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PRESS RELEASE:
05/09/2008 Portland, Oregon
The American Chauffeur

Contact: James Robinson
Phone 503-310-7776
Fax 971-255-0447


Press Release 05/09/2008 Portland, Oregon

The American Chauffeur!

“The American Chauffeur” Magazine Online Edition will be for professional chauffeurs and drivers by professional chauffeurs and drivers across America.

The time has come for an industry specific magazine directed at those who keep the wheels running in the transportation industry, professional chauffeurs, and drivers. These professionals are on the front line of our luxury transportation industry!

Anticipated Launch date of Online Version is 09/01/08. At some point in the future it is hoped that a Paper version can be produced.

We are seeking the following people to help us to launch this exciting magazine for the transportation industry and it's most important segment, it's chauffeurs who are the front line of this professional industry. If you're looking for a ground floor opportunity to help launch this industry magazine contact sales@TheAmericanChauffeur.com

Writers seeking an outlet for their work we encourage you to participate by providing timely articles for inclusion in this Online Edition.

Owners seeking to reward their employees for a job well done, we want to hear from you especially. Once a Quarter we will highlight the Chauffeur of the Quarter and their names will be submitted for chauffeur of the year awards with a small package of great gifts as well to the winner.

This online magazine is being created for those professionals who are the front lines of the industry, day in and day out every single day (The American Chauffeur). “The American Chauffeur” will focus on those professionals working in the United States as Chauffeurs, past and present and our rich history in the transportation for hire field as well as the future of the industry and the direction we are heading in. It is our goal to use this as a tool for drivers and chauffeurs to help them develop a community as well as to share the wealth of information some of these great people have gained. They will help their fellow drivers and chauffeurs to gain skills and to bring our chosen profession to a higher level as we strive to provide World Class Service!
We will also be sharing with you some industry experts in training and development. These experts will help our readers to gain some insight into the business and to help them understand the dynamics of their jobs and how they impact the bottom line of the companies they work for and how to improve their skills to help the company to grow dynamically.

It is exciting to bring this segment together. We at the American Chauffeur intend to bring drivers and chauffeurs together like No other magazine has done. Several industry magazines focus on company owners and builders but very little about the folks who actually drive the business day in and day out. Thousands of chauffeurs and drivers have a story to tell. We intend to tell their stories as well as provide them the kinds of tools, information, and fun, which will help them to grow and develop into World Class Employees, which in turn will affect the bottom line of each company out there!

If you are a Owner, seeking to acknowledge your employees or an operator with a story to tell or an exciting idea, which will bring more efficiency to the industry. We want to hear from you! Tell us your story or the employee’s story. How have they affected your operation in a positive way? What is it that makes them stand out in your eyes? Job Satisfaction is the number one reason employees stay or leave a job. We hope to drive that satisfaction level to new heights with this unique magazine dedicated to them for them by fellow professionals. Like all tools if it is not used, it cannot help. If used properly it can be a springboard to improved job satisfaction, happier employees and increased performance and will have a huge positive impact on the bottom line.

Industry professionals looking to share your knowledge and experience to help the industry grow you now have a platform to reach this segment of workers, those employees’ across the land who directly impact their companies performance day in and day out.

If you are, an organization or company associated in the luxury transportation field who would be interested in promoting your company and products or services to this unique segment of the industry, its Chauffeurs, and professional drivers! You may contact us for opportunities to promote your company, products and or organizations.


We are seeking an Editor for the Magazine currently.

We are also seeking Both New and Old Chauffeur pictures Limousine pictures the older the better, but they must be in Digital Format only, please do not send actual photos! Gifs, Jpegs, pdf files ok

We look forward to serving this hard working community of people and look forward to the relationships we will build in the process as we get to know each one of you out there.

Thanks for the opportunity to serve.

