ROHNERT PARK, Calif. — Santa Barbara Airbus received three honors, including Operator of the Year, at the California Bus Association’s 52nd annual Convention & Tradeshow, held Oct. 25-27 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Sonoma Wine Country.
The company’s CEO, Samantha Onnen, received the Vickie Cole Memorial Award for Women in Leadership, and Hakan Burke of Santa Barbara Airbus was named Driver of the Year. Robert Jones of Discovery Charters received the Maintenance Technician of the Year Award.
“Santa Barbara Airbus and I are honored to be recognized by the CBA membership, which is made up of such amazing people,” Onnen said.
The awards were part of a three-day gathering that brought together motorcoach operators, manufacturers, suppliers and other industry partners for educational sessions, regulatory updates and networking.
Presented during the convention’s gala awards dinner, the Operator of the Year Award recognized Santa Barbara Airbus for its safety, operations and customer service. Onnen’s award honored her contributions to the company, community and motorcoach industry.
Operations and leadership
Following opening remarks from CBA President Michael Giddens on Oct. 26, educational sessions addressed employment law, regulatory compliance, profitability and leadership.
Brian Mills of Snell & Wilmer presented an employment law update. Clifton Willey of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration joined Jason Phulps and Casey Matlock of the California Highway Patrol to discuss compliance requirements, safety initiatives and enforcement priorities affecting California operators.
Christian Riddell of The Bus Network discussed ways operators can improve profitability. Keynote speaker David Spader of Potentia Solutions addressed leadership mistakes that can undermine results in a presentation titled “Conquering Unfavorable Leadership: The Five Mistakes Costing You Results.”
During the association luncheon, Scott Michael of the United Motorcoach Association and Crystal Williams of the American Bus Association provided national industry updates. Awards also were presented to participants in the previous day’s golf tournament.
Afternoon sessions covered maintenance, insurance and fuel management. Tim Nash, David Bugenig and Joel Aguirre of Motor Coach Industries discussed how maintenance practices affect fleet reliability. Kevin Albrecht of National Interstate Insurance reviewed challenges in the insurance market, and Mike McDonal of Saucon Technologies discussed fuel management strategies to improve profitability.
The program on Oct. 27 included safety sessions presented by the American Bus Association’s Bus Industry Safety Council West. Speakers included Kimberlee Bissegger of Lancer Insurance, Rodolfo Giacoman of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, and Sal Caccavale, the council’s chairman and a representative of Martz Bus.
Ashley Walker and Jack Wursten, members of CBA’s Sacramento advocacy team, provided a legislative update.
The convention’s trade show featured bus displays and exhibits from manufacturers, service providers and suppliers. Operators met with exhibitors to discuss technology, products, and services that address operational challenges.
Networking beyond the sessions
Attendees had plenty of opportunities to build social and business connections outside the formal gatherings. Activities began Oct. 25, with a golf tournament at Foxtail Golf Club and a familiarization tour that included stops at Korbel Champagne Cellars and Russian River Brewing Co.
An evening welcome reception gave members time to reconnect. The annual Women in Buses Council gathering also provided an opportunity to support women in industry leadership.
On Monday evening, attendees gathered for Monday Night Madness at Nitro City Racing, where activities included electric go-kart racing, axe throwing and arcade games.
“One of my favorite things about CBA is the chance to spend time with friends and colleagues from across the industry,” Giddens said.
“This week was filled with great conversations, new ideas, and well-deserved recognition for some incredible people. Seeing everyone come together reminds us that we’re more than an association, we’re a community.”
