Highlights of the 2017 Convention!

Tennessee Motor Coach Association Winter 2017 P.O. Box 5191 Kingsport, TN 37663 (423) 288-8622 www.tnmca.net Highlights of the 2017 Convention! Each year the Tennessee Motor Coach Association meets for its annual Convention and Marketplace. It is like a family reunion where everyone is shaking hands and sharing hugs, as they greet each other. First timers are welcomed in and soon find their place among the rest of our members. Some years, we are in Tennessee and some year we go to another state. This year we traveled south to Montgomery, Alabama. We had hoped for maybe some warmer weather by heading south, but an ice storm the day before our event caused a few travel problems and some colder weather. Mother Nature is unpredictable at best and we have learned to take it in stride. The City of Montgomery showed their southern charm and welcomed our members into their beautiful city. A great deal of our members said this was their first visit to Montgomery and was pleasantly pleased. The City has a wealth of history to explore from the first settlers, to the Civil War and the Civil Rights. It has plenty of exciting venues for groups coming there for a multiple day tour or just passing through. We had more comments about the familiarization tours this year than ever before. Most said it was the best they have ever been on. Marion Winn and Keely Smith with the Montgomery Convention and Visitors Bureau did a wonderful job with these tours and was gracious host for the entire event. Sunday and Monday, we had a shared meeting with Southeastern Regional Motorcoach Operators Coalition. This is an annual two day educational meeting for the motorcoach operators. The topics were all relative to the industry and daily operations of their businesses. It was Alabama Motorcoach Associations turn to host this meeting and with us in Montgomery, it just made sense. We would like to thank the members that came to the Coalitions meeting and stayed for our event. We had some great evening events during the convention including our pre-event on the Harriott II. The food was wonderful and the music was great. The boat was hopping from the entertainment on both floors. Our folks were up dancing and having a great time. The Ice Breaker event was hosted by Wind Creek Casino Montgomery on Monday Night. They did an excellent job of handling our group with entertainment, food and some free cash to try our luck on the machines. The big game between Alabama and Clemson for the National Championship was a distraction but we watched it at the casino and on the coaches traveling back and forth. The hospitality room was lively as the last quarter wrapped up to be a nail biter of an ending. Page 1 Continued on page 2

Highlights of the 2017 Convention Continued from page 1 Since we were right before ABA, we decided to have our main banquet on Tuesday night instead of Wednesday night, so those that needed to travel to Cleveland could leave early. Our host for this event was the location for the 2018 Convention and Marketplace. The City of Memphis and Graceland, threw a rockin party. It started with a champagne toast to Elvis s birthday, a wonderful meal, and fabulous entertainment from Andy Childs. We even had birthday cake. Hats off to Colleen Palmertree, Carolyn Mears and Lori Huffstutler for hosting a wonderful event. Everyone is looking forward to being in Memphis in 2018 and at the new Guest House at Graceland. Mark your calendar now for February 18-21, 2018. During the Tuesday night dinner we had a tape presentation from Johnny Baker regarding the devastation in Gatlinburg and the Pigeon Forge areas, due to the wildfires. Some of our members also shared personal stories of need, courage and devotion in the area. The TMCA Board felt we needed to support our friends, family and business partners in the Smokies, so a donated of $25,000 was made to the Neighbor to Neighbor Fund for Fire Disaster Relief through the East Tennessee Foundation. Convention Event Sponsors Diamond ($3,000 & up) ABC Companies & Detroit Diesel Bridgestone Mileage Sales Graceland Memphis CVB Motor Coach Industries Montgomery Area CVB Prevost Car The Guest House at Graceland Wind Creek Hospitality Hotel & Casino Emerald ($1,500 - $2,999) CH Bus Sales Temsa Clarke Power Services Fee Hedrick Entertainment Greater Birmingham CVB Harrah s Cherokee Casino Harrah s Valley River Casino Lancer Insurance Service Insurance Agency Visit French Lick West Baden As always Wednesday is our Marketplace Day. The floor wasn t as crowed this year so everyone got to spend some extra time visiting each operator and tour planner. The convention hall was surrounded by 10 elegant new motorcoaches and 9 display booths. The Montgomery Fire Marshall was a little shocked when he found out the value of the coaches on the floor but most of the general population don t realize the investment an operator makes into a new coach. It is always a little sad when the convention ends and everyone goes their own way but we all hope we will see each other next year in Memphis or someone where during the year. As always, we would like to thank each and everyone for attending, plus all our event sponsors, our speakers and guest. You make our event and our organization stronger. Following is some pictures from the meeting. Hope you enjoy them. Page 2 Sapphire ($300 - $1,500) Amaya/Astron Seating Bush Visitors Center Hardin County CVB LaFrance Industries Lookout Mtn Attractions Louisville CVB Monarch Talent Management Ole Smoky Moonshine Protective Insurance Ridgeland CVB Sardo Bus & Coach Upholstery Sumner County CVB staysky Hotels & Resorts Membership Directory- Two great ways to get your company noticed Advertise In the Directory The deadline for place your companies ad in this year directory is quickly approaching.the operators will see your ad each time they use the directory all year long. Plus your ad will be placed on our web site with your membership listing for the world to see. This is 12 months of exposure for less than $.56 a day for a full page colored ad. Artwork must be received no later than February 15th, Cost for Full Color Tabs or Cover pages - $225 Full Page 4.5 by 7 - $200 1/2 Page 4.5 by 3.5 - $125 1/2 Page 2.25 by 7 - $125 Associates Faces It is always great to be able to put a face with a name and that s exactly what we would like to do! You can have your photo placed beside your company s listing in the 2017 Membership Directory for $20. You must supply the photo by email no later than February 15th, 2017. Reserve your space today!

