The Greater New Jersey Motorcoach Association (GNJMA) was established initially under the name Atlantic City Bus Owner’s Association (ACBOA).
The ACBOA entered the scene in 1981 so that private bus operators would have a more unified voice on matters of collective interest in the Atlantic City Marketplace. Over the years, with no active New Jersey Association in place, the ACBOA's role grew beyond the scope of Atlantic City and in January 2004 the association expanded to become a regional organization known as the Greater New Jersey Motorcoach Association (GNJMA).
The Association was founded by a small group of bus owners: Jeff Weintraub (Harran Transportation), Carl Bieber (Bieber Tours), Tom Dugan (Safety Bus), Sidney Kuchin (Suburban Transit), Mitch Sussman (Starr Tours), Frank Gallagher (Community Coach), and Dan Mercadante (Leisure Line). Jeff and Mitch were the first president and vice-president, respectively. The catalyst for the group forming was Steve Norton of Resorts. He invited the group in for a meeting to discuss Atlantic City and busing needs. So, it is only fitting that we are planning the 40th Anniversary Gala at Resorts in October during the Annual Meeting dates planned.
The Association is led by a committed Board of Directors, comprised of motorcoach company owners and other professionals. Tim Stout of Stout’s Transportation is the current president and has been at the helm since 2011. The board also includes Tom Dugan of Safety Bus, who is the only original founder still active since the ACBOA days. Tom is a past president along with the following past presidents: Jeff Weintraub, Mitch Sussman, Dan Mercadante, John Mercadante, Jot Bennett, and Tom JeBran. Tom JeBran is also a current Board member.
The GNJMA is a representative group of dynamic leaders in the motorcoach, casino, and travel industry. We represent bus operators and owners on matters of collective interest in the state of New Jersey and its region. The association works in cooperation with industry associations, local, state, and federal agencies, legislators, vendors, attractions, destinations, and other entities to promote the betterment and welfare of our industry, members, and association objectives. We take proactive steps in promoting safety in the motorcoach industry by sponsoring safety workshops for bus drivers, driver excellence award programs, inspection workshops, and industry professional awards.
Further details can be found at www.gnjma.com or by visiting social media pages through @GreaterNJ on Twitter, GNJMA on Facebook, and LinkedIn. #GNJMAcelebrates40
For questions, please contact GNJMA Executive Director, Patricia Cowley 908-750-4538 pcowley@gnjma.com.