Yours truly,

James C. Robinson
(Cliff)
The American Chauffeur Inc
www.TheAmericanChauffeur.com
Executive Touch Limousine Inc.
www.executivetouchlimo.com

Email:
jcr@executivetouchlimo.com
jcr@TheAmericanChauffeur.com
503-260-5030
503-310-7776
971-255-0447 Fax
2010 SW 79th Ave
Portland, Oregon 97225

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Cliff Robinson,

I smell a fishy!!!! A dormant post - brought back to life with multiple links. Someone is building their little web.......

quote:

Originally posted by cygnet:
Hey i liked your Quote abt Tough times don't last. Tough people do.

Thanks.

Hey i liked your Quote abt Tough times don't last. Tough people do.

The various regulatory entities that license chauffeurs could be a great help to you.

I think this is a great idea! One question though, how do you plan to "market" this magazine to the chauffeur directly? Word will get out eventually.....

Cliff, I support you and wish you luck. A lot of the naysayers fail to realize that most owners used to be chauffeurs. I'm sure the advertisers will take this into consideration. I've been in the business since 1998 and finally had the resources to start my own company in 2006. I'm sure there are a lot of owners like me that still work the phones, prep the cars, and drive the jobs. These guys like me would love your publication. Hopefully, one of these days I will be a "fat cat owner" that I hear people talking about'but I will be knowledgeable(honorable) enough not to worry about about informed driver's.

Cliff,

I may be a bit premature, but let me announce that InTheLeftLaneOnline.com has opened a forum category for you and your future readers. Check it out and the first posts here.

We're all pulling for you Amigo!

I like your idea. If there is anything that I can help with, please let me know.

Theresa
Jet Stream Limos
Coos Bay, OR

quote:

Originally posted by Cliff Robinson:
[QUOTE]Originally posted by gunny:
Gunny

The iNtent is to be very Honest discuss a great many things and issues.

it is NOT however a slash and Burn looking to destroy people or corporations as a whole.

If it effects Chauffeurs and drivers then obviously it needs to be discussed along with potential solutions to what ever the problem may be. It is not nor will it be a regional bully magazine. Do I want to discuss the issues at hand? Yes certainly yet do it in a responsible way which promotes a dialog and not hard feelings across the board know what I mean?

I do not intend to allow it to be a Bully pulpit for a few folks who only wish to slam dunk the industry or even National associations.

Discus the issues at hand You bet!

I don't think any of the issues Steve brought up fits into this response as your statements would be more applicable to someone acting in a capacity beyond an employee with different motives. However, seeing that operators normally are only familiar with the region they physically operate in, do you have plans to incorporate contributors from various regions across the US and are these contributors going to be Operators or Chauffeurs? Have you developed any selling points to create a want and desire ( an attention getter ) for the workforce to participate in this venture or even show a mild interest?

quote:

Originally posted by gunny:
Gunny

The iNtent is to be very Honest discuss a great many things and issues.

it is NOT however a slash and Burn looking to destroy people or corporations as a whole.

If it effects Chauffeurs and drivers then obviously it needs to be discussed along with potential solutions to what ever the problem may be. It is not nor will it be a regional bully magazine. Do I want to discuss the issues at hand? Yes certainly yet do it in a responsible way which promotes a dialog and not hard feelings across the board know what I mean?

I do not intend to allow it to be a Bully pulpit for a few folks who only wish to slam dunk the industry or even National associations.

Discus the issues at hand You bet!

Cliff,
Steve as a man in the trenches brought up some pointed suggestions that affect drivers. Obviously addressing such important issues will turn off the screws. So question is, to avoid turning off operators would your new publication just be another fluff rag or would it be a nitty gritty publication that hits core issues that LCT & Digest would not dare put into press?[/QUOTE]

quote:

Originally posted by cedarmill:
Cliff,

Great idea! I just started a local business directory and classified rag that will get snail-mailed to individuals and businesses in the local area (sneaky way to advertise my new business, right!?!?). Due to the low cost for them to advertise (we scan their cards and shrink them just a hair-$20 blk/wht $40 color each month) we have had a great response! Don't let your dreams die. I would think different owners would want to advertise that they are the best to work for-good chauffeurs are very hard to find.