Snap Shots from 2017 Page 3

2017 Officers & Board of Directors President Vice President Past President Secretary/Treasurer John Wilson Jared Stancil Bill Adams Donna Arnold Crown Coach Anchor Transportation First Class Charters Executive Director Board Members Deborah Neese Bill Gentry Randy Ingram Mike Bayless Upma Martin Kristin Levering Gerald Kuykendall Gentry Trailways Premier Transp. Premeir Transp. Wise Coach Gray Line of TN Royal Charters. Associates to the Board OEM Tour Planners to the Board Affiliates to the Board Sherry Harris Gary Davis Jay Snead Sharon Cole Linda Fleming Greg Page Fred Abbott Lookout MTN Clarke Power Prevost Sharin Nashville Thomas Tours Corinth Charter Abbott Charters Chris Levering Silent Auction for the American Cancer Society 2017 marked the seventh year of the Silent auction to raise money for the American Cancer Society. This event is dedicated to the memory of Chris Levering who we lost in 2009 to cancer. Chris was such an important member and a dear friend too many in the Tennessee Motor Coach Association and the generosity of our members shined through honoring his memory and all the others we have lost to this terrible disease. Our associate and operators members supplied vast array of items including electronic gadgets, artwork, gift baskets, clothing items, memorabilia, attractions tickets and fantastic vacation packages. This year the Silent Auction was held over two days and when the bidding was over, our members had purchased 7,685 worth of items and donations. The TMCA Board of Directors had already voted to match the money raised during the Silent Auction with a cap set at $5,000. The total raised this year was $12,685. The TMCA Board would like to thank Patty Levering for volunteering her time to organize the Silent Auction. Operator of the Year Each year our motorcoach operators select one company to honor with the title Operator of the Year. This award is based on overall contribution to the motorcoach industry and the association, as well as the professional manner in dealing with the public and their association colleagues. This year s winner is Corinth Charters & Tours located in Corinth, MS Receiving the trophy was Greg and Debbie Page, Owner and Operator. Page 4 Greg and Debbie Page Corinth Charters & Tours

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Tour Planner of the Year New for this year, the TMCA has added the award for Tour Planner of the Year. The board nominated three tour planners for this award and the membership then voted.linda Fleming of Thomas Tours of Nashville, TN, was the first reciprocate to receive this award. Associate s of the Year Each year, the motorcoach operators choose two associate member that has shown exceptional commitment to our association. Both of this year s recipients are very active in the TMCA. Linda Fleming Thomas Tours 2016 Tour Planner of the Year Vera Ann Myers Myers Farm 2016 Associate of the Year Tour & Travel Recipient The TMCA would like to congratulation all of this years winners. Jay Snead Prevost Car 2016 Associate of the Year Service Associate Rookie of the Year The Operators and Associates voted which first timer represented their company the best and they were awarded the Rookie of the Year. This years award went to Patrica Bohan General Morgan Inn Greeneville, TN Go Getter Awards Each year, our operators have the difficult task of choosing which associates made the best presentation during marketplace. Our first place winner was a tie between Jill Rodgers with Holiday Inn Downtown Chattanooga and Kathyrn Carter with General Morgan Inn, Greeneville, TN. Each received $75. Third place was Katie Jarvis with Discovery Park of America. She received $25. Prizes Each year the TMCA Board provided some additional prizes to be given away during the closing dinner. The winner s were: Cash Prize of $250 Mary Alice Kenny-Custom Motorcoach Tour Kristin Levering- Gray Line of Tennessee Jennifer Dietzer- Seneca Resorts & Casinos Tim White - Smythe County CVB Page 6 Kathryn Carter 2018 Convention Registration Ryan Angel- CH Bus Sales Mary Jo Babbit- Wytheville CVB Katie Jarvis 2017 Directory Ad Jay Snead- Prevost Car Amanda Thibeau- Pillar Hotels & Resort

