Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Spring Board of Directors Meeting
Washington, DC May 5-6, 2016
2016 ABA SPRING BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING TABLE OF CONTENTS
1) AGENDA 2016 Spring Board of Directors Meeting Schedule of Events and Agenda 2016 Spring Executive Committee Meeting Agenda ABA Bylaws Anti-Trust Guide Amy Walter Biography and Photo
2) MINUTES
2016 Marketplace Board Meeting Minutes
3) CEO’S GOALS & RESULTS
ABA Organizational Chart President’s 2016 Goals Executive Summaries of ABA Staff Reports
4) FINANCIAL REPORTS
2015 ABA Audited Financial Statements Unaudited March 2016 ABA Financial Statements with Department Expenses ABA Reserve Fund Asset Allocation as of 3/31/16 ABA Investment Overview as of 3/31/16
5) BOARD GOVERNANCE INFORMATION
2017-2019 ABA Board Rotation Schedule 2016 Executive Committee Roster 6) STAFF REPORTS Financial Highlights Report Government Affairs and Policy Report BISC Report Meetings, Education, & Member Services Report Publications Report Women In Buses Report Additional Board reference materials (e.g. committee lists, bylaws, board duties, mission statement, etc.) are located in the online Board Document Library, http://www.buses.org/about/about-aba/governance/board-of-directors/documents
AGENDA
Section Contents: 2016 Spring Board of Directors Meeting Schedule of Events and Agenda 2016 Spring Executive Committee Meeting Agenda ABA Bylaws Anti-Trust Guide Amy Walter Biography and Photo
2016 SPRING MEETING SCHEDULE
WASHINGTON MARRIOTT GEORGETOWN HOTEL
WASHINGTON, DC
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2016
10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Legislative Briefing and Lunch for Fly-in Attendees
Congressional Visitors Center, Room HVC 201 A&B
1 – 4 p.m. Capitol Hill Fly-In Meetings
Capitol Hill Offices
5 – 7 p.m. ABA Reception
ABA Office
THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2016
8 – 9:30 a.m. Breakfast for ABA Board of Directors and Fly-In Attendees
Speaker: Amy Walter
Salon F-G
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Board of Directors Meeting and Lunch
Board Meeting: West End Ballroom D-E
Lunch: Salon F-G
The Marketplace Strategic Planning Committee will hold
a meeting during lunch in Salon H
4 – 6 p.m. ABA Foundation Board of Governors Meeting
Salon H
7 p.m. ABA Board of Directors & ABA Foundation Board of Governors
Evening Event
Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak and Crab House
FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2016
7:30 – 8:30 a.m. ABA Executive Committee &
ABA/ABAF Finance and Budget Committees Meeting/Breakfast
Salon B
7:30 – 8:30 a.m. ABA Board of Directors &
ABA Foundation Board of Governors Breakfast
Salon F-G
8:30 – 11 a.m. ABA Board of Directors Meeting
West End Ballroom D-E
11 a.m. – 1 p.m. ABA Executive Committee Meeting and Lunch
Salon C
2016 SPRING MEETING AGENDA
WASHINGTON MARRIOTT HOTEL
WASHINGTON, DC
THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2016, 10 A.M. – 4 P.M.
Opening Remarks J. Meier
Approval of the Previous Meeting Minutes J. Meier
Counsel’s Report R. Schweitzer
President’s Report P. Pantuso
ABA Operations and Highlights
Hill Recap S. Rohde
Visits
Messages
Government Affairs and Policy Report J. Jalbert, S. Te Beau Rohde
Legislation
Regulation
BISC and BusMARC
Policies
Council Recaps
Fixed Route/Enterprise J. Jalbert
Charter & Tour/Enterprise T. Morgan, C. Lentzsch
Tour & Travel B. Cole
Publications Report D. Pohly
Destinations, Top 100, Motorcoach Marketer, Marketplace Today, Equip
Committee Reports
Audit D. DeVivo
BusPAC P. Picknelly
Ethics B. Young
Environmental T. Morgan
Finance & Budget G. Berardi
Governance T. JeBran
Marketplace Strategic S. Haddad
Membership D. DeVivo
Time-Place F. Henry
Strategic Safety A. Glickman
Women In Buses M. Young
2017 Marketplace Outlook B. Henton
2018 Marketplace Outlook M. Butts
ABA Foundation Report & Foundation Research Initiatives D. Anderson
Fundraising Activities
Research Projects
FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2016, 8:30 A.M. – 11 A.M.
Staff Reports – Board Handouts
All staff reports were provided in advance to all Board members. Feel free to raise any questions you may have
about any of the staff reports during the Board meeting, directly with appropriate staff, or with Peter. Formal
staff presentations will be given during the Board meeting.
Meetings, Education and Membership L. Brewer
Communications P. Pantuso
Radar Issues
Executive Session
Adjourn
ABA Executive Committee Agenda
Friday, May 6, 2016
Washington Marriott Georgetown Hotel
7:30 – 8:30 a.m. Breakfast (Salon B)
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Meeting (Salon C)
Note: The Executive Committee will meet following the regular ABA Board of
Directors meeting on Friday
During all Spring Board meetings, the ABA Finance & Budget Committee, ABA
Foundation Budget Committee, and ABA/ABA Foundation reserve money managers
from TD Bank will meet jointly with the ABA Executive Committee, for one hour. This
will take place during breakfast from 7:30 – 8:30 a.m.
In addition to the items on the Board of Directors agenda that will be reviewed during the
Executive Committee meeting, the following issues will also be considered and discussed
during the Executive Committee meeting.
Other than ABA staff/personnel discussions, all topics typically covered during the ABA
Executive Committee will be discussed during the two days of Board meetings.
Any topics that come up during the Board meetings that need additional clarification or
discussion will be discussed during the Executive Committee and staff will be available
as needed.
1. Review of Personnel
2. New Business
3. Executive Session
4. Adjourn
BY - LAWS OF THE
AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION Amended as of January 9, 2015
ARTICLE I OFFICES
Section 1. The place of business of the Association and the office of its statutory agent shall be the City of Washington, DC. The Association may change the location of its place of business or its statutory agent, or both.
ARTICLE II MISSION, OBJECTS AND PURPOSES
Section 1. The American Bus Association represents the business concerns of both U.S. and Canadian privately owned motorcoach and tour operators. ABA represents the U.S. bus industry in Washington, DC, and supports the government affairs activities of its Canadian members and counterpart associations. ABA facilitates relationships between the North American motorcoach industry and all related segments of the travel and supplier industry. In addition, ABA creates awareness of the motorcoach industry among consumers in North America (USA, Canada and Mexico), and communicates publicly on important issues like motorcoach and highway safety. Section 2. The objects and purposes of the Association are:
a) To promote and develop the services provided by tour-charter bus service, fixed route bus service, and the tour and travel segments of the industry.
b) To advocate the enactment of uniform, just and proper laws and cooperate with public officials in securing the enforcement of all laws, rules and regulations applicable to the bus transportation industry.
c) To promote the highest possible ethical standards by companies engaged in providing bus transportation to the public and by those providing equipment, accommodations and other services to such companies and their passengers by promoting compliance with the American Bus Association's Code of Ethics and other actions.
d) To promote closer relations and cooperation among all Association members and membership segments.
e) To promote friendly relations with, and to secure the cooperation and good will, of the public.
f) To improve the transportation service rendered by its members, including adequate connecting and through services.
g) To promote the construction, maintenance, repair and improvement of all roads used for bus transportation.
h) To promote the construction and maintenance of bus terminals and related facilities. i) To promote the safety, convenience, and betterment of bus operations and serve the
interest and welfare of the members of the American Bus Association and the public at large.
j) To work with government to create a climate for growth of the private sector motor vehicle passenger transportation industry.
1
k) To provide forums where various segments of the tour and travel community can establish relationships and business opportunities.
l) To enable members the opportunity to participate in the privatization of motor vehicle passenger transportation.
m) To provide educational opportunities to all members.
ARTICLE III MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. Membership in the Association shall be divided into six classes:
a) Bus Operators. b) Associations of Bus Operators. c) State, Regional and Provincial Associations. d) Associates. e) Travel Industry. f) Tour Operators.
Section 2. As used in Section 1 of this Article: a) "Bus Operators" include any individual, partnership, company, corporation or group
of such companies engaged in the business of transporting persons for hire in vehicles over the public highways as a common or contract carrier, either directly or as a managing agent except that "Bus Operator" does not include any entity which is owned or operated by a State, municipality, public agency, public corporation, or any local public body or any other entity which is not operated for profit.
b) "Associations of Bus Operators" means any association of motor bus operators, other than a State association, with members whose qualifications for membership are the same as those set forth in paragraph (a) of this section for bus operator members of the Association.
c) "State, Regional and Provincial Association" means any State, Regional or Provincial association of motor vehicle operators in which bus operators are individually eligible for membership.
d) "Associates" means any organization which supplies equipment, material and services to the industry such as buses, engines, tires, accessories, petroleum products, publications, advertising and public relations firms, and the like, any entity which is not eligible for membership as a "Bus Operator" under paragraph (a) of this section because of its public ownership or operation, and other organizations which have business dealings of a general nature with bus operator members but does not include any persons eligible for membership solely as a travel industry member.
e) “Travel Industry" members include hotels, motels, attractions, conventions and visitor bureaus, official State and provincial tourism offices, regional promotion agencies, Federal travel promotion agencies, retail travel agencies, tour brokers, food service organizations, and other firms or suppliers providing travel goods and services to bus operator members but does not include any entity which provides accommodations or goods and which is not operated for profit.
f) "Tour Operators" includes any person or organization, other than a bus operator or an employee or agent of a bus operator, who, for compensation, assists or arranges for the transportation of passengers by bus in sightseeing or pleasure tours or other
2
special operations, who have been in the business of arranging for bus tours for at least two years, and commission agents but does not include any governmental or other entity which is not operated for profit.
Section 3.
a) Any eligible person or organization may become a member by furnishing such information as may be required by the President/CEO demonstrating its willingness and ability to comply with the Association's Code of Ethics, payment of dues, and upon approval by the Board of Directors or by the President/CEO acting on behalf of the Board. In addition, an applicant for membership as a bus operator must demonstrate its compliance with the membership requirements of the Association as set forth in Section 4 of Article III.
b) No tour operator affiliated with a bus operator shall be eligible for membership unless the affiliated carrier is a bus operator member of the Association.
c) A bus operator who owns or controls one or more bus operators or one or more tour operators may file a joint application for membership on behalf of all such operators or each bus operator or tour operator may file a separate application.
d) An association of bus operators may become a member upon approval by the Board of Directors and upon the payment of such dues as may be prescribed by the Board.
e) A bus operator may not hold any other class of membership in the Association unless dues applicable to membership as a bus operator are paid.
Section 4.
a) No person or organization may become or remain a bus operator member -- 1) Unless it is in compliance with the applicable U.S., Canadian, state and/or
provincial laws and regulations respecting the registration and operation of a bus operator business, or in the absence of such a verifiable compliance standard, then the appropriate national/state/provincial requirements for establishing and operating a bus operator business.
b) No person or organization may become or remain a tour operator member --
1) Unless it is in compliance with the applicable U.S., Canadian, state and/or provincial laws and regulations respecting the registration and operation of a tour operator business, or in the absence of such a verifiable compliance standard, then the appropriate national/state/provincial requirements for establishing and operating a tour operator business.
Section 5.
a) All applications for membership as a bus operator or as a tour operator shall be published and members given an opportunity to submit specific comments to the President/CEO respecting the applicant's eligibility for membership, including, in the light of specific evidence, its willingness and ability to comply with the Association's Code of Ethics.
b) 1) The Board, or the President/CEO acting for the Board, shall review all
comments or objections filed pursuant to paragraph (a) respecting an applicant's eligibility for membership in the Association to determine whether
3
such comments or objections are legitimate and substantiated. 2) If the comments or objections filed pursuant to paragraph (a) are found to be
legitimate or to be substantiated, the applicant shall be treated as a probationary member until such time as its eligibility for membership is determined in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (c) of this section.
c) Objections to an application which raise a serious question with respect to an applicant's eligibility for membership or to the probability of its compliance with the Association's Code of Ethics and appeals by members from finding of ineligibility for membership shall be handled as complaints and determined in accordance with the procedure provided in Section 3 of Article XIV of the Bylaws.
ARTICLE IV
MEMBERSHIP DUES
Section l. The annual dues for the various classes of membership in the Association shall be determined by the Board of Directors but the annual dues for any individual operator member shall not exceed $50,000. Section 2. Members, which are under common control or management or are members of an association of bus operators whose membership has been approved by the Board of Directors, may pay their annual dues separately. Section 3. Annual dues for all classes of membership are payable according to a dues schedule, as established by the Board of Directors, each year. When necessary, payment schedules may be discussed with the CEO.
ARTICLE V VOTING RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES
Section 1. Each bus operator member, each association of bus operators, and each tour operator member shall have the right to participate and vote in the election of directors. Section 2. Each bus operator member, association of such members, and each tour operator member shall be entitled to exercise the right of one vote. In addition, bus operator and/or tour operator members that are under common control or management shall be entitled to exercise the right of one vote for the entire group of affiliated entities; for purposes of this section, “common control” means owning or controlling a majority of the voting stock of a member. Section 3. The Board of Directors may restrict participation in Association programs to certain categories of members.
ARTICLE VI
MEETINGS OF MEMBERS OF ASSOCIATION
Section 1. Meetings of the Association shall be held at such time and place as shall be stated in the notice of the meeting or in a duly executed waiver of notice thereof.
4
Section 2. The Board of Directors shall provide for one or more annual meetings of the members of the Association and shall determine the time and place of such meetings. The Board may provide for different annual meetings for different classes of members. Section 3. Special meetings of the Association may be called by the Board of Directors or by the Chair of the Board on such notice as the Board or the Chair deems proper and shall be called upon the request of twenty (20) members of the Association. Notice of any such special meeting shall specify the purpose for which the meeting is called. Section 4. With respect to each annual or special meeting called by the Board of Directors, the Board shall determine the class or classes of members eligible to attend. Written or printed notice of each annual or special meeting of the Association stating the time, place and object thereof, shall be given to each eligible member in good standing as shown by the records of the Secretary of the Association by such methods as allowed by law at least fifteen (15) days before the date on which the meeting is to be held. No publication of any notice of a meeting of the Association shall be required. If any member shall sign a written waiver of notice of any meeting, either before or after the meeting, such waiver shall be deemed equivalent to notice. Section 5. All eligible members in good standing, present at any annual meeting or special meeting, shall be entitled to vote. At all meetings of the Association, the presence of one-tenth of the eligible votes shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. If such quorum shall not be present, the members entitled to vote thereat, represented in person, and shall have power to adjourn the meeting from time to time, without notice other than announcement at the meeting, or until a quorum shall be represented. At such adjourned meetings at which a quorum shall be present or represented, any business may be transacted which might have been transacted at the meeting as originally notified. Section 6. When a quorum is present at any meeting, the majority of votes cast by the members having voting power present in person at the meeting shall decide any question brought before such meeting. Section 7. At every meeting of the Association, the Chair of the Board or, in the absence of the Chair, persons designated by the Chair or, in their absence, a Chair chosen by a majority of the members of the Association present and entitled to vote, shall act as the Chair, whereas the Secretary-Treasurer of the Association shall act as secretary at all meetings of the Association. In the absence of the Secretary-Treasurer from any such meeting, the Chair may appoint a person to act as secretary of the meeting.
ARTICLE VII DIRECTORS
Section 1. The Governance Committee shall present to the annual meeting nominations for the Board of Directors, and shall present to the Board of Directors nominations for members of the Executive Committee. The Governance Committee shall consist of such members as specified in Section 3(a) of Article X. Section 2.
5
a) Persons who desire to be nominated for a seat on the Board of Directors or to renew such term, or who desire to nominate another member for such a seat, shall submit to the Governance Committee in writing, not less than fifteen (15) days after a call for such nominations, a statement of the candidate's qualifications and other pertinent information, including a statement of the candidate's willingness to serve, if nominated.
b) Nominations for Directors from the floor shall not be permitted. c) To be eligible to be elected as a Director, an individual must be a full-time employee,
director or corporate officer of a member of the Association. If a Director is no longer a full-time employee, director or corporate officer of a member, that individual shall resign from the Board of Directors.
d) The number of Directors, which shall constitute the Board, shall not be fewer than thirty-five (35) and shall not exceed fifty (50). The Directors shall be elected by the members and shall hold office until their successors have been elected and qualified or until their prior resignation or removal. Directors, other than the President/CEO, up to six (6) associate members, up to six (6) travel industry members, and up to six (6) tour operator members, shall be bus operator members or members of an association of bus operators. These terms shall be staggered so that approximately one-third of the seats shall expire each year.
e) One permanent seat on the Board shall be reserved for the President/CEO and one seat shall be reserved for the person currently serving as the Chair of the Association’s Marketplace Committee
f) A minimum of six (6) seats on the Board of Directors shall be held by Enterprise members. A minimum of six (6) seats on the Board shall be held by Large Non-Fixed Route Bus Operators. A minimum of six (6) seats on the Board shall be held by Fixed Route Bus Operators. In addition, up to six (6) seats on the Board of Directors shall be filled by Associate members, and up to four (4) of those six (6) seats shall be filled by Associate members engaged in the manufacturing of buses. Also, up to six (6) seats on the Board of Directors shall be filled by members in the Travel Industry and up to six (6) seats on the Board of Directors shall be filled by Tour Operator members. The remaining seats on the Board of Directors may be held by any member who is a bus operator. The Governance Committee shall be directed to make reasonable efforts to meet these target figures for member group representation on the Board.
g) Other than the President/CEO and the Chair of the Marketplace Committee, the term for each of these seats shall be three (3) years, which term may be renewed.
h) By a majority vote, the Board of Directors may appoint one or more non-voting honorary directors.
i) Up to four additional non-voting seats may be filled by members that are part of an entity that commonly controls more than one member; for the purposes of this subsection, “commonly controls” means owning or controlling a majority of the voting stock of a member. These additional seats, along with the President/CEO, the Marketplace Chair and any honorary directors, shall not count against the limit on the number of seats set out in subsection 2(c), above.
Section 3. No member, including members affiliated with or commonly controlled by such members, shall have more than one seat on the Board of Directors, with the following
6
exceptions: a) The seat held by the Chair of the Marketplace Committee; and b) Those members that are part of an entity that commonly controls more than one
member as set out in section 2(g) above, provided that a commonly controlled entity may have members with no more than one (1) voting and two (2) non-voting seats on the Board of Directors.
Section 4. Any vacancy in the offices of the Association may be filled by the Board of Directors at any regular or special meeting of the Board. In the event of a vacancy on the Board of Directors, the Executive Committee may elect a person to fill such vacancy until the next annual meeting. Section 5. The business of the Association shall be managed by its Board of Directors, which may exercise all such powers of the Association and do all such lawful acts and things as are not by statute or by the Articles of Incorporation or by these Bylaws directed or required to be exercised by the members. Section 6.
a) The Board of Directors of the Association may hold meetings, both regular and special, as the Board of Directors from time to time may determine.
b) A meeting of the Board of Directors shall be held during or immediately following the Annual Meeting of the Association for the purpose of electing an Executive Committee and officers of the Association. There shall also be at least one other regular meeting during the year and such other meetings, as the Board deems necessary. Meetings may be called by the Chair of the Board and shall be called by the Secretary-Treasurer upon the written request of six members of the Board of Directors. At least ten (10) days notice of each regular meeting, and five (5) days notice of each special meeting, including the purpose for which it is called, shall be sent to each member of the Board of Directors.
c) The notice shall be sent by United States mail, email or facsimile transmission or otherwise as allowed by law.
d) Notice of any meeting need not be given to any director, however if waived by him in writing. Any meeting of the Board of Directors shall be a legal meeting without any notice thereof having been given if all Directors shall be present there at.
Section 7.
j) At all meetings of the Board of Directors, one third of the Directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business and the act of a majority of the Directors present at any meeting at which there is a quorum shall be the act of the Board of Directors. No proxies will be accepted on behalf of absent members.
k) If a quorum shall not be present there at, the Directors present may adjourn the meeting from time to time, without notice other than announcement at the meeting, until a quorum shall be present.
l) Board members may not appoint substitutes to attend Board meetings in the absence of the Board member.
Section 8. Any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors
7
or of any Committee thereof may be taken by notation or voice vote if, in the opinion of the Chair of the Board, it is not feasible or practicable to convene a special meeting of the Board. Section 9. Any Director may be removed either with or without cause, at any time, by the affirmative vote of a majority of the members of record of the Association entitled to a vote, at a special meeting of the Association called for the purpose; and the vacancy in the Board caused by such removal may be filled by the members at such meeting. Any Director may resign at any time by giving written notice of such resignation to the Chair of the Board, the Secretary-Treasurer, or the President/CEO of the Association and such resignation shall take effect at the time specified in such notice. a) Each seat held by a Director on the ABA Board of Directors is specific to that person as an individual member company representative, but is also governed by their company’s membership status and membership eligibility, and is conditional on the company remaining a member in good standing. Any vacancy as a result of a Director’s removal or resignation will be filled by a vote of the membership through the annual election process; member companies may not substitute Directors at the company’s request. b) Any Director whose company’s membership status changes (e.g. transitioning from a non-fixed route bus operator to a tour operator that operates no vehicles; or transitioning from a tour operator to a travel industry attraction; or if the company is no longer an ABA member) will be asked to resign from the Board. Any Director who does so resign as a result of the company’s membership status change, and whose respective company remains in good standing as an ABA member, may seek election for a new seat on the Board under the appropriate membership category during the following year’s election cycle. Section 10. The Board of Directors, other than the President/CEO, shall serve without salary. Section 11.
a) The Executive Committee shall consist of thirteen (13) Directors: the Chair of the Board, who shall serve as the Chair of the Executive Committee; the Immediate Past Chair of the Board; the Vice Chair of the Board; the Secretary-Treasurer; the President/CEO; and, eight (8) additional members of the Board.
b) The Directors, who hold the positions of Chair of the Board, Vice Chair, Immediate Past Chair, and Secretary-Treasurer, while serving in such positions, shall serve on the Executive Committee as Officers.
c) A series of succession shall be established to ensure the continuity of the leadership of the Executive Committee and the Board of Directors. At the expiration of their term of office, the Chair shall transfer the position of Chair to the then Vice Chair, and shall assume the position of Immediate Past Chair.
d) The Chair, Vice Chair and Immediate Past Chair shall each serve for a term of three (3) years, but shall not be eligible for reelection to the same position at the expiration of their term. If for any reason any such member of the Executive Committee is unable to complete their term, the Board of Directors shall elect a replacement who may complete the unexpired term and then may serve an additional three-year term.
e) The Secretary-Treasurer and the President/CEO shall each serve on the Executive Committee for a term of one (1) year and shall be eligible for reelection.
8
f) Three (3) members of the Executive Committee, other than those identified in paragraph (a) above, shall be bus operator members, shall serve for a term of two (2) years and shall be eligible for reelection for a maximum of three (3) consecutive terms. If for any reason any such member of the Executive Committee is unable to complete their term, the Board of Directors shall elect a replacement whom may complete the unexpired term and then may serve up to three (3) additional terms. At least one (1) of these three (3) Executive Committee members shall be from each of the three (3) bus operator member categories set out in Section 13 of Article VII herein.
g) One (1) seat on the Executive Committee shall be reserved for the Chair of the Association’s Policy Committee or if that person otherwise occupies another designated seat, an active member of the Policy Committee shall serve in their place while the terms overlap. The person serving in the seat reserved for the Chair of the Policy Committee shall serve for a term of two (2) years and may be eligible for reelection without restriction. If for any reason this member of the Executive Committee is unable to complete their term, the Board of Directors shall elect a replacement to complete the unexpired term.
h) Three (3) At-Large seats on the Executive Committee shall be reserved for bus operator members, and one (1) At-Large seat shall be reserved for a Travel Industry member. These At-Large members of the Executive Committee shall serve for a term of two (2) years, and may be eligible for reelection to serve a maximum of three (3) consecutive terms, except that the Travel Industry member shall not be eligible for reelection to consecutive terms. If for any reason any such member of the Executive Committee is unable to complete their term, the Board of Directors shall elect a replacement to complete the unexpired term.
Section 12. The Board of Directors shall establish minimum duties and performance standards for all Directors to meet while they serve on the Board. Failure to meet such duties or standards may subject a director to appropriate discipline by the Board, including dismissal from the Board before the end of the director’s term. Section 13. For purposes of this Article,
a) “Enterprise Member” means: (i) a bus operator that operates fewer than twenty–five (25) buses, including but not limited to charter, tour, fixed route, commuter and special operations service; (ii) a member that provides passenger transportation service primarily using passenger vans; or (iii) a Tour Operator;
b) “Large Non-Fixed Route Operator” means a motorcoach operator that operates twenty–five (25) or more buses and that primarily provides non-fixed route service, including but not limited to charter, tour, commuter and special operations service;
c) “Fixed Route Operator” means a bus operator that operates twenty-five (25) or more buses and that primarily provides intercity bus service over fixed routes on set schedules.
ARTICLE VIII
NOTICES
Section 1. Notices to the Board of Directors and the membership shall be in writing and
9
delivered by such method as allowed by law. Notice by mail shall be deemed to be given at the time when the same shall be mailed. Section 2. Whenever any notice is required to be given by law, by the Articles of Incorporation or by these Bylaws, a waiver thereof in writing, signed by the person or persons entitled to said notice, whether before or after the time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent thereto.
ARTICLE IX OFFICERS
Section 1.
a) The Officers of the Association shall be chosen by the Board of Directors and shall be a Chair of the Board, a Vice Chair of the Board, and a Secretary-Treasurer, all of whom shall be bus operator members of the Board, a President/CEO, and such other officers as the Board of Directors may deem advisable from time to time.
b) The Board of Directors shall choose a Chair for a term not to exceed three (3) years but who shall not be eligible to succeed himself as Chair of the Board. During or immediately following each annual meeting of the Association the Board of Directors shall appoint a slate of other officers for such term as it deems desirable. Each officer so chosen shall hold office until a successor shall have been duly chosen and qualified or until the officer shall resign or shall have been removed from office.
c) The hiring, salary, and salary increases of the employees of the Association shall be subject to the approval of the Chair of the Board.
CHAIR
Section 2.
a) The Chair of the Board of Directors shall preside at all meetings of the members and at all meetings of the Board, and shall have general supervision over the officers of the Association subject, however, to the control of the Board of Directors.
b) The Chair shall direct that all accounts of the Association be audited at least once per year by a certified public accountant and shall transmit such audit report to the Board of Directors.
c) The Chair may delegate to another officer such of their authority, as they deem necessary. In case of the disability of the Chair or a vacancy in the office, the Vice Chair of the Board shall perform the duties of the Chair until the sitting Chair returns to office or until another Chair may be qualified and selected.
VICE CHAIR
Section 3. The Vice Chair shall serve as Chair of the Audit Committee and as a member of the Bylaws Committee, shall chair the meetings of the Board of Directors in the absence of the Chair, and shall perform such other duties as directed by the Chair as necessary or desirable to discharge the functions of the Association.
PRESIDENT/CEO
10
Section 4. a) The President/CEO shall be the chief executive officer of the Association and shall
assist the Chair of the Board in supervising the employees of the Association. b) The President/CEO may sign and execute, in the name of the Association, deeds,
mortgages, bonds, contracts, or other instruments, subject to the provisions of these Bylaws, except in cases where the signing and execution thereof shall be expressly delegated by the Board of Directors or by these Bylaws to some other officer or agent of the Association; and, in general, he shall perform all duties incident to the office, and such other duties as from time to time may be assigned by the Board of Directors.
c) The President/CEO shall see that all notices are given in accordance with the provisions of these Bylaws or as required by law; and shall be the custodian of the records and of the seal of the Association. The President/CEO shall see that the seal is affixed to all documents when use of the seal is required and authorized in accordance with the provisions of these Bylaws.
d) The President/CEO shall have general responsibility for the financial transactions of the Association and shall render a statement of the conditions of the finances of the Association at all regular meetings of the Board of Directors and a full financial report at the annual meeting of the Association, if called upon so to do. The President/CEO shall have access to the books and records of the Association and may order a special audit of the accounts of the Association at any time deemed necessary.
