Robert Bellagamba, Richard Davids, Jeff Bellagamba

Richard Davids Accepts 2011 Chauffeur of the Year Award

Each year Concorde Worldwide honors a chauffeur of the year. The program, now in its 15^th year, gives recognition to one elite chauffeur. This year’s Chauffeur of the Year went to Richard Davids, who was chosen among a team of 53 chauffeurs. The announcement was made on January 21st at the company’s Employee Awards Dinner at the South Gate Manor.

Rich has recently celebrated a two year anniversary with Concorde. Since joining the company, he has successfully achieved the title of professional chauffeur through his excellent customer service, skilled driving, strong work ethics, and consistently going above and beyond in his job responsibilities.

To be nominated for Chauffeur of the Year, each chauffeur must have an excellent driving record, no physical damage, and outstanding customer service etiquette with client recommendations.  The chauffeur must have a CDL, pass specialty training, and be “wedding” certified.

Rich is a chauffeur who is always willing to help out when asked. Rich’s customer service record is excellent and confirmed by the numerous client commendations that he has received throughout the year. Rich is a requested chauffeur among many VIP clients. An international client from Germany, who was visiting NYC for four days, wrote a letter stating what “a great driver” Rich was and “made their trip to the U.S. a wonderful one”.

In addition to a recognition plaque, Rich was also presented with an overnight package where he will spend a spectacular evening with his wife in the city of his choice: New York City or Philadelphia, which will include chauffeured transportation to and from his five-star hotel, and dinner for two at a restaurant of his choice.

Please join us as we congratulate Rich on his award.

Concorde Worldwide is proud to announce that Marion Pattberg, Operations Administrative Assistant, has been named the company’s 2011 Employee of the Year. Every year the staff at Concorde Worldwide votes for an Employee of the Year. Employees are asked to make their decisions based on certain qualities and work habits such as dependability, possessing a positive attitude, being a team player, and going above and beyond their daily work responsibilities.

The announcement for Employee of the Year was made on January 21st at the company’s Employee Awards Dinner at the South Gate Manor. Marion recently celebrated a 7 year anniversary with Concorde Worldwide. Over the course of time, Marion has had several diverse positions from customer service, to building relationships and networking with various organizations and assisting in the daily operations of the company. As she continually takes on challenges, Marion performs them consistently and in the most efficient manner. There is never a time she has not “stepped up to the plate” to help others. Some of the qualities pointed out by fellow staff members are Marion’s dependability, outstanding work skills, follow up with customer service issues, willingness to help others and being a true team player.

In addition to a recognition plaque, Marion was also presented with an overnight package where she will spend a spectacular evening with her husband, Bill in the city of her choice: New York City or Philadelphia, which will include chauffeured transportation to and from their five-star hotel, and dinner for two at a restaurant of their choice

The team at Concorde Worldwide congratulates Marion on this great honor.

The idea for NYC Restaurant Week began 20 years ago to coincide with the 1992 Democratic National Convention. Its popularity has made the tradition span for two decades and it isn’t hard to understand why. This is a chance for visitors and locals of NYC to try food at restaurants that they typically would not be able to afford. The prix fixe multiple course menus give guests a chance to sample many different items that each restaurant offers. Many fine-dining establishments are looking to impress their guests, so you will be getting some of their finest service and quality food during this event.

Costs will remain the same as previous years for this 20th anniversary celebration. Diners will pay $24.07 for three-course prix-fixe lunches and $35 for three-course prix-fixe dinners (excluding beverages, tax and gratuity).

You can also book lunch and dinner through OpenTable. American Express is also part of the restaurant week celebration and has a special offer for those that use their Amex cards at participating restaurants. When you register an eligible American Express card and use the same card at three or more participating NYC Restaurant Week eateries (Mon -Fri), you will get a $20 statement credit.

Book your restaurant reservations early and don’t forget to reserve your vehicle and leave the driving to Concorde Worldwide! We have sedans and limousines if your bringing your special someone. We also have Executive Sprinters, SUV’s and Luxury Minibuses for larger parties. Reserve your vehicle at our online reservations page at https://reservations.concordeworldwide.com/.

Concorde Worldwide will get you to all your scheduled destinations on-time and safely. Avoid the hassle of the busy streets and navigating city street maps. Our professional chauffeurs are knowledgeable of NYC landmarks and streets.

While other shoppers are bogged down with packages, you can shop knowing that you can leave your packages securely inside Concorde’s vehicle. If the weather is not in your favor that day, you will also be protected from the elements inside your vehicle! During your visit, don’t forget to visit FAO Schwarz, NYC’s famous toy store! Add to your list some iconic stores such as Bloomingdales, Saks, Barneys, and Macy’s.