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Using Part Time Drivers By: Jon Dierberger Division Administrator FMCSA Tennessee The use of part time drivers to operate motor coaches is a common industry practice. Part time drivers can assist in meeting fluctuations in seasonal travel and their flexible schedules can better meet the varying demands of scheduling charter trips. However, there are some things to keep in mind when using part time drivers, in terms of compliance with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requirements. DRIVER QUALIFICATION FILES Employers using part time drivers may complete full Driver Qualification (DQ) File documentation, or exercise optional procedures for drivers working for other motor carriers who have completed the full DQ process. Motor carriers can qualify part time drivers using the Multiple Employer Drivers provision (49 CFR 391.63) to reduce the paperwork burden of qualifying a driver, or opt for the Drivers furnished by other motor carriers rule (49 CFR 391.65). In both cases, the motor carrier should contact the driver s other employer(s) to verify the accuracy of any exemption certificate and to confirm that a complete Driver Qualification file is being maintained by at least one motor carrier. DRUG TESTING PROGRAM Part time drivers participating in a DOT compliant controlled substances testing program can be hired without conducting pre-employment testing under certain circumstances. See the provisions in 49 CFR 383.301(b) which allow you to accept the driver s participation in another employer s drug testing program, in lieu of conducting a pre-employment drug screening. FMCSA requires that drivers operating for multiple motor carriers participate in the random testing pool of each motor carrier. Some motor carriers may find it difficult to contact part time drivers to have them report for random testing when selected. Part time drivers may be working for another motor carrier when contacted for a random test. There are provisions in FMCSA regulatory guidance for properly selecting alternate drivers for testing when the originally selected driver is not available: Regulatory Guidance for Part 382.305 - Question 18: Is it permissible to select alternates for the purpose of complying with the Random Testing regulations? Guidance: Yes, it is permissible to select alternates. However, it is only permissible if the primary driver selected will not be available for testing during the selection period because of long-term absence due to layoff, illness, injury, vacation or other circumstances. In the event the initial driver selected is not available for testing, the employer and/or C/TPA must document the reason why an alternate driver was tested. The documentation must be maintained and readily available when requested by the Secretary of Transportation, any DOT agency, or any State or local officials with regulatory authority over the employer or any of its drivers. A motor carrier should make every effort to test all drivers selected for random drug or alcohol testing, prior to the next random selection being made. In the event that a test can t be done, an alternate driver may be tested. The motor carrier must maintain documentation on why the originally selected driver was not tested, and the selection process used to determine alternate drivers. DRIVER HOURS OF SERVICE Part time drivers may drive only intermittently for a motor carrier. An employer is responsible for ensuring that these drivers are rested, and in compliance with FMCSA hours of service limits. The recordkeeping requirements of motor carriers using part time drivers are outlined in 49 CFR 395.8(j): (j) Drivers used by more than one motor carrier. (1) When the services of a driver are used by more than one motor carrier during any 24-hour period in effect at the driver s home terminal, the driver shall submit a copy of the record of duty status to each motor carrier. The record shall include: (i) All duty time for the entire 24-hour period; ii) The name of each motor carrier served by the driver during that period; and iii) The beginning and finishing time, including a.m. or p.m., worked for each carrier. (2) Motor carriers, when using a driver for the first time or intermittently, shall obtain from the driver a signed statement giving the total time on duty during the immediately preceding 7 days and the time at which the driver was last relieved from duty prior to beginning work for the motor carriers. During routine Compliance Investigations or in the event of a post-crash investigation, FMCSA investigators will seek to confirm information provided by part time drivers on the 7 days previous duty statements. There have been instances during FMCSA investigations where the information on these statements is found to be inaccurate or false. Some drivers do not realize that ALL work time must be reported; including time spent working for non-dot regulated companies. We recommend that motor carriers speak with drivers about other work conducted by the driver to ensure accurate reporting of all duty status information. IN CONCLUSION Motor coach passenger transportation is among the safest ways for the public to meet leisure and work travel needs. Part time drivers can be helpful in meeting motor carrier and customer needs, and can do so with the same levels of safety and regulatory compliance expected of all drivers when employers exercise due diligence in qualifying and dispatching these drivers. If you have any questions regarding the information above, or any FMCSA regulation, please contact Jon Dierberger with the Tennessee Division of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration at 615-781-5782 or by email at jon.dierberger@dot.gov. Page 8

