A new video is commemorating the rich history of the Pennsylvania Bus Association (PBA), which will mark its centennial in 2023.
With help from association members, a treasure trove of archives from PBA (and the Bus Museum of Transportation), national partners and KRR Photography, a 100th-anniversary commemorative video is now available on PBA’s YouTube channel and the association’s website, www.pabus.org.
Founded in 1923, PBA has functioned without interruption and with an unrelenting commitment to the safety of the traveling public and the economic well-being of its member companies.
The yearlong celebration kicked off in State College during PBA’s 2022 Annual Conference. More celebrations are planned throughout 2023, including a Spring Fling weekend at the Bus Museum of Transportation in Hershey, Pennsylvania; PBA Marketplace in Morgantown, Pennsylvania; and PBA’s Annual Meeting and Conference in Jamestown, New York.
Thoughts on the milestone
PBA members took time to share their thoughts on PBA’s centennial milestone:
John Henry, Vice President of Business Operations for the Martz Group, a PBA founding member: “Pennsylvania Bus creates a real sense of community within our industry. The information and networking PBA provides have helped further our company for generations. Our founder, Frank Martz, helped establish PBA and would be proud of its current leadership and value to our industry. Congratulations on celebrating 100 years!”
Alison Sherman, President of Klein Transportation and a PBA board member: “I have the pleasure of being the third generation from my family’s motorcoach company to serve on the board of PBA. This organization does amazing things through advocacy and by facilitating the connections that help us thrive as an industry, and I am proud to be part of it.”
Sandy Borowsky, Vice President of Tours and Marketing at Starr Tours and PBA board member: “Running a motorcoach and tour company these days is certainly no easy feat. That is why PBA is so important to us. Having an organization like PBA that provides support, information and a connection to all our industry friends is critical to our success. We are thrilled to be able to celebrate PBAs 100th anniversary and look forward to many more successful years.”
PBA is dedicated to representing the business and governmental interests of private bus companies operating in Pennsylvania. The nonprofit group is committed to addressing the needs and issues of the motorcoach industry.
The membership includes motorcoach operators, companies servicing the industry, and travel suppliers, all working together to build their businesses. Governmental affairs, advocacy, travel and tourism marketing, education, safety, and communication constitute the major areas of involvement for this, one of the oldest public passenger transportation associations in the United States.
Annual events
PBA strives to provide members with information to further their businesses and create opportunities for industry connections. Annual events that promote education and community among members include:
PBA’s Marketplace provides bus operators, tour planners and group leaders with the valuable opportunity to gain experience with exciting new attractions and explore favorite destinations for group travel. The 2023 Marketplace is set for March 27-28 in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, hosted by Pennsylvania’s Americana Region. Registration is open!
PBA’s Annual Meeting is an industrywide event devoted to education, business interaction and social networking. A key component of the event is highlighting the geographic area so that motorcoach operators will return with groups to enjoy a new travel opportunity. The 2023 Annual Meeting is set for June 18-21 in Jamestown, New York, hosted by Chautauqua Convention & Visitors Bureau.
PBA’s Motorcoach Safety & Preparedness Workshop not only provides employees of motorcoach companies an opportunity to gain experience around safety-related issues, but it also establishes a working relationship with the enforcement community so that everyone involved in safety works together. Communication to understanding safety measures is the key to providing motorcoach customers with the necessary assurances the industry demands.
For more information, visit www.pabus.org or contact PBA Executive Director Patricia Cowley at director@pabus.org.
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