The city is lit up with decorations and Christmas lights along the streets, throughout department stores, hotels and restaurants. New York City is known for the place that never sleeps. Times Square and Rockefeller Center are a must see during your visit to the city. The tree is lit until January 7^th so even if your visit is after New Years, you still have time to see it.

Let Concorde Worldwide make your travel this season a little extra magical. Call and take advantage of our Six Hour Holiday Packages priced  especially for this season that will make an ideal gift for anyone! Or consider using it for holiday parties or New Year’s Eve. Concorde Worldwide has a variety of luxury vehicles to accommodate all group sizes; whether you’re an intimate party of two or friends looking for a luxury minibus up to 24! Refer to code: Holiday2011

The primary goal of the Foundation is to deliver, through a new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to less fortunate youngsters that will assist them into becoming responsible, productive, patriotic citizens. If you are interested in dropping off new, unwrapped toys at our headquarters at Concorde Worldwide 900 Route 33, Freehold, New Jersey, please deliver them by December 14^th.

In the past, the response from the local community has been overwhelming. Thank you in advance for your support.

If you have any questions, please contact Marion at 732-577-0023 ext. 7137.

Albert Caraballo, Dispatcher

Bert Caraballo Promoted to Dispatcher

Concorde Worldwide is proud to announce the promotion of Bert Caraballo to Dispatcher. Caraballo joined the company in November 2010 as a Chauffeur; providing seamless driving and excellent service to each client. When the opening became available in the dispatch department, Bert accepted the position.

Bert brings to Concorde his wealth of knowledge in the areas of dispatching and customer service, having served as a dispatcher at previous places of employment. Highly motivated and personable, he provides the highest level of service possible by dispatching work to chauffeurs in an efficient manner to fulfill daily reservations and client calls.

In the industry, dispatchers are the “life-line” to the daily activities of the chauffeurs. Bert is experienced in all Concorde’s state-of-the-art technology that allows him to dispatch reservations, monitor vehicles through our vehicle tracking system, track flights, and communicate through two-way radios. His daily responsibilities include dispatching drivers locally and out of state, coordinating with other dispatchers’ vehicle availability, handling customer service issues and problem solving.

Bert is married and lives with his wife in Manahawkin.

Global Entry is open to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents. There is an online application at GlobalEntry.gov and the cost is $100. All applicants go through a background check and interview before enrollment. If you pass the preliminary approval, you will be scheduled for an interview, where your photo will be taken and fingerprints scanned. Enrollment is good for five years.

Benefits of the Global Entry Program

• Bypass the traditional passport control line
• No need to complete paperwork – US Customs declaration form
• Expedited exit process
• Mutual benefits with other countries
• Conveniently located at airports throughout the US
• Cross the US border with a minimum of US Customs and immigration questioning
• Although intended for frequent travelers, there is no minimum number of trips that must be completed

Global Entry Program Airports

Global Entry currently reduces average wait times by 70 percent. To date, Global Entry members have used the kiosks more than one million times. Participants may enter the United States by utilizing automated kiosks located, at the following airports:

1. Boston-Logan International Airport (BOS)
2. Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
3. Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport (DFW)
4. Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW)
5. Ft. Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
6. George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Houston (IAH)
7. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
8. Honolulu International Airport (HNL)
9. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
10. McCarran International Airport, Las Vegas (LAS)
11. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
12. Miami International Airport (MIA)
13. Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
14. Orlando International Airport (MCO)
15. Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
16. San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
17. San Juan-Luis Múñoz Marin International Airport (SJU)
18. Orlando-Sanford International Airport (SFB)
19. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport-SeaTac (SEA)
20. Washington-Dulles International Airport (IAD)

Helpful Links:

http://www.globalentry.gov

http://www.globalentry.gov/pdfs/GE_InfoGuide.pdf

Concorde Worldwide, previously known as Concorde Limousine, is a high-class and well-respected limousine service within Freehold, New Jersey that is known, not only for its exceptional service, but for its green initiative.

Concorde Worldwide caters to the needs of all of their clients, whether they’re hired for a wedding, prom, corporate travel or by a frequent rider taking their weekly trip to the airport with one of their limousines, sedans, SUVs, vans or luxury minibuses. On top of their service to customers, Concorde Worldwide also services the planet as they have reduced their paper consumption by 70 percent since 2006 and their 5,400 square foot garage is completely heated by used motor and transmission fluid, which reduced pollutants, doesn’t consume new resources and saves the company money.