SECRETARY – TREASURER
Section 5. The Secretary-Treasurer shall arrange for minutes of the meetings of the Association and of the Board of Directors to be kept and shall have general oversight over the financial transactions of the Association.
ARTICLE X COMMITTEES
Section 1. The Chair of the Board shall have authority to appoint, with the advice and consent of the Executive Committee, such committees as are deemed necessary for the proper functioning of the Association. The members, including the chair, of each committee shall serve until relieved by order of the Chair of the Board. The Chair of the Board shall be ex-officio a member of each committee and shall be entitled to vote. Section 2. The duties of all committees shall be specified by the Board of Directors or the Chair. In performing their functions, such committees shall be subject to the directions and control of the Chair. Section 3. In addition to the Executive Committee, the Association shall have six (6) standing committees constituted as follows:
a) Governance Committee -- Comprised of the Chair of the Board, the Vice Chair and the Immediate Past Chair of the Board who shall serve as the Chair of the Committee, and at least four (4) members of the Board appointed by the incumbent Board Chair. A majority of the committee members should have experience in the position of ABA Association Chair or Vice Chair;
11
b) Audit Committee -- Comprised of the Vice Chair of the Board, who shall serve as the Chair of the Committee, and at least two (2) members of the Board appointed by the Chair of the Board;
c) Time and Place Committee -- Comprised of the Chair of the Board, and at least two (2) members of the Board appointed by the Chair;
d) Bylaws Committee -- Comprised of the Vice Chair of the Board, at least three (3) members of the Board appointed by the Chair of the Board, and the Association's General Counsel. The Chair of the Board will appoint a member of the Committee as the Committee Chair;
e) Ethics Committee -- Comprised of a member of the Executive Committee who shall serve as Chair of the Committee, at least three (3) members of the Board appointed by the Chair of the Board, and the Association's General Counsel;
f) Finance and Budget Committee – Comprised of a member of the Executive Committee who shall serve as Chair of the Committee, the Association’s Secretary-Treasurer, and at least three (3) members of the Board appointed by the Chair of the Board. The Chair of the Committee shall also serve as a member of the Executive Committee, either as the Association’s Secretary-Treasurer or in another seat.
12
ARTICLE XI CONTRACTS, CHECKS, BANK ACCOUNTS, AND EXPENDITURES
Section 1. The President/CEO and any person designated by the President/CEO may make or authorize to be made capital expenditures, investments or advances, execute contracts or leases, establish or increase salaries, and make or authorize retirements and sales of capital items, write-offs of accounts and settlements of claims in such manner and subject to such limitations as shall be determined from time to time by resolution of the Board of Directors. Section 2. All funds of the Association shall be deposited from time to time to the credit of the Association with such banks, bankers, trust companies, or other depositories as the Board of Directors may select or as may be selected by any officer or officers, agent or agents or the Association to whom such power may be delegated from time to time by the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE XII SEAL
Section 1. The Board of Directors shall provide a corporate seal, which shall be in the form of a circle and shall bear the full name of the Association and the words "District of Columbia" and the year of its incorporation.
ARTICLE XIII FISCAL YEAR
Section 1. The fiscal year of the Association shall end on the 31st day of December of each year.
ARTICLE XIV SANCTIONS FOR VIOLATIONS OF THE
ASSOCIATION'S CODE OF ETHICS AND ASSOCIATION POLICIES
Section 1. Subject to the provisions of Section 3 of this article, any member of the Association may be censured, fined, suspended, or expelled, or any of the privileges of membership may be withdrawn, for the following violations of the Association's Code of Ethics and Association policies:
a) Misappropriation of funds deposited with or entrusted to a member of the Association by another member or by a person having a business relationship with the bus industry;
b) Willful and wrongful refusal to pay for services rendered by another member or by a person having a business relationship with the bus industry, or a willful refusal to make arrangements for payment of such services;
c) Wrongful failure to provide transportation or related services, as promised, and failure to make prompt restitution for any breach of a contractual obligation;
d) Willful violation of Federal or State laws pertaining to the regulation of the intercity bus industry, including rules and regulations promulgated by the U.S. Department of Transportation, or applicable country laws, or;
e) Systematic violation of rules, regulations, and policies of the Association.
13
Section 2. Charges of violation of the Association's Code of Ethics shall be presented to and reviewed by the Ethics Committee. Section 3. The charges shall be referred to the Association's Ethics Committee, and the respondent shall be informed of the nature of the charges. Such notice shall be given by registered mail and shall advise the respondent of their right to appear and to be represented in person or by counsel before the Ethics Committee. The Committee, under procedures prescribed by the Board of Directors, and with opportunity for the respondent to be heard orally and in writing, shall determine the appropriate disciplinary action, if any, to be taken and shall explain its reasons in writing. The action of the Ethics Committee may be appealed within fifteen (15) days to the Board of Directors. Either the Board or the Executive Committee acting in its stead may decide the appeal, and such decision shall be final. The provisions of this section shall also govern the disposition of objections or complaints to applications for membership and complaints alleging that a member is no longer eligible for membership. Section 4. When disputes among members and between members and the general public cannot be resolved by agreement, the President/CEO shall encourage the parties involved to submit the matter to arbitration by the American Arbitration Association.
ARTICLE XV SUSPENSION OR EXPULSION OF MEMBERS
Section 1. The President/CEO shall have authority to suspend or expel any member for non-payment of dues, lack of compliance with the applicable or prescribed national/state/provincial regulations, and enforcement of violations of the code of ethics, these bylaws and association policies.
ARTICLE XVI
AMENDMENTS
Section 1. These Bylaws may be altered, amended or repealed, or new Bylaws may be adopted by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Board of Directors present at any regular or special meeting at which there is a quorum, provided notice of proposed alteration, amendment or repeal of the proposed Bylaw be included in the notice of such meeting.
ARTICLE XVII
SUPREMACY OF LAWS AND ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
Section 1. Nothing in these Bylaws shall be deemed to contravene any applicable provision of law or of the Articles of Incorporation.
14
1. through routes; 2. mileage guides; 3. rules; 4. reclaim formulas and procedures; 5. terminal facility locations and facility accessibility
features; and 6. the procedures for joint consideration, initiation or
establishment of the matters in 1 through 5, above. This limited immunity from the antitrust laws applies only if certain legally required procedures are used for the discussions and process of evaluation at NBTA meetings. Accordingly, NBTA meetings to consider such issues in a collective format may be conducted only in compliance with these procedures. These procedures will be reviewed by NBTA staff and, if necessary, by NBTA counsel prior to each meeting at which these subjects will be reviewed.
D. Pooling Agreements. Individual member companies may also receive immunity from the antitrust laws to discuss and enter into agreements to pool or divide traffic, services, or revenues. These discussions must be intended and designed to lead to an agreement that will be submitted to the Surface Transportation Board of the U.S. Department of Transportation for approval.
E. Vendor-Vendee Discussions. In some circumstances, it
may be acceptable for member carriers to form buying cooperatives to purchase products or services jointly from industry vendors. These collective discussions and agreements are, in general, acceptable under the antitrust laws, although they should be reviewed with counsel as to the structure and method of implementation.
AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION AND NATIONAL BUS TRAFFIC ASSOCIATION
ANTITRUST GUIDELINES It is the policy of the American Bus Association ("ABA") and the National Bus Traffic Association ("NBTA") to conduct their operations in strict compliance with the antitrust laws. No ABA or NBTA activities shall create even the appearance of a violation of the letter or the spirit of the antitrust laws. These antitrust guidelines shall apply to all meetings of the ABA and NBTA, including committee meetings, and in connection with any social and other informal gatherings incidental to ABA or NBTA-sponsored meetings or activities. Members should be especially careful to observe these antitrust guidelines at informal gatherings and in discussions outside of the formal ABA or NBTA meetings. Most often, problems under the antitrust laws arise not in scheduled meetings but in discussions that occur outside the meeting setting. Members should not engage in improper discussions either inside or outside the formal industry meetings. 1. Meetings shall be held only when there are proper items of
substance to be discussed which justify a meeting. Prior to every meeting, a written agenda and notice of the meeting shall be sent to every member of the group scheduled to meet. The agenda shall set out the topics for discussion, and may, if necessary, be reviewed and approved by counsel prior to distribution.
2. Participants at the meeting shall adhere to the topics listed
on the agenda. 3. Minutes shall be kept at every formal meeting, and written
copies of the minutes shall be distributed to each participant at a meeting.
4. An ABA staff member shall attend all meetings. It may also
be appropriate for ABA counsel to attend some ABA committee meetings, including meetings of the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee.
5. A copy of these antitrust guidelines shall be made available to all participants at all ABA and NBTA meetings.
6. If a member raises a subject of doubtful legality for discussion at
a meeting, he or she shall be told immediately that the subject may not be a proper one for discussion, and consideration of that issue shall cease. The particular subject will be referred to counsel, who will advise on the propriety under the antitrust laws of consideration of the subject by ABA.
UNACCEPTABLE TOPICS OF DISCUSSION In general, discussions at any meeting, "rump session" or social gathering that constitute or imply an agreement or understanding concerning the following topics, are strictly prohibited: * prices, discounts, or terms or conditions of sale; * profits, profit margins, or cost data (including wage and
salary rates, equipment prices, or other actual elements of costs);
* market shares, sales territories, or markets;
* allocation of customers or territories; * selection, rejection, or termination of customers or suppliers; * refusal to deal with suppliers, customers, or other
competitors; * restricting the territory in which a company may provide
products or service; * bidding or refraining from bidding to provide products or
service; or
* any matter that is inconsistent with the proposition that each member company of ABA or NBTA must exercise its independent business judgment in pricing its services, dealing with its customers and suppliers, and choosing the markets in which it will compete.
EXCEPTIONS TO THE GENERAL RULES REGARDING UNACCEPTABLE TOPICS OF DISCUSSION There are several exceptions to the prohibition on discussing the above topics: A. ABA Government Affairs Activities. ABA's members
may jointly discuss and implement ABA's government affairs policies. ABA members may be allowed to discuss the above topics in the context of a legitimate effort to affect legislation or regulatory policy of the government, and to work together towards these goals.
B. Industry Data Collection. ABA and NBTA may collect
historical information from members on operations, costs, revenues, use of technology or equipment, and other matters, for preparation of industry studies or the publication of statistics relating to the industry as a whole.
C. NBTA Collective Activities. NBTA may publish and distribute guides outlining certain standardized industry practices, related to the transactions and procedures necessary for the operation of the Interline Revenue Clearinghouse. Those discussions which are intended and designed to facilitate the coordination and operation of interlining passenger service providers may be acceptable on a limited basis, provided that competitive terms are avoided. These acceptable topics include:
AMY WALTER National Editor of the Cook Political Report
Over the past 14 years, Amy Walter has built a reputation as an accurate, objective, and insightful political analyst with unparalleled access to campaign insiders and decision-makers. Known as one of the best political journalists covering Washington, she is the national editor of the Cook Political Report and the former political director of ABC News. From 1997–2007, Walter had previously served as senior editor of the Cook Political Report. She is also an exclusive panelist on NBC’s Meet the Press and a regular panelist on PBS’ Washington Week with Gwen Ifill and Fox News’ Special Report with Bret Baier. She provides political analysis every Monday evening for the PBS NewsHour. In her presentations, Walter speaks with aplomb about the electoral process, congressional culture, and the Washington political scene. Her astuteness, wit, and range of expertise create an engaging, compelling presentation, and her reliable and accurate analysis has earned her numerous accolades. Exclusively represented by Leading Authorities speakers bureau, Amy Walter takes audiences on an insider’s tour of Washington through the eyes of the woman with her finger on the pulse of politics. Political History. While at ABC, Walter oversaw the organization’s political coverage – including the daily political tip sheet The Note, guided the editorial content of all political news, and provided on air analysis. She co-hosted 2012 election night coverage for the Yahoo!-ABC News Network with Good Morning America weekend anchor Dan Harris. She and Harris also anchored the live-streamed coverage for the presidential and vice presidential debates. Before ABC, she was the editor-in-chief of The Hotline, Washington’s premier daily briefing on American politics. There she served as the political publication’s primary voice for three years, and she provided regular analysis of the national political environment in her weekly National Journal column, On the Trail. Walter has provided election night coverage and analysis since 1998 and was a member of CNN’s Emmy-award winning election night team in 2006. She has also been a regular contributor to PBS’ NewsHour with Jim Lehrer and Washington Week with Gwen Ifill. She has provided political analysis on virtually every major political program on television. Accolades and Education. Named one of the “Top 50 Journalists” by Washingtonian magazine, Walter was dubbed one of the most powerful people in politics in George magazine for her insights into the mechanics that make the political machine run. She also won the Washington Post’s Crystal Ball Award for her spot-on election predictions and has been frequently quoted as a congressional election expert in newspapers such as the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, and the New York Times. Charlie Cook, editor and publisher of the Cook Political Report, said, “Today, her work is trusted and respected by Democrats and Republicans alike. She knows how to get beyond bluster and spin to unearth – and explain – what really matters in a political arena. And, she has a proven track record of success, which is essential for those whose jobs depend on accurate political forecasting.” Walter graduated summa cum laude from Colby College and serves as a member of its Board of Trustees. She was also a fellow in the fall of 2013 at the University of Chicago’s institute of politics. Updated WMS 4/15
Leading Authorities, Inc. | 1-800-SPEAKER | www.leadingauthorities.com
MINUTES
Section Contents: 2016 Marketplace Board Meeting Minutes
1
BOARD MINUTES
ABA Marketplace Board Meeting
January 8-9, 2016
Louisville, KY
Members in Attendance
D. Anderson
C. Anzuoni
C. Beckwith
E. Berardi, Jr.
B. Blankenship
G. Bolduc
D. Carmichael
M. Coffman
M. Colborne
B. Cole
D. Cornell
D. DeVivo
D. Eaton
R. Eyre
E. Fickett
T. Fiorini
T. Fischer
A. Glickman
S. Haddad
J. Jalbert
T. JeBran
S. Lee
C. Lentzsch
J. Meier
J. Miller
R. Moore
T.J. Morgan
C. Morris
D. Moser
P. Pantuso
S. Parr-Brooks
J. Percy, Jr.
P. Picknelly
K. Sanders
C. Shepler
A. Spence
L. Spruill
S. Woelfel
C. Young, Jr.
Members Not in Attendance
H. Blunt
R. Heller
F. Henry
G. Mackay
T. Morgan
J. Skarren
Guests & Speakers
J. Baranowski
A. Berardi
L. Burtwistle
J. Busskohl
M. Butts
J. Conatser
R. Cornell
K. DeVivo
W. Dickinson
S. Evans
B. Foley
B. Henton
J. Merritt
P. Raygorodskaya
C. Riddell
R. Russell
P. Scully
P. Soubry
W. Torres
F. Tremblay
K. Williams
I. Yang
M. Young
Staff
E. Braendel
L. Brewer
D. Hoff
M. Manousoff
P. Pantuso
S. Rohde
E. Rogers
D. Ronan
R. Schweitzer
2
Opening Remarks
ABA Chairman John Meier welcomed the board to the Kentucky International Convention
Center in Louisville, KY and recognized a number of guests in attendance.
Mr. Meier gave an overview of the meeting agenda, spoke on accomplishments in 2015, and
outlined priorities for the future.
2015 accomplishments:
Added a new senior staff member in VP of Government Affairs Suzanne TeBeau Rohde
Got transportation reauthorization done
Continued to work hard on the Lease and Interchange rule
Unveiled the new ABA website
Helped over a dozen members in a crisis
Reached an all-time high in BusPAC contributions
Got BusMARC off the ground
Priorities for 2016 include:
Policy
Lease and Interchange Rule
Working on FLSA overtime and tolling issues
Focusing getting new young leaders involved through a new committee on technology
Membership outreach
Strengthening publications content, increasing readership and ROI
Marketplace – focusing on increasing value, ROI, technology, education, and a vision for
the future
John introduced Marketplace Chairman Bryan Cole, who gave a brief overview of the
Marketplace schedule, including evening events and the Marketplace Gives Back charity – the
Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. Bryan introduced Karen Williams,
President & CEO of the Louisville CVB, who welcomed the group to Louisville.
3
ABA General Counsel Rick Schweitzer reminded the attendees that the meeting would be
conducted under the ABA antitrust guidelines and reviewed the prohibited topics therein.
Approval of the Previous Meeting Minutes
A motion was made to approve the minutes from the September 21-22, 2015 ABA Fall Board
Meeting at the Wequassett Resort in Chatham, MA.
The motion was seconded and carried.
Counsel’s Report
ABA General Counsel Rick Schweitzer gave the board an update on the anti-trust investigation
that was brought up at the Fall Board Meeting. ABA was asked to respond to a subpoena from a
grand jury in DC related to sightseeing bus tour markets in New York City. This investigation
has been completed. ABA retained expert anti-trust counsel, produced the requested documents,
and the justice department lawyers informed ABA that they don’t intend to seek any more
documents.
Mr. Schweitzer addressed the Detroit airport access issue that was brought up in the past. There
is a long history of problems with the airport authority in Detroit essentially not wanting bus
service. ABA is in the process of filing a complaint with the FAA on behalf of Michigan Flyer,
and is looking to further address this issue for upcoming FAA reauthorization.
Mr. Schweitzer also discussed charter bus rules. A recent FTA advisory opinion was issued to
Miller Transportation that could undermine the charter rule that ABA had previously worked on.
ABA will reach out to the FTA Chief Counsel’s office in hopes of getting them to withdraw that
opinion.
Mr. Schweitzer agreed to review the board meeting minutes before they are distributed in the
future.
4
President’s Report
ABA President & CEO Peter Pantuso covered on the following subjects during his report:
Overview of the staff changes that were made in 2015
ABA had a great year, particularly with regard to the budget and membership, and is on
track for another good year in 2016 despite extraordinary expenses
Marketplace
o Attendance is around 3,500 in Louisville
o BISC and BusMARC attendance will exceed expectations
o Marketplace will return to Charlotte in 2018, and ABA has changed the bid specs
in order to be viable to cities moving forward. These specs have been sent to
roughly 20 cities that we are looking at in the future
ABA’s 90th birthday is a big milestone. Throughout the year, we will be celebrating at
industry events and demonstrating how ABA has changed the industry over those 90
years. ABA continues to be actively involved in state and association meetings in 2015
Membership has been strong and remains a top priority. Staff has been challenged to add
500 members per year starting in 2016 and beyond.
ABA continues to look at different segments and adapt along with the market to get new
groups to the table.
Overview of transportation reauthorization
o Prohibition on weigh station inspections
o 5311F money continues to be available
o DOT will not do anything with regard to insurance before completing a study
o The transportation bill mandates that travel industry elements be included as
Congress looks at the transportation program going forward
ABA’s government affairs successes throughout the year: ABA got wins with regard to
bus security grants and accelerated depreciation, and commented on a number of
regulations
ABA publications will be evaluated on a continuing basis
5
Overview of ABA’s affiliated organizations and special interest councils: the Florida
Motorcoach Association, Hispanic Motorcoach Council, Entertainer Motorcoach
Council, and Women in Buses
Social media viewership continues to grow
GroupConnect has changed a great deal under the leadership of Ifen Yang
ABA remains engaged on the Motorcoach Marketing Council Board. MMC brought in a
new Executive Director in Chris Riddell, and have put out quality materials lately
Fixed Route Council Meeting Recap
Jim Jalbert gave a recap of the Fixed Route Council Meeting. Topics of discussion included:
Certain aspects of the FAST Act
The industry now has parity with public transit with regard to toll exemptions on roads
that are federally funded. The interpretation can be a bit cloudy, and the board has
instructed ABA staff and counsel to examine further
The Fair Labor Standards Act overtime issue: this would impact our industry in
numerous ways, and we expect to be joined by other groups with similar issues, including
the trucking industry
Lease and Interchange issue: sticking points are signs on buses, contracts, and insurance.
ABA is working with FMCSA on the issue, but we will also look at a legislative solution
The lengthy amount of time that it takes to get a CDL
Charter & Tour Council Meeting Recap
Craig Lentzsch and TJ Morgan gave the Charter & Tour Council Meeting recap. Topics
discussed include:
Bills seeking safety enhancements including additional emergency exits and fire retardant
systems are pending in California
ABA needs to share information regarding electric onboard recorders and the contracting
implications they will have
Driver coercion is an issue that has been raised by FMCSA and a regulation is in place to
address it
6
Parity with transits – ABA will look into finding out what transits are receiving
ABA will check on the amount of time necessary to use security grants, and the process
for filing for a change if circumstances or technology has changed since the grant was
awarded
Government Affairs and Policy Report
ABA Vice President of Government Affairs and Policy Suzanne TeBeau Rohde provided the
GAP report, discussing a multitude of legislative and regulatory issues.
Legislative issues
o Surface transportation reauthorization
Fuel tax issue stayed intact which is what ABA supported
Planning provision should be helpful for the industry in general, but ABA
will have to educate members on its implications
Tolling provision: OTRBs will have parity with transit operators from now
on. Interpretation and implementation may be controversial.
Hours of Service: FMCSA likely will not amend any regulations due to
outstanding issues on the trucking side
5311 Fix: clarification was made in the law for 5311 grants to ensure that
operating and capital costs can be used in putting together funding
matches
En-route inspections at weigh stations: prohibition is written into current
law but has not been implemented everywhere yet
Insurance minimums: DOT will be prohibited from raising insurance
minimums before a study is completed. DOT will compare state and
federal insurance requirements, and see if current requirements meet
current costs
CSA reform: Beyond Compliance is a way to give carriers credit if they
are going above and beyond the requirements and is being pushed by
FMCSA. A listening session will be held on it this week
Rail provisions: Amtrak is required to conduct a review, and part of that is
on how to offer better intermodal connections, including with intercity bus
operations. There is a new grant program that makes intermodal projects
available, including those that incorporate intercity bus facilities.
Axle weight: ABA did not get the changes it desired
Potential new grant opportunity for commercial motor vehicle operators
for training purposes
7
Regulatory reform: major rulemakings will have to be announced in
advance or be done through negotiated rulemaking
Regulatory impact statements will have to be done in a more segmented
way
Establishment of a national advisory committee on tour and travel
infrastructure
Employers can choose the type of drug testing they use (hair, urine)
FMCSA is required to conduct a review of carriers that are deemed high
risk in performance data for four months in a row
Provision for FMCSA to review delays in CDL processing times
Double decker motorcoach safety study will be conducted
GAO review of school bus safety will be conducted
Driver commuting study will be conducted
o Appropriations actions
$3 million in security grant funding is now available
Tax extenders act
Small business expensing was restored to the 2014 level and made
permanent
Bonus depreciation will be in place for five more years and
gradually decreases until it expires in 2020
Transit benefits are now in parity with parking benefits
o Aviation reauthorization
Pushed off to 2016 and will expire in March
Airport access and essential transportation service are key issues for bus
operators
o Lease and Interchange final rule
FMCSA is occupied with other activities at the moment, but has
acknowledged that there are issues with the final rule
ABA will continue to press the agency
o Unified Registration System
Implementation will be in a phased in approach: In 2016 only new carriers
will need to use it but all carriers will be required in the future
o Driver coercion compliance date is the end of January
o Compliance date for electronic logs is December 2017
Other issues ABA is working on:
o ABA is working on the fuel tax refund issue with ABA’s tax counsel. The tax
counsel advised ABA to push members to understand the benefit and take
advantage of it
o FTA charter registration numbers can be improved through an education initiative
8
Speaker: Jennifer Conatser from UPS gave a presentation on driver shortages and UPS’s
hiring practices
BusPAC Committee Report
Peter Picknelly delivered the BusPAC report.
BusPAC had a great year and achieved its lofty goal of raising over $71,000, which was
highest the contribution total to date, and a 20% increase over the previous year
BusPAC spent $52,000 on 28 instrumental members of Congress in 2015. Two specific
ABA fundraising events were held, one for Congressman Shuster and another for
Congressman Graves
37 of 39 eligible ABA Board members contributed to BusPAC, which is the best result
we have had to date
ABA staff contributed over $5,000 in 2015. Without these contributions, the $71,000
goal would not have been met
BusPAC can now accept funds electronically using credit cards, and correspondence was
sent out electronically for the first time
We now have a solicitation schedule for the first time
Hispanic Motorcoach Council Report
Hispanic Motorcoach Council Chairman Bill Torres provided the Hispanic Motorcoach Council
Report. HMC is entering its third year and has been very active. The council holds three
meetings per year including two regional meetings, and each has had an excellent turnout. The
spring 2016 meeting will be held in May in Dallas, and the fall meeting will be held in Tucson in
September or October. Mr. Torres also provided an update on the Laredo, TX border crossing,
which had been problematic. In recent years the border crossing time has decreased dramatically
as a result of ABA and HMC efforts. An adjacent bridge has been opened up for buses during the
morning hours, a new entry point is being created, people are being pre-checked before reaching
the border, and the waiting area now has portable restrooms available. However, there remains
work to be done.
Environmental Committee Report
TJ Morgan provided the Environmental Committee report. The committee met in mid-December
and reviewed the nominations for the Green Spirit Award. Mears took home the prize for the
large operator category, and Adventure Tours won the small operator category prize. A
9
discussion on re-defining the large and small operator criteria for the award was had, and will be
discussed further at the next meeting in August.
Finance and Budget Report
ABA CFO Eric Braendel provided the Finance and Budget report.
ABA has maintained the practice of transferring $100,000 to reserves annually to “repay”
money taken as the down payment on the office space. Reserves are roughly $4 million.
2015 total revenue was $6,322,000, which is $50,000 over the prior year, and slightly
over the 2015 budgeted amount of $6,317,000
o Travel membership was down slightly but all other categories were up, including
publications revenue
ABA is hopeful that the publications advertising revenue will increase
moving forward
2015 total expenses were $5,991,000, which was $73,000 over the prior year, but
$300,000 below what was budgeted due to decreased Marketplace (A/V) and government
affairs (lower than expected legal fees, Clyde leaving sooner than expected) costs
Net income was $330,000 for the year, not including investment income
Office occupancy costs totaled $475,000 for the year and include mortgage payments,
real estate taxes, depreciation, condominium fees, electricity and cleaning costs. Rental
income from the sub-tenant is roughly $100,000.
o The sub-tenant has outgrown the space and will leave by the end of 2016
ABA has been in touch with the real estate broker to begin marketing the
space
Eric also touched on income and expense trends over time
The audit for 2015 financial statements will begin in January
Marketplace Strategic Planning Committee Report
Marketplace Strategic Planning Committee Chairman Steve Haddad provided the board with an
update on the committee’s recent activities. The committee met at the Fall Board Meeting, and
technology remains its main focus. The fall meeting discussion resulted in the new app and WiFi
on the floor again this year.
Motorcoach Marketing Council Report
Executive Director of the Motorcoach Marketing Council Chris Riddell provided the board with
an update on the Motorcoach Marketing Council. The Council is a non-profit company with the
core mission of helping spur industry sales. Free industry resources have been created over the
10
past three years and includes a library of free videos for training salespeople to open new
markets, a social media content library, and a 1-on-1 training product that gives people the
opportunity to work with MMC to train their salespeople on vertical markets.
GroupConnect Report
Group Connect Partner/Owner Ifen Yang provided the group with an update. GroupConnect has
been in business for seven years, but has undergone a lot of changes lately. There have been
many staff changes as well as changes to the product itself. Mr. Yang played a video for the
group that outlined how the product works and how to use the website and portal.
