Don George’s love of buses has fueled a successful career.
George, whose long career includes operating Northside Airport Express, George’s Motorcoach and Harmon Brothers, was honored during the National Association of Motorcoach Operators (NAMO) conference in Birmingham, Alabama.
He was presented the Gurney Blunt Lifetime Achievement Award for his dedication to the motorcoach industry and for helping fellow motorcoach operators.
“He’s been there for all of us,” said Marcia Milton, a Board Member for both NAMO and the United Motorcoach Association (UMA). “He always gave of his time regardless.”
In accepting his award, George shared lessons he had learned from the speaker Les Brown. “‘You must have a passion for whatever you are doing.’ I have a passion to be in this business.”
In closing, George reminded everyone, “Never get too busy making a living to make a life.”
Touring Alabama
The annual conference included tours of civil rights historical sites in Selma and Montgomery, and the Negro Southern League Museum in Birmingham. Many were surprised to learn that a fellow NAMO member was honored at the museum.
Now 87, James Cobbin, owner of Inner City Transit, Youngstown, Ohio, played in the old Negro League for the New York Black Yankees and the Indianapolis Clowns from 1956 to 1958 before being drafted into the Army. Cobbin continued to play baseball in the armed services. The 1959 team he played for won the United States Army in Europe (USAREUR) World Series. A wall of baseballs at the museum features an autographed baseball by Cobbin.
The group was hosted for a dinner after the tours by the Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau.
The conference featured a presentation by UMA Board Member Clarence Cox on how bus drivers should respond if they are requested by law enforcement to stop and pull over.
Ken Presley, UMA Vice President, Legislative & Regulatory Affairs & Industry Relations/COO, also gave an industry update.
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