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Transportation Specialist are here to help! TMCA Retains Transportation Attroney, Henry Seaton Henry E. Seaton Henry E. Seaton is a graduate of Duke University (A.B. 70) and Vanderbilt School of Law (J.D. 70). He has practiced law for over 30 years in the Washington D.C. area representing motor carriers and brokers. He is a member of the Vienna, Virginia based law firm of Seaton & Husk, L.P. The firm specializes in freight claims, freight charge collection, contracting issues, carrier representation before the FMCSA and bankruptcy issues. Mr. Seaton serves on the Editorial Board for Overdrive Magazine; the Editorial Board for the Airforwarders Association Quarterly Magazine; and is a Contributing Columnist for Internet Truckstop Magazine. He is the author of Protecting Motor Carrier Interests in Contracts (Randall Publishing 2002). From 1995 to 2011, Mr. Seaton was a Contributing Columnist for the Commercial Carrier Journal. He serves as Counsel for the National Association of Small Trucking Companies (NASTC), the Air & Expedited Motor Carriers Association (AEMCA), The Expedite Alliance of North America (TEANA) and the Auto Haulers Association of America (AHAA). Mr. Seaton is a member of the Conference of Freight Counsel and is Vice President of Delta Nu Alpha. Mr. Seaton also serves as Co-Chair of the Transportation Lawyers Association Federal Regulatory Practice Committee and is a frequent speaker and lecturer regarding cargo claims, freight charges, contracting and risk/insurance issues affecting carriers and brokers. Henry will assist the TMCA with articles and webinars to keep members apprised of legal issues affecting the motorcoach industry as well as answer legal questions for our members. Seaton will afford TMCA and its members a 15% discount over the standard rates charged for his personal services and the services of his firms in legal matters. For legal issues you can contact Henry through the firm at Seaton & Husk, L.P. (703) 573-0700 or www.transportationlaw. net Gobbell Transportation Safety One of the TMCA s unique benefits for its members is to have a retired FMCSA specialist on retainer to assist with questions or guidance. Rick Gobbell retired from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration after 32 ½ year of service. Rick also worked for the old TN Public Service Commission and the Interstate commerce Commission prior to his tenure at the FMCA. He brings a wealth of experience and credibility to our Association and loves to help anyone with any issue or problem relating to any Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Matter. Here are some key issues he can assist your company with: 1. Guidance and assistance with any Fmcsa Regulation (No Fees) 2. Guidance in preparing or assisting any member for an upcoming FMCSA/ State compliance Review (Limited guidance No Fees) 3. Providing any forms relating to the Safety Regulations (No Fees) 4. Providing written policies and guidance s relating to the FMCSA Regulations (no fees) 5. Training of staff or drivers* 6. Conducting Mock DOT Audits* 7. Log Audits* 8. Driver Qualification* 9. Drug and Alcohol Testing* 10. DataQs* *Fees apply-tmcs Members receive a 20% discount on any of Rick s services. Never hesitate to call Rick at any time for assistance. Feel free to provide Rick s contact information to your staff and advise them to never hesitate to call Rick for assistance or guidance as well at 615.513.2672 or gobbell49@comcast.net. Also see www.rickgobbell.com for other of Rick s contact Information. Page 10

This Evening issponsored by: Host Location of the 2018 TMCA Convention & Marketplace February 18th - 21st Page 11