Bus Industry Safety Council Report
Bus Industry Safety Council (BISC) Chairman Stephen Evans delivered the BISC report.
BISC is currently looking for a secretary
Goals are to continue to clarify roles, better serve members, provide better takeaways,
improve membership and attendance, fine tune the focus, and attract more sponsors
After the Paris incident, the security committee put together information along with ABA
to be used by carriers to prevent a similar attack in the US
The theme for the BISC winter meeting is technology and training
The summer meeting had record attendance, and Marketplace registration numbers are
high as well. There will be 21 BISC sessions at Marketplace
Want to make sure drivers know how to manage a breakdown/collision and that
passenger safety videos are played
Moving forward, BISC will spend more time reaching out to state associations
BISC has 8 sponsors compared to 6 last year
The 2nd annual Norm Littler safety award will be given to Wes Barber
Women In Buses Report
Women In Buses Chair Mary Young presented the Women In Buses (WIB) report.
Women In Buses is a group for women in the industry that was started in 2011 and is all
about education, networking, and mentoring for women in the industry
Committees include: Membership, Communications & Marketing, Executive
Management, Operations and Maintenance, and the Tour & Travel and Charter
Committee
Around a dozen conference calls have been held since July, and a meeting will be held at
Marketplace with a focus on branding
11
WIB is now on the ABA website, has its own Facebook page, and recently created lapel
pins
Woman Operator of the Year is Cam Morris
Entertainer Motorcoach Council Report
Entertainer Motorcoach Council (EMC) Chairman Rob Russell provided the EMC report.
Many entertainer coaches had been operating without roof hatches, but operators are now
required to comply with regulations and install them. Most operators are now in
compliance
EMC asked FMCSA for a definition of an entertainer motorcoach, but EMC is not
optimistic that one will be issued
Some operators were discovered to have not had P-endorsements, but now operators are
aware that they are required
EMC is looking at partnership deals and will have a presence at the Billboard Music
Awards in New York
Pending regulations of interest include structural integrity
Most entertainer motorcoach operators had a profitable 2015
Strategic Safety Committee Report
Strategic Safety Committee Chairman Alan Glickman delivered the Strategic Safety Committee
Report. Topics of discussion during the September conference call include:
West coast presence for BISC and the possibility of working alongside the California Bus
Association
Potentially doing the next iteration of the SYTA safety brochure
The idea of addressing bus fires at BISC. This will probably be done once a year with the
help of Bob Crescenzo from Lancer Insurance
Possibility of an online BISC safety store
BISC has a greater presence on the new ABA website
Governance Committee Report
Governance Committee Chairman Tom JeBran gave the Governance Committee report. Tom
went over ABA Board resignations, re-nominations, and new nominations that are subject for
approval at the ABA annual meeting. Tom also went over changes to the Executive Committee
and the ABA Foundation Board of Governors.
12
A motion was made to approve changes to the ABA Board Executive Committee.
The motion was seconded and carried, and would be subject to confirmation at the ABA Annual
Meeting.
A motion was made to approve changes to the ABA Foundation Board of Governors.
The motion was seconded and carried.
Slate of new nominations
Marketplace Chairman, 1-year term
o Brad Henton, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Associate Members, 3-year terms
o Bob Foley, CH Bus Sales
o Polina Raygorodskaya, Wanderu
o Warren Dickinson, Bridgestone
Travel Members
o Mike Butts, Visit Charlotte
ABA Foundation Report
ABA Foundation Chairman Doug Anderson provided the ABA Foundation (ABAF) report.
The Foundation has been involved with consulting firm Cone Communications over the
past year. As a result, the mission statement was revised slightly to improve the message
Mr. Anderson discussed the need to spread the word about ABA Foundation scholarships
$190,000 of goods were available at the 2016 Marketplace auction
Since 1998, ABAF has awarded almost $750,000 in scholarships, and over $60,000
annually. 300+ industry families have been helped through the scholarship program
Between pledged donations and cornerstone commitment renewals, over $500,000 was
collected in 2015
o 97% of cornerstone society members are still committed for their 5-year cycle
o Over $200,000 in new 5-year commitments were made in 2015 alone
Additional Discussion Topics
13
The board discussed the possibility of holding the ABA Fall 2017 Board Meeting in Belgium so
that the board could attend the BusWorld meeting. Board members were in favor of the idea.
Mr. Pantuso discussed the 2016 ABA Spring Board Meeting to be held from May 4-6 in
Washington, DC. The meeting will take place during National Tourism Week, and other partners
that are not on the board will be invited to participate in congressional fly-ins.
There was further discussion on the Motorcoach Marketing Council, including its history and
current direction.
A motion was made to contribute $10,000 to the Motorcoach Marketing Council.
The motion was seconded and carried. This contribution would match UMA’s contribution to
MMC.
The Board went into closed session.
The meeting was adjourned.
CEO’S GOALS & RESULTS
Section Contents: ABA Organizational Chart President’s 2016 Goals Executive Summaries of ABA Staff Reports
American Bus Association Current Organizational SetupNational Bus Traffic Association ABA Foundation
Staffing Support ABA President & CEO Staffing SupportEric Braendel NBTA President Eric Braendel, Matt Manousoff,Brandon Buchanan ABA Foundation President Vicki Osman
Peter J. Pantuso *Fundraising Program*Interline Clearinghouse Services (202) 218-7229 *Scholarship Program*National Intercity Bus Directory *Research*Annual Membership Meeting *Board of Governors Meetings*Board of Directors Meetings & Liasion
Florida Motorcoach AssociationSkal International USA Staffing Support
Staffing Support Eric Braendel, Lynn Brewer, Jana FieldsEric Braendel, Sona Camara, Matt Manousoff Sona Camara, Matt Manousoff
Program Specialist*Association Management Matt Manousoff *Association Management*Fullfillment House (202) 218-7246 *Meetings Management*Web Services *Member Recruitment*Communications Outreach *Communications Outreach
CFO Senior Director Senior Vice President Vice President Senior Director ABA PublicationsNBTA Coordinator Member Services Meetings, Education & Member Services Government Affairs & Policy Marketing, Communications Destinations, Top 100,
Eric Braendel Vicki Osman Lynn Brewer Suzanne TeBeau Rohde & Media Relations Marketplace Today,(202) 218-7226 (202) 218-7230 (202) 218-7251 (202) 218-7224 Motorcoach Marketer
VACANT Equip, InsiderAccountant Director Senior Director Director Regulatory AffairsBaita Coly Membership and Business Development Sponsorships & Meeting Planning Ex. Dir. BISC Legislative and Communications The Pohly Group
(202) 218-7215 Roderick Lewis Jana Fields Brandon Buchanan Coordinator Diana Pohly(202) 218-7216 (202) 218-7213 (202) 218-7227 (617) 816-0707
VACANTMember Services Coordinator Manager, Policy &
Ali Brewer Legislation(202) 218-7234 Andrew Newhart
Meetings Registrar/Database Coordinator Membership CoordinatorBrooke Abner Sona Camara
(202) 218-7244 (202) 218-7209
Finance Dept. Member Services Dept. Meetings, Education, & Member Services Dept. Government Affairs & Policy Dept. Communications Dept. Publishing Dept.Overview of responsibilities Overview of responsibilities Overview of responsibilities Overview of responsibilities Overview of responsibilities Overview of responsibilities* General and administrative * Strategic marketing/branding * Event & logistics planning * Congressional relations * Organizational communications * Print editing, design, layout* Logistics/property/insurance * Membership development * Marketplace * Administration relations * Industry communications * Destinations Magazine* HR/personnel recruitment * Committee meetings * Lobbying * Image enhancement * The Motorcoach Marketer* Finance/bookkeeping/payroll retention * Board meetings * Legislative/issues tracking * Media relations * Top 100* Tax filings * Member benefits/services * BISC meetings * Federal agency relations * Public relations * Marketplace Show Dailies* Audit Committee * Affinity programs/partnerships * BusMARC meetings * Federal grant programs * ABA Website * Advertising sales* Finance & Budget Committee * Supporting state associations * Special Events * Safety/enforcement alliances * ABA Classifieds * Online Advertising
* Continuing education program * MAC Committee * Motorcoach industry research * ABA Webinars * Equip Magazine* CTIS Committee * Supporting state associations * The Insider * The Insider* Women in Buses * BUSPAC Committee * Bus Bulletin
* Entertainer Motorcoach Council * Policy Committee* Hispanic Motorcoach Council * Strategic Safety Committee
* BISC* BusMARC
President’s 2016 Goals
May 2016 Update
Goal(s)
Measure of Success/
Target Performance (entered at start of year)
Performance
1) Government Affairs and Policy - Develop the strategies to ensure that ABA achieves its legislative goals during transportation reauthorization - Work with the ABA Policy Committee to develop appropriate policies - Meet regularly with members of Congress, coalitions, the departments of Transportation, Homeland Security, EPA, OMB, the Administration, and others Regulatory Affairs - Work with the federal agencies responsible for bus safety including FMCSA, NHTSA, and NTSB - Work with other like-minded associations, organizations and coalitions on safety-related matters - Ensure that the GAP staff is fully engaged in the regulatory process and is networking with regulatory agencies.
- Provide appropriate policy development, oversight, and staffing, including outside resources when needed, to achieve success -Advance legislation on sleep apnea, insurance and other related items to slow or enhance pending regulations - Hold regular meetings and calls with the appropriate departments and agencies that impact motorcoach operations and travel - Through BISC and BusMARC, help educate agencies on the operational realities of the motorcoach industry and be proactive regarding safety operations and equipment - Develop and/or work with coalitions - Continually increase participation at BISC and BusMARC - Provide comments to pending regulations and review final and proposed rules to see if ABA comments were adopted - Identify the list of MAP-21 pending and proposed regulations, those that have been adopted, those that moved to proposed regulations, and where ABA’s input was considered Achievements
Working diligently on the lease and interchange regulations, secured a one-year extension of the enforcement provision and attempting to get report language in the transportation appropriations bills
Worked with members and filed comments regarding curbside operators
Met with FHWA and worked with members and counsel on the tolling provisions of the FAST Act-ensuring that OTRBs will be treated like transit buses for tolling purposes on federally funded highways
Working with the Appropriations Committees in both the House and Senate to get an additional $3 million in security grants for the OTRB industry
Met with the Deputy Secretary of Transportation to request a seat on the National Advisory Committee on Travel and Tourism Infrastructure – a provision adopted in the FAST Act.
Worked on provisions of the FAA reauthorization to reaffirm that OTRBs should have access to airports
Prepared comments to and worked with members on the Safety Fitness Determination NPRM and asked members to send their own comments
Held multiple conference calls on proposed regulations and when preparing
5 Outstanding
4 Exceeds
3 Target
2 Mostly Meets
1 Does Not Meet
Weight
35%
comments in response to NPRMs or ANPRMs, preparing draft comments that members can use as well
Held member discussions, prepared and filed comments on the Entry Level Driver Training NPRM
Reviewing the “high risk carrier” definition, getting member input and preparing comments
Worked with counsel on addressing the DNC’s bus hiring practice for the convention in Philadelphia
Hired a new manager with extensive hill and lobbying experience for the government affairs and policy department
Prepared for ABA’s first fly-in
Working on a strategy and plan to increase BUSPAC giving
Goal(s)
Measure of Success/
Target Performance (entered at start of year)
Performance
2) Meetings and Conventions - Make certain that Marketplace continues to be the dominant industry group travel show - Identify the trends and changes to the market that can have an impact on Marketplace net revenue - Create opportunities to enhance the perceived value of Marketplace to attendees - Achieve financial success by increasing attendance and sponsorships, and holding/reducing costs - Continue to look at opportunities to attract additional groups to be a part of the show and look at opportunities to “merge” shows - Secure cities to host Marketplace for 2018 - 2020 Membership - Expand the membership - Look for additional opportunities to get ABA’s message in front of existing members and prospects Communications and Publications - Develop a broad communications vision that supports all aspects of ABA and has a marketing focus - Maintain active relationships with trade and national media and communicate regularly on issues of interest - Continue to provide media support to all members and the motorcoach industry when significant events (accidents) or other crises occur - Complete and launch the ABA website redesign -Oversee all ABA publications, ensuring that content is member-driven and valued, and that advertising for all publications trends upward
- Work with the Strategic Marketplace Committee and staff to continue to grow Marketplace participation and maintain or grow net revenue - Continue to provide a Marketplace that creates perceived value for attendees - Begin to use technology, education, speakers, etc. to create a “must attend” atmosphere for operators and suppliers - Attract more overseas buyers to Marketplace - Attend state and affiliate association meetings, especially where opportunities to present are available - Review the direct and indirect impact on ABA membership of including participation of outside organizations and ABA councils - Make certain that ABA affiliate organizations are part of the membership strategy - Work with database vendors to see what new systems can be put into place and how quickly, and push TEAM to make changes - Regularly reach out to the bus and travel trades and national transportation media and get stories placed - Being available 24/7 and calling companies when we are aware of an accident - Reach out to other associations to look at communications programs that might be a model for ABA - Provide comparisons of web traffic for the old and new ABA websites - Work with publisher to increase net revenue, monitor their success, and make changes if necessary - Continually provide updates on net revenue from publications, less allocated internal costs Achievements
Completed the most financially successful Marketplace to date with approximate net revenue of $1.5 Million
Continued outreach to cities to host future Marketplaces
Worked with members and others to address the NC legislative actions that led to calls for ABA to pull out of Charlotte in 2018
Worked with ABA’s publisher and completed a study to assess all publications and revise or retool those that need improvement
Continued efforts to recognize 2016 as ABA’s 90th birthday as part of our
5 Outstanding
4 Exceeds
3 Target
2 Mostly Meets
1 Does Not Meet
Weight
45%
membership efforts
Better membership targeting of: inbound tour operators, the largest motorcoach operators, receptive operators and a new list of operators from other outside sources
Working with a PBS producer and others on a possible 30 television segment on the history of the bus industry
Engaged ABA’s video producer to prepare a Marketplace video as a marketing piece for future Marketplaces
Completed a study to look at the average per delegate/company sales as a result of attending Marketplace
Participated with US DOT to have a motorcoach at the 2016 Earth Day event at DOT
Began preparations for Marketplace 2017
Goal(s)
Measure of Success/
Target Performance (entered at start of year)
Performance
3) Financial/Oversight - Manage the ABA, ABAF, NBTA and auxiliary budgets under ABA management, ensure timely reporting, and work with investment managers at TD Bank - Work with the ABA and ABAF Treasurers, and with the Finance and Budget, and Investment Committees
- Achieve a net revenue number that matches or exceeds the annual budget - Hold annual meetings or finance-related committee meetings with detailed reports, and hold meetings with TD Bank staff to review investment policies and results - Work with the ABA auditor to ensure a “clean” audit with no management issues or management letter - Provide regular updates on ABA’s financial position to the Treasurer, and Finance and Budget Committee Achievements
Continued working with the ABA/ABAF investment firm, TD Bank on their practices and results
Worked with ABA’s advisor on the ABA pension/401k plan to consider changes that would reduce the employees’ costs while continuing high-quality investment options
Achieved a clean 2015 audit with no management letter
5 Outstanding
4 Exceeds
3 Target
2 Mostly Meets
1 Does Not Meet
Weight
10%
Goal(s)
Measure of Success/
Target Performance (entered at start of year)
Performance
4) Special Programs and Projects - Create meaningful and valuable programs around BISC and BusMARC - Continue to attract new organizations to be a part of ABA (like Skål and FMA) that add revenue and expose companies to ABA - Work with GroupConnect and Info Tree (the contractor/partner with GC) to keep the focus on getting the product user friendly and accepted, and expand the marketing efforts and number of users
- Work with IMG to ensure participation at BISC every other year - Survey BISC and BusMARC participants to determine the perceived value of both programs and provide input to the planning and scheduling - Work to ensure BISC and BusMARC are self-sufficient through registrations, reduced costs and/or sponsorships - Work with other small organizations to incorporate them or provide support, if it fits with ABA’s overall mission - Continue to see that GroupConnect is revenue neutral or positive, and increase the number of active users Achievements
Took on the leadership of the ABA Foundation, cleaned up the auctions from Marketplace, retooled and expanded the scholarship engagement, and worked with a marketing firm on new messages and direction for the foundation
Continued outreach with IMG, TAP and other significant partners to make certain there are opportunities to work together in 2016 and 2017 and beyond
Created a BISC West event that will take place July 19, 2016 in Ontario, CA in partnership with CBA
Continued the success of the first BusMARC in January and included it as part of the meeting schedule in June when BISC meets in the Baltimore area
Finalized the GroupConnect operator site for a launch in June 2016 and worked with partners including Trailways and SYTA for possible participation with the tour operator booking engine
74 percent of BISC attendees rated the program 8, 9 or 10 and 91 percent said they would likely attend BISC in the future
86 percent of BusMARC rated the program an 8, 9 or 10 and 96 percent said they would plan to attend a future BusMARC program
5 Outstanding
4 Exceeds
3 Target
2 Mostly Meets
1 Does Not Meet
Weight
5%
Goal(s)
Measure of Success/
Target Performance (entered at start of year)
Performance
5) Organizational Management/Strategic Planning - Maintain an effective and engaged staff that is responsive to the needs of the association and membership, engaged in all aspects of ABA, and works as a team - Look for additional ways to leverage technology to enhance the member experience and to provide valuable content for members - Work with the ABA leadership to create a strategic planning session over the next 12 months - Look at opportunities to outsource, where those opportunities create efficiencies while maintaining effectiveness
- Match the staff with the needs of ABA, make changes where needed, and ensure stability - Continue the annual process of reviews, looking at staff self-evaluations and department evaluations to understand the level of engagement, strengths and weaknesses of every employee Achievements
Initiated staff changes to improve the overall efficiencies of communications, policy and foundation
Continued improving the ABA database to make it more user friendly and worked with the vendor on significant improvements that will be launched in 2017
Reassigned website management to staff who are integrally involved in all aspects of marketing the association to its members
Engaged an outside PR firm to assist with crisis management, media outreach and certain communications efforts
5 Outstanding
4 Exceeds
3 Target
2 Mostly Meets
1 Does Not Meet
Weight
5%
2016 SPRING BOARD REPORT
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS AND POLICY DEPARTMENT
Submitted by Suzanne TeBeau Rohde
The Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act or FAST Act, enacted last December, contained a
number of ABA-supported policy provisions. Since passage, the Government Affairs and Policy
Division (GAP), along with other transportation related interest, have now turned their attention to
ensuring the law is now properly implemented. As well, GAP has aggressively engaged in the
annual appropriations process to stop the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA)
final rule concerning the lease & interchange of passenger vehicles, and to obtain and increased
funding for the Intercity Bus Security Grant Program. Finally, in terms of legislative activity, GAP
has also pursued ABA initiatives through the process to reauthorize the federal aviation programs.
Aside from advocacy, GAP, working with Van Scoyoc Associates, has managed the organization
and substantive preparation for the ABA Congressional Fly-In scheduled for May 4.
Simultaneously, as this is the final year of a presidential term, GAP has devoted a significant
portion of time and resources to analyzing and responding to regulatory actions by government
agencies. Since January, FMCSA, has published at least 6 regulatory initiatives, seeking comment
from our industry. In response, GAP held several conference calls and prepared extension requests
and/or comments to ensure the motorcoach, tour and travel industry is on record for these
initiatives. Also, on behalf of ABA, GAP is coordinating efforts to challenge a charter exemption
request related to service for the 2016 Democratic National Convention.
The GAP staff have also been actively engaged in organizing the summer 2016 Bus Industry Safety
Council (BISC) and Bus Maintenance and Repair Council meetings, in addition to organizing a
BISC meeting in California this summer. As part of this effort, ABA has pursued reformatting
these meetings, in an effort to provide increased value and offer a more open approach to attendees.
As of April 15, the balance in the BusPAC account stands at $169,532. Since Marketplace, GAP
executed several activities to expand and increase BusPAC participation; however, these efforts
stalled during March due to resource constraints. However, BusPAC activities have fully resumed
and new initiatives are being explored.
Finally, since the last report to the Board, GAP successfully recruited a new Manager of Policy &
Legislation, and is now in the process of recruiting a new Legislation & Communications
Coordinator.
2016 SPRING BOARD REPORT
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY FINANCE DEPARTMENT
Submitted by Eric Braendel
Due to a strong finish in 2015, and a strong 2016 to date, ABA is in a solid financial position at
March 31, 2016. Current assets, consisting of cash, accounts receivable and investments total
$6,110,000. In April 2016, prior to the Spring Board Meeting, ABA transferred $100,000 from its
operating account to the reserve account at BNY Mellon per the decision to build up the investment
reserves. This is the 5th consecutive year ABA has contributed $100,000 to the reserve fund in its
effort to replenish the funds used to purchase its office condominium. ABA currently plans on
contributing an additional $100,000 in April 2017, prior to the 2017 spring meeting.
Revenue, excluding investment income, totaled $4,908,000 through 3 months ending March 31,
2016, up slightly from $4,826,000 through the same period in 2015.
Expenses through the first 3 months of 2016 were $2,159,000 compared to $2,179,000 in 2015. Net
income before investment income, or excess of revenues over expenses, through the first 3 months
of 2016, is approximately $2,749,000, or 4%, higher than the same period in 2015. Currently, ABA
is on target to meet its budget for 2016.
2016 SPRING BOARD REPORT
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY MEETINGS, EDUCATION AND MEMBER SERVICES DEPARTMENT
Submitted by Lynn M. Brewer
2016 AMERICAN BUS MARKETPLACE, JAN. 9 – 12, 2016, LOUISVILLE, KY
Marketplace 2016 Recap
3500 people attended the show
925 motorcoach and tour operators were in attendance
362 Associate service and product suppliers attended
ABA’s Business Floor 310 motorcoach and tour operators took appointments
30 appointments on average were prescheduled for every seller
100,000 appointments were pre-scheduled
ABA’s Networking Floor 14 motorcoaches
124 travel industry exhibitors
46 product and service supplier exhibitors
256 sponsors
MEMBERSHIP DEPARTMENT
2016 Membership Renewal Rates (to date)
Associate 85%
Tour Operator 95%
Bus Operator 95%
Travel Industry 85%
Membership Growth
Motorcoach and Tour Operator Prospect Campaigns:
Inbound Tour Operators:
RTO Summit East:
John Dunham Census List:
Top 50 Motorcoach Fleets in North America
Shows that we are attending in the new few months:
African American Travel Conference: Cleveland, OH
RTO Summit: NY, NY
IPW: New Orleans, LA
SYTA: Orlando, FL
T.E.A.M.S Conference: Atlantic City, NJ
FINANCIAL REPORTS
Section Contents: 2015 ABA Audited Financial Statements Unaudited March 2016 ABA Financial Statements with Department Expenses ABA Reserve Fund Asset Allocation as of 3/31/16 ABA Investment Overview as of 3/31/16
American Bus Association, Inc. and Affiliate Consolidated Financial Report December 31, 2015
Contents Independent Auditor’s Report 1-2 Financial Statements
Consolidated balance sheets 3 Consolidated statements of activities 4 Consolidated statements of cash flows 5 Notes to consolidated financial statements 6-15
Independent Auditor’s Report on the Supplementary Information 16 Supplementary Information
Consolidating balance sheet 17 Consolidating statement of activities 18 Consolidating statement of revenue and expenses – actual to budget 19-20
1
Independent Auditor’s Report To the Board of Directors American Bus Association, Inc. Washington, D.C. Report on the Financial Statements We have audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements of American Bus Association, Inc. and Affiliate (the Association), which comprise the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related consolidated statements of activities and cash flows for the years then ended and the related notes to the consolidated financial statements, (collectively, the financial statements). Management’s Responsibility for the Financial Statements Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America; this includes the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. Auditor’s Responsibility Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free from material misstatement. An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entity’s preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s internal control. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.
2
Opinion In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of American Bus Association, Inc. and Affiliate as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the changes in their net assets and their cash flows for the years then ended in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Washington, D.C. March 31, 2016
3
American Bus Association, Inc. and Affiliate
Consolidated Balance SheetsDecember 31, 2015 and 2014
2015 2014Assets Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents 2,633,423 $ 2,189,078 $ Accounts receivable, net 329,628 451,596 Prepaid expenses 136,242 296,585
Total current assets 3,099,293 2,937,259
Investments 4,101,175 3,916,539 Assets Held Under Deferred Compensation Agreements 405,871 431,143 Property and Equipment, Net 5,023,317 5,187,244 Bond Acquisition Costs, Net 133,701 140,386 Deposits - 34,400
12,763,357 $ 12,646,971 $
Liabilities and Net Assets Current Liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued expenses 171,889 $ 250,668 $ Capital lease obligation 10,499 10,733 Deferred revenue 3,982,609 3,815,909 Bonds payable 121,600 117,688
Total current liabilities 4,286,597 4,194,998
Long-Term LiabilitiesBonds payable 3,376,831 3,496,376 Capital lease obligation - 9,847 Obligation under deferred compensation agreements 405,871 431,143
Total long-term liabilities 3,782,702 3,937,366
8,069,299 8,132,364
Commitments (Note 9)
Net Assets – Unrestricted 4,694,058 4,514,607
12,763,357 $ 12,646,971 $
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
4
American Bus Association, Inc. and Affiliate
Consolidated Statements of ActivitiesYears Ended December 31, 2015 and 2014
2015 2014Revenue
Conferences, seminars and meetings 3,186,589 $ 3,214,738 $ Memberships 1,627,159 1,645,020 Publications 1,125,496 1,091,993 Miscellaneous income 385,447 325,213
Total revenue 6,324,691 6,276,964
ExpensesProgram services:
Conferences, seminars and meetings 1,961,637 2,164,477 Governmental relations 1,486,716 1,376,232 Publications 1,057,792 954,010 Communications 426,907 500,216
4,933,051 4,994,935
Support services:Membership development 633,021 543,833 General and administrative 436,242 379,174
Total expenses 6,002,314 5,917,942
Change in net assets before investment (loss) income, loss ondisposal of equipment, and loss on investment 322,377 359,022
in joint venture
Investment (loss) income (100,387) 158,361 Loss on disposal of equipment (17,539) - Equity in net loss of investee accounted for by the equity method (25,000) (474,000)
Change in net assets 179,451 43,383
Net AssetsBeginning 4,514,607 4,471,224
Ending 4,694,058 $ 4,514,607 $
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
5
American Bus Association, Inc. and Affiliate
Consolidated Statements of Cash FlowsYears Ended December 31, 2015 and 2014
2015 2014Cash Flows From Operating Activities
Change in net assets 179,451 $ 43,383 $ Adjustments to reconcile change in net assets to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 204,307 205,357 Realized and unrealized loss (gain) on investments 147,508 (115,683) Equity in net loss of investee accounted for by the equity method 25,000 474,000 Loss on disposal of equipment 17,539 - Allowance for doubtful accounts (15,000) 15,000 Changes in assets and liabilities:
(Increase) decrease in:Accounts receivable 136,968 43,988 Prepaid expenses 160,343 108,744 Deposits 34,400 (11,875)
Increase (decrease) in:Accounts payable and accrued expenses (78,779) (91,355) Deferred revenue 166,700 23,953
Net cash provided by operating activities 978,437 695,512
Cash Flows From Investing ActivitiesPurchase of property and equipment (51,234) (51,999) Purchase of investments (5,583,805) (1,360,839) Proceeds from sale of investments 5,226,661 1,315,481
Net cash used in investing activities (408,378) (97,357)
Cash Flows From Financing ActivitiesPrincipal payments on capital lease (10,081) (9,678) Principal payments on bonds payable (115,633) (111,534)
Net cash used in financing activities (125,714) (121,212)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 444,345 476,943
Cash and Cash EquivalentsBeginning 2,189,078 1,712,135
Ending 2,633,423 $ 2,189,078 $
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow InformationCash paid for interest 126,490 $ 130,943 $
Cash paid for taxes 40,000 $ -$
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
American Bus Association, Inc. and Affiliate Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
6
Note 1. Nature of Activities and Significant Accounting Policies
Nature of activities: American Bus Association, Inc. and Affiliate (the Association) consists of two entities: American Bus Association, Inc. incorporated in 1931 and Buses, LLC formed in 2007. American Bus Association, Inc. (ABA) is the North American trade association of the intercity bus industry, with approximately 1,000 motor coach owners and tour company members in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Its members operate charter, tour, regular route, airport express, special operations, and contract services (commuter, school, and transit). Another approximately 2,800 members are travel and tourism organizations, and suppliers of bus products and services who work in partnership with the North American motorcoach industry. The mission of the Association is to represent the United States bus industry in Washington, D.C.; to facilitate relationships between the North American motorcoach industry and all related segments of the travel and supplier industry; and to create awareness of the motorcoach industry among consumers in North America. Buses, LLC (the LLC) is a limited liability company created by ABA. The LLC’s primary business purpose is to manage publications of ABA. ABA is the sole member of the LLC. A summary of the Association’s significant accounting policies follows: Basis of accounting: The accompanying financial statements are presented in accordance with the accrual basis of accounting, whereby revenue is recognized when earned and expenses are recognized when incurred. Principles of consolidation: The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of ABA and the LLC. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in the consolidation. Basis of presentation: The financial statement presentation follows the recommendations of the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting (FASB) Standards Codification (the Codification). As required by the Not-for-Profit Entities topic of the Codification, Balance Sheet and Income Statement, the Association is required to report information regarding its financial position and activities according to three classes of net assets: unrestricted net assets, temporarily restricted net assets, and permanently restricted net assets. There were no temporarily or permanently restricted net assets at December 31, 2015 and 2014. Cash and cash equivalents: For purposes of reporting cash flows, the Association considers all cash accounts, which are not subject to withdrawal restrictions or penalties, and all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with a maturity of three months or less, to be cash equivalents. Financial risk: The Association maintains its cash in bank deposit accounts which, at times, may exceed federally insured limits. The Association has not experienced any losses in such accounts. The Association believes it is not exposed to any significant financial risk on cash and cash equivalents. The Association invests in a professionally managed portfolio that contains various securities which are exposed to various risks such as interest, market and credit risk. Due to the level of risk associated with such investments, and the level of uncertainty related to changes in the value of such investments, it is at least reasonably possible that changes in risks in the near term could materially affect investment balances and the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements.
