Palmeri to managing director for GroupConnect.com

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."