Ken Presley’s work during the pandemic was a beacon of hope for many operators trying to figure out their next move. Many like Jason Quick looked to Presley for guidance during the United Motorcoach Association’s weekly Town Hall over the past two years.
“He was just truly an inspiration to us during the pandemic,” said Quick, President of Quick’s Bus. “We could count on him no matter how big or small we were. He was always there for us. It was encouraging. It wasn’t gloom and doom after we got off the meetings with him. He was always positive and had the right information.”
Presley, UMA’s Vice President, Legislative & Regulatory Affairs & Industry Relations/COO, was honored by the Virginia Motorcoach Association with the 2022 Robert T. Mitchell award.
He was presented the award during VMA’s Joint Regional meeting in Florence, South Carolina, by Quick, the group’s Immediate Past President and last year’s recipient of the award.
‘Always there for us’
“Ken’s personal commitment of his time, support, and unwavering dedication was long overdue to be recognized. We are grateful to have his support and insights,” Quick said. “I couldn’t think of anybody who was more deserving.
“He’s always done a great job, but just these last two years have been exceptionally tough, and he was always there for us in so many, so many ways.”
What made Presley’s work so helpful to operators was his ability to filter “through the legislation and initiatives – of which there were many,” Quick explained. “Each week, Ken made himself available to VMA members and the rest of the industry to make sure that any opportunity to support our businesses was communicated in terms that cut through the legal jargon.”
Presley also was always available if an operator had more questions or needed one-on-one support. He provided his expertise and was willing to do whatever it took to help people succeed, added Jimmy Hall, owner of Venture Tours and Chair of the Awards Committee that made the selection. He echoed Quick’s praise of Presley.
“A lot of times when we think of UMA, we think of Ken,” Hall said. “He’s been there for as far as I can remember. You can pick up the phone and reach out to him with a question. He’s someone you can reach out to for advice.”
Quick said the public service award was created to honor those who go out of their way to help others and whose actions strengthen the industry.
“It’s a very special award. It means you’ve really gone above and beyond to help operators,” Quick said.
