Palmeri to managing director for GroupConnect.com
Joining the organization as it prepares for its launch, Palmeri will be responsible for developing and executing a vigorous strategic business plan; managing product development and marketing plans; working to build coalitions to achieve broad third-party stakeholder outreach; and serving as the group's primary media spokesperson.
GroupConnect.com, the new joint American Bus Association (ABA)-Ontario Motor Coach Association (OMCA) online portal designed to be a one-stop shop for group travel needs, announced the selection of James J. Palmeri as managing director.
Joining the organization as it prepares for its launch, Palmeri will be responsible for developing and executing a vigorous strategic business plan; managing product development and marketing plans; working to build coalitions to achieve broad third-party stakeholder outreach; and serving as the group's primary media spokesperson.
"Jim Palmeri's blend of motorcoach and group tour experience, his relationships with the tour and travel industries across North America, and his expertise in launching a successful new group travel start-up, make him the ideal person to lead GroupConnect," said OMCA President Brian Crow. "We're privileged to have him."
"When it comes to tourism, Jim Palmeri has done it all," said ABA President/CEO Peter Pantuso, CTIS. "He has developed the tour, driven the bus, managed 350 buses and 600 drivers during the Salt Lake Olympic Games, and developed innovative training programs for the hospitality industry and CVBs, among many other accomplishments."
More Motorcoach
Reinventing Fleet Maintenance with Real-time Visibility and AI
Transit leaders need to know what needs fixing, where to look, who is responsible, when work is completed, and what it costs without having to chase information across disconnected systems.
Read More →
ABA's Ferguson Testifies in Support of BUS Act, National Standards for Bus Operators
The BUSES Act would create a nationwide framework preventing state and local governments from enforcing bus idling restrictions of less than 15 minutes, a threshold consistent with existing Environmental Protection Agency guidance.
Read More →
A True Low-Floor Minibus Design Delivers Better Accessibility and Efficiency for Everyone
As transit demands evolve, so should your fleet. Download the whitepaper to see how the Low-Floor Frontrunner Minibus compares to traditional options.
Read More →
2026 METRO Buyer’s Guide & Directory
Searching for the right vehicles, technology, equipment, or services for your public transit or motorcoach operation? This industry guide brings together manufacturers and suppliers from across the transportation market — all in one place. Download it to connect with the companies that help agencies and operators improve mobility, enhance operations, and move their organizations forward.
Read More →
ABA Foundation’s 2025 Motorcoach Census Highlights Industry Growth, 77K Jobs
Conducted annually by Tourism Economics, the study found that 1,769 companies operating 49,543 motorcoaches are based in the US, while 122 companies operating 1,425 motorcoaches are located in Canada.
Read More →
ENC Lands Additional 10-Bus Order From Academy Bus
The latest purchase brings Academy Bus’ AXESS fleet orders to 35 vehicles as ENC continues expanding its heavy-duty transit lineup.
Read More →
American Bus Association Files Lawsuit Against NYC Over Bus Idling Rules
The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, challenges the City’s use of its Citizens Air Complaint program.
Read More →
Avoiding Mid-Season Breakdowns: A Fleet Readiness Q&A
John Hatman, COO of Master’s Transportation, breaks down the priorities, warning signs and common mistakes fleet managers should address now to stay ahead of summer demand.
Read More →
ABA Report: Motorcoach Sales Tick Up in Q1 2026 as Market Stabilizes
The Foundation produces the report each quarter, using data collected from surveys of major motorcoach manufacturers that sell vehicles in the US and Canada.
Read More →
How the Motorcoach Industry Supports Disaster Response and National Preparedness
Fred Ferguson, president and CEO of the American Bus Association (ABA), discussed how the industry prepares for emergencies, the growing recognition of motorcoaches as critical infrastructure, and steps operators can take to strengthen disaster readiness.
Read More →