Greater Northeast Motorcoach Association takes proactive steps in promoting safety in the motorcoach industry by sponsoring safety workshops for bus drivers, driver excellence award programs, inspection workshops, scholarship program and industry professional awards. Last week, GNEMA honored seven “standout” employees in the industry with the 2024 Motorcoach Professional Awards.
The award is a way for our members to recognize their employees in front of fellow members, industry leaders, peers and friends. The seven honorees were nominated by their company. At the GNEMA Annual Meeting held September 18th in Atlantic City, the recipients received a plaque from the association, a cash prize plus overnight stays from both Resorts Casino Hotel and Caesars Entertainment.
Below are this year’s honorees, with comments from their nominators:
Dennis Lyons of DATTCO (Nominated by Pam Martinez):
Pam has known Dennis for over 20 years, and can attest to his passion, knowledge, dedication, and advocacy for the industry. Dennis is a true motorcoach enthusiast, who has been involved in the industry since he was a teenager. He started as a driver and worked his way up through various positions to his current position of Vice President. He has also been a consultant serving the bus industry and a bus salesman. He has a wealth of experience and expertise, and he is always eager to share it with others. He is the go-to person for any technical, operational, or regulatory issue, and he is always up to date on the latest trends and innovations.
Dennis is also a strong advocate for the industry, who has represented the interests of motorcoach operators and passengers at various forums and events. He has testified before legislators, participated in industry associations, and served as the President of Connecticut Bus Association. He is not afraid to speak up for what he believes in, and he is very effective in communicating his views and arguments.
Dennis has been instrumental in shaping the policies and standards that affect the industry, and he has earned the respect and admiration of his peers and stakeholders.
Danny Serff of Klein Transportation (Nominated by Larry Kreiser):
Danny has driven for several years with no damage to buses and is accident free. Klein gets many letters of praise from his passengers.
Danny maintains a safety score of 100 and is a member of their TOP GUN every month. Danny also helps train new and existing drivers.
Bob Roth of Lakeland Bus (Nominated by Mark Renee):
Bob Began his career as a tour escort at Bianco Tours in Taylor, Michigan in 1989. He spent 9 years there in a number of capacities, including Tour Escort, Sales and Marketing, Managing the Print shop, and research and development. In 1998 he married a Jersey Girl and moved East. He worked at Trans-Bridge Lines in Bethlehem PA for 2.5 years in the Tour Department, customizing tours for pre-formed groups. Bob has been with Lakeland Bus Lines for 23 years and has developed hundreds of tour programs throughout the continental United States and Canada. He's also involved in sales and marketing, audio visual presentations, group leader breakfasts and manages Lakelands corps of tour directors. Over the course of 35 years, he has escorted over 400 tours throughout the 47 United States and 7 Canadian Provinces. Alaska and Hawaii he can understand, but KANSAS-how did he miss that: its right in the middle of the country!
Rohan Actable of Panorama Tours (Nominated by Michelle Petelicki):
Rohan Actable has been a Panorama Professional for close to 6 years. They are delighted to nominate him in recognition of his exceptional service, dedication, and professionalism. He has a remarkable attendance record and is always punctual, reliable, and dependable. Since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, Rohan has completed over 1,000 trips to Atlantic City. His resilience and commitment during challenging times have been truly commendable, ensuring that our passengers always reach their destinations safely and comfortably.
Rohan's quick thinking and calm demeanor were exemplified during a particularly harrowing incident on the Garden State Parkway when a tire from another vehicle came flying off and hit the windshield of their bus. Rohan handled the situation with remarkable composure. His swift and decisive actions ensured the safety of all passengers on board, preventing what could have been a severe accident. His ability to remain calm under pressure and navigate through unexpected challenges is a testament to his exceptional skills. Whether facing a traffic delay, a difficult passenger, or a mechanical issue, we can always count on Rohan to handle the situation with utmost dedication.
He consistently goes above and beyond to ensure their passengers' safety and satisfaction, seeing every challenge through to the end.
Ryan Anderson of Starr Charter & Tours (Nominated by Robert Graff):
Ryan’s career with Starr began three decades ago as a bus cleaner. Even in this entry-level role, his attention to detail, strong work ethic, and eagerness to learn were evident. His meticulous approach and curiosity about bus maintenance laid the foundation for his future with Starr. Recognizing Ryan’s potential, Starr supported his growth through various training programs and certifications. Ryan eagerly embraced these opportunities, expanding his skill set and knowledge.