American Bus Association, Inc. and Affiliate Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
7
Note 1. Nature of Activities and Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
Accounts receivable: Accounts receivable are carried at original invoice amount less an estimate made for doubtful receivables based on a review of all outstanding amounts on a monthly basis. Management determines the allowance for doubtful accounts by identifying troubled accounts and by using historical experience applied to an aging of accounts. Accounts receivable are written off when deemed uncollectible. The provision for doubtful accounts, based on management’s evaluation of the collectability of receivables, was $15,000 and $30,000 at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. There was bad debt expense of $8,384 during the year ended December 31, 2015, and $20,562 during the year ended December 31, 2014. Investments: Investments in equity securities with readily determinable fair values and all investments in debt securities are reflected at fair market value. The unrealized gains and losses are reported in the statements of activities as part of the investment (loss) income. The Association has created a joint venture (JV) with another association. This JV is accounted for using the equity method and is included with investments in the balance sheets. No contributions or distributions have occurred in 2015 or 2014. Property and equipment: Property and equipment is stated at cost. Depreciation is computed principally by the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives of 3 to 39 years. Assets acquired under capital leases are amortized on a straight-line basis over the life of the lease or the useful life of the improvement, whichever is shorter. The depreciation expense on assets acquired under capital leases is included with depreciation expense on owned assets. The Association capitalizes all property and equipment with a cost of $1,000 or more. Valuation of long-lived assets: The Association reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of the long-lived asset is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the asset to future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the estimated fair value of the assets. Assets to be disposed of are reportable at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value, less costs to sell. Revenue recognition: Conference, seminar fees, and meeting revenue is recognized at the time of the conference, seminar, or meeting. Amounts received in advance are recorded as deferred revenue. Membership dues are recognized ratably over the applicable dues period. Amounts received for dues which relate to the subsequent year have been reflected as deferred revenue. Publication revenue is recognized upon delivery of material. Rents are recognized as income over the applicable lease term. Use of estimates: The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
American Bus Association, Inc. and Affiliate Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
8
Note 1. Nature of Activities and Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
Income taxes: ABA is generally exempt from federal income taxes under the provisions of Section 501(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code. Income, which is not related to exempt purposes, less applicable deductions, is subject to federal and state corporate income taxes. ABA did not have any net unrelated business income for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014. Buses, LLC has elected to be taxed as a corporation. Deferred taxes are provided on a liability method whereby deferred tax assets are recognized for deductible temporary differences and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards and deferred tax liabilities are recognized for taxable temporary differences. Temporary differences are the differences between the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax bases. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates on the date of enactment. The components of the Buses, LLC income tax expense are all current. There is no deferred tax recognition as there are no material timing differences between book and tax calculations. Federal and state income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 were $40,000 and $0, respectively. Management evaluated the Association’s tax positions and concluded that the Association had taken no uncertain tax positions that require adjustment to the consolidated financial statements. Functional allocation of expenses: The costs of providing certain programs and activities have been summarized on a functional basis in the consolidated statements of activities. Certain operating and overhead costs are allocated in the consolidated statements of activities based on salary expense among the programs and supporting services. For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, general and administrative costs prior to allocation totaled $1,288,184 and $1,174,181, respectively. Of the 2015 amounts, $851,942 was allocated for the year ended December 31, 2015, $123,971 to membership development and $727,971 to program services. Of the 2014 amounts, $795,007 was allocated for the year ended December 31, 2014, $105,186 to membership development and $689,821 to program services. Subsequent events: Subsequent events have been evaluated through March 31, 2016, which is the date the consolidated financial statements were available to be issued.
American Bus Association, Inc. and Affiliate Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
9
Note 2. Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable at December 31, 2015 and 2014, consist of the following:
2015 2014
Motorcoach marketer 176,628 $ 203,417 $ Destinations 129,263 147,576 GroupConnect 2,222 24,368 Marketplace 3,046 6,467 Top 100 events 5,500 2,567 Interest receivable - 5,200 Miscellaneous 27,969 92,001
344,628 481,596 Less allowance for doubtful accounts (15,000) (30,000)
329,628 $ 451,596 $
Note 3. Related Party Transactions
The Association provides administrative support and accounting services to the American Bus Association Foundation, Inc. (ABAF), which is affiliated through common management and common control. The Association provides services at no cost as management has determined that the fair value of these benefits is minimal, and accordingly, no amounts are reflected in these financial statements. The Association provides administrative support and accounting services to the National Bus Traffic Association, Inc. (NBTA), which is affiliated through common management. For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Association recognized management fees of $76,021 and $82,112, respectively. Accounts receivable from NBTA totaled $0 and $7,201 at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
Note 4. Property and Equipment
The cost and accumulated depreciation of property and equipment at December 31, 2015 and 2014, consist of the following:
2015 2014
Office condominium 5,516,743 $ 5,516,743 $ Furniture and equipment 579,671 545,976
6,096,414 6,062,719 Less accumulated depreciation (1,073,097) (875,475)
5,023,317 $ 5,187,244 $
Depreciation and amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, was 204,307 and $205,357, respectively.
American Bus Association, Inc. and Affiliate Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
10
Note 5. Deferred Compensation
The Association has a nonqualified deferred compensation plan through the Principal Financial Group. Select employees may elect to defer salary for retirement. Salary deferrals in pretax contributions are limited to a maximum of $18,000 and $17,500 per participant in 2015 and 2014, respectively. There were no employer contributions to the plan in 2015 or 2014. The investments at December 31, 2015 and 2014, consist of mutual funds that amount to $405,871 and $431,143, respectively.
Note 6. Fair Value Measurements and Investments
The Association follows the Codification topic, Fair Value Measurement. The Codification applies to all assets and liabilities that are being measured and reported on a fair value basis. The Codification establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and expands disclosure about fair value measurements. The Codification enables the reader of the consolidated financial statements to assess the inputs used to develop those measurements by establishing a hierarchy for ranking the quality and reliability of the information used to determine fair values. The Codification requires that assets and liabilities carried at fair value will be classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:
Level 1 Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 Observable market based inputs or unobservable inputs corroborated by market data. Level 3 Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.
In determining the appropriate levels, the Association performs a detailed analysis of the assets and liabilities that are subject to the Codification topic, Fair Value Measurement. At each reporting period, all assets and liabilities for which the fair value measurement is based on significant unobservable inputs are classified as Level 3. There were no Level 3 assets or liabilities at December 31, 2015 and 2014.
American Bus Association, Inc. and Affiliate Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
11
Note 6. Fair Value Measurements and Investments (Continued)
The tables below present the balances of assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis by level within the hierarchy for investments at December 31, 2015 and 2014:
Description Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3Common stocks
Financials 398,892 $ 398,892 $ -$ -$ Technology 336,039 336,039 - - Healthcare 262,761 262,761 - - Industrials 215,045 215,045 - - Consumer discretionary 165,315 165,315 - - Consumer staples 75,763 75,763 - - Utilities 70,568 70,568 - - Energy 58,802 58,802 - - Materials 34,453 34,453 - -
Total common stocks 1,617,638 1,617,638 - -
Mutual fundsShort government fund 572,465 572,465 - - International large blend equity fund 326,552 326,552 - - Short term bond fund 307,523 307,523 - - Corporate bond fund 296,869 296,869 Small equity growth fund 275,544 275,544 Emerging markets fund 52,415 52,415
Total mutual funds 1,831,368 1,831,368 - -
Government bonds 182,967 - 182,967 -
U.S. treasury securities 469,202 - 469,202 - Total investments at fair value 4,101,175 $ 3,449,006 $ 652,169 $ -$
2015
American Bus Association, Inc. and Affiliate Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
12
Note 6. Fair Value Measurements and Investments (Continued)
Description Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3Common stocks Developed international 13,478 $ 13,478 $ -$ -$ U.S. large cap 1,264,029 1,264,029 - -
Total common stocks 1,277,507 1,277,507 - -
Mutual funds Developed international 301,848 301,848 - - Emerging markets 201,074 201,074 - - U.S. large cap 459,507 459,507 - - U.S. mid cap 153,744 153,744 - - U.S. small cap 147,488 147,488 - - U.S. small-mid cap 96,320 96,320 - -
Total mutual funds 1,359,981 1,359,981 - -
Corporate bondsConsumer 151,550 151,550 - - Financial 675,927 675,927 - - Healthcare 59,877 59,877 - - Industrials 51,213 51,213 - - Technology 125,329 125,329 - -
Total corporate bonds 1,063,896 1,063,896 - -
U.S. treasury securities 215,155 - 215,155 - Total investments at fair value 3,916,539 $ 3,701,384 $ 215,155 $ -$
2014
The Association’s common stocks and mutual funds are considered Level 1 instruments as they are actively traded on public exchanges. The Association’s corporate bonds are actively traded for identical assets and are considered Level 1 items. The Association’s government bonds and U.S. Treasury securities are priced based on their stated interest rates and quality ratings. The interest and quality ratings are observable at commonly quoted intervals for the full term of the instruments and are, therefore, considered Level 2 items. Investment (loss) income for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, consists of the following:
2015 2014Interest and dividends (net of investment fees, 2015 – $27,629; 2014 – $23,895) 47,121 $ 42,678 $ Realized and unrealized (loss) gain (147,508) 115,683
(100,387) $ 158,361 $
American Bus Association, Inc. and Affiliate Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
13
Note 6. Fair Value Measurements and Investments (Continued)
The tables below present the balances of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis by level within the hierarchy for the assets held under deferred compensation agreements at December 31, 2015 and 2014:
Description Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3Mutual funds
Large blend 175,150 $ 175,150 $ -$ -$ Large growth equity 103,653 103,653 - - World stock 69,299 69,299 - - Mid cap growth 24,934 24,934 Foreign large growth 12,128 12,128 - - Mid cap value 11,049 11,049 - - Real estate 8,687 8,687 Money market fund 682 682 - - Intermediate-term bond 289 289 - -
405,871 $ 405,871 $ -$ -$
LiabilitiesDeferred compensation 405,871 $ -$ 405,871 $ -$
2015
Description Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3Mutual funds
Multi-strategy 405,649 $ 405,649 $ -$ -$ International 17,248 17,248 - - Real estate 8,246 8,246 - -
431,143 $ 431,143 $ -$ -$
LiabilitiesDeferred compensation 431,143 $ -$ 431,143 $ -$
2014
The Association’s mutual funds are considered Level 1 items as they are actively traded on public exchanges. The fair value of the deferred compensation liability is based on observable market data, as the underlying assets are comprised of Level 1 investments; however, the liability is not actively traded and, as a result, is considered a Level 2 item.
American Bus Association, Inc. and Affiliate Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
14
Note 7. Capital Lease Obligation
The Association leases furniture totaling $48,637 under the provisions of a capital lease, which is included in furniture and equipment in Note 4. The lease expires in December 2016, with annual payments totaling approximately $11,000, including interest of approximately 4%. Accumulated depreciation and depreciation expense totaled $38,910 and $9,727, respectively, at and for the year ended December 31, 2015. Accumulated depreciation and depreciation expense totaled $29,181 and $9,727, respectively, at and for the year ended December 31, 2014. Future minimum rental payments applicable to this lease at December 31, 2015, all to be paid during the year ending December 31, 2016, total $10,732, including $233 of interest.
Note 8. Bonds Payable
The District of Columbia issued Recovery Zone Facility Revenue Bonds, American Bus Association, Incorporated Issue, Series 2010 dated December 1, 2010 (the Bonds), in the amount of $3,995,000. TD Bank, N.A. purchased the Bonds. The Bonds bear interest at a fixed rate of 3.56% with monthly interest payments that began January 1, 2011. Monthly principal payments on the Bonds began on June 1, 2011, after which the total principal and interest payment was $20,348 per month. The Bonds have a final maturity date of December 1, 2035. The Bonds are collateralized by an indenture of trust covering substantially all of the Association’s assets. The Bonds contain various restrictive and financial covenants, all of which were met by the Association at December 31, 2015 and 2014. Interest expense on the Bonds totaled approximately $126,490 and $130,600 for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Aggregate maturities of the Bonds at December 31, 2015, are due in future years as follows:
Year Ending December 31,
2016 121,600 2017 126,347 2018 130,920 2019 135,657 2020 140,270 Thereafter 2,843,637
3,498,431 $
As of result of obtaining the bonds, the Association incurred $167,126 of bond acquisition costs including but not limited to legal, accounting, and underwriting fees, all of which were capitalized as of December 31, 2010. During 2015 and 2014, there was $6,685 of amortization expense related to the acquisition costs for both years and at December 31, 2015 and 2014, the accumulated amortization was $33,425 and $26,740, respectively.
American Bus Association, Inc. and Affiliate Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
15
Note 9. Commitments
Employment contracts: The Association has an employment agreement with its President with an expiration date of January 31, 2017, which renews automatically at the end of each year. In the event of termination, depending on the reason, the Association may be required to pay severance up to 12 months of the employee’s annual salary.
Note 10. Rental Income
The Association has a lease agreement with a tenant for a portion of its office condo, expiring in December 2016. Monthly rental income is approximately $8,200 and $7,600 per month for 2015 and 2014, respectively. The lease is subject to 4% annual escalation. Rental income for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, is $97,812 and $91,810, respectively, and is included in miscellaneous income on the statements of activities. Future minimum payments of $101,724 are to be received for 2016.
Note 11. Retirement Plans
The Association has two retirement plans for the benefit of eligible employees. The two plans are a money purchase pension plan and a tax-deferred savings plan. An employee is eligible for participation in the money purchase pension plan when the employee has completed one year of service and is at least 21 years of age. Association contributions were 10% of total compensation for 2015 and 2014, totaling $146,919 and $172,707 for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. An employee is eligible for participation in the tax-deferred savings plan on the date of employment. The Association contributes a discretionary amount equal to a predetermined percentage of the amount of salary reduction elected by the employee after one year of service. Association contributions to the tax-deferred savings plan for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, were $52,332 and $52,915, respectively.
16
Independent Auditor’s Report on the Supplementary Information
To the Board of Directors American Bus Association, Inc. Washington, D.C. We have audited the consolidated financial statements (collectively, the financial statements) of American Bus Association, Inc. and Affiliate as of and for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, and have issued our report thereon, dated March 31, 2016, which contained an unmodified opinion on those financial statements. Our audits were performed for the purpose of forming an opinion on the financial statements as a whole. The consolidating supplementary information is presented for purposes of additional analysis and is not a required part of the financial statements. Such information is the responsibility of management and was derived from and relates directly to the underlying accounting and other records used to prepare the financial statements. The consolidating supplementary information, except for that portion marked “unaudited,” has been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in the audit of the financial statements and certain additional procedures, including comparing and reconciling such information directly to the underlying accounting and other records used to prepare the financial statements or to the financial statements themselves, and other additional procedures in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. The information marked “unaudited” has not been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in the audit of the financial statements, and accordingly, we do not express an opinion or provide any assurance on it. In our opinion, except for that portion marked “unaudited,” the information is fairly stated in all material respects in relation to the consolidated financial statements as a whole.
Washington, D.C. March 31, 2016
17
American Bus Association, Inc. and Affiliate
Consolidating Balance SheetDecember 31, 2015
ABA, Inc. Buses, LLC Total Eliminations Consolidated
AssetsCurrent Assets
Cash and cash equivalents 1,883,213 $ 750,210 $ 2,633,423 $ -$ 2,633,423 $
Accounts and other receivables, net 989,329 1,288,716 2,278,045 (1,948,417) 329,628
Prepaid expenses 131,695 4,547 136,242 - 136,242
Total current assets 3,004,237 2,043,473 5,047,710 (1,948,417) 3,099,293
Investments 4,101,175 - 4,101,175 - 4,101,175
Assets Under Deferred
Compensation Agreements 405,871 - 405,871 - 405,871
Property and Equipment, Net 5,023,317 - 5,023,317 - 5,023,317
Bond Acquisition Costs, Net 133,701 - 133,701 - 133,701
Deposits - - - - -
12,668,301 $ 2,043,473 $ 14,711,774 $ (1,948,417) $ 12,763,357 $
Liabilities and Net AssetsCurrent Liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued
expenses 1,142,726 $ 977,580 $ 2,120,306 $ (1,948,417) $ 171,889 $
Capital lease obligation 10,499 - 10,499 - 10,499
Deferred revenue 3,982,609 - 3,982,609 - 3,982,609
Bonds payable 121,600 - 121,600 - 121,600
Total current liabilities 5,257,434 977,580 6,235,014 (1,948,417) 4,286,597
Long-Term Liabilities
Bonds payable 3,376,831 - 3,376,831 - 3,376,831
Obligation under deferred
compensation agreements 405,871 - 405,871 - 405,871
9,040,136 977,580 10,017,716 (1,948,417) 8,069,299
Net Assets – Unrestricted 3,628,165 1,065,893 4,694,058 - 4,694,058
12,668,301 $ 2,043,473 $ 14,711,774 $ (1,948,417) $ 12,763,357 $
18
American Bus Association, Inc. and Affiliate
Consolidating Statement of ActivitiesYear Ended December 31, 2015
ABA, Inc. Buses, LLC Total Eliminations Consolidated
Revenue
Conferences, seminars and meetings 3,186,589 $ -$ 3,186,589 $ -$ 3,186,589 $
Membership 1,627,159 - 1,627,159 - 1,627,159
Publications - 1,125,496 1,125,496 - 1,125,496
Miscellaneous income 356,113 29,334 385,447 - 385,447
Total revenue 5,169,861 1,154,830 6,324,691 - 6,324,691
Expenses
Program services:
Conferences, seminars and meetings 1,726,178 - 1,726,178 - 1,726,178
Governmental relations 1,184,233 - 1,184,233 - 1,184,233
Publications - 982,661 982,661 - 982,661
Communications 312,008 - 312,008 - 312,008
3,222,419 982,661 4,205,080 - 4,205,080
Support services:
General and administrative * 1,198,267 89,917 1,288,184 - 1,288,184
Membership development 509,050 - 509,050 - 509,050
Total expenses 4,929,736 1,072,578 6,002,314 - 6,002,314
Change in net assets before investment loss, loss on disposal of 240,125 82,252 322,377 - 322,377
equipment and loss on investment in joint venture
Investment loss (100,387) - (100,387) - (100,387)
Loss on disposal of equipment (17,539) - (17,539) - (17,539)
Equity in net loss of investee accounted for
by the equity method (25,000) - (25,000) - (25,000)
Change in net assets 97,199 82,252 179,451 - 179,451
Net Assets
Beginning 3,530,966 983,641 4,514,607 - 4,514,607
Ending 3,628,165 $ 1,065,893 $ 4,694,058 $ -$ 4,694,058 $
* Reflects balance before overhead allocation
19
American Bus Association, Inc. and Affiliate
Consolidating Statement of Revenue and Expenses – Actual to BudgetYear Ended December 31, 2015
Budget
ABA, Inc. Buses, LLC Consolidated (Unaudited)
Revenue
Conferences, seminars and meetings
Marketplace 3,186,589 $ -$ 3,186,589 $ 3,163,900 $
3,186,589 - 3,186,589 3,163,900
Membership
Travel industry dues 1,118,113 - 1,118,113 1,150,000
Operator dues 361,896 - 361,896 360,000
Tour operator dues 92,565 - 92,565 80,000
Associate dues 54,585 - 54,585 60,000
1,627,159 - 1,627,159 1,650,000
Publications
Destinations - 622,034 622,034 655,000
Motorcoach Marketer - 255,475 255,475 290,000
Marketplace Today - 47,239 47,239 60,000
Other publications - 156,455 156,455 184,000
Top 100 events - 44,293 44,293 45,000
- 1,125,496 1,125,496 1,234,000
Other Income
NBTA service fees 76,021 - 76,021 85,000
CTIS registrations 2,925 - 2,925 5,000
Label sales 3,280 - 3,280 2,000
Rental income 97,812 - 97,812 94,500
Miscellaneous 176,075 29,334 205,409 83,000
356,113 29,334 385,447 269,500
Total revenue 5,169,861 1,154,830 6,324,691 6,317,400
(Continued)
20
American Bus Association, Inc. and Affiliate
Consolidating Statement of Revenue and Expenses – Actual to Budget (Continued)Year Ended December 31, 2015
Budget
ABA, Inc. Buses, LLC Consolidated (Unaudited)
Expenses
Marketplace 1,529,429 $ -$ 1,529,429 $ 1,672,077 $
General and administrative 1,198,267 89,917 1,288,184 1,159,529
Government affairs 1,111,806 - 1,111,806 1,369,705
Destinations - 560,953 560,953 593,806
Membership services 488,751 - 488,751 459,285
Communications and marketing 312,008 - 312,008 338,623
Motorcoach marketer - 171,618 171,618 123,743
Board of Directors 192,372 - 192,372 185,531
Bus Industry Safety Council 72,427 - 72,427 101,400
Top 100 events - 52,994 52,994 54,917
Motorcoach Travel News - 30,976 30,976 38,000
Marketplace Today - 44,373 44,373 37,704
Equip Magazine - 50,418 50,418 59,880
Website 20,299 - 20,299 20,750
CTIS Program 4,377 - 4,377 4,800
ABA Insider - 71,329 71,329 67,168
Total operating expenses 4,929,736 1,072,578 6,002,314 6,286,918
Change in net assets before investment loss, loss on disposal of 240,125 82,252 322,377 30,482
equipment and loss on investment in joint venture
Investment income (loss) (100,387) - (100,387) 200,000
Loss on disposal of equipment (17,539) - (17,539) -
Equity in net loss of investee accounted for
by the equity method (25,000) - (25,000) (25,000)
Change in net assets 97,199 $ 82,252 $ 179,451 $ 205,482 $
AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION
UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE 3 MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2016
2
Contents Page
Financial Statements
Statement of Financial Position 3
Statement of Activities 4 & 5
Statement of Cash Flows 6
Notes to Financial Statements 7-9
Statement of Activities (With quarterly budget comparison) 10 & 11
Departmental Expense Breakdown by CategorySummary of All Departments 12 & 13Government Affairs & Policy 14Bus Industry Safety Council 15Website 16Communications & Marketing 17Membership Services 18Marketplace 19Board of Directors Meetings 20CTIS Program 21Destinations 22Motorcoach Marketer 23Top 100 Events 24Marketplace Today 25ABA Insider 26Equip Magazine 27Motorcoach Travel News 28General & Administration 29
3
AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATIONSTATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
MARCH 31, 2016
MARCH MARCH2016 2015
ASSETSCurrent Assets
Cash & Equivalents (Note 1) 1,662,440$ 1,696,962$ Accounts Receivable (Note 2) 286,247 465,594 Accrued Interest Receivable - 5,200 Prepaid Expenses (Note 7) 10,760 19,092 Investments (Note 6) 4,150,077 4,094,225
Total Current Assets 6,109,524$ 6,281,073$
Property & Equipment (Note Furniture & Equipment 589,278 545,975 Office Condominium - 111 K Street 5,683,869 5,683,869 Less: Accumulated Depreciation 1,161,583 953,308
Net Property & Equipment 5,111,564$ 5,276,536$
Other AssetsDeferred Compensation Assets - 457 Plan (Note 9) 405,871 431,143 Deposits - 34,400
Total Other Assets 405,871$ 465,543$
Total Assets 11,626,959$ 12,023,152$
LIABILITIES & NET ASSETSCurrent Liabilities
Accounts Payable 70,655$ 545,795$ Accrued Expenses 186,963 229,899 Deferred Revenue (Note 3) 3,087 1,820
Total Current Liabilities 260,705$ 777,514$
Long Term LiabilitiesDeferred Compensation Liability - 457 Plan (Note 9) 405,871 431,143 Subtenant Furniture Lease Liability 7,914 18,098 Mortgage Payable - 111 K Street 3,468,783 3,585,107
Total Long Term Liabilities 3,882,568$ 4,034,348$
Net AssetsUnrestricted 7,483,685 7,211,290
Total Liabilities and Net Assets 11,626,959$ 12,023,152$
4
AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATIONSTATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES
FOR THE 3 MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2016
MARCH BUDGET MARCH2016 2016 2015
REVENUE
Membership Operator Dues 182,039$ 350,000$ 185,232$ Associate Dues 56,410 55,000 51,595
Travel Industry Dues 1,075,550 1,150,000 1,030,567 Tour Operator Dues 48,959 85,000 46,320
1,362,957 1,640,000 1,313,714
Meetings & ConferencesMarketplace 3,101,496 3,239,500 3,098,066 Bus Industry Safety Council/BusMARC 39,500 83,000 33,300
3,140,996 3,322,500 3,131,366
PublicationsDestinations 230,893 671,200 236,091 Motorcoach Marketer 1,520 272,000 600 Marketplace Today 46,281 60,000 47,239 Top 100 Events - 49,000 100 ABA Insider/MTN/Buses.org 24,029 156,000 12,664 Equip Magazine - 46,675 5,702
302,723 1,254,875 302,396
Other IncomeContract Services (Note 5) 34,233 85,000 26,626 CTIS Registrations 2,000 2,000 1,925 Label Sales 1,675 2,000 770 Rental Income from Office Lease 25,299 101,200 32,604 Miscellaneous (Note 8) 38,271 125,000 16,651
101,478 315,200 78,576
Total Revenue from Operations 4,908,154$ 6,532,575$ 4,826,052$
5
AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATIONSTATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES (CONTINUED)FOR THE 3 MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2016
MARCH BUDGET MARCH2016 2016 2015
EXPENSES
Government Affairs & Policy 323,608$ 1,258,198$ 223,485$ Bus Industry Safety Council 25,025 119,550 16,394 Website 4,308 31,000 3,161 Communications & Marketing 87,479 319,318 100,003 Membership Services 160,188 509,324 124,629 Marketplace 945,714 1,563,746 1,030,530 Board of Directors Meetings 33,533 177,631 51,203 CTIS Program 3,271 3,400 3,000 Destinations 140,772 652,731 185,610 Motorcoach Marketer 6,801 127,482 22,455 Top 100 Events - 60,693 3,113 Marketplace Today 48,304 54,346 31,476 ABA Insider 13,231 79,811 9,835 Equip Magazine - 66,125 26,516 Motorcoach Travel News 308 17,000 4,703 General & Administration 366,467 1,286,428 343,784
Total Expenses 2,159,009$ 6,326,783$ 2,179,897$
Net Operating Income/(Loss) 2,749,145 205,792 2,646,155
GroupConnect - (25,000) - Investment Income (Net of Investment Fees - $7,208) 12,192 200,000 7,083 Unrealized & Realized Gains (Losses) 28,295 43,450
Net Income/(Loss) 2,789,632$ 380,792$ 2,696,688$
Supplemental Statement*
Membership Revenue 1,362,957$ MCM Revenue 1,520$ Membership Expense 160,188 MCM Expense 6,801
Net 1,202,769$ Net (5,281)$
Marketplace Revenue 3,101,496$ Mkpl Today Revenue 46,281$ Marketplace Expense 945,714 Mkpl Today Expense 48,304
Net 2,155,782$ Net (2,023)$
Destinations Revenue 230,893$ Top 100 Revenue -$ Destinations Expense 140,772 Top 100 Expense -
Net 90,121$ Net -$
* This is a supplemental statement which shows the profitablility of those departmentswhich generate revenue with offsetting expenses.