CVB Decatur Morgan County CVB 719 6th AVe SE Decatur, AL 35601 (800) 524-6181 (256) 350-2028 www.decaturcvb.org mschmid@decaturcvb.org Marley Schmid, Group Sales Dir. Lodging Dynamic Group Management/ Holiday Inn Downtown Chattanooga 434 Chestnut Street Chattanooga, TN 37402 (423) 777-5858 www.holidayinn.com/chattanooga jrodgers@dynamicgroupmgmt.com Jill Rogers, Director of Sales & Mrk. Sales AMBEST, INC 11042 Blue Star Hwy Stony Creek, VA 23882 (434) 246-5308 www.ambest.com sjackson@ambest.com Sylvia Jackson, Motorcoach Exc. Matthew Miller, Senior Director Sister Properties of AMBEST AMBEST Davis Travel Center I-85 Exit 39 Warfield, VA 23889 (434) 594-4810 www.dtc33.come sjackson@am-best.com Sylvia Jackson, Motorcoach Exc. AMBEST Davis Travel Center I-95 Exit 33 Stony Creek, VA 23882 (434) 594-4810 www.dtc33.come sjackson@am-best.com Sylvia Jackson, Motorcoach Exc. Ayerco 32 1700 Oak Street Canton, MO 63435 (573) 288-0378 www.moayerco.com ayerco32@moayerco.com Raven Harrison, Manager Ayerco 35 18948 Hwy 161 Bowling Green MO 63435 (573) 324-3006 www.moayerco.com ayerco35@moayerco.com Kristen Craig, Manager New Members AMBEST Sister Properties Continued AMBEST Sister Properties Continued Ayerco 44 7233 Hwy 36 Palmyra, MO 63461 (573) 248-0006 www.moayerco.com ayerco44@moayerco.com Judith Allen, Manager C & L Towing and Truck Service 273 New Road Parsippany, NJ 07054 (973) 386-9866 www.candltowing.com dispatch@candltowing.com Anthony Napoli, Manager Center Point Travel Plaza 696 Grain Lane Center Point, IA 52213 (319) 849-2700 www.cptravelplaza.com info@cptravelplaza.com Scott Cornish, President & COO Creek Travel Plaza 1-65 Exit 54 4749 Jacks Springs Road Atmore, AL 36502 (251) 368-0088 tsmith@i65exit 54.com Leo Hammons, Dir. of Retail of OP. EZ SHop Travel Center 27 2722 Hwy 15 North Harleyville, SC 29448 (843) 636-9740 www.brabhmoil.com cfollett@brabhamoil.com Carol Y. Follett, SR. Auditor Hat Six Travel Center 6985 Nugget Evansville, WY 82636 (307) 234-0504 www.hatsixtravelcenter.com cstoremnanager@eastgatetravelplaza. com Becky Triscovi, General Manager High Tide Oil Company 2700 Kelly Creek Road Moody, Al 35004 (205) 637-4858 www.hightideoilcompany.com russelll@hightideoilcompany.com Russell Jolly, VP AMBEST Sister Properties Continued Page 12 Little America Fuel Center I-80 Exit 68 Little America, WY 82929 (307) 872-2686 www.littleamerica.com Mbills@wyoming.littleamerica.com Michael Bills, Fuel Center Manager London Auto Truck Center 15 Dogpatch Trading Center London, KY 40741 (606) 864-6426 www.londonautotruckcenter.com Chris@Londonautotruckcenter.com Chris Sanders, General Manager Miller s Wellington 2195 E. Main Street Wellington, UT 84542 (435) 636-0380 www.millerstravelcenters.com millerswellington@gmail.com Penny Arno, Manager Newell Travel Center 200 Manchester Ave Newton, KS 67114 (316) 283-4000 www.newelltravelcenter.com sharyn@newelltruckplaza.com Sharyn Bedlington, GM Oasis Travel Center 27801 County Road 64 Ext Robertsdale, AL 36567 (251) 960-1150 www.oasistravelcenter.com elksdale@gmail.com Dale Elks, GM RJ s Fuel Stop 2267 W. Main Street Tremonton, UT 84337 (435) 257-3530 www.millertravelcenters.com rlmillerap@gmail.com Jalyn Deakin, Manager Russell s Travel Center I-40 Exit 369 Glenrio, NM 88434 (575) 576-8700 www.russellsttc.com mgmt4rtt@gmail.com GeniaThurman, Manager Satellite Industries Inc. DBA Worldwide Monochem 1713 Hur Industrial Blvd. Cedar Park, TX 78613 (512) 267-5190 www.worldwidemonochem.com tammym@satellightco.com Tammy Moyer, Sales Manager