When the Midwest Bus and Motorcoach Association (MBMCA) convened in Springfield, Illinois, in mid-July for its annual meeting, the two-day event included an inside look at new commercial motor vehicle (CMV) inspection criteria.
Members of the group traveled to tour a new high-tech scale facility in nearby Litchfield, Illinois, where they observed the latest CMV inspection selection criteria and procedures firsthand, as well as a Level I inspection demonstration.
MBMCA board member Jack Kaufman worked with the Illinois State Patrol to set up the July 20 visit that included an explanation of a Level 1 inspection, as well as a tour of the weigh station and its high-tech training room and Commercial Motor Vehicle Section scales.
“This modern facility has advanced roadway sensors and inspection facilities that keep our roadways safe,” Kaufman said in a Facebook post about the event. The co-owner of Timi’s Tours even volunteered one of his coaches for inspection as part of the demonstration. “The facility is state of the art, and really impressive to visit. It goes without saying, the bus passed with zero violations!”
MBMCA sessions
Other sessions at the two-day event included:
- “Evaluating Your Marketing Reach,” by Mark Szyperski of On Your Mark Transportation.
- “Current Insurance Trends,” by Tina Solar and Josh Sandman of National Interstate Insurance.
- “Security Plan Workshop,” by the Transportation Security Administration.
- “Regulatory Updates,” by Kevin Ertz of Windstar Lines.
- “Preparing for Level 1 Inspections and Leasing Updates,” by John Murphy of the Illinois Department of Transportation.
United Motorcoach Association’s Ken Presley was on hand to visit with Members and provide an overview of the size and scope of the industry along with a legislative and regulatory update. Suzanne Rohde shared American Bus Association’s perspective.
“It’s always great to visit with the Midwest Members,” said Presley, Vice President of Legislative & Regulatory Affairs & Industry Relations/COO. “The meeting is always well-planned and packed with information everyone can take home and put to work. It was also great to see the solid support the meeting received from associate suppliers and vendors.”
As if the agenda was not busy enough, some found time for the golf tournament coordinated by Tom Foley, of TIB Transportation Insurance, and a tour of the Illinois State Capitol building.
MBMCA announced next year’s meeting is slated for Branson-Springfield, Missouri.
Board of Directors election
Five members were elected to three-year terms, and one member was elected to a one-year term on the MBMCA Board of Directors. The election took place during the Annual Membership Meeting.
Board of Directors Election (2022-25 expiring terms)
- Nicole Fritz, Burlington Trailways, Iowa.
- Trent Stange, Compass Coach, Michigan.
- Jack Kaufman, Timi’s Tours, Illinois.
- Dennis Streif, Vandalia Bus Lines, Ilinois.
- Brian Hill, MCI.
Board of Directors Election (2022-23 expiring term)
- Brian Whitaker, Chicago Classic Coach, Illinois.
When a couple of board seats were vacated at the convention, they were filled with new board members: Ben Nelson, of Affordable Limousine in Michigan; and Roy Alonso, Cardinal Transportation in Ohio.
Dan Tomlinson, of Lancer Insurance, also joined the board for a new advisory non-voting, one-year board seat that was recently created.