6
AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATIONSTATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE 3 MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2016MARCH
2016
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Change in net assets 2,789,632
Adjustments to reconcile change in net assets to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 54,003 Unrealized (appreciation)/ depreciation on investments (63,810) Realized (gain)/loss on sale of investments 35,515 (Increase) decrease in allowance for doubtful receivables Changes in assets and liabilities: (Increase) / Decrease in accounts receivable 43,383 (Increase) / Decrease in interest receivable - (Increase) / Decrease in prepaid expenses 125,481 Increase / (Decrease) in accounts payable 28,332 Increase / (Decrease) in accrued expenses 57,391 Increase / (Decrease) in deferred revenue (3,979,521)
Net cash (used in) / provided by operating activities (909,593)
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchase of property and equipment (8,550) Purchase of investments (344,465) Proceeds from sale of investments 323,857 (Increase) / decrease in deposits -
Net cash (used in) / provided by investing activities (29,157)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Subtenant Furniture Lease Liability (2,585) Mortgage Payable - 111 K Street (29,647)
Net cash (used in) / provided by fianancing activities (32,232)
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (970,983)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period (01/01/2016) 2,633,423
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 1,662,440
7
AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATIONNOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE 3 MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2016
Note 1 - Cash & Cash EquivalentsThe following is a breakdown of the cash accounts:
Mar-16 Mar-15Petty Cash Fund 500$ 500$ Cash & Cash Equivalents 1,606,408 1,579,806 Investment Reserve Money Market Accounts 55,532 116,656
Total 1,662,440$ 1,696,962$
Note 2 - Accounts ReceivableThe following is a breakdown of accounts receivable:
Mar-16 Mar-15Destinations 168,213$ 220,638$ Motorcoach Marketer 41,426 52,543 Less Reserve for Uncollectible Accounts (15,000) (30,000) Marketplace 53,521 53,202 Top 100 1,208 - NBTA 7,204 30,886 GroupConnect 17,894 37,436 Miscellaneous 11,230 100,464 Employees 552 425
Total 286,247$ 465,594$
Note 3 - Deferred RevenueThe following is a breakdown of deferred revenue:
Mar-16 Mar-15Membership Dues 3,087$ 1,820$
Total 3,087$ 1,820$
Note 5 - Service IncomeThe National Bus Traffic Association, Skal USA and Florida Motorcoach Association have contracted with ABA to provide them with variousadministrative, financial and accounting services. Professional services are billed to these entities monthly, based on salary and fringe benefitcosts associated with staff time charged to NBTA activities, or based on a contracted rate for Skal USA and Florida Motorcoach Association.
8
AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATIONNOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE 3 MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2016
Note 6 - Investments The following is a breakdown of reserve fund investments:
Cost Market ValueTD Reserve Fund Investments 4,232,459$ 4,150,077$ Investment in GroupConnect 499,000 -
Total 4,731,459$ 4,150,077$
Cost Market ValueBNY Reserve Fund Investments 4,016,166$ 4,094,225$ Investment in GroupConnect 474,000 -
Total 4,490,166$ 4,094,225$
Note 7 - Prepaid ExpensesThe following is a breakdown of prepaid expenses:
Mar-16 Mar-15Prepaid Expense-Other 3,577$ 4,180$ Prepaid Insurance 7,183 7,907 Marketplace - 7,005
Total 10,760$ 19,092$
Note 8 - Miscellaneous IncomeThe following is a breakdown of miscellaneous income:
Mar-16 Mar-15Affinity Programs 10,693$ 3,327$ Hours of Service Cards/Passenger Safety Materials 117 149 Miscellaneous 27,461 13,175
38,271$ 16,651$
Note 9 - Deferred Compensation - 457 PlanThe American Bus Association maintains a nonqualified deferred compensation plan throughThe Principal Financial Group. Employees may elect to defer salary for retirement.
Mar-16
Mar-15
9
AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATIONNOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE 3 MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2016
Note 10- Property and Equipment
The association depreciates its property over useful lives determined by property type. Below is a scheduleshowing the various years the property and equipment is depreciated over.
Building 40 YearsFurniture 10 YearsPhone Equipment 10 YearsComputer Equipment 3 Years
Note 11- Unused Lobbying Funds
In 2013, the association budgeted $100,000 which went unused as of 12/31/2013. These unused budgeted fundswill roll-forward to future years and used when necessary.
10
AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATIONSTATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES
FOR THE 3 MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2016
TOTAL BUDGET TOTAL BUDGET TOTAL BUDGET TOTAL BUDGET YTD BUDGET1st QTR 16 1st QTR 16 2nd QTR 16 2nd QTR 16 3rd QTR 16 3rd QTR 16 4th QTR 16 4th QTR 16 2016 2016
REVENUE
MembershipOperator Dues 182,039 175,000 - 175,000 - - - - 182,039 350,000 Associate Dues 56,410 41,250 - 13,750 - - - - 56,410 55,000 Travel Industry Dues 1,075,550 1,035,000 - 57,500 - 28,750 - 28,750 1,075,550 1,150,000 Tour Operator Dues 48,959 42,500 - 42,500 - - - - 48,959 85,000
1,362,957 1,293,750 - 288,750 - 28,750 - 28,750 1,362,957 1,640,000
Meetings & ConferencesMarketplace 3,101,496 3,239,500 - - - - - - 3,101,496 3,239,500 Bus Industry Safety Council/BusMARC 39,500 41,500 - - - 41,500 - - 39,500 83,000
3,140,996 3,239,500 - - - - - - 3,140,996 3,322,500
PublicationsDestinations 230,893 201,360 - 134,240 - 167,800 - 167,800 230,893 671,200 Motorcoach Marketer 1,520 - - - - - - 272,000 1,520 272,000 Marketplace Today 46,281 60,000 - - - - - - 46,281 60,000 Top 100 Events - - - 49,000 - - - - - 49,000 ABA Insider/MTN/Buses.org 24,029 39,000 - 39,000 - 39,000 - 39,000 24,029 156,000 Equip Magazine - 11,669 - 11,669 - 11,669 - 11,669 - 46,675
302,723 312,029 - 233,909 - 218,469 - 490,469 302,723 1,254,875
Other IncomeContract Services 34,233 21,250 - 21,250 - 21,250 - 21,250 34,233 85,000 CTIS Registrations 2,000 500 - 500 - 500 - 500 2,000 2,000 Label Sales 1,675 500 - 500 - 500 - 500 1,675 2,000 Rental Income from Office Lease 25,299 25,300 - 25,300 - 25,300 - 25,300 25,299 101,200 Miscellaneous 38,271 31,250 - 31,250 - 31,250 - 31,250 38,271 125,000
101,478 78,800 - 78,800 - 78,800 - 78,800 101,478 315,200
Total Income From Operations 4,908,154 4,924,079 - 601,459 - 326,019 - 598,019 4,908,154 6,532,575
11
AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATIONSTATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES (CONTINUED)FOR THE 3 MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2016
TOTAL BUDGET TOTAL BUDGET TOTAL BUDGET TOTAL BUDGET YTD BUDGET1st QTR 16 1st QTR 16 2nd QTR 16 2nd QTR 16 3rd QTR 16 3rd QTR 16 4th QTR 16 4th QTR 16 2016 2016
EXPENSES
Government Affairs 323,608 314,550 - 314,550 - 314,550 - 314,550 323,608 1,258,198 Bus Industry Safety Council 25,025 59,775 - - - - - 59,775 25,025 119,550 Website 4,308 7,750 - 7,750 - 7,750 - 7,750 4,308 31,000 Communications & Marketing 87,479 79,830 - 79,830 - 79,830 - 79,830 87,479 319,318 Membership Services 160,188 127,331 - 127,331 - 127,331 - 127,331 160,188 509,324 Marketplace 945,714 1,172,810 - 78,187 - 156,375 - 156,375 945,714 1,563,746 Board of Directors Meetings 33,533 59,210 - 59,210 - 59,210 - - 33,533 177,631 CTIS Program 3,271 3,400 - - - - - - 3,271 3,400 Destinations 140,772 195,819 - 130,546 - 163,183 - 163,183 140,772 652,731 Motorcoach Marketer 6,801 - - - - - - 127,482 6,801 127,482 Top 100 Events - - - - - 60,693 - - - 60,693 Marketplace Today 48,304 54,346 - - - - - - 48,304 54,346 ABA Insider 13,231 19,953 - 19,953 - 19,953 - 19,953 13,231 79,811 Equip Magazine - 16,531 - 16,531 - 16,531 - 16,531 - 66,125 Motorcoach Travel News 308 4,250 - 4,250 - 4,250 - 4,250 308 17,000 General & Administration 366,467 321,607 - 321,607 - 321,607 - 321,607 366,467 1,286,428
Total Expenses 2,159,009 2,437,161 - 1,159,745 - 1,331,262 - 1,398,615 2,159,009 6,326,783
Excess of Revenues over Expenses 2,749,145 2,486,918 - (558,286) - (1,005,243) - (800,597) 2,749,145 205,792
GroupConnect - (6,250) - (6,250) - (6,250) - (6,250) - (25,000) Investment Income 12,192 50,000 - 50,000 - 50,000 - 50,000 12,192 200,000 Unrealized & Realized Gains (losses) 28,295 - - - - - - - 28,295 -
Net Revenues Over Expenses 2,789,632 2,530,668 - (514,536) - (961,493) - (756,847) 2,789,632 380,792
Page 12
MARCH BUDGET MARCH DECEMBER BUDGET2016 2016 2015 2015 2015
Salaries $468,094 $2,013,607 $416,561 $1,828,555 $1,921,279Fringe Benefits 154,112 526,324 203,025 516,958 520,600Temporary Help 5,076 12,000 3,722 11,695 19,100Postage 6,019 70,200 14,145 60,332 77,268Educational Assistance 994 5,000 2,263 6,361 10,000Recruitment 1,096 0 0 0 0Mailing&Handling 4,484 1,800 5,567 7,309 6,600Advertising 0 5,000 0 5,000 5,000Printing 32,044 156,839 46,745 139,424 159,649Photo Services 15,500 40,500 16,595 67,087 43,700Duplicating 5,662 17,800 4,692 13,760 23,350Telephone 5,605 32,700 5,284 35,642 49,150Computer Services 34,211 87,024 48,917 106,586 63,550Consulting Services 91,424 305,000 39,984 317,067 291,67590th Anniversary 366 0 0 2,291 0Parking 0 0 0 15 0Contributions 10,250 1,250 0 1,250 1,250Dues&Subscriptions 48,639 88,775 45,893 81,702 86,383Travel 48,447 144,250 43,384 139,541 166,750Member travel 14,058 115,000 27,580 87,913 121,500Travel-Chairman 1,037 5,000 2,033 4,433 5,000Local Expense 567 3,700 637 3,796 4,700Insurance 25,802 45,500 21,569 42,506 37,000Legal Services 42,714 143,500 21,706 145,760 223,500Meetings&Conferences 63,582 106,350 51,771 104,148 112,350Function Costs 226,790 376,750 274,399 365,826 397,800Audio Visual 234,234 275,500 202,938 243,643 266,000Security 962 8,500 7,453 7,453 8,500Decorating 190,647 211,000 215,364 215,364 252,092Entertainment 418 3,000 155 1,776 3,200Seminars Registration 85 8,000 3,389 5,079 9,500Office Supplies 4,780 22,500 9,832 36,006 22,350Computer Supplies 0 3,000 1,619 1,619 2,000Membership Services 1,968 10,000 2,651 8,440 10,000Publishers Expense 75,930 424,427 119,031 381,236 378,590Equipment Rental&Maintenance 1,972 5,000 3,351 5,649 5,000Internet Access/Computer Rental & Maint 0 0 125 125 10,700Layout/Design 1,444 21,000 2,100 4,312 22,050Office Occupancy 138,846 465,823 123,856 473,328 487,476Office Maintenance 2,674 14,669 2,278 11,296 13,600Storage 1,227 2,800 977 4,667 2,800Speakers/Honorariums 66,144 70,000 58,200 58,673 60,000Special Events 340 11,000 108 6,785 11,000Promotion 0 3,000 80 80 11,000Plaques and Awards 168 2,750 220 2,004 3,050Prizes 2,275 3,000 335 4,297 5,000Gratuities 1,557 5,700 4,398 5,059 5,700Taxes&Licenses 2,757 2,750 801 1,446 4,750Delivery 1,271 6,250 748 6,938 7,900Taxes-Unrelated Business Income 4,381 15,000 15,000 27,000 0Taxes-Unrelated Business Income 2,104 0 7,000 13,000 0Reference Materials 440 2,250 0 1,491 2,000Auto Leasing 2,528 9,900 2,974 10,398 9,900Accounting Services 20,500 25,550 22,550 22,550 25,000Payroll Services 1,834 6,000 1,784 6,761 6,000Finance Charges 9,825 55,000 10,114 59,490 52,000Bank Service Charges 3,126 10,200 2,393 11,773 9,500Commissions 60,036 246,575 46,186 198,728 185,100Canadian Exchange Charges 0 0 257 961 0Miscellaneous 0 0 0 83 100
AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATIONSUMMARY OF ALL DEPARTMENTS
Page 13
Bad Debts 0 0 0 8,384 0Depreciation&Amortization 17,865 71,690 14,955 60,810 71,828Interest 98 1,080 201 652 1,080TOTAL $2,159,009 $6,326,783 $2,179,896 $6,002,313 $6,311,920
Page 14
MARCH BUDGET MARCH DECEMBER BUDGET2016 2016 2015 2015 2015
Salaries $105,862 $483,827 $87,632 $429,367 $548,010Fringe Benefits 32,152 127,284 43,913 124,375 142,284Temporary Help 2,866 0 0 0 1,100Postage 0 5,000 8 225 5,000Recruitment 548 0 0 0 0Printing 2,977 1,500 1,094 1,094 1,500Duplicating 0 3,000 787 2,657 2,000Telephone 1,103 5,000 734 7,227 5,000Consulting Services 69,050 264,000 0 216,848 208,000Dues&Subscriptions 34,219 60,000 33,709 60,903 60,000Travel 3,208 21,000 4,257 22,390 20,000Member travel 0 4,000 0 1,903 5,000Local Expense 190 1,500 567 1,896 1,000Legal Services 23,919 120,000 8,741 76,890 200,000Meetings&Conferences 90 0 0 579 0Function Costs 1,313 5,000 716 5,706 2,000Audio Visual 0 0 0 1,000 1,000Seminars Registration 0 3,000 0 0 5,000Office Supplies 38 0 44 1,476 500Layout/Design 0 0 0 75 0Office Occupancy 46,028 154,087 41,219 157,001 162,211Delivery 46 0 64 194 100TOTAL $323,608 $1,258,198 $223,485 $1,111,807 $1,369,705
AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATIONGOVERNMENT AFFAIRS & POLICY
Page 15
MARCH BUDGET MARCH DECEMBER BUDGET2016 2016 2015 2015 2015
Postage $0 $300 $0 $0 $150Printing 0 4,200 0 340 2,200Duplicating 0 0 0 0 450Telephone 0 0 0 327 250Travel 646 2,000 319 4,824 2,000Member travel 2,200 25,000 5,600 6,600 25,000Insurance 9,314 18,500 0 9,314 7,000Legal Services 680 0 0 2,978 0Meetings&Conferences 0 2,000 0 36 1,000Function Costs 4,079 50,000 9,745 37,601 50,000Audio Visual 8,106 12,500 357 9,669 10,000Decorating 0 1,000 152 152 1,000Office Supplies 0 400 0 147 300Layout/Design 0 3,000 0 0 1,500Plaques and Awards 0 250 220 439 250Gratuities 0 200 0 0 200Delivery 0 200 0 0 100TOTAL $25,025 $119,550 $16,393 $72,427 $101,400
AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATIONBUS INDUSTRY SAFETY COUNCIL
Page 16
MARCH BUDGET MARCH DECEMBER BUDGET2016 2016 2015 2015 2015
Computer Services $0 $4,000 $2,517 $3,367 $1,000Consulting Services 0 7,000 0 13,169 8,750Depreciation&Amortization 4,308 20,000 644 3,763 11,000TOTAL $4,308 $31,000 $3,161 $20,298 $20,750
AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATIONWEBSITE
Page 17
MARCH BUDGET MARCH DECEMBER BUDGET2016 2016 2015 2015 2015
Salaries $37,269 $177,210 $49,766 $163,098 $196,368Fringe Benefits 12,772 47,118 24,675 51,576 52,493Postage 0 50 32 103 100Recruitment 548 0 0 0 0Advertising 0 5,000 0 5,000 5,000Printing 0 0 0 721 1,000Photo Services 9,249 12,000 6,745 22,730 0Telephone 407 3,500 599 3,861 2,500Computer Services 0 0 0 0 1,750Consulting Services 8,823 0 0 0 2,500Dues&Subscriptions 21 5,500 0 249 4,000Travel 1,762 9,000 3,789 8,683 11,000Local Expense 0 200 0 354 200Meetings&Conferences 0 0 0 0 1,500Function Costs 343 1,000 355 355 1,000Audio Visual 0 2,000 0 0 500Decorating 0 0 0 0 1,092Entertainment 0 0 0 0 200Seminars Registration 0 0 0 0 500Office Supplies 0 300 0 302 300Internet Access/Computer Rental & Maint 0 0 0 0 700Layout/Design 0 1,500 0 0 750Office Occupancy 16,285 54,940 14,006 54,931 55,120Prizes 0 0 35 35 0Delivery 0 0 0 10 50TOTAL $87,479 $319,318 $100,003 $312,007 $338,623
AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATIONCOMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING
Page 18
MARCH BUDGET MARCH DECEMBER BUDGET2016 2016 2015 2015 2015
Salaries $55,634 $191,083 $31,237 $175,977 $165,688Fringe Benefits 16,297 63,661 14,611 48,767 59,557Temporary Help 2,210 7,500 3,560 7,714 6,000Postage 0 10,000 3,498 9,378 7,500Educational Assistance 595 0 0 0 0Mailing&Handling 120 500 0 0 500Printing 0 5,120 0 1,329 5,120Duplicating 0 6,500 2,020 4,240 5,500Telephone 809 6,000 717 4,593 4,000Computer Services 1,563 13,000 10,000 33,665 10,000Consulting Services 1,500 1,000 0 1,500 1,00090th Anniversary 0 0 0 338 0Dues&Subscriptions 295 3,000 905 3,127 3,000Travel 7,912 21,750 3,856 22,058 13,250Local Expense 0 0 37 52 0Meetings&Conferences 38,935 61,250 22,969 67,632 59,250Function Costs 2,921 15,750 3,096 7,133 15,750Audio Visual 1,224 6,000 858 2,567 4,500Decorating 3,293 0 4,367 4,367 0Seminars Registration 26 0 0 795 0Office Supplies 773 2,500 0 4,519 1,000Membership Services 1,968 10,000 2,651 7,236 10,000Layout/Design 0 7,850 0 0 5,850Office Occupancy 15,640 52,360 14,006 53,350 55,120Storage 537 500 287 1,462 500Promotion 0 3,000 80 80 6,000Plaques and Awards 0 0 0 405 0Prizes 2,275 3,000 300 2,112 5,000Taxes&Licenses 0 0 0 70 0Delivery 1,008 3,000 507 4,842 3,200Finance Charges 4,652 15,000 4,812 18,482 12,000Canadian Exchange Charges 0 0 257 961 0TOTAL $160,188 $509,324 $124,629 $488,750 $459,285
AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATIONMEMBERSHIP SERVICES
Page 19
MARCH BUDGET MARCH DECEMBER BUDGET2016 2016 2015 2015 2015
Salaries $96,663 $345,271 $87,366 $319,258 $327,842Fringe Benefits 35,318 98,486 42,411 94,272 93,830Temporary Help 0 4,500 162 1,949 6,000Postage 874 7,700 366 8,551 9,200Mailing&Handling 4,364 1,200 5,567 7,309 6,000Printing 9,429 23,900 15,967 24,006 28,400Photo Services 0 0 0 13,500 0Duplicating 0 6,000 1,237 3,274 12,000Telephone 1,392 7,000 1,480 6,554 30,000Computer Services 22,521 25,000 20,610 30,610 18,000Consulting Services 7,800 17,000 37,525 37,525 28,72590th Anniversary 366 0 0 1,953 0Travel 13,422 28,700 16,080 26,494 32,950Member travel 6,683 53,500 11,541 43,616 59,000Local Expense 0 0 32 90 0Insurance 7,005 10,000 7,638 7,638 10,000Legal Services 0 2,500 0 0 2,500Meetings&Conferences 24,477 38,500 28,283 31,892 46,000Function Costs 205,970 250,000 246,962 246,745 281,000Audio Visual 220,125 220,000 195,324 197,321 200,000Security 962 8,500 7,453 7,453 8,500Decorating 187,295 210,000 210,845 210,845 250,000Office Supplies 1,247 8,000 7,847 17,299 9,000Computer Supplies 0 0 99 99 0Internet Access/Computer Rental & Maint 0 0 125 125 10,000Layout/Design 1,444 8,350 2,100 4,237 13,350Office Occupancy 24,361 82,139 21,910 83,625 86,280Storage 0 0 0 94 0Speakers/Honorariums 66,144 60,000 50,700 51,173 50,000Promotion 0 0 0 0 5,000Plaques and Awards 0 1,500 0 1,001 1,500Prizes 0 0 0 2,079 0Gratuities 1,557 5,000 4,398 4,588 5,000Taxes&Licenses 852 0 659 659 0Delivery 272 1,000 163 1,074 2,000Finance Charges 5,172 40,000 5,302 41,008 40,000Depreciation&Amortization 0 0 378 1,513 0TOTAL $945,714 $1,563,746 $1,030,530 $1,529,428 $1,672,077
AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATIONMARKETPLACE
Page 20
MARCH BUDGET MARCH DECEMBER BUDGET2016 2016 2015 2015 2015
Salaries $756 $9,685 $488 $13,984 $9,176Fringe Benefits 176 2,596 204 3,148 2,505Postage 0 150 0 29 150Printing 0 0 0 613 0Photo Services 451 5,000 0 0 5,500Duplicating 0 1,000 1 578 1,000Telephone 172 500 158 834 500Computer Services 500 0 595 595 0Travel 796 6,000 162 6,702 6,000Member travel 5,175 25,000 10,439 29,440 25,000Travel-Chairman 1,037 5,000 2,033 4,433 5,000Legal Services 11,485 20,000 12,684 22,831 20,000Meetings&Conferences 0 2,000 519 1,807 2,000Function Costs 8,483 52,000 10,525 65,286 45,000Audio Visual 4,275 35,000 5,895 32,581 50,000Decorating 59 0 0 0 0Office Supplies 0 1,000 0 78 1,000Membership Services 0 0 0 1,204 0Speakers/Honorariums 0 10,000 7,500 7,500 10,000Plaques and Awards 168 1,000 0 158 1,000Gratuities 0 500 0 345 500Delivery 0 1,200 0 226 1,200TOTAL $33,533 $177,631 $51,203 $192,371 $185,531
AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATIONBOARD OF DIRECTORS
Page 21
MARCH BUDGET MARCH DECEMBER BUDGET2016 2016 2015 2015 2015
Salaries $0 $0 $0 $990 $0Fringe Benefits 0 0 0 379 0Postage 0 100 0 0 100Duplicating 0 0 0 8 0Telephone 0 0 0 0 300Travel 0 0 0 0 750Meetings&Conferences 80 0 0 0 0Function Costs 3,191 3,000 3,000 3,000 3,050Layout/Design 0 300 0 0 600TOTAL $3,271 $3,400 $3,000 $4,377 $4,800
AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATIONCTIS PROGRAM
Page 22
MARCH BUDGET MARCH DECEMBER BUDGET2016 2016 2015 2015 2015
Salaries $17,840 $84,743 $21,482 $70,720 $75,177Fringe Benefits 5,662 24,848 9,743 20,639 23,222Postage 4,948 27,000 8,037 21,563 34,508Printing 8,794 59,185 17,365 48,952 58,405Telephone 211 0 304 2,440 0Travel 8,729 25,000 7,914 15,262 50,000Function Costs 489 0 0 0 0Publishers Expense 47,300 282,715 85,115 262,560 254,245Storage 240 0 160 880 0Taxes-Unrelated Business Income 0 15,000 0 0 0Commissions 46,559 134,240 35,489 109,864 98,250Bad Debts 0 0 0 8,072 0TOTAL $140,772 $652,731 $185,609 $560,953 $593,807
AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATIONDESTINATIONS
Page 23
MARCH BUDGET MARCH DECEMBER BUDGET2016 2016 2015 2015 2015
Salaries $0 $6,403 $0 $10,767 $5,818Fringe Benefits 0 1,879 0 2,369 1,726Temporary Help 0 0 0 2,032 6,000Postage 0 8,700 0 8,513 8,700Printing 0 33,000 0 32,315 33,000Duplicating 0 0 0 204 0Telephone 316 0 455 3,660 0Publishers Expense 0 27,500 0 25,000 25,000Delivery 0 0 0 38 0Taxes-Unrelated Business Income 4,381 0 15,000 27,000 0Taxes-Unrelated Business Income 2,104 0 7,000 13,000 0Commissions 0 50,000 0 46,720 43,500TOTAL $6,801 $127,482 $22,455 $171,619 $123,744
AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATIONMOTORCOACH MARKETER
Page 24
MARCH BUDGET MARCH DECEMBER BUDGET2016 2016 2015 2015 2015
Salaries $0 $10,672 $735 $8,046 $9,696Fringe Benefits 0 3,131 308 2,282 2,876Postage 0 2,700 0 3,297 2,500Printing 0 7,900 0 7,068 7,900Photo Services 0 0 0 0 200Duplicating 0 800 0 471 200Telephone 0 700 0 0 600Computer Services 0 0 1,750 1,750 400Travel 0 800 320 529 800Member travel 0 7,500 0 6,354 7,500Office Supplies 0 300 0 133 250Publishers Expense 0 15,890 0 14,100 14,445Plaques and Awards 0 0 0 0 300Gratuities 0 0 0 126 0Delivery 0 500 0 0 500Commissions 0 9,800 0 8,839 6,750TOTAL $0 $60,693 $3,113 $52,994 $54,917
AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATIONTOP "100"
Page 25
MARCH BUDGET MARCH DECEMBER BUDGET2016 2016 2015 2015 2015
Postage $160 $0 $0 $0 $0Mailing&Handling 0 100 0 0 100Printing 10,844 10,584 9,727 9,727 10,584Photo Services 5,800 6,500 0 6,050 0Audio Visual 504 0 504 504 0Publishers Expense 21,740 25,162 17,786 20,571 18,020Commissions 9,256 12,000 450 7,521 9,000TOTAL $48,304 $54,346 $28,467 $44,373 $37,704
AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATIONMARKETPLACE TODAY
Page 26
MARCH BUDGET MARCH DECEMBER BUDGET2016 2016 2015 2015 2015
Salaries $1,532 $10,184 $2,253 $17,112 $9,377Fringe Benefits 896 2,607 930 4,474 3,491Publishers Expense 6,890 35,820 4,800 32,700 32,700Commissions 3,913 31,200 1,853 16,731 21,600Bad Debts 0 0 0 312 0TOTAL $13,231 $79,811 $9,835 $71,329 $67,168
AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATIONABA INSIDER
Page 27
MARCH BUDGET MARCH DECEMBER BUDGET2016 2016 2015 2015 2015
Postage $0 $8,000 $2,062 $7,970 $8,160Printing 0 11,450 2,593 13,259 11,540Photo Services 0 0 6,050 0 0Publishers Expense 0 37,340 11,330 26,305 34,180Commissions 0 9,335 7,491 2,884 6,000TOTAL $0 $66,125 $29,525 $50,418 $59,880
AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATIONEQUIP MAGAZINE
Page 28
MARCH BUDGET MARCH DECEMBER BUDGET2016 2016 2015 2015 2015
Photo Services $0 $17,000 $3,800 $24,807 $38,000Commissions 308 0 903 6,169 0TOTAL $308 $17,000 $4,703 $30,976 $38,000
AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATIONMOTORCOACH TRAVEL NEWS
Page 29
MARCH BUDGET MARCH DECEMBER BUDGET2016 2016 2015 2015 2015
Salaries $152,539 $694,529 $135,603 $619,237 $574,127Fringe Benefits 50,839 154,714 66,231 164,677 138,616Postage 37 500 141 704 1,200Educational Assistance 399 5,000 2,263 6,361 10,000Duplicating 5,662 500 648 2,328 2,200Telephone 1,196 10,000 836 6,147 6,000Computer Services 9,627 45,024 13,446 36,600 32,400Consulting Services 4,251 16,000 2,459 48,026 17,700Parking 0 0 0 15 0Contributions 10,250 1,250 0 1,250 1,250Dues&Subscriptions 14,105 20,275 11,279 17,424 19,383Travel 11,972 30,000 6,686 32,599 30,000Local Expense 376 2,000 0 1,404 3,500Insurance 9,483 17,000 13,931 25,554 20,000Legal Services 6,630 1,000 281 43,061 1,000Meetings&Conferences 0 2,600 0 2,203 2,600Entertainment 418 3,000 155 1,776 3,000Seminars Registration 59 5,000 3,389 4,284 4,000Office Supplies 2,722 10,000 1,942 12,051 10,000Computer Supplies 0 3,000 1,520 1,520 2,000Equipment Rental&Maintenance 1,972 5,000 3,351 5,649 5,000Office Occupancy 36,532 122,297 32,715 124,420 128,745Office Maintenance 2,674 14,669 2,278 11,296 13,600Storage 450 2,300 530 2,231 2,300Special Events 340 11,000 108 6,785 11,000Prizes 0 0 0 71 0Taxes&Licenses 1,906 2,750 142 717 4,750Delivery (56) 350 13 555 750Reference Materials 440 2,250 0 1,491 2,000Auto Leasing 2,528 9,900 2,974 10,398 9,900Accounting Services 20,500 25,550 22,550 22,550 25,000Payroll Services 1,834 6,000 1,784 6,761 6,000Bank Service Charges 3,126 10,200 2,393 11,773 9,500Miscellaneous 0 0 0 83 100Depreciation&Amortization 13,556 51,690 13,932 55,535 60,828Interest 98 1,080 201 652 1,080TOTAL $366,467 $1,286,428 $343,784 $1,288,187 $1,159,529
AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATIONGENERAL & ADMINISTRATIVE
Current
Asset Class Market Value Allocation
Money Market (Cash) 56,223.24$ 1.3%
Total Money Market 56,223.24$ 1.3% Cash 0-15%
Large Cap Portfolio 1,621,067.17$ 38.5%
Small/Mid Cap 294,163.54$ 7.0%
International Emerging Markets 59,161.39$ 1.4%
International 343,814.57$ 8.2%
Total Equity 2,318,206.67$ 55.1% Equities 35-65%
Long Bond -$ 0.0%
Short Bond 771,297.66$ 18.3%
Intermediate Bond Portfolio 1,060,572.93$ 25.2%
Other Fixed Income 0.0%
Total Fixed Income 1,831,870.59$ 43.6% Fixed Income 35-65%
Total 4,206,300.50$ 100.0%
Allocation Ranges
American Bus AssociationHoldings as of March 31, 2016
ABA IPS
Money Market (Cash), 1.3%
Large Cap Portfolio, 38.5%
Small/Mid Cap, 7.0%
International Emerging Markets, 1.4%
International, 8.2%
Short Bond, 18.3%
Intermediate Bond Portfolio, 25.2%
Allocation as of March 31, 2016
Confidential
Investment Overview
Total Value $ 4,206,301
Funds 4,150,077
Cash 56,223
Accrued Income $ 7,120
Net Investment1
4,345,454
Inception Date Feb 19, 2015
Performance2
Investment Benchmark3
Inception to Date -2.75 % 0.32 %
Year to Date 0.90 1.57
Quarter to Date 0.90 1.57
Unrealized4 8 Gains Losses
Unrealized Total $ 158,195 $ -243,925
Long Term 103,045 -181,631
Short Term 55,150 -62,294
Average Statistics
Yield6
1.92 %
S&P Rating AA+
Moody Rating Aaa
Inception Date Feb 19, 2015
Account Start Date Market Value Alloc.