As far as reaching out to the chauffeurs-my suggestion would be to make it cheap for them to access. You don't have to make a million to be successful. I personally love print instead of computers-my eyes get funky from reading this screen. Nothing better than sitting back and feeling the print in my hands. Let me know when this gets rolling-I will take 5 subscriptions, one for myself and 4 for my guys/gals break room.

Good luck and Godspeed!

Thanks
The Online Magazine will be a Monthly edition and will be of course Free!!!!

There will be areas for revenue building and a Members only site where they will have to Log in but I wont be charging anyone for that at all.

Cliff,

Great idea! I just started a local business directory and classified rag that will get snail-mailed to individuals and businesses in the local area (sneaky way to advertise my new business, right!?!?). Due to the low cost for them to advertise (we scan their cards and shrink them just a hair-$20 blk/wht $40 color each month) we have had a great response! Don't let your dreams die. I would think different owners would want to advertise that they are the best to work for-good chauffeurs are very hard to find.

As far as reaching out to the chauffeurs-my suggestion would be to make it cheap for them to access. You don't have to make a million to be successful. I personally love print instead of computers-my eyes get funky from reading this screen. Nothing better than sitting back and feeling the print in my hands. Let me know when this gets rolling-I will take 5 subscriptions, one for myself and 4 for my guys/gals break room.

Good luck and Godspeed!

The only thing I need to report about getting information about Chauffeurs is that 2 years ago, I developed the "Best in the Business" articles in the Limousine Digest to promote hard working employee's that make Limousine Companies look good. I have promoted the opportunity of all companies to use this article to not only promote their Limousine Companies, but also their top Chauffeurs for others to see and learn from. Chris Weiss has run many ads trying to promote Limousine Operators to either e-mail or call in the opportunity to get exposure. Also, I have talked to many Operators at Association Meetings to do the same in different states with little response. It is free exposure!

I guess what I am trying to say is getting the Limousine Operators to give you this type of information about Chauffeurs has not worked that well as I thought it would. The Digest has had response to this request and I do continue to write about Chauffeurs, but it isn’t the overwhelming response one would think. If you some how get to the Chauffeurs direct, this might be the avenue to build this publication! I do know this, Limousine Chauffeurs in Las Vegas, most of them would NOT want this type of exposure for many reasons. Strange market!

I do agree that the Chauffeur has been ignored over the years. I have with the support of the Digest tried to give them the credit that is deserved. I just did a story about Super Bowl 42 and reported how the event went from a Chauffeurs point of view and added information from Chauffeurs working for other companies driving that event. Many of them were from out of state. Check out the issue in March 2008.

I hope you have success in this. If I can help contribute to you idea, let me know.

Dave

One thing that should be addressed is when an owner offers to pay a Chauffeur less than minimum wage with no deduction for income tax or social security, no workers comp. and then tells the Chauffeur it is OK because he gets tips and is an Independent Contractor, that this is not legal.

Oh you can bet that the owner would does this and there are a few, would just love this publication.

quote:

Originally posted by Cliff Robinson:
Just trying to bring some tools to the table which will assist this unique Market and attempt to do it, in such a way that everyone ought to be happy and supportive about. I mean it is in everyone's interest and only good can come of it as long as I do the Honorable thing by others and for others wouldn't you think?

Cliff,
Steve as a man in the trenches brought up some pointed suggestions that affect drivers. Obviously addressing such important issues will turn off the screws. So question is, to avoid turning off operators would your new publication just be another fluff rag or would it be a nitty gritty publication that hits core issues that LCT & Digest would not dare put into press?

quote:

Originally posted by Limo Scene:
Cliff,

I do continue to think that it is a great CONCEPT. I continue to think that both existing magazines should focus more stories and more content towards chauffeurs who are the bulk of people in this industry.

I am sure you will not let my comments or the fact that I frankly do not believe it can be sustained from stopping you. In fact, when people tell me I CAN'T do something, it makes me work that much harder to prove them wrong.

I hope you feel inspired to do just that and I do admire you for the fact that you are pursuing what YOU believe in which is much more important than what I believe in and I will close this by saying I wish you the best of luck and success and thank you for considering me briefly for a job as I asked for "tongue in cheek". My bosses at LCT would never let me do that but encouraged me to write about my thoughts on your project for Limolicious which I did. I am sorry if I offended you with my thoughts.