Today, his technical expertise ensures their fleet operates at peak performance, providing safe and reliable transportation for countless passengers. Ryan’s dedication is simply exceptional. He consistently goes above and beyond, often putting in extra hours to ensure their buses are in top condition. His colleagues describe him as a reliable and committed professional, always willing to assist and share his extensive knowledge. His unwavering dedication has earned him the respect and admiration of both peers and supervisors. Beyond his technical skills, Ryan is known for his integrity, humility, and positive attitude. His ability to remain calm under pressure and exceptional problem-solving skills are crucial in maintaining the smooth operation of their fleet.
Ryan Anderson’s selection for the Motorcoach Professional Award is a well-deserved recognition of his 30 years of unwavering dedication, technical excellence, and significant contributions to Starr Tours. His journey from bus cleaner to master motorcoach mechanic is an inspiring testament to the power of hard work, continuous learning, and commitment to excellence.
Lloyd Kearney of Stout’s Transportation (Nominated by HJ Stout):
Stout's Transportation selected Lloyd Kearney as their nominee for the GNEMA Motorcoach Professional Award. Lloyd has been a full-time Motorcoach Operator with Stouts since February 2020.
Over the past 4 years, Lloyd has become one of the top drivers and has received many compliments and requests from groups. Lloyd is always adaptable and eager to help the company when asked. For example, leaving out on a 30-day trip with just one day's notice.
Lloyd has also been accident free for 4 years. These qualities have made Lloyd an easy choice for this year's Motorcoach Professional Award.
Maureen Stewart of Werner Bus Lines (Nominated by Heath Ochroch):
More than 11 years ago, Maureen joined Werner from the school bus world, stepping into the dynamic and ever-changing realm of charter bus driving. Transitioning from the familiar routes of school buses to navigating new destinations daily is no small feat, but Maureen embraced this challenge with remarkable determination and grace.
From her humble beginnings, Maureen has blossomed into their senior driver, setting the gold standard for excellence. Her driving skills are nothing short of top-notch, but what truly sets her apart is her unparalleled customer service. Maureen doesn’t just drive; she connects. She forms lasting bonds with her passengers, who repeatedly request her by name for their trips, year after year.
Maureen is affectionately known as "Mom" to many of their new drivers, guiding them with wisdom and kindness as they navigate the trials and tribulations of the charter bus world. Her mentorship has been invaluable, helping their new drivers find their footing and excel in their roles.
During the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, when their business levels plummeted by 95%, Maureen’s loyalty never wavered. She stood by them and returned to duty as soon as they were able to operate again, exemplifying unwavering dedication and resilience.
Her contributions have been instrumental in shaping the stellar reputation Werner enjoys today. Her commitment, kindness, and exceptional service make them much more than “just a bus company." She embodies the spirit of their organization, making every journey memorable and every passenger feel valued.
Congratulations one and all!
From Left to Right in Photos: Kevin Hull, Rob Graff, Ryan Anderson, Pete Borowsky, Anthony Tkaczuk, Heath Ochroch, Maureen Stewart, Michelle Petelicki, Tom Taylor, Mark Renne, Bob Roth, HJ Stout, Lloyd Kearney, Tim Stout, Michelle Petelicki, Rohan Actable, Larry Kreiser (accepting for Dennis Serff), Michelle Petelicki, Kyle DeVivo, Pam Martinez, Dennis Lyons, Don DeVivo, Group Photo.
The GNEMA is a group of leaders in the motorcoach, tour and travel industries that represent bus operators and owners in the northeast region. The association works in cooperation with industry associations, local, state, and federal agencies, legislators, vendors, attractions, and destinations to promote the betterment and welfare of the motorcoach industry, their members, and association objectives. The association takes initiative-taking steps in promoting safety in the motorcoach industry by sponsoring safety workshops for bus drivers, driver excellence award programs, inspection workshops, scholarship programs and industry professional awards. For more information visit gnema.org or contact Patricia Cowley, Executive Director 908-750-4538 pcowley@gnema.org.