QY3008024 Feb 19, 2015 $ 2,890,315 68.7 %
QGR005858 Feb 19, 2015 1,315,228 31.3
Asset Allocation7
Fixed Income 17.21 %
● Short Bond 17.21
Large Cap 28.03
● Large-Cap Growth 9.44
● Large Value & Dividend 6.60
● Large-Cap Core 11.99
SMID Cap 13.96
● Mid Cap 1.89
● Mid Value 2.63
● SMID Cap 9.45
International 9.03
● International Growth 0.86
● International Value 8.17
International Emerging Markets 4.08
● Int'l Emerging Mkts 4.08
Intermediate Bond 13.02
● Intermediate Bond 13.02
Short Bond 12.84
● Short Bond 12.84
Cash 1.34
● Cash 1.34
Long Bond 0.48
● Long Bond 0.48
These reports are not to be construed as an offer or the solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities mentioned herein. Information contained in these reports is based on sources and data believed reliable. The information used toconstruct these reports was received via a variety of sources. These reports are for informational purposes only. These reports do not take the place of any brokerage statements, any fund company statements, or the 1099 tax forms.
American Bus Association Reports: Rollup of All Accounts
Investment Overview As of Mar 31, 2016
You are urged to compare this report with the statement you receive from your custodian covering the same period. Differences in positions may occur due to reporting dates used and whether certain assets are not maintained byyour custodian. There may also be differences in the investment values shown due to the use of differing valuation sources and methods.
1 Net Investment is the total value of contributions and withdrawals (excluding unsupervised assets) made by the client since the inception date of the account. This includes Misc. Expenses received from the custodian.
2 Time Weighted Rate of Return (TWRR) is calculated net of all fees. Time Weighted Rate of Return (TWRR) is used to compare your portfolio returns versus benchmark indices (such as S&P 500).
3 Benchmark designates 48% S&P 500 TR, 38% Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index, 12% MSCI World Ex US NR USD, 2% Citigroup Treasury Bill - 3 Month. A benchmark is an unmanaged index, and its performance does notinclude any advisory fees, transaction costs or other charges that may be incurred in connection with your investments and/or managed accounts listed. Any benchmark whose return is shown for comparison purposes may includedifferent holdings, a different number of holdings, and a different degree of investment in individual securities, industries or economic sectors than the investments and/or investment accounts to which it is compared. Investorscannot invest directly into a benchmark or index. All portfolio returns for all periods are expressed in USD. All benchmark(s) returns reflect the same currency as the portfolio returns presented.
4 Capital gain/loss data presented here is a general guide and should not be relied upon in the preparation of your tax returns.
6 An indication of the current dividends and interest vs. the current market value of the holdings. The yield represents the current amount of income that is being generated from the portfolio without liquidating the principal or capitalgains on the portfolio. However, the yield will fluctuate daily and current or past performance is not a guarantee of future results.
7 Parent style classifications are provided by Morningstar, Inc. and mapped into one of the style classifications supported on this platform. Sector information is provided by Morningstar. Bond type and rating information is provided byInteractive Data Corporation.
8 Based on market-close prices at 3/31/2016. Where Mutual Fund holdings are listed, the Net Asset Value (NAV) is used as the market price.
American Bus Association Reports: Rollup of All Accounts
Investment Overview As of Mar 31, 2016
BOARD GOVERNANCE INFORMATION
Section Contents: 2017-2019 ABA Board Rotation 2016 Executive Committee Roster
BOARD ROTATION SCHEDULE
Nam
e
Term E
xpiration
Mem
bership Category
# of Buses
Term Expiration 2017
1 Dane Cornell Associate NA
2 Frank Henry Charter-Tour 182
3 Craig Lentzsch Charter-Tour 300
4 John Meier Charter-Tour 56
5 Dale Moser Charter-Tour 1654
6 Buddy Young Enterprise 10
7 Butch Beckwith Enterprise 12
8 Gene Berardi Fixed Route 130
9 Steve Woelfel Fixed Route 67
10 David Eaton Tour NA
11 Chris Shepler Travel NA
12 John Percy Travel NA
13 Brad Henton Marketplace Chair NA
14 Peter Pantuso President & CEO NA
Term Expiration 2018
1 Terry Fischer Charter-Tour 37
2 Alan Glickman Charter-Tour 40
3 Francis Tedesco Charter-Tour 795
4 TJ Morgan Enterprise 13
5 Elaine Fickett Enterprise 10
6 Cam Morris Enterprise 13
7 Karen Sanders Enterprise 15
8 Gordon Mackay Fixed Route 50
9 John Miller Fixed Route 91
10 Tom JeBran Fixed Route 63
11 Peter Picknelly Fixed Route 265
12 Bill Blankenship Non Voting 1493
13 Stephanie Parr-Brooks Tour NA
Term Expiration 2019
1 Warren Dickinson Associate NA
2 Bob Foley Associate NA
3 Polina Raygorodskaya Associate NA
4 Doug Anderson Charter-Tour 42
5 Don DeVivo Charter-Tour 83
6 Tony Fiorini Charter-Tour 80
7 Al Spence Enterprise 9
8 Chris Anzuoni Fixed Route 37
9 Michael Colborne Fixed Route 639
10 Steve Haddad Fixed Route 64
11 Jim Jalbert Fixed Route 27
12 Ron Moore Fixed Route 40
13 Linda Burtwistle Non Voting 1654
14 Bryan Cole Tour NA
15 Mike Butts Travel NA
16 Mikie Coffman Travel NA
17 Stephanie Lee Travel NA
18 Linda Spruill Travel NA
Honorary
1 Thomas Morgan NA
2 Woody Blunt NA
3 Ron Eyre NA
BOARD ROTATION SCHEDULE
ROTATION SUMMARY STATISTICS
Expiration Category # of Directors
Member Type Current Members
(Max/Min)
2017 Associate 1 Associate 4 (max 6)
2017 Charter-Tour 4 Charter-Tour 10 (min 6)
2017 Enterprise 2 Enterprise 7 (min 6)
2017 Fixed Route 2 Fixed Route 11 (min 6)
2017 Non Voting 0 Travel 6 (max 6)
2017 Tour 1 Tour 3 (max 6)
2017 Travel 2 Honorary 3 (min 1)
2017 Marketplace 1 Marketplace Chairman 1 (min 1)
2017 President & CEO 1 Non-Voting 2 (max 4)
TOTAL 14 President & CEO 1 (min 1)
Expiration Category # of Directors TOTAL VOTING 46 (max 50/min 35)
2018 Associate 0
2018 Charter-Tour 3 TOTAL MEMBERS 482018 Enterprise 4
2018 Fixed Route 4
2018 Non Voting 1
2018 Tour 1
2018 Travel 0
TOTAL 13
Expiration Category # of Directors
2019 Associate 3
2019 Charter-Tour 3
2019 Enterprise 1
2019 Fixed Route 5
2019 Non Voting 1
2019 Tour 1
2019 Travel 4
TOTAL 18
Expiration Category # of Directors
2017-2019 Associate 4
2017-2019 Charter-Tour 10
2017-2019 Enterprise 7
2017-2019 Fixed Route 11
2017-2019 Non Voting 2
2017-2019 Tour 3
2017-2019 Travel 6
2017-2019 Honorary 3
2017-2019 Marketplace Chair 1
2017-2019 President & CEO 1
TOTAL 48
TOTAL VOTING 46
2016 ABA Executive Committee Terms that end in January 2017: - Gene Berardi, At-Large - Steve Haddad, At-Large - Jim Jalbert, Policy Committee Chair - Stephanie Lee, At-Large - Craig Lentzsch, Treasurer - Ron Moore, Fixed Route Representative - Peter Pantuso, President & CEO
Board Office
Board Officers
Expiration Date
Committee Position
Committee Member
Expiration Date
Committee Position
Committee Member
Expiration Date
Board Chairman (3 yr term)
John Meier
2018 Policy Committee Chair (2 yr term)
Jim Jalbert 2017 At-Large (2 yr term) (6 yr max)
Steve Haddad
2017 (1st term)
Board Vice Chairman (3 yr term)
Don DeVivo
2018 Fixed Route Representative (2 yr term) (6 yr max)
Ron Moore
2017 (2nd term)
At-Large (2 yr term) (6 yr max)
Alan Glickman
2018 (3rd term)
Immediate Past Chairman (3 yr term)
Tom JeBran
2018 Charter & Tour Representative (2 yr term) (6 yr max)
Tony Fiorini
2018 (3rd term)
At-Large (2 yr term) (6 yr max)
Gene Berardi
2017 (1st term)
Executive Committee Treasurer (1 yr term)
Craig Lentzsch
2017 Enterprise Representative (2 yr term) (6 yr max)
Buddy Young (1st term)
2018 At-Large (2 yr term) (2 yr max
Stephanie Lee
2017 (1st term)
ABA President & CEO (1 yr term)
Peter Pantuso
2017
(0) Term Limited Members:
STAFF REPORTS
Section Contents: Financial Highlights Report Government Affairs and Policy Report BISC Report Meetings, Education, & Member Services Report Publications Report Women In Buses Report
American Bus Association Finance and Budget
Financial and Administrative Report – Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
The following report provides financial highlights for the three months ending March 31, 2016. The report provides information to the board and other interested parties on the financial position of the Association. In addition to describing the financial condition of the Association, this report is intended to highlight variances between actual results and budgeted amounts, and in some cases to prior year actual results.
The ending operating cash balance at March 31, 2016, totals $1,606,000, versus $1,580,000 from a year ago. However, accounts payable at March 31, 2016, were $475,000 less than the same period a year ago, putting the association in a much stronger position than the prior year. ABA’s reserve account had total investments of $4,150,000, versus $4,094,000 from a year ago, representing an increase of $56,000, or approximately 1.5%.
ABA transferred $100,000 from the operating account to the TD Private Client Wealth reserve account on April 20, 2016. This is the 5th consecutive year ABA has contributed $100,000 to the reserve fund in its effort to replenish the funds used to purchase its office condominium where it is currently located.
REVENUE Membership - Membership revenue as of March 31, 2016, totaled approximately $1,363,000 compared to $1,314,000 as of March 31, 2015, representing an increase of approximately 3.75%. Below is a breakdown by category of membership revenue:
MARCH BUDGET MARCH
2016 2015 2015 Membership
Operator Dues $ 182,039 $ 350,000 $ 185,232 Associate Dues 56,410 55,000 51,595 Travel Industry Dues 1,075,550 1,150,000 1,030,567 Tour Operator Dues 48,959 85,000 46,320
1,362,957 1,640,000 1,313,714
Meetings - ABA Marketplace makes up a majority of the meeting revenue in the budget. As of March 31, 2016, revenue associated with Marketplace totaled approximately $3,101,000 compared to $3,098,000 as of March 31, 2015. There are a few remaining registrations outstanding which will add to total revenue in 2016 as we receive payments. Total revenue is approximately $141,500 below its budgeted amount of $3,239,500. However, expenses are expected to be lower than anticipated, providing a net profit from Marketplace that exceeds its budgeted amount.
1
Publications - As of March 31, 2016, revenue associated with ABA Publications totaled approximately $303,000 making it even with the prior year. Below is a breakdown by category of publications revenue:
MARCH BUDGET MARCH
2016 2015 2015 Publications
Destinations $ 230,893 $ 671,200 $ 236,091 Motorcoach Marketer 1,520 272,000 600 Marketplace Today 46,281 60,000 47,239 Top 100 Events 0 49,000 100 ABA Insider/MTN/Web 24,029 156,000 12,664 Equip Magazine 0 46,675 5,702
302,723 1,254,875 302,396
Top 100 Events and Equip Magazine are no longer published. This decision was made subsequent to the preparation and board approval of the 2016 budget. Motorcoach Marketer revenue is recognized in November, and therefore minimal revenue will be recognized until it is published at that time.
EXPENSE Government Affairs - As of March 31, 2016, expenses are $324,000, which is an increase of approximately $100,000, or 45%, from the prior year. This increase is due mainly to lobbying/consulting services provided by Capitol Tax Partners, LLP and Van Scoyoc Associates, Inc. The monthly cost to ABA for these firms is $22,500, or $270,000 per year. The agreements between ABA and these firms began in April, 2015, and therefore no costs were incurred in 2015 through March, causing most of the difference in expenses between the two years. In addition, legal fees from Richard Schweitzer, were approximately $15,000 higher in 2016, than the same period in 2015. These items are reflected in the 2016 budget, which has been approved by the board. Membership Services – As of March 31, 2016, expenses in this department totaled $160,000 compared to $125,000 for the same period last year, representing an increase of $35,000, or 29%. This is due to increased costs for salaries/fringe and meetings and conferences. ABA added a new position within the membership department in October 2015, causing salaries and fringe to be higher in 2016 than the same period a year ago. This position was included in the approved 2016 budget. Meetings and conferences expense is approximately $16,000 above the prior year period, due to the timing of registration for the meetings being attended, and is not an indication that this line item will be significantly more than the prior year at the end of the current 12 months. Currently, all meetings registered for are part of the approved 2016 budget. Marketplace – Expenses for Marketplace are $946,000, versus $1,031,000 in 2015, a decrease from the prior year of approximately $85,000, or 8%. The reason for the decrease is due in part to lower overall costs for the following items at Marketplace:
2
MARCH BUDGET MARCH
2016 2016 2015
Consulting Services $ 7,800 $ 17,000 $ 37,525 Function Costs 205,970 250,000 246,962 Audio Visual 220,125 220,000 195,324 Security 962 8,500 7,453 Decorating 187,295 210,000 210,845
621,190 705,500 698,109
The above expenses are largely driven by the venue in which Marketplace is held each year. These costs were lower than what was originally anticipated in the 2016 budget, and were also lower than the prior year. Publications – With the exception of Marketplace Today and ABA Insider, expenses in these categories are lower in 2016 than the prior year. This is due mainly to the timing of invoices received and paid at the time of preparing the March 31, 2016, financial statements, compared to those received in 2015 for the same period. Below is a breakdown of expenses as of March 31, 2016, for each of the publications, with the exception of Top 100 and Equip, which are not being published in 2016, and therefore have no 2016 expenses:
MARCH BUDGET MARCH
2016 2016 2015
Destinations $ 140,772 $ 652,731 $ 185,610 Motorcoach Marketer 6,801 127,482 22,455 Marketplace Today 48,304 54,346 31,746 ABA Insider 13,231 79,811 9,835 MTN 308 17,000 4,703
209,416 931,370 254,349
General and Administration - As of March 31, 2016, expenses in this department totaled $366,000 compared to $344,000 for the same period last year representing an increase of 6.5%. Contributions to date total $10,250 compared to $0 last year. $10,000 of this was a contribution to the Motorcoach Marketing Council, which was approved by the Board subsequent to the 2016 Budget. Legal fees are $6,630 compared to $281 last year, due to advice obtained as part of the layoff of two ABA employees in 2016.
3
1
MEMORANDUM
To: ABA Board of Directors
From: Suzanne Rohde, ABA Vice President for Government Affairs and Policy
Re: Spring 2016 Government Affairs and Policy (GAP) Board Report
Date: April 15, 2016
I. OVERVIEW The Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act or FAST Act, enacted last December, contained a number of ABA-supported policy provisions. Since passage, the Government Affairs and Policy Division (GAP), along with other transportation related interest, have now turned their attention to ensuring the law is now properly implemented. As well, GAP has aggressively engaged in the annual appropriations process to stop the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) final rule concerning the lease & interchange of passenger vehicles, and to obtain and increased funding for the Intercity Bus Security Grant Program. Finally, in terms of legislative activity, GAP has also pursued ABA initiatives through the process to reauthorize the federal aviation programs. Aside from advocacy, GAP, working with Van Scoyoc Associates, has managed the organization and substantive preparation for the ABA Congressional Fly-In scheduled for May 4. Simultaneously, as this is the final year of a presidential term, GAP has devoted a significant portion of time and resources to analyzing and responding to regulatory actions by government agencies. Since January, FMCSA, has published at least 6 regulatory initiatives, seeking comment from our industry. In response, GAP held several conference calls and prepared extension requests and/or comments to ensure the motorcoach, tour and travel industry is on record for these initiatives. Also, on behalf of ABA, GAP is coordinating efforts to challenge a charter exemption request related to service for the 2016 Democratic National Convention. The GAP staff have also been actively engaged in organizing the summer 2016 Bus Industry Safety Council (BISC) and Bus Maintenance and Repair Council meetings, in addition to organizing a BISC meeting in California this summer. As part of this effort, ABA has pursued reformatting these meetings, in an effort to provide increased value and offer a more open approach to attendees. As of April 15, the balance in the BusPAC account stands at $169,532. Since Marketplace, GAP executed several activities to expand and increase BusPAC participation; however, these efforts stalled during March due to resource constraints. However, BusPAC activities have fully resumed and I am in the process of developing new initiatives.
2
Finally, since the last report to the Board, GAP successfully recruited a new Manager of Policy & Legislation, and is now in the process of recruiting a new Legislation & Communications Coordinator. II. LEGISLATION & REGULATION A. LEGISLATION 1. Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act) As previously reported, ABA was successful in obtaining a number of policy “victories” in the FAST Act, enacted on December 4, 2015. However, several of these provisions require further action by an executive branch or state agency, to be implemented. The following are a few examples of these provisions and the actions necessary to implement them:
a. Weigh Station Inspections – In order for states to obtain grant money under the Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program, to fund their safety activities, they must submit annual plans to FMCSA agreeing to enforce regulations/standards compatible with the Federal Government. The contents of these plans are dictated by statute. The FAST Act amended this statute to require state plans to ensure passenger carrier inspections are conducted at planned stops, and explicitly excluded weigh stations as planned stops. So, as states submit their plans for 2017, the issue of weigh station inspections should be addressed (or the state will risk losing it grant funding). So, in other words, states may still be conducting en route inspections through 2016, until their FY 2017 plans are submitted.
b. Tolling/HOV – The Federal Highway Administration administers the federal aid highway program, the program that distributes and allocates federal fuel tax revenue for highway infrastructure projects and maintenance. Within the legal framework governing the federal-aid highway program are laws governing how the federal fuel tax dollars can be used for toll highways and who may establish HOV lanes on federal-aid highways. The FAST Act amended both of these sections of law. For tolling, the FAST Act changed the law by dictating that states who use or used federal fuel tax dollars for toll facilities, must provide access to the toll facilities under the same rates, terms and conditions as public transportation buses. Similarly, for HOV, the FAST Act dictated that if a state or public authority operates an HOV lane, it must provide equal access to the HOV lane under the same rates, terms and conditions for over-the-road-buses serving the public as it does for public transportation. However, as a starting point, in order for the tolling provision changes to apply to a highway facility, the facility must fall within FHWA’s jurisdiction, by virtue of having received federal-aid funding. As to application, as the FAST Act amendments changed law administered by FHWA, implementation of the changes require action by FHWA. Therefore ABA met with FHWA staff in February, to discuss implementation of these provisions. At the meeting the staff informed us they were still sorting through all the new mandates issued to FHWA under the FAST Act, and candidly explained it would take some time before they would be prepared to take action on these FAST Act changes. They also informed us of the need to conduct research, specifically on
3
the inventory of toll facilities that have received federal funding and are thus subject to the federal-aid highway legal framework. Following this meeting, recently, ABA met with Senate and House staff involved with drafting the FAST Act provisions, to seek oversight assistance. As well, ABA is seeking a meeting with FHWA leadership to pursue expediting action by the Agency regarding these changes.
c. Planning – As noted in prior communications, the FAST Act amended federal planning statutes within both the federal highway and transit programs, to require state and local transportation planning to take into account intercity bus facilities, and the economic and environmental benefits of intercity bus systems, as well as include intercity bus operators in the planning process. The changes also required state and local planning organizations to coordinate with tourism officials, in terms of devising transportation plans. As the planning statutes, in general, govern how the state and Metropolitan Planning Organizations operate, in terms of developing and executing transportation plans, GAP conducted outreach to the Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations (AMPO) to begin building a relationship for the successful execution of these changes. The Executive Director of AMPO, along with one of her members, is scheduled to provide a presentation on the planning process for the ABA Board, on May 5. We have also reached out to the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), to discuss the impact of the FAST Act changes at the state planning level.
d. CSA Program – In response to years of criticism of the Compliance, Safety, Accountability program (CSA), the FAST Act directed FMCSA to commission the National Research Council of the National Academies to conduct a study of CSA and the Safety Measurement System mechanism used under the program. On the positive side, FMCSA announced it commissioned the study on March 7. On the negative side, since passage of the FAST Act, the Agency has also announced a number of proposed changes to the motor carrier regulatory scheme that rely on the flawed CSA program, without waiting for the results of the study. The ABA, along with others, continues to challenge the Agency for proposing these actions prior to completion of the study (see below under Regulatory Activities). We are also communicating with Congressional committees, in an effort to provide proper oversight of the Agency in following both the spirit and intent of the FAST Act provision.
e. Travel & Tourism Infrastructure – The FAST Act also established a National Advisory Committee on Travel and Tourism Infrastructure to advise the DOT Secretary on the national intermodal transportation network to facilitate travel and tourism. As a federal advisory committee, this committee is subject to the Federal Advisory Committee Act which governs how members are selected and how it will operate, emphasizing openness and public involvement. The ABA has learned DOT is in the process of preparing to publish a charter for this committee in the May/June timeframe, with a short comment period. Following the comment period, DOT expects to name the members of the committee. In anticipation of this action, ABA President Peter Pantuso will be meeting with the Deputy Secretary for the Department of Transportation, to seek a position for ABA on this committee. As this committee will focus on transportation infrastructure in support of travel and tourism, as opposed to the
4
Department of Commerce’s national advisory committee on travel and tourism, ABA believes it is uniquely qualified to seek membership as it represents both the transportation industry as well as the travel and tourism industry. 2. Appropriations The GAP staff have aggressively focused on the annual appropriations process these past few months, for a number of reasons: 1) the FY 2017 transportation appropriations bill provided the best opportunity to stop the FMCSA final rule on lease and interchange from going into force January 2017; 2) the motorcoach industry must continually fight for inclusion of security grant funding, let alone seek an increase to the funding level; 3) appropriations bills, seen as “must do” actions, are often used to “sneak-in” legislative controversial legislative changes, and therefore require monitoring.
a. Lease and Interchange – The ABA, assisted in significant part by the personal outreach of a number of ABA members, achieved initial success with the lease and interchange (L&I) issue by having FMCSA postpone the compliance date of the final rule to January 2018. The FMCSA action was in direct response to pressure brought to bear by ABA efforts. Beginning in late January, GAP started briefing key staff members of both the House and Senate appropriations committees. As well, with the assistance of ABA’s VSA lobbyists, GAP conducted numerous briefings with the individual Representative and Senate offices of members on the appropriations committees and off the committee, building a groundswell of Congressional support for ABA’s position. In addition to these briefings, GAP drafted and provided briefing papers and talking points, and responded to numerous questions and emails seeking clarification and guidance on the issue. Also, GAP organized a number of letter campaigns to members of congress from state/regional association members. As a result of these actions, FMCSA and DOT’s Government Affairs office were barraged with Congressional inquiries, and forced to respond. The GAP staff also maintained pressure directly on FMCSA. In late January, following on the heels of Acting Administrator Darling’s January 10 meeting with ABA Board Members at Marketplace, Darling was scheduled to appear before the Senate Commerce Committee for a confirmation hearing. Prior to this hearing, GAP reached out to the committee staff to educate them on the L&I issue in an effort to have the issue raised during Darling’s hearing. The hearing was orchestrated to be noncontroversial and so the ABA question were not raised; however, GAP was successful in having the questions on L&I sent to him following the hearing, for written answers to be provided for the committee record and worked with the staff to continue to put pressure on FMCSA leadership. As well, on behalf of ABA, GAP sent a letter to DOT Secretary Foxx, seeking his engagement on this issue, to expedite action by FMCSA.