JIm thats alright like I said I have had to put on a thick hide all my life from folks who tell me I can not do something and your right I simply get more focused to make it work despite the negatives. I generally try to learn from others as a whole unless they attack or are contentious with me.

i generally like your posts though you tend to talk down to others due to your years in the business and position which gives you an automatic Pulpit to make your pronouncements and judgments from.

Got to come outside and smell the roses once in awhile though don't forget that.

I know from experience that People are not always how you Initially perceive them to be till you get to know someone on a personal level. Heck I have meet folks I expected to be friends for life only to have been Burnt by then one way or another.

I am not offended by you and Hope that you can tell by my remarks that My Motive is at least in a good direction and not meant to harm or hurt anyone intentionally.

I will work on the Tag line by Tuesday and try to fix it. Would not want to give you the wrong impression.

quote:

Originally posted by TxLimoGuy:
Cliff:

I think the main point is this:

A magazine publisher must know who the advertisers are that they plan to target to actually cover the costs. You mention 'the big boys' helping your magazine's success. I assume you mean some 'big' advertisers....who? What big boys are chomping at the bit to reach these people?

Think about this: Your market is chauffeurs. It is definitely an underserved niche market in terms of target reading material. However, what you need to consider is: Are advertisers interested in reaching this market and willing to pay for ads to do so? Who are these advertisers? You may have to think out of the box about a totally new set of advetisers not currently in today's magazines.

If you can't come up with that answer then keep an online version where costs are less and at least you have yourself a cool new hobby with an altruistic purpose...

Hi Tony:
In truth the Online Version is the Key to the beginning.I understand the ramifications of a Paper version all to well. i published several Books 25 years back on my own so I can appreciate the level of revenue required to sustain such a venture. I am no crazy rambling mad man looking to destroy myself and my company financially speaking.

Honestly I would Hope that such a venture would catch on for the drivers and chauffeurs who could have such a Venue.

As an (Owner I see the value of the LCT and Digest Rags and Indeed we are the ones who invest the Money to sustain such things in the Long run.

It is however the Lonely Chauffeur and drivers who keep our wheels turning day in and day out for without them we could simply not function.

I am not in this to Organize a revolt of Owners to begin a union or anything similar. In fact I have a loathing for Unions as a whole I think they drain needed resources from their memberships by in large to line their own precious pockets. (I was Once a Union Man) Long ago LOL

I would think that Owners and Operators would rally and jump at the Opportunity I offer them to be able to offer their employees something for the employees at a relative insignificant cost to them and me. Yet the Kinds of Support and recognition I offer can help dramatically improve relations and give a whole new meaning to Moral and Employee recognition across the board.

My HR background is coming through and now I am in a position to do something No one has considered before on a Nation wide scale with a Minimum of cost to me except time and effort.

Indeed I need some professional help to get it accomplished and I have already had a number of folks step up to say they want to help in what ever way they can and thats really all I am seeking.

The Online Version will kick off as planned. If i am able to make the Leap to a Paper version I will be pleased beyond belief and have no illusions that it will be easy to do.

Some things are easy to accomplish some are not.

I am not a guy who quits easily and will find a way regardless of the Nay sayers. I do not want to replace any Magazine Nor am I thinking that I am the Next Big thing and eventually be bought out by some conglomerate down the road.

Just trying to bring some tools to the table which will assist this unique Market and attempt to do it, in such a way that everyone ought to be happy and supportive about. I mean it is in everyone's interest and only good can come of it as long as I do the Honorable thing by others and for others wouldn't you think?

I will let the cards fall where they may.

My father did not think I would make it in the Limo Business either and he was wrong go figure!

Great post Steve. Especially the "garlic to a vampire" power to the people. Now will LCT ever, ever in a million years run articles touching these subjects??? About as much chance as their new Blog ever catching on.

I support this idea! Do it! The Chauffeurs are the life blood of the Industry!