EASTON, PA– Pennsylvania Bus Association is celebrating a milestone in 2023:  the Association will mark their 100th Anniversary.  
 
Founded in 1923, Pennsylvania Bus Association (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. 

A celebration is planned for PBA’s Annual Meeting & Conference in June 2023.  There will be smaller celebrations kicking off at the June 2022 Annual Meeting & Conference in State College, hosted by Happy Valley Adventure Bureau.  

Several logos created earlier this year were shared with the membership to choose.  The logo with the most votes was unveiled in October at the Annual  Member Meeting & Conference in Bethlehem, PA.  A committee of volunteers will start to meet monthly in January.  They have already decided on a social media tag to use for promotion of the anniversary:  #PBArollsinto100.

PBA members took time to share their thoughts on PBA’s centennial milestone:

John Henry, Vice-President of Business Operations for PBA founding member the Martz Group: “Pennsylvania Bus creates a real sense of community within our industry. The information and networking PBA provides has 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 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’s 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’re thrilled to be able to celebrate PBAs 100th anniversary and looking forward to many more successful years.”

PBA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to representing the business and governmental interests of private bus companies operating in Pennsylvania. PBA 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. 

The motorcoach, travel and tourism industry create jobs nationwide, provides access for communities, and contributes to environmental sustainability. PBA strives to provide members with information to further their businesses and create opportunities for industry connections.  A few of the annual events promote education and community among members:

•    PBA’s Marketplace provides bus operators, tour planners and group leaders the valuable opportunity to gain experience about exciting new attractions and explore favorite destinations for group travel.  The date and location for 2022 Marketplace is March 21-22 in Williamsport, PA.  Registration is open!

•    PBA’s Annual Meeting is an industry-wide 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 date and location for 2022 Annual Meeting is June 19-21 in State College, PA.

•    PBA’s Motorcoach Safety & Preparedness Workshop not only provides employees of motorcoach companies an opportunity to gain experience about safety-related issues, but it also establishes a working relationship with the enforcement community so that everyone involved in safety, work together.  Communication to understanding safety measures is the key to providing motorcoach customers with the necessary assurances the industry demands.  The 2022 date is still to be determined, but it occurs annually in August.

For more information, please visit www.pabus.org or contact our Executive Director, Patricia Cowley at director@pabus.org.