During this timeframe, I also worked directly with appropriations staff crafting language to include in an appropriations bill, to defund implementation of the rule. As of early March, based on GAP’s efforts and because several ABA members made personal calls directly to legislative officials, we were well positioned in both the House and Senate to obtain language in an FY 2017 appropriations measure. However, with the Agency’s action on March 16, postponing the rule compliance date, there is no rule to “defund” in the FY 2017 appropriations
5
bill. However, GAP continues to execute a strategy to maintain pressure on FMCSA to take action in the coming year on the rule as well as position ABA for next year, in the event the Agency does not act. Toward this goal, GAP is working with both the House and Senate appropriations committees on language for inclusion in the report that would accompany an FY 2017 appropriations bill, expressing Congress’s intent for the Agency to modify the rule in the coming year or extend the compliance date again.
b. Security Funding – Since the start of the year, GAP, in conjunction with VSA,
aggressively laid the ground work for inclusion of security grant funding in the Department of Homeland Security appropriations bill, under the Intercity Bus Security Grant Program (IBSGP) funding line item. We met with both House and Senate appropriations committee staff, along with key member offices in both the House and Senate, including Congressman Dent and Senator Blunt. I also spoke to the Chairman of the Senate DHS appropriations subcommittee, Senator Hoeven, and explained the importance of the program to both he and his staff. The Senate briefings were of particular import, as Senate committee staff informed us they had not received a request for funding from any Senate office in the past. We believe we rectified this oversight, although we continue to face resistance to funding this program from the staff. Also, ABA’s interest in increasing the amount of funding for IBSGP remains a significant challenge. As Chairman Hoeven informed me, the total allocation of security funding made available under the budget agreement was cut by about $1.5 billion, so increases to the IBSGP will be difficult. On the positive side, the Transportation Security Administration continues to support the program.
c. Status of Appropriations – Due to 2016 elections, however, it is important to note that
the likelihood of Congress following regular order and enacting all appropriations bills this year, is slim. Instead, we are likely to see only a few, if any, bills enacted and Congress will instead be forced to pass a Continuing Resolution (CR), similar to last year. If this occurs, in terms of the L&I rule, we will at least have reaped the benefit of having forced the Agency to put off the compliance date until January 2018, and preserved our opportunity to work through the appropriations process again next year to force action if necessary. As well, for security grant funding, if a DHS appropriations bill is not enacted and a CR is put in place, then at a minimum, the FY 2016 funding level of $3 million for the IBSGP should continue until a new appropriations agreement is reached. 3. Aviation Reauthorization The Federal Aviation Administration and federal aviation programs were initially due to be
reauthorized last fall; however, an extension of the programs through March of 2016 was
enacted at the end of September. Following passage of the FAST Act in December, Chairman
Shuster of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee took the lead in February to
introduce his FAA reauthorization bill. Much of the work for this bill had been done in 2015
prior to the surface transportation reauthorization effort began to move in June 2015.
However, the Shuster bill contains a number of controversial provisions, such as a proposal to
turn governance of air traffic control over to a semi-private organization, which stalled the bill
6
from coming to the floor of the House for a vote. On the Senate side, Chairman Thune and
others, made clear their opposition to the Shuster bill, wanting instead a straightforward
reauthorization bill without controversy. Chairman Thune introduced and marked up his bill in
mid-March; however there was insufficient time to pass it and attempt to work with the House
before the end of the month, when the current authorization expired. So, another extension of
the aviation programs was enacted, continuing the authorization until mid-July 2016. At the
start of April, the Thune bill was brought to the Senate floor for a vote, however controversy
over attempts to add unrelated provisions (extensions of energy tax provisions and other
transportation related provisions), threatens to stop the bill. If the bill does pass, there remains
no guarantee for a final reauthorization bill, as it is unclear whether the House will consider it
or move forward with its own bill.
The GAP staff, along with VSA, advocated in both the House and Senate during this process for two ABA initiatives: 1) an amendment to clarify that airport terminals must allow access for motorcoaches; and 2) a pilot program, similar to the Essential Air Service program, to provide bus service to rural areas for access to hub airports. At this stage in the reauthorization process, neither the House or Senate bills include language to address the ABA initiatives. This outcome is unfortunate, as last year when GAP initially began discussions with committee staff regarding these initiatives we received a positive response. Nonetheless, we continue to talk to several Congressional offices, and seek opportunities for an amendment, albeit it is unlikely at this stage. On a more positive note, the Thune bill reauthorizes the aviation programs for only 18 months, into 2017, thus if the Thune bill prevails, ABA could have another opportunity to raise these initiatives next year. Toward that goal, our continuing education efforts on Capitol Hill this year will assist in the next effort. B. REGULATORY ACTIVITIES Through the fall, GAP monitored the activities of various federal agencies in anticipation of a number of regulatory proposals. As well, we continued to aggressively reach out to FMCSA in pursuit of addressing concerns with the final rule concerning lease and interchange of passenger vehicles. Below is a brief update on the various regulatory activities. 1. Lease and Interchange – As previously noted, on March 16, 2016, FMCSA published a notice postponing compliance date for the lease and interchange final rule from January 1, 2017 to January 1, 2018. Although this provides a year reprieve, and likely moves the issue to the next presidential administration, ABA continues to press for modifications to the final rule. We are seeking language in the report that will accompany an annual transportation appropriations bill, to focus the agency’s attention on this matter. If no action is taken this year on the rule or the industry petitions, we will again engage in the annual appropriations next year to address the issue. 2. Safety Fitness Determination – On January 21, FMCSA published a notice of proposed rulemaking proposing to modify the current method of determining motor carrier fitness. It
7
would replace the current three categories of safety fitness (i.e. satisfactory, conditional, and unsatisfactory) with only one (i.e. unfit). It also proposes three methods of conducting determinations: 1) by roadside data, alone; 2) by traditional on-site reviews/investigations; and 3) a combination of the two. Based on the expanded methods, safety fitness determinations would be conducted on a monthly basis. As there is only one rating category, the standards of failure are also modified. Comments to the rule were due March; however, based on ABA, and others, request the Agency extended the initial comment period to May, 23, 2016. To assist with development of ABA’s comments, GAP convened a conference call on February 19, and based on the call developed and initial outline of the issues to be addressed in comments. This outline was distributed to ABA members on March 31, to assist members with developing their own individual comments. 3. Definition of Curbside – On February 9, FMCSA published a notice explaining its intent to establish a definition for the term “curbside” in order to implement a MAP-21 provision requiring annual safety fitness assessments for certain motor carriers of passengers. Comments were due April 11, 2016. To assist with development of ABA’s comments, GAP convened a conference call with the bus operator members of the Board, on March 8. Based on feedback from the call, GAP prepared ABA comments; GAP also included discussion of the notice on the March 31 conference call with a broader ABA audience. The GAO then filed the comments on April 11, opposing the establishment of a definition for the term curbside. To assist other ABA members in preparing comments, GAP also shared an outline of ABA’s comments prior to the filing date. 4. Entry Level Driver Training – On March 7, FMCSA published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to establish national minimum training standards for entry-level commercial truck and bus operators seeking a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Comments were due April 6, 2016. This proposal is part of the negotiated rulemaking effort initiated in spring 2015, in which ABA took part. The NPRM proposal closely resembles the consensus agreement reached following the negotiations last spring. As part of a conference call on March 31, held to gather input on a broad number of regulatory actions, GAP received feedback from ABA members on this proposal. Based on the feedback, GAP prepared and filed comments on behalf of ABA by the April 6 deadline. 5. Definition of High Risk Carrier – Also on March 7, FMCSA published a notice proposing to adopt a new “high risk carrier” definition, in response to a report by an FAA Independent Review Team. Comments are due May 6, 2016. This FMCSA initiative was also discussed, briefly, on the March 31 conference call. As FMCSA’s basis for the proposing changes to the definition is similar and in support of the SFD proposal, ABA’s comments will likely be similar to our comments on the SFD proposal. In short, ABA will oppose the modification on the grounds the Agency continues to use flawed data from the CSA program. 6. Obstructive Sleep Apnea – On March 10, FMCSA, jointly with the Federal Railroad Administration, published an advance notice of proposed rulemaking seeking data on the prevalence of moderate-to-sever obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Comments are due June 8,
8
2016. A discussion of this notice was also discussed with ABA members on the March 31 conference call. In preparation to refine ABA’s position and prepare comments, GAP will be meeting with the Association of American Railroads to understand their issues and concerns, from the railroad perspective. By way of background, a prior effort by FMCSA to address OSA concerns through regulatory guidance, was opposed by ABA and others. In response, Congress passed a law in 2013, requiring FMCSA to proceed through the rulemaking process, if it planned to issue any new or revised requirements to address OSA or any other sleep disorders. 7. Notice of Charter Service – Democratic National Convention – The GAP staff, working with R. Schweitzer and state associations, is preparing to file a cease and desist order with the Federal Transit Administration, regarding the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority’s (SEPTA’s) involvement with providing transportation services for the upcoming Democratic National Convention to be held in Philadelphia, July 2016. III. OPERATIONS A. SAFETY COUNCILS Following the 2016 Winter Safety Council meetings, ABA held discussions on improving the execution of safety council meetings to enhance the value provided as well as expand membership. Toward these goals, ABA has introduced a more streamlined approach for organizing the summer 2016 meetings, with the joint purpose of promoting broader participation in meeting sessions. As well, ABA will be holding a special Bus Industry Safety Council meeting in California, in July. 1. Bus Industry Safety Council The BISC Winter meeting featured FMCSA Acting Administrator Scott Darling as its keynote speaker and had over 220 attendees. The BISC organized its schedule and issued invitations to attend the 2016 BISC Summer meeting at the Baltimore/Washington International (BWI) Airport Marriott in Linthicum, MD. The meeting will be held June 28-29. To date, there are 30 registrants. The meeting format has been altered to become more inviting to all attendees, so the label of committee meetings will no longer be used and a purely topical focus will -be adopted. Overall, 17 sessions are scheduled and the thematic focus will be on bus fires. The BISC also increased its outreach efforts, including regular magazine articles in BusRide and Equip magazines as well as featured speaking engagements at several upcoming state association meetings, Transportation Research Board meetings and Society of Automotive Engineers events. Several partnerships and outreach activities with limo associations are being evaluated and pursued. The BISC meeting dates for its 2017 meeting schedule have also been secured, with June 13-14, 2017, chosen as the date for the summer meeting. The session schedules has also been identified for the 2017 Winter meeting, with a thematic focus on maintaining technology. 2. Bus Maintenance and Repair Council For its inaugural meeting in January 2016, the Bus Maintenance and Repair Council exceeded
expectations. It has more than 70 attendees for its classroom education sessions and site visit
9
to Miller Transportation and Motor Coach Industries. For its summer 2016 meeting, BusMARC
will be co-located with BISC at the BWI Airport Marriott but on adjoining days, to avoid overlap
or scheduling conflicts for attendees during the program. The invitation to the meeting was
issued simultaneously with the BISC invitation. Site visits are planned to the Academy Bus and
Cummins Engine facilities near Baltimore. These sessions will be held June 29-30, 2016. To
date, there are 15 registrants. Additional interaction with enforcement officials are planned for
this meeting, as well as an effort to create closer ties to existing maintenance councils in other
industries. The BusMARC outreach will look to build on the momentum created by its initial
webinar and Marketplace meetings, and is evaluating opportunities such as BusCON and other
industry events. A tentative hold has been placed for a 2017 Summer BusMARC meeting in
Baltimore in mid-June with BISC, but additional facilities around the country are being
considered. Sessions have been mapped out for the 2017 Winter meeting, and site visit
locations are currently being considered among 3 Cleveland area operators and National
Interstate.
B. GAP 1. Legislative & Regulatory a. Legislation – As previously noted, GAP, along with ABA lobbyists, spent a considerable amount of time these past few months advocating for action through the annual appropriations process. With the current Congressional leadership interest in following regular order, the schedule for the appropriations process basically started in late January/early February, with a soft deadline for Members of Congress to have their appropriation requests in by the end of March. Thus, during February and March I, along with VSA, conducted numerous meetings and telephone calls, in support of ABA’s appropriations initiatives. This involved a considerable amount of time, during a period when GAP was challenged by resource limitations due to staff departures. In addition to appropriations advocacy, GAP/VSA also pursued ABA legislative initiatives through the FAA reauthorization effort, and also conducted legislative advocacy on the L&I issue through the House T&I Committee and the Senate Commerce Committee. In total, I personally conducted over 30 in-person meetings on Capitol Hill, in addition to numerous phone calls, email follow-ups, and document sharing, in support of ABA legislative initiatives. These efforts were in addition to efforts by VSA. b. Regulation/Administration – On the regulatory front, as FMCSA was particularly active these past few months, GAP was actively engaged as well. On behalf of ABA, GAP submitted comments on 2 FMCSA initiatives, filed a successful comment extension request on the Safety Fitness NPRM, responded to numerous FMCSA information requests and participated, as requested in a number of FMCSA and Transportation Security Administration meetings/conference calls. We also filed comments to National Park Service information collection request on concessionaires. Also, on behalf of ABA, GAP also hosted and solicited for FMCSA’s listening session at Marketplace. As well, in response to the regulatory action by FMCSA, GAP sponsored two conference calls with ABA members, and a call with bus operator
10
Board members, seeking input for comment development. The GAP staff are also coordinating efforts with the R. Schweitzer, to mount a challenge to SEPTA’s charter bus exemption request filed with the FTA, for the upcoming Democratic National Convention. c. Outreach – The GAP staff engaged in a number of outreach efforts, building support and to assist in implementation of the FAST Act. In support of the FAST Act planning provisions, GAP reached out to the Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations (AMPO) and met with the Executive Director of AMPO. I also attended the AMPO Board of Directors meeting on March 8, and briefed their Board on ABA and the motorcoach, tour and travel industry. As to tolling, I worked with Rick Schweitzer to conduct outreach to FHWA concerning the FAST Act tolling provisions, and we coordinated with the International Bridge, Tunnel & Turnpike Association. The GAP staff also reached out to the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, and met with the new Executive Director and Deputy Executive Director on March 11. In addition, I coordinated with ABA member representatives on a number of matters as well, including tolling and L&I. 2. Administrative a. Fly-In - Since the 2016 Winter meeting, GAP also worked with ABA’s Membership, to organize and prepare a “Capitol Hill Fly-In” event for ABA members, scheduled for May 4. As part of this effort, GAP, developed an invitation, organized the event schedule, solicited participation, conducted a webinar, and arranged speakers for the event. Additionally, GAP will be preparing materials both for briefing participants, as well as for participants to use in their meetings with legislative officials and staff. Assisting GAP with the logistics, VSA has the responsibility for arranging the individual meetings with legislative officials and staff. b. State/Regional Associations - Also during this time period, GAP continued to engage with state and regional motorcoach associations. On February 17, I briefed the Maryland Motorcoach Association at their “Lunch and Learn” event. I also attended the Trailways 80th Annual Stockholder meeting in Cape Coral, Florida, on February 22. Additionally, GAP worked closely with several regional association to execute successful Congressional letter campaigns, in support of ABA’s appropriations strategy to stop the L&I rule. c. Communications - Briefly, in terms of communication, GAP issued 6 member alerts, and arranged and conducted 2 webinars (Security Grant application process; and Meeting with Legislative Officials). As well, GAP provided strong support for ABA’s overall communication efforts, by taking over the authorship and editorial direction of Equip magazine and increasing contributions to the daily Bus Bulletin, in the absence of a senior communications staff. Also, GAP continues to prepare and distribute to the Board monthly updates on legislative and regulatory activities, and prepares scaled down updates for general member and prospective member use. d. Staffing – During February and March, I conducted a successful search to hire a new Manager for Policy & Legislation. On Monday, Andrew Newhart (resume attached), joined ABA
11
and has already proved to be a valuable addition to the GAP team. However, at the end of February, ABA’s Legislation & Communications Coordinator, Emory Rogers, departed. I am now currently conducting a search to fill this position. Additionally, GAP is reviewing its contract with VSA, in consideration of whether to renew it. C. BusPAC Currently, the as of April 15, the BusPAC account balance is $169,532. Since January, BusPAC received $14, 817 in contributions, including $3,630 in contributions from ABA staff. As well, to date, $10,000 has been distributed for events. In February, BusPAC sponsored a very successful event for Congressman Chabot, Chairman of the House Small Business Committee. Due to the untimely departure of E. Rogers at the end of February, BusPAC efforts have been hampered. I am currently in the process of recruiting to find a new Legislation & Communications Coordinator. In the interim, we did conduct an electronic solicitation authorization or “opt-in” campaign during January and February; however, it did not yield significant returns, leading us to consider whether the electronic format is the best approach. In March, GAP brought on board a temporary contractor to assist with BusPAC activities. The contractor has been very helpful in identifying lapsed contributors and solicitation authorizations, and has developed a new solicitation brochure. As well, I am developing initiatives to enhance BusPAC membership, such as increased communication ideas. Please do not hesitate to contact me regarding any of the information provided in this report. Attachment: A. Newhart’s resume
ANDREW J. NEWHART 1616 16th Street NW Apt. #205 • Washington, D.C. 20009 • (585) 414-3227 • [email protected]
EXPERIENCE:
K&L Gates LLP; Washington, D.C. August 2015 – Present Government Affairs Coordinator • Manage legislative research department by hiring and overseeing three full-time employees and two rotating fellows • Lobby Congress and the Administration on client matters related to energy, environment, fisheries, health care, infrastructure,
maritime, telecommunications, and transportation • Coordinate and oversee requests from over 50 partners, associates, and analysts on special projects
K&L Gates LLP; Washington, D.C. May 2011 – August 2015 Government Affairs Specialist • Aided in developing policy strategy and provided legislative analysis on issues relating to energy, environment, fisheries, health
care, infrastructure, labor, maritime, telecommunications, trade, and transportation • Advised client managers on policy matters before Congress, regulatory affairs, federal agency administrative issues, current news,
and general political intelligence • Lobbied Congress and the Administration on various issues of importance to clients • Co-created major marketing publications for the Public Policy Group, including the 2012 and 2014 Election Guides
United States Congress; Washington, D.C. August 2008 - January 2011 House Committee on Homeland Security / Democratic Staff / Legislative Assistant • Handled legislative work for the Subcommittee on Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection • Prepared detailed memos on legislation, reports, hearings and mark-ups for senior staff and Members of Congress • Monitored legislative activity in both the House and Senate for issues related to the jurisdiction of the Committee
United States Congress; Washington, D.C. May 2008 - August 2008 Office of Congressman Anthony Weiner (D-NY) / Executive Assistant • Maintained the Congressman’s Washington, DC, schedule, including votes, committee hearings, and public events • Served as Office Manager and kept office organized, staff prepared, and administrative duties complete
United States Congress; Washington, D.C. February 2008 - May 2008 House Committee on Homeland Security / Democratic Staff / Intern • Conducted research to help the staff on the Committee prepare for hearings on a wide range of topics related to homeland security • Assisted the Staff Assistant with administrative duties, including monitoring the front office and answering phone calls
Bill Richardson for President; Des Moines, IA August 2007 - January 2008 Field Organizer • Managed Iowa’s sixth-largest county, with 21 precincts, for the Bill Richardson for President Campaign
EDUCATION:
St. Bonaventure University, B.A. in Political Science May 2007 • Cum Laude, Member Pi Sigma Alpha – National Political Science Honor Society, Minor in Pre-Law
Oxford University, Oxford, England Summer 2006 • Attended Oxford as part of St. Bonaventure’s most prestigious study abroad program following a competitive selection process
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS | VOLUNTEER WORK:
• Member, Association of Government Relations Professionals • Member, Propeller Club of Washington, D.C. • Volunteer, Democratic National Convention, Charlotte, NC • Volunteer, City Dogs Rescue, Washington, D.C.
1
ABA Spring Policy and Board Meeting May 04 – 06, 2016 – Washington, DC
BISC Report by Stephen Evans – BISC Chairman:
Once again I am grateful for the opportunity to update the ABA Board on the activities of the Bus Industry Safety Council.
January 2016 BISC Winter Meeting Summary: BISC had another record smashing success as approximately 220 delegates attended a variety of sessions, meetings, and committees during the ABA’s Marketplace event in St Louis. BISC was also pleased to welcome our good friends from the IMG, who this year co-located their annual “Maintenance and Safety Forum” with the BISC meetings. The two main themes for our meetings were how to embrace emerging technologies, and how to develop effective training programs. We kicked off our meetings with a BISC Orientation Session, which included a review of the BISC Mission: “To continually raise the level of safety in the intercity bus and motorcoach industry through collaborative efforts of professionals in a workshop and educational environment.” And we also discussed how BISC accomplished its work through the Standing Committees and the Summer and Winter BISC Meetings. The Keynote Speaker for the event was FMCSA Acting Administrator Scott Darling. He acknowledged that while safe trucking moves our economy, safe buses move our people. Mr. Darling stated that “Intercity bus travel is one of the safest modes of transportation. I thank each and every one of the motorcoach carriers and drivers here today for all you do for highway safety—it makes a difference in lives saved and crashes prevented.” Mr. Darling went on to announce that 2016 would be the FMCSA’s “Year of Partnerships”. And he wrapped up his comments by encouraging attendees to participate in the FMCSA Listening Sessions which were being held to receive comments and feedback on the “Beyond Compliance” proposal.
2
Over the 2 day event, in addition to 5 Standing Committee Meetings, delegates were able to attend 7 Topical Sessions and 11 Educational Sessions which dealt with a wide variety of technology and training topics such as “New Gadgets and Gizmos”, “Electronic Logging Devices, A Bold New World”, “The In’s & Out’s of Entry Level Driver Training”, and “Effective & Affordable Training Programs for Smaller Carriers”. True to one of our BISC objectives to better serve our members, attendees at every meeting were provided with session evaluation forms and assignment request forms. This feedback will be used to ensure future BISC meetings are focused on the issues that matter most to our members. Due to a recent vacancy in the Executive, a special election for the Secretary position was held during the BISC closing general session. But unfortunately, a few days later, before the successful candidate was able to assume this position, he changed jobs and was not eligible to hold the Secretary position as he was no longer working for a motorcoach operator. After consulting with ABA staff we decided to award the election to the runner-up. We welcome Mike Ferianc as the new BISC Secretary. Mike had been serving as the Chair of the Human Performance Committee. His Vice-Chair, Rick Vaillancourt will serve as acting chair of that committee until the next election in the fall. As I did at prior Winter Meeting, this year again I threw down a Take-Away challenge to all attendees: “ABA/BISC/IMG operators should be setting an example for the industry. My challenge to you is to go back to your organizations and ensure:
1. that comprehensive pre-trip Passenger Safety Briefings are consistently and effectively being done (both NTSB and FMCSA have raised concerns about Safety Briefings not being done)
2. that drivers know how to manage evacuations, protect the scene with flashers/triangles, direct passengers to a safe area, etc.
Come back to our summer meeting and tell us how you made out.” Also, during the opening general session we were pleased to announce that Wes Barber was the 2016 winner of the Norm Littler Memorial Safety Award. Wes retired in 2014 after a long and distinguished career at the FMCSA. For many years he took a leading role in the Bus Industry Safety Council and his insight and candor on safety issues was valued. Even in retirement, Wes can still be counted on to share his extensive expertise. Lastly, Marketplace attendees were given a unique opportunity to “buy” the BISC Chairman. As part of the ABA Foundation’s silent auction, I put myself up for auction. The successful bidder will receive a comprehensive fleet and workplace safety review of their facility conducted by myself. Congratulations to Elaine Fickett of H & L Charters who was the successful bidder. And congratulations to the ABA Foundation who raised over $145,000 during Marketplace.
3
Changes to the process of electing the BISC Executive Committee: After discussion with the Executive Committee, and in consultation with ABA staff, we are pleased to announce the following changes to the election of BISC Executive Committee members: - our election process will transition from being in-person at the BISC Summer Meeting to
now being performed on-line in the first week of November - newly elected members will assume their role the day after the BISC Winter meeting is
finished - the 2 year terms will be staggered so that approximately half of the elected members
will turn over each year - to accomplish this transition, at the upcoming November elections the Secretary,
Government Affairs Chair, Security Chair, Workplace Health & Safety Chair, and Motorcoach Builder Rep will be elected for the usual 2 year term. But the Human Performance Chair, VTOC Chair, Non-Coach Builder Supplier Rep, and Insurance Rep positions will be for 1 year, and then afterwards revert back to 2 years.
We think these changes will strengthen the process, help encourage more members to be involved, help with continuity as members of the Executive Committee turn over, and ensure the Winter Meeting is both planned and carried out by the same team.
Overview of Plans for the BISC Summer Meeting at BWI in June: Working with ABA staff on another of our objectives, increasing attendance and expanding our membership, the feedback we received indicated our presentations and sessions were being well received, but that our Standing Committee Meetings perhaps needed some tweaking. The BISC Executive Committee looked at ways to tighten up the process, and the new BISC Summer Meeting schedule is the result. Instead of the informal open working group style Committee meetings of the past, the Committees have now been asked to facilitate/coordinate putting on 2 presentations at the Summer Meeting on matters most pressing to their group. The Committees will continue their traditional meetings via conference calls in between the Summer and Winter meetings. We feel this hybrid approach will both help give a stronger purpose to our Standing Committees, as well as provide more tightly focused information about the issues of the day at the Summer and Winter Meetings. BISC Summer Meeting Committee sessions will be: Government Affairs – safety fitness; & lease/interchange rule Human Performance – electronic logging devices; & entry level training Security – anti-terrorism; & back to basics security planning VTOC – bus/coach specific OOS criteria; & fire investigations Workplace Safety – injury incident investigations; & GHS/SDS program
4
Additionally there will also be 5 sessions, coordinated by Brandon, on the several aspects of Bus Fires that are still plaguing our industry.
