS's mission is to provide transportation services that define luxury, style, and safety. In fact, safety is the company's number one priority and is staffed with professional drivers with more than 25 years of experience--and a record of having driven more than two million miles without a single accident.

Premier Transportation, in Minneapolis, Minn., was founded by company President Jan Cherrier in 1987 as a side business. Some 25 years later, it is one of the Twin Cities' largest and most respected transportation companies. Today, the company has a 30-vehicle fleet and 50 employees, and is continuing to grow through an increasing affiliate base and a robust social media presence.

The company prides itself on utilizing state-of-the-art technology to service its customer base, including its wide base of Fortune 500 clients. Company vehicles use drive cam technology, which helps prevent accidents, and Omatic's GPS, which allows staff to have 100 percent visibility to track its entire fleet. Premier also uses Odyssey II flight tracking software with real-time updates that allow staff and chauffeurs access to up-to-date flight information using Nextel handheld devices.

Premier was also the winner of Midsize Operator of the Year in 2011.

Image Award

PREMIER Transportation

President Jan Cherrier

Sustainability Award

CROWN CHAUFFEURED Transportation

Owner Mary Harrell-Paul

Mary Harrell-Paul is not only the owner of Crown Chauffeured Transportation, but she also considers herself its sustainability officer. Her company was the first limousine company in Illinois to be certified as green, and her efforts have served as a template for numerous other companies to follow.

In addition to being certified green in areas such as purchasing, water reduction, water conservation, reducing chemical usage, and using green materials in renovations, Crown's fleet includes vehicles that run on bio-diesel fuel and flex fuel, and they added one of the greenest cars to its fleet--a Chevy Volt--the revolutionary electric/gasoline hybrid which can be driven 38 miles on battery power alone, at 98 MPGe, and has a total range of 380 miles.

AllGems Transportation is a full service luxury chauffeured transportation company owned and operated by the husband and wife team of Joe and Michele Rivera. The Riveras make community service a companywide initiative in the central Florida area, from participating in the Dick Batchelor Run for the Children, to helping out the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Florida, and many more. This last year, AllGems supported the Development Center for Infants and Children, which helps children with hearing loss.

In addition, in 2011, Joe and Michele implemented a transportation program for children and families in need of attending therapy sessions after being faced with challenges, such as child abuse and sexual trauma. They are also dedicated to creating awareness in their community on critical issues such as child abuse, autism, health, and education. AllGems also hosted and sponsored its first annual toy drive and Christmas holiday party, benefiting The Howard Phillips Center for Children of Families, part of the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children.

Community Service Award

ALLGEMS Transportation

Association of the year

Greater California Livery Association (GCLA)

Kevin Illingworth and Mark Stewart

The Greater California Livery Association (GCLA) is one of the most legislatively active associations in the country. Whether it's potential threats from new business models, such as mobile apps, state and local municipalities with overreaching laws and ordinances, or airports imposing impossible vehicle restrictions, the GCLA doesn't back down from a challenge.

With the help of a dedicated lobbyist and the support of its membership--over 100 strong--the GLCA works every day to benefit the business of every operator in California.

Further, the GLCA provides statewide and local forums for the exchange of information and views by members of the GCLA, as well as a mechanism for the collection of knowledge to inform members about matters of mutual interest and concern. Finally, the GCLA promotes a level playing field for legal operators, and will assist regulatory authorities in the elimination of illegal limousine operators. By accomplishing this, the general public will know they are in a safe, insured vehicle when using luxury ground transportation in California.

As GCLA president, Mark is involved in every aspect of the association, from meeting with PUC officials to planning and executing its annual trade show and expo. Mark admits that his early morning hours are dedicated to association matters before focusing on his full-time position as vice president of operations at Blue Moon Limousines. Mark's selfless acts and dedication have contributed greatly to the success of the GLCA.

Mark has been on the GCLA Executive Board since 2005, and has presided as president since September 2010. He was re-elected president for 2013.

The Greater California Livery Association represents over 7,000 limousine companies and vendors for the state of California. Visit them at www.gcla.org.

Association Leader of the year

Mark stewart, greater california livery association (GCLA)

Mark Stewart

Employee of the year award

scott mezzetti, ETS International

Scott Mezzetti

Scott Mezzetti is the affiliate manager for ETS International, where he spent the last six years of his 20-year career in the limousine industry. According to ETS President, John Greene, the company's plan to expand its domestic affiliate network--spearheaded by Scott--was a huge success. Scott's efforts increased sales by 32 percent alone this year, and he was responsible for securing two dozen affiliate partners in select markets. Scott also was a finalist for the award in 2011.

In addition, Scott brought on 19 new inbound national/international limousine affiliates, where ETS now provides service for the Boston and Rhode Island region, increasing its market segment by 29 percent.

Carla Boroday, the late president of Associated Limousine Services in Hallandale, Fla., received the second annual Dean Schuler Friend of the Industry Award. The award is named in honor of the late Dean Schuler (owner of new Orleans' Signature Livery), an icon in the industry for his professionalism and attention to detail, and for serving as a mentor and helping others succeed.

Carla was the owner of one of the largest operations in south Florida, which her husband Bob and daughter-in-law Shelly continue to run today.

As the president of the Florida Limousine Association and an NLA board member, Carla embodied professionalism and dedication to the industry. Carla was an inspiration to everyone in the business, selflessly giving of her time and efforts to make the industry better for all.

Dean Schuler friend of the industry Award

carla boroday, associated limousine services

Bob Boroday