On top of all these other initiatives, Concorde Worldwide hired the solar installers GeoGenix to construct solar panels on their  roof. The process was completed in 2008. The new solar installations consist of 396 photovoltaic (PV) cells that span over 6,041 square feet of the total 12,000 square foot facility.

Each of these Sun Power solar panels produces as much as 230 watts at peak capacity. These panels are considered one of the most efficient and productive solar panels available to the public. The panel has an efficiency of roughly 18.5 percent, which is nearly 50 percent higher than that of conventional solar panels, according to Sun Power. The panels are made up of 72 of Sun Power’s next generation all black contact cells and are designed to produce at least 90 percent power for 12 years and 80 percent for 25 years.

The new solar installations also helped reduce even more greenhouse emissions. Over 300,000 pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2), 500 pounds of nitrous oxides (NOx) and 200 pounds of sulfates were not emitted into the air because of the new efficient solar panels, according to Concorde Worldwide’s website. These numbers are the equivalent of planting over 41 acres of trees.

Thanks to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, the Business Energy Investment Tax Credit allows a federal corporate tax credit for companies that have invested in a renewable energy source, such as active solar paneling, rather than using natural resources such as gas, oil or coal. The credit allows up to 30 percent off of tax expenditures for the year with no maximum credit, according to the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE).

Concorde Worldwide’s new 91 kilowatt solar installation provides an annual production up to 115,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity a year. With these new initiatives, the company has been able to earn SRECs, or Solar Renewable Energy Certificates, for every extra 1,000 kilowatt-hours created. According to Clean Energy USA, each SREC is roughly estimated to sell for $650 for the 2011 fiscal year.

In January of 2011, Concorde Worldwide was only able to produce just above 2,600 kilowatt-hours for the month because of the season, but in June of the same year they were able to produce over 13,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity,  according to Sunny Portal. On average, Concorde Worldwide is able to produce about 65 percent of their own electrical power because of their new solar installations.

Madeline Noguera

Concorde Worldwide is proud to announce the promotion of Madeline Noguera to Senior Dispatcher.

Maddy, as the company knows her, joined the Concorde team in 2004 as a Dispatcher; the life-line of a chauffeur’s daily activity and core to the business. Her dedication and attention to detail have earned her the respect from her peers and recent promotion.

Having worked with Academy Bus Lines for six years, Maddy brought to Concorde her wealth of knowledge in dispatching and customer service.

In 2008, Maddy won Concorde Worldwide “Employee of the Year”, where she was recognized for her strong work ethics, leadership and commitment to the company. She is described by her peers as “…a very dependable employee who constantly does her responsibilities in an efficient manner.”

As Senior Dispatcher, Maddy will continue her responsibilities of assigning chauffeur jobs, monitoring & tracking vehicles through the vehicle tracking system and carrying out the company’s philosophy of best practices for all customer service issues.

Congratulations, Maddy.

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Wouldn’t it be nice to post a better bottom line than competitors as a result of investing in green technology? Just talk to Bob Bellagamba.  

Bellagamba, who owns New Jersey limousine service Concorde Worldwide, bought a solar energy system in 2008 for $625,000. (The 6,000 square feet of solar roof panels cover the company’s garage.) A hefty investment for a small business, no doubt. But Bellagamba decided long ago that green investments were the right innovation for his growing company. 

The solar panels allow Concorde to produce 65 percent of its own electricity, and sell additional electricity “units” through a special market. For every 1,000 kWh of electricity the solar panels generate, Concorde earns one solar renewable energy certificate, or SREC. The SRECs are then sold to electricity producers across New Jersey. Last year, Concorde sold $60,000 worth.  

That’s not the only green investment Concorde made. In 2002, the company started heating its garage with waste oil and transmission fluid. That saves about $2,000 a year in heating costs. Plus, Bellagamba decided to change the fleet’s oil every 7,500 miles instead of every 5,000, shrinking oil consumption by half. And the old oil filters get crushed into scrap metal to be sold to a yard across town. 

While Bellagamba touts his business’ greening efforts on Concorde’s website, the “carbon footprint stuff” has not helped attract customers. “I honestly think they don’t care,” he says. “Price is the No. 1 driver.”  But the long-term impact on his business is clear. Once revenue from the SRECs offsets his initial investment for the solar panel system—in 2016, Bellagamba estimates—the company will be able to post a much healthier bottom line than competitors. Year after year. 

NFIB
NFIB My Business Magazine
Concorde Worldwide “Green Commitment”
Concorde Solar Panel Report
SMA Solar Technology