Early Plans for the BISC Winter Meeting in Cleveland:
The overwhelming feedback from St Louis was that we packed too much into our time together and scheduled too many overlapping sessions. Although they were all interesting topics, there were just too many things happening at the same time. So we’ll strip it down for Cleveland and will likely present a similar meeting format/schedule as introduced at our Summer meeting.
With a myriad of new emerging technologies now being installed on our buses and motorcoaches, not only do we have figure out how to use them, but also how to maintain them. So that will be one of our themes for the Winter Meeting.
The other theme will be to look at the due diligence and legal implications of these technologies. There are a whole host of issues around our exposure if the technology makes a mistake which causes a crash; as well as the exposure we have if a crash happens while we are operating with technology that is not working properly. These two themes should make for some interesting sessions.
BISC Outreach in 2016:
The concept has been bounced around ABA and BSC for some time, but at last we are taking our first baby westbound step. The first BISC WEST meeting will be held in Ontario, CA on July 19. One of sessions will be a complete overview of BISC, how it works, and how to get involved. Other sessions will provide some useful best practices and the practical takeaways BISC sessions have become known for.
We are looking forward to this opportunity to meet some new folks out west, and to finding ways for them to be involved and become part of the BSC family.
5
BISC Chair a columnist for BUSRide Magazine:
The March/April issue of BUSRide magazine marked a debut of sorts for BISC. As a new columnist I will be writing a series of articles for BUSRide on behalf of the BISC and ABA. Our hope is that through these articles we’ll expand our reach and increase the profile of BISC.
Attached is a copy of the first article which came out in the April edition, that I used to encourage our industry to continue to work on passenger briefings and driver training for transfers and evacuations.
Special Thanks:
As always, I sincerely appreciate the work done by the ABA staff to support BISC. And in particular I thank Brandon Buchanan for his continued support and assistance.
This is my report.
Respectfully submitted by Stephen Evans, BISC Chairman
2016 SPRING BOARD REPORT MEETINGS, EDUCATION AND MEMBER SERVICES DEPARTMENT
Submitted by Lynn M. Brewer DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW This department is responsible for all meetings, sponsorships, membership programs, member services, data management, and education programs:
• American Bus Marketplace • Membership Marketing, Recruitment, Growth and Retention • Membership Benefits, Strategic Partners and Premium Partners • The Motorcoach Marketer Membership Directory • Management of the Association Database • Board of Director Meetings • Marketplace Advisory Committee and Subcommittees • Marketplace Education Program • Certified Travel Industry Specialist Program • ABA’s Membership Committee • Bus Industry Safety Council (BISC) Meetings • Bus Maintenance and Repair Council (BusMARC) Meetings • Florida Motorcoach Meeting Planning and Registration • Hispanic Motorcoach Council Meeting Planning and Registration • Entertainer Motorcoach Council Meeting Planning and Registration • Regional and Training Meetings • Sponsorships for all Association Activities • Women in Buses Council Program • Management of Partner Programs • Webinar programs
Staff members include: Lynn Brewer, Senior Vice President of Meetings, Education and Member Services Vicki Osman, CTIS, Senior Director of Member Services Jana Fields, Senior Director of Sponsorships and Meeting Planning Roderick Lewis, Director of Membership and Business Development Allison Brewer, CTIS, Member Services Coordinator Sona Camera, Membership Coordinator Brooke Abner, Meetings Registrar/Database Coordinator
2016 Spring Board Report Meetings, Education and Member Services Department Submitted by Lynn M. Brewer page 2 2016 AMERICAN BUS MARKETPLACE JAN. 9 – 12, 2016 LOUISVILLE, KY
Marketplace 2016 Recap 3500 people attended the show 925 motorcoach and tour operators were in attendance 362 Associate service and product suppliers attended ABA’s Business Floor 310 motorcoach and tour operators took appointments 30 appointments on average were prescheduled for every seller 100,000 appointments were pre-scheduled ABA’s Networking Floor 14 motorcoaches 124 travel industry exhibitors 46 product and service supplier exhibitors 256 sponsors 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 Buyer Companies 399 378 440 386 385 Buyer Delegates 925 734 933 787 750 Seller Companies
1389
1389
1478
1353
1296
Seller Delegates 1852 1874 1882 1719 1629 Full Week Exhibits
108
130
116
113
79
One Day Exhibits
16 20 22 21 45
Bus Displays 14 12 12 13 13 Attendee evaluations from Marketplace were high: (based on a scale of 1 – 10)
• 9.0: Marketplace Experience (+1) • 8.6: Appointments (+1) • 8.8: Networking • 8.8: Exhibits • 8.4: Education
2016 Spring Board Report Meetings, Education and Member Services Department Submitted by Lynn M. Brewer page 3 New at Marketplace 2016
• Ended appointments 30 minutes earlier each day, resulting in only 4 less appointments per session.
• Introduced Education Bites; short education sessions on the Marketplace Floor. Both professional speakers and staff provided the content for these sessions.
• BusMARC meetings were included in the schedule. • IMG held their meetings at Marketplace. • Ottawa sponsored the 7-Minute Stretch before morning and afternoon appointments. • Pedometer Pete Step Challenge. • Complimentary electricity and extension cords for every Buyer booth. • Best of Show Contest for Networking Floor booths, judged by Operators. • ABA’s 90th Birthday Party Luncheon and Birthday Selfie Station. • Updated e-caucus tool for DMOs to access a real-time list of delegates with contact
information in Excel format to send leads electronically. • The Tuesday luncheon’s entertainment was performed in the meal room thus freeing time
for a “last look” opportunity for delegates to visit the Networking Floor booths. • Catch Boxes (throwable microphones) were enthusiastically used in the education
sessions and encouraged active participation. • The Appointment Clock projected on 4 walls in the Business Floor for greater ease in
viewing. The projection was also used to highlight sponsors. New Marketplace APP (debut Dec. 11)
• Native App (Download from store) • Interactive Floor Plan • Note-taking Capabilities • No Show Reporting • Personalized Hot Lead List • Push Notifications • Scrolling Ads
My Marketplace Passport
• Ability to proof and make changes to their badge • Emergency Info • Invoices • Profiles (Membership, Marketplace, PDF upload) • Cell Phone • Travel Info • Dietary • All Activities listed: Meetings, Fundraisers, Tours, etc.
2016 Spring Board Report Meetings, Education and Member Services Department Submitted by Lynn M. Brewer page 4 Networking
• Louisville did a great job of showcasing the city and their venues by hosting two unforgettable evening events: Muhammad Ali Center and Churchill Downs.
• Louisville also hosted a Dine Around night, 12 sightseeing tours and 6 FAM tours. • Marketplace 2016 offered operators 3 operator-only breakfasts and an operator-only
reception. • All delegates enjoyed 3 sit-down lunches in our new format where the entertainment was
separate from the meal area. Delegates really enjoyed the opportunity to network and socialize during the meal and then watch the entertainment without distraction.
• $25,706 was raised for The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson as part of the Marketplace Gives Back Program.
Education
• More than 1,900 delegates attended education sessions in the five tracks: Professional Development, Sales and Marketing, Technology, Member ROI and Operations.
• More than 268 delegates earned an education certificate by attending a minimum of 3 sessions.
• The Operations Track gave BISC, BusMARC and IMG members and Marketplace operators the opportunity to learn more on the operations side, which resulted in greater participation in the education sessions.
• FMCSA offered a Listening Session on Beyond Compliance. Partnerships ABA hosted the following groups at Marketplace 2016:
• Canadian Forces Appreciation Program • Entertainment Motorcoach Council • FMCSA • Florida Motorcoach Association • GroupConnect • Hispanic Motorcoach Council • International Motorcoach Group • Motorcoach Marketing Council • NAMO • OMCA • Receptive Services Association • SKAL USA • TAP • Trailways • Travel South • UMA • Women in Buses Council
2016 Spring Board Report Meetings, Education and Member Services Department Submitted by Lynn M. Brewer page 5 Awards presented at Marketplace:
• Women in Buses Award, sponsored by the ABA Media Group, was given to Camilla Morris, Eastern Travel/Oneonta Bus Lines.
• The Innovative Operator Award, sponsored by Metro Magazine, was given to Arrow Stage Lines.
• The Good Stewardship Award, sponsored by BusRide magazine, was given to Craig Lentzsch.
• The Green Spirit Operator Award, sponsored by MCI, was given to Mears Transportation and Adventure Tours.
• Serendipity Media presented its Groups Today Moxie Award to Target Tours. • The Bus Industry Safety Council honored Wes Barber with the Norm Littler Memorial
Safety Award. 2017 AMERICAN BUS MARKETPLACE JAN. 14 – 17, 2017 CLEVELAND, OH 2017 Marketplace Advisory Committee Chairman: Brad Henton, Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum Vice Chairman: Terry Fischer, Transportation Charter Services Tour Operator Representative: Tish Losure, L.E.A.D USA Canadian Representative: Ryan Elliott, Banff Lake Louise Tourism At Large Rep: Ted Goldenberg, Chapman Cultural Tours Receptive Operator Representative: Teresa Paolini, Northeast Unlimited Tours, Inc. DMO Representative: Reagan Stulbaum, NYC & Co. Attraction Representative: Tara Hippensteel, Hard Rock International Hotel Representative: Amanda Higgins-Thibeau, Pillar Hotels & Resorts Education Chair: Chris Rackmyre, CTIS, The Maine Tour Connection Orientation Chair: Misty Martinchek, Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry Resource Central Chair: Harry Wade, Duty Free America’s The Marketplace Subcommittees (Orientation, Education and Resource Central) will meet in Cleveland in May to develop their timeline and goals for Marketplace 2017. The Marketplace Advisory Committee will have numerous conference calls and will meet in Cleveland in October.
Host City Cleveland Cleveland will host two evening events, one dine around, 11 sightseeing tours and 7 pre and post-FAM tours.
• Saturday Night: Dine Around Cleveland • Sunday Night: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Great Lakes Science Center Event • Monday Night: Light Up Cleveland event at Nautica Entertainment Complex
2016 Spring Board Report Meetings, Education and Member Services Department Submitted by Lynn M. Brewer page 6
• The CVB will be presenting several options for the Marketplace Gives Back Charity in May.
Marketplace Registration Registration Goals:
• Number of Operators = 800 • Number of Appointment-taking Buyers = 325 • Number of Sellers = 1850 • We are conducting numerous campaigns to encourage new Motorcoach and Tour
Operators to attend Marketplace. • Registration opened April 26-27 for all membership groups. • We will continue to offer complimentary meeting space, meeting services and registration
to all ABA partners in the hopes that they will hold meetings at Marketplace 2017. • Online registration and Marketplace Passport have been updated with new branding and
for ease of use. • Registration has been updated to allow all registration types to register online including
BISC, EMC, HMC, etc.
New This Year • The appointment schedule has been adjusted to provide 10 additional minutes for the
Monday Broadway entertainment. The Sunday and Tuesday schedule still allows for additional free time before the evening events and makes the appointment day shorter for the operators.
• We are expanding the Best of Show booth judging contest to include categories for booth size, etc.
• Additions have been made to the Marketplace App for greater functionality. We will hold a Download Day where we will encourage all attendees to download the App prior to coming to Cleveland.
• Video tutorials on key aspects of Marketplace will be added to the website.
Sponsorships • Immediately after Marketplace, a sponsor thank you letter and survey were sent to all
2016 sponsors. • All 2016 sponsors were sent 2017 sponsor renewal contracts by the end of March. • Currently, we have two operator breakfasts, one lunch, the closing evening event and the
Foundation Afterglow event sold. One operator breakfast is pending. • The majority of 2016 sponsors have verbally committed to returning.
• Birmingham CVB has agreed to return as the sponsor of the Operator Reception on
Saturday following the Foundation Live Auction. • We are continuing to explore new sponsorship opportunities and creatively adding new
sponsorships in all price ranges.
2016 Spring Board Report Meetings, Education and Member Services Department Submitted by Lynn M. Brewer page 7
• We have had several leads from new sponsor prospects who showed interest at Marketplace 2016, as well as returning sponsors who want to expand their sponsorship in order to have a larger booth at Marketplace 2017.
• We have added a new level of sponsorship, Level Four, to highlight the sponsors who spend $50,000 or more.
• We have created a new marketing piece for Marketplace 2017 sponsorships and expect that sponsorships for Marketplace 2017 will be very strong.
• Once again, we will create a web page for all sponsors with pertinent dates, deadlines and information that will be updated constantly.
• We have re-vamped the sponsor/exhibitor page for easier access to information • We started giving out welcome gifts to the sponsors in 2013. In 2017, we will begin
giving out thank you gifts to all sponsors at the end of the week as well. Housing
• We are offering seven hotel properties, all within 6 blocks of the Cleveland Convention Center.
• The room rates range from $129-$169 per night for Buyers and $142-$179 for Sellers. • Transportation will be provided from all hotels, with the exception of the Hilton
Downtown and the Marriott. • The board meetings will take place at the Cleveland Convention Center. The board will
be able to stay at their hotel of choice. • Housing will open on Sept. 8, giving all delegates a better opportunity to reserve the hotel
of their choice. Additionally, delegates will make a more accurate reservation as their schedules will be more defined by the fall.
MEMBERSHIP DEPARTMENT As a team, we are aggressive and working hard to develop new prospect lists, follow through on new leads, better market our services and benefits, find new markets, attend new shows to market our products and services and capitalize on the expectations and success of Marketplace in Louisville. Membership Totals (Count comparison from March 2016 - 2014) 2016 2015 2014 Associate Suppliers 134 125 134 Tour Operator 305 294 269 Bus Operator 730 729 683 Travel Industry 2134 2147 2155 Total Members 3370 3366 3421 *total numbers include other membership categories (EMC, state/provincial/associations)
2016 Spring Board Report Meetings, Education and Member Services Department Submitted by Lynn M. Brewer page 8 Since January 1st, 77 new companies have joined ABA in 2016 (twice as many as in 2015):
• 9 Associate • 12 Tour Operators • 25 Bus Operators • 31 Travel Industry Companies
Membership Renewals
• Since January, we have focused on renewals: companies who were active members in 2015 but have not paid their 2016 dues.
• All outstanding members have been personally called and 3 hard copies of the invoices have been sent.
• Extensions and or installment payment plans have been provided where applicable. • As of April 7th, there were a total of 316 travel and associates companies who are past due
on their membership dues. Roderick and Ali will continue personally pursuing those in the next month.
• There are a total of 76 motorcoach and tour operator companies who are past due on their membership dues. Roderick will continue personally pursuing those in the next month.
2016 Membership Renewal Rates (to date)
Associate 85% Tour Operator 95% Bus Operator 95% Travel Industry 85%
ABA’s average renewal rate for 2016 is 90%. The average renewal rate for 2015 was 87%. According to Marketing Generals Benchmark report, the mean average renewal rate for trade associations is 85%. Membership Growth We have instituted new procedures to help track, acquire and retain members and we have re-aligned staff assignments to better streamline these procedures:
• More than 1,200 direct phone calls and emails were sent to selected member prospects in the 1st quarter of 2016. These outbound calls are in addition to the monthly e-marketing membership promotions.
• The MEMS staff has attended 6 industry tradeshows in the 1st quarter and have increased our marketing and sales efforts to focus on the tour operators specifically. • UMA Expo: Atlanta, GA • NTA Travel Exchange: Atlanta, GA • Bank Travel/Select Traveler: Little Rock, AR • International Inbound Travel Association: NY, NY • Travel South Showcase: Winston-Salem, NC • Maryland Motorcoach Association: Lancaster, PA
2016 Spring Board Report Meetings, Education and Member Services Department Submitted by Lynn M. Brewer page 9
• Shows that we are attending in the new few months:
• African American Travel Conference: Cleveland, OH • RTO Summit: NY, NY • IPW: New Orleans, LA • SYTA: Orlando, FL • T.E.A.M.S Conference: Atlantic City, NJ
Motorcoach and Tour Operator Prospect Campaigns:
• Inbound Tour Operators: • These are operators who attend other travel industry shows, but not ABA. They
are a top priority. • Steve Richer has been contracted to sell ABA’s 2017 Marketplace to this
audience. Membership will be given complimentary. • Graphics, talking points and other promotional materials have been created to
assist Steve in selling ABA. Additionally, systems are in place to incorporate ABA staff in the process.
• Steve reports biweekly with status updates on the program. • RTO Summit East:
• We are persuing international–inbound receptive operators and will be attending the RTO Summit East in NYC. Most of these operators are Chinese inbound.
• Roderick will be visiting international–inbound receptive operators located in the New York area selling ABA’s 2017 Marketplace. Membership will be given complimentary.
• Roderick’s business cards, an ABA profile sheet and an invitation letter from Peter have been translated into Mandarin Chinese.
• John Dunham Census List: • This list contains 4,200 motorcoach companies. • We are cross-referencing the list for member prospects and updating current
member information with subsidiaries. • This list provides us with much greater reach and depth into the motorcoach
industry and will allow us to increase our communication outreach and company contacts.
• Top 50 Motorcoach Fleets in North America: • We are pursuing motorcoach companies listed as Metro Magazine’s “Top 50
Motorcoach Fleets” in North America. • Out of the Top 50 companies, only 11 are not current ABA members. • We will utilize personal contacts with ABA members to help reach these
companies. Membership promotions include:
• Specialized rates for tradeshow attendees. • Membership and Marketplace discounts for prospects in future host cities. • The Circle Club membership referral program.
2016 Spring Board Report Meetings, Education and Member Services Department Submitted by Lynn M. Brewer page 10
• New Membership promotional materials for specific prospect segments: tour operators,
international inbound operators, prospects in the west, small operators. Increased ABA branding presence at industry events include:
• Pre-show marketing for tradeshows • “Tradeshow” and “Meetings” kits for all staff to take when traveling • ABA themed Luggage tags • 90th Birthday themed items
• To accurately identify which marketing efforts are creating the most memberships, we are using flags in our database to detail what source a new member comes from.
• We are also tracking expenses versus revenue to identify which shows are more valuable for membership.
Member Services
• Multiple Property memberships: • We are expanding the benefits of multiple property members, offering them more
exposure for their members while increasing our reach into their chains and management groups.
• The new campaign will be launched in May and will be tied to Marketplace registration and their Motorcoach Marketer listing.
• A video tutorial library has been developed for members to best maximize their membership with ABA. Topics include: calendar of events, members only section, changing passwords, etc. We will add tutorials as needed.
CERTIFIED TRAVEL INDUSTRY SPECIALIST PROGRAM • Ali Brewer has taken over as the staff lead on this committee. • Herb Zeilinger, Michigan’s Great Bay Regional CVB, is the new Chairman of the
committee. • We had 29 graduates at Marketplace 2016. • We have 38 new enrollees to date for 2016.
TOP 100 PROGRAM
• The decision to discontinue the Top 100 Program was made since it was of little value to the operators. It will be replaced with an Editor’s Choice/Best of the Best program to meet the editorial and advertising direction of Destinations. It was announced at Marketplace and is in the process of execution.
WOMEN IN BUSES COUNCIL
• The Women in Buses Council met in January for a session on Professional Branding for Women.
• 35 new council members were welcomed after Marketplace.
2016 Spring Board Report Meetings, Education and Member Services Department Submitted by Lynn M. Brewer page 11
• Camilla Morris received the 2016 Women in Buses Award based on the new criteria and judging process.
• The leadership team has met to discuss future events. • ITMI has agreed to a session for the council members on the Psychology of Group Travel. • Additional future call topics: Chinese Tourism, Industry Acronyms, Maintenance sessions
from the bus manufacturers. • Ads and articles in ABA publications will focus on Women In Buses. • Women in Buses Wednesday postings on FaceBook.
FUTURE BOARD MEETINGS Fall Board Meeting 2016 Sept. 25 – 27, 2016 The Grand Hotel Mackinac Island, MI Spring Board Meeting 2017 May 10 – 12, 2017 Washington Marriott Georgetown Washington, DC Fall Board Meeting 2017 Sept. 23 – 27, 2017 Radisson Blu Antwerp/BusWorld Antwerp, Belgium FUTURE MARKETPLACE MEETINGS American Bus Marketplace 2017 Jan. 14 – 17, 2017 Cleveland, OH American Bus Marketplace 2018 Jan. 27 – 30, 2018 Charlotte, NC ADDITIONAL MEETINGS Florida Motorcoach Association Meeting April 12 – 13, 2016 Orlando, FL
2016 Spring Board Report Meetings, Education and Member Services Department Submitted by Lynn M. Brewer page 12 Marketplace Subcommittee Meetings (Orientation/Education/Resource Central) May 9 – 10, 2016 Cleveland, OH Hispanic Motorcoach Council May 25, 2015 Dallas, TX Bus Industry Safety Council Meeting Summer 2016 June 28 – 29, 2016 Baltimore, MD Bus Maintenance and Repair Council Meeting Summer 2016 June 29 – 30, 2016 Baltimore, MD Florida Motorcoach Association Meeting July 26, 2016 Orlando, FL Bus Industry Safety Council Meeting West 2016 July 19, 2016 Ontario, CA Co-branded with California Bus Association Marketplace Advisory Committee Meeting October 3 – 4, 2016 Cleveland, OH Florida Motorcoach Association Meeting October 26, 2016 Orlando, FL
YTD Revenue Summary on Sold Media
April 15, 2016
Media 2016
Revenue Goal
2016 Actuals to
date
2015 Actual
Comments
Marketplace Today [Dailies]
$50,000
$46,281
$47,239
We had projected an increase in the 2016 Marketplace Dailies to $50,000 but came just short of that goal for the second year in a row. Solid support for the Dailies is needed from the Marketplace host city if we hope to improve on Dailies revenue. Cleveland has been slow to respond to overtures from sales, so perhaps some discussion can happen on ways to better increase the host’s city support.
Destinations (Print + Digital Sponsorships)
$115,334
Avg Rev/ Issue
$692,000 Total annual
revenue
$103,965
Avg/Issue Actual over 3 issues
$134,617 Jan/Feb
$96,236 Mar/Apr
$81,044 May/Jun
(estimated)
$103,670 Avg/Issue
$622,018 Actual
Total for 2015
The first three issues of 2016 have averaged out to a nearly identical average per issue as 2015. The growth in Destinations this year is projected based on eliminating the Top 100 Events publication and adding approximately $65,000 to the Sept/Oct issue through the new Best of the Best special section. Otherwise, revenue for a print program of this nature is expected to remain relatively flat or grow only modestly as the market for print advertising continues to remain at xx$ (see slide x).
Equip
$7,500
Initially only one issue was
planned but now we are producing
two issues
$2,274 Winter
$3,252
Avg/Issue
$13,008 Actual total for
2015
Equip continues to be sold as part of premium partner packages and is meaningful to those partners due to the branded content stories provided in Equip as part of a premium package. Equip is under evaluation as part of the 2016 Communications Effectiveness Study that will be reported on shortly.
Digital-Only Media
The Insider
Buses.org
MTN
$12,000
Avg Rev per month
$144,000 Total annual
revenue
$6,467 Jan
$6,768 Feb
$7,347 Mar
$5,600 Apr (estimated)
+ $6,884
Jan-Apr MTN sold revenue not yet
placed due to MTN on hold
$8,267 Avg.Rev/Mth
$131,743 Actual Total for 2015
$10,978 Avg.Rev/Mth
Digital-only media is running behind 2015 by approximately $2700 per month. Engagement with the digital media and being able to report engagement in the digital media is making it more difficult to renew prior year’s contracts. We spend a lot of time seeking out new prospects as a result. Insider Average Stats for last four months: Average emails per issue: 5,000 Average open rate: 21% - 23% Click % on opens: 12% (except in Jan 16% - related to Marketplace) Click % per advertiser can range from 0% - 29% but average is around 12-16% of all clicks Buses.org – we are only able to report page views and no other stats MTN – we can only report YouTube views which are very low
Media 2016 Comments
Revenue
Goal 2016 Actuals to
date 2015 Actual
MCM Directory
$ 250,000 TBD $233,600
MCM has not been produced yet in 2016 (2017 directory)
* Note that the Top 100 in 2016 is being replaced with the special section in the S/O issue of Destinations: Best of the Best
YTD Financial Update – 2015 Current Forecast April 15, 2016
This summary details the 2016 current forecast, year-to-date, against the 2016 target budget, and also provides a comparison to 2015 actual revenue and profit. Currently, based on January to March actuals, and with some adjustments presuming a stronger showing in the latter half of the year (as typically happens), we are projecting to be slightly under the profit level earned in 2015. Key to meeting or improving this profit picture are to make a stronger showing in the Best of the Best special section than currently projected, and bringing the digital media (including MTN) back to 2015 levels or better. Outcomes from the 2016 Operator Communications Effectiveness study in terms of revenue/profits are not likely to be of significant impact until 2017.
ABA Media YTD2016 Annual P&L Forecast and 2015 comparison as of 04.15.16
Forecast Target FinalP&L P&L P&L
2016 2016 2015
Net Revenue Destinations (6x) 692,000 692,000 622,018 Motorcoach Marketer (1x) 250,000 250,000 233,600 Top 100 (1x) - - 44,193 Marketplace Today! Dailies - actual 46,281 50,000 47,239 Equip Magazine (4x) 7,500 5,000 13,008 130,000 144,000 131,743 Note: $6,884 in MTN revenue was sold but not able to be placed due to MTN on hold 6,884 Total Commisionable Net Revenue 1,132,665 1,141,000 1,091,802
Total Direct Expenses 545,224 540,793 531,096
Total Commission Expenses 225,153 228,200 196,216
Estimated Net Annual Profit from Media 362,288 372,007 364,490 Note: Reflects one issue of Equip, No Top 100 Events, and $120k in Sept/Oct issue with inclusion of "Best Of/Editor's Pick special section.
WOMEN IN BUSES COUNCIL
BOARD REPORT
Chairman, Mary Young, Capitol Bus Lines
MEMBERSHIP
• 152 Council Members. • 35 New Members at Marketplace. • Membership Forms available online. • Membership Promo Created. • Membership Online Directory. • E-mail Member Welcome. • Mailed Member Welcome with Pin. • Women in Buses Award Nomination Process yielded 13 nominated women.
• Camilla Morris is the 2016 Recipient
COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING
• Web pages updated/included in Council section of site. • Media Plan developed with Pohly (ABA’s Publisher)
• Council House Ads • Council Spotlights • Council Updates
• FaceBook page Created. • Women in Buses Wednesday postings.
• E-mail Address Created. • Sponsorship Package Created.
COUNCIL EDUCATION
• ITMI will be presenting a webinar on May 18 at 2 PM on the Psychology of Group
Travel.
EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
• Industry/Agency Acronyms • Working with Legislators • Driver Safety
OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE COMMITTEE
• Working with bus manufacturers/associates for sessions: Mechanics 101 (ABC)
Maintenance schedule and preventative measures (Prevost)
Driver Safety (Green Road)
TOUR, TRAVEL AND CHARTER COMMITTEE
• Chinese Tourism • Focus Segments
LEADERSHIP TEAM
Mary Young, Capitol Bus Lines: Chairman
Kim Grzywacz, CIT Signature Transportation: Membership Vice Chairman
Elizabeth Hall, John Hall's Alaska: Communications and Marketing Vice Chairman
Kristine Geary , McCoy Bus Service and Tour: Executive Management Committee Chairman
Camilla Morris, Oneonta Bus Lines: Operations and Maintenance Committee Chairman
Debbie Morroni, Entertainment Cruises: Travel, Tour & Charter Committee Chairman
![Outcome of Board Meeting - MSR India Big Expansion Plan [Board Meeting]](https://img.pdfslide.net/doc/110x75/577ca7031a28abea748c2690/outcome-of-board-meeting-msr-india-big-expansion-plan-board-meeting.jpg)
![Outcome of Board Meeting [Board Meeting]](https://img.pdfslide.net/doc/110x75/577c87971a28abe054c4a936/outcome-of-board-meeting-board-meeting.jpg)
