ROSEMONT, Ill. -- Bus and motorcoach operators from across Illinois met in the Chicago suburb of Rosemont last month to formally reorganize the Illinois Motorcoach Association.

Joined by industry supporters, the nearly two-dozen operators attending the meeting elected directors and officers, and began the process of establishing an agenda for the reformed association.

The newly elected officers are:

Donald Ferronne, president

Richard Haussman, vice president

Margie Williams, secretary

Willie Brown, treasurer

Chosen directors were Bernard Taylor, Eric Melton, Margie Callahan and Dennis Streif; associate directors are Rich Young and Gary Hodgson. Young from MCI and Hodgson from Prevost Car represent industry suppliers.

Ferrone said the new board will be meeting in the next 90 days to prepare bylaws, plan future meetings, and set up other events and activities, including a possible marketplace and website.

"We are delighted to see Illinois operators come together to address issues particular to their state," said Ken Presley, vice president of industry relations at the United Motorcoach Association, who attended the organizational meeting.

"It is well established that a strong state association produces stronger operators. We are proud to support their efforts."

Ferrone said he was encouraged by the support exhibited by those attending the meeting and from calls he has had received from other operators, plus vendors. "Suppliers came in even before we asked em," he said.

Six years ago, a similar effort to develop a state motorcoach association in Illinois floundered -- after about 18 months -- from lack of interest and financial support. (See Oct. 15 Bus & Motorcoach News.)

For more information about the association, contact Ferrone at (312) 251-3100.