ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. - After 23 years as the Atlantic City Bus Operators Association, ACBOA has a new name and new focus.
In voting last month, members of the association approved changing the name to the Greater New Jersey Motorcoach Association and adopting a broader mission.
"Over the years, ACBOA's role has expanded beyond the scope of Atlantic City," said Andrea Malamut, executive director of the association. "The new name will reflect the membership's growing concern and interest in statewide and regional issues.
"Currently, there is no other organization in the state of New Jersey to address these issues."
The changes at ACBOA, which traditionally has represented the interests of bus operators bringing thousands of gamblers to Atlantic City daily, came after a group of independent bus owners began discussing the need for a statewide association to represent coach operators.
Two meetings were held and at the last meeting in early November, attended by 39 bus company owners and managers, a decision was made to explore forming an alliance or joining with ACBOA.
At the time, Ms. Malamut and a number of ACBOA members indicated a willingness to consider making changes to the association, including adopting a new name.
Less than three months later it's a done deal, and at least one operator who was advocating a strong statewide association is pleased.
Renee Mills of Jay & Nay Charter Bus Service in Willingboro, N.J., said the expanded scope of the Greater New Jersey Motorcoach Association should benefit operators across in the Garden State. "We needed to unify ourselves," she said. "This is an excellent thing. ... The Greater New Jersey Motorcoach Association will work for everybody, not just Atlantic City operators."
Ms. Mills said he had spoken to more than a third of those who attended the meetings last fall and all favored the new arrangement. "We need a statewide association in New Jersey, doing positive stuff. They'll be watching legislation; they have a lobbyist. Everything you need."
Ms. Malamut said the revamped association expects to attract new members, like Ms. Mills, who want to participate in a statewide association. She noted, however, that the association will not forget its roots and will focus both on Atlantic City and its expanded role.
The association has more than 100 members, most of which are motorcoach and tour operators.
For more information about the association, call (865) 665-3200, or e-mail acboa@lycos.com.