PCAA to be Managed by The Parking Spot

41 Facilities at 25 Airports, Including Former Assets of Parking Company of America Airports,
To be Managed by The Parking Spot 

CHICAGO, IL (June 14, 2010) – The Parking Spot today announced its involvement in a venture that has acquired the near-airport parking facilities formerly belonging to Parking Company of America Airports (PCAA), establishing the country’s largest near-airport parking network. The Parking Spot will manage all of the PCAA facilities, including the AviStar, FastTrack and Sky/Park brands, as part of a combined portfolio that will stretch from coast-to-coast, and includes 69,000 parking spaces in 41 facilities at 25 airports across the country.

“Historically our growth has been driven by the development and acquisition of individual independent parking operators near major airports, but this transaction will allow The Parking Spot to dramatically and immediately increase our national footprint,” said Martin H. Nesbitt, Founder and Chief Executive Officer. “We’ve developed a hospitality-driven brand and culture we believe we can successfully infuse into the operating dynamics of the more than 20 properties that will soon bear our spots.”

The deal, which closed June 2, will create a presence for The Parking Spot in a variety of new markets, including all three New York-metro airports, Philadelphia, Denver, Oakland and San Francisco.  In addition, The Parking Spot will add to its network the former PCAA facilities in cities it already serves such as Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, Phoenix and St. Louis.  The facilities that operate under the AviStar, FastTrack and Sky/Park banners will be upgraded during this transition, with many being rebranded with the signature yellow-and-black spots beginning in 2011.

“Throughout the next six to eight months, our team will focus on improving the technology and infrastructure at these facilities so they are on par with The Parking Spot’s existing locations,” added Nesbitt. “We’re excited about welcoming thousands of guests to an entirely new level of service and convenience that is simply unmatched in our industry.”

Los Angeles-based Aurora Resurgence provided the majority of equity for the transaction with The Parking Spot and others providing the balance.   Wells Fargo is providing debt financing for the transaction.

About The Parking Spot
The Parking Spot is the nation’s largest near-airport parking operator, providing service to and from airports around the country in distinctive spotted shuttles.  Its footprint includes existing facilities in Atlanta, Austin, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Nashville, Orlando, Phoenix and St. Louis and the former PCAA facilities in Chicago, New York, Newark, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Oakland, Denver, Memphis, Oklahoma City, Columbus, Pittsburgh and Buffalo.  More information is available at www.theparkingspot.com. 

 

 

PCAA Supports Holmdel Childrens Charity

PCAA has teamed up with Sylvia's Children to raise awareness and funds for Mbiriizi Primary school in Masaka, Uganda, Africa. Nearly 1000 children are enrolled in the school, 25% of which are orphans due to the Aids crisis.

Airport parking customers will save 10% at any FastTrack, AviStar or SkyPark lot and PCAA will donate 10% of the parking proceeds to this cause. To learn more about Sylvia's children, please visit www.sylviaschildren.org or call 732-946-2711 to receive your airport parking coupon.  

Founded by New Jersey resident Sylvia Allen, Sylvia's Children is a non-profit organization created with the mission of supporting children at the Mbiriizi Advanced Primary and Day Care school by raising awareness and funds to educate, feed, clothe and shelter them. 

 

PCAA Teams With Autism Speaks To Raise Awareness For Autism

Avistar/FastTrack is raising funds to benefit Autism Speaks during Autism Awareness Month in April. We are offering e-coupons that will allow airport parking customers to save 10% on parking while donating 10% of the proceeds to Autism Speaks. 

Autism Speaks is the nation's largest autism science and advocacy organization, dedicated to funding research for the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism. They raise awareness of autism spectrum disorders and advocate for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. Airport parkers can support this cause by downloading an e-coupon for AviStar/FastTrack airport parking at http://store.autismspeaks.org . Read more here.

 

PCAA Donates to The Red Cross Haitian Relief Fund

On March 3rd Parking Company of America Airports (PCAA) made a donation to the American Red Cross Haitian Relief Fund. Since the earthquake struck Haiti on January 12th, PCAA and its employees have raised funds to support relief efforts. PCAA matched dollar for dollar the employee contribution, making the total donation $8289.00. Several PCCA employees are from Haiti.

 

The funds will be used to supply blankets, hygiene kits, mosquito netting and clean drinking water. Says Charles Huntzinger, President and Chief Executive Officer, 'We are very happy to be able to support the American Red Cross and to be able to contribute to the efforts to offer relief to the thousands affected by the Haitian earthquakes.” Read more here .

 

AviStar Wins Best of Newark Award

 

For the second consecutive year, Avistar Airport Parking has been selected for the 2010 Best of Newark Award in the Airport Parking category by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA).  

The USCA "Best of Local Business" Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USCA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.  Read more here.

 

Frommer Luxury Travel Gives AviStar Glowing Review

Recently the Frommers traveled to Costa Rica and Sarasota Florida. They parked at AviStar LaGuardia during their first trip, and AviStar JFK for the second trip and were impressed with  the service both times.  We are glad you had a great trip and that we could be of service Myrna and Harvey! You can read more here http://travel-watch.com/avistar2.htm.

 

Denver FastTrack Helps Front Range Rescued Cats

Denver FastTrack is supporting the Front Range Cat Fanciers, a rescue organization for cats across the Colorado Front Range.  Each year, FRCF produces a fund raising cat show to raise funds for rescued cats across Colorado’s front range. Over the past 7 years FRCF has raised over $24,480 for spay and neuter surgeries to help reduce the growth of homeless cats. This year’s Cat show will be held at the Adams County Fairgrounds on February 21st & 22nd. Pedigreed cats of many different breeds will be shown and local and regional cat breeders will be present. FastTrack Denver will provide transportation to the show and back from La Quinta Inn on Tower Road. 

FastTrack customers can help support FRCF by downloading an e-coupon at http://www.frontrangecatfanciers.com/. You will receive 10% airport parking discount and 10% of the proceeds will be donated to the FRCF. You can read more about how AviStar/FastTrack Airport Parking is helping the community at /fasttrack/news.

 

Support for Habitat for Humanity

Our Newark AviStar/FastTrack lot is supporting Habitat for Humanity. You can receive a 10% airport parking discount and 10% of the parking proceeds are donated to Habitat for Humanity. Download an e-coupon at Habitat for Humanity's website and help us support this cause! Read more here.

 

Columbus FastTrack Supports 3 Area Charities

Our Columubs FastTrack lot, located at 1399 Stelzer Rd, is raising funds for Nationwide's Children Hospital, the American Lung Association and the Pregnancy Decision Center. You can receive a 10% discount on airport parking and support these causes by obtaining an e-coupon from these sites. Read more here.

 

St. Louis FastTrack Excels in Customer Service

We recently received a letter from Karen Kelly, Regional Accounting Operations Manager at Maggiano's Little Italy, stating how impressed she was with our St. Louis shuttle driver, Alex, who went beyond the usual duties of assisting customers with luggage and getting them to and from their vehicles quickly and safely. On a late, cold, snowy night, he cleared the snow that had accumulated on her car windows during her absence as she waited in the warm shuttle. Thank you Alex for representing FastTrack!

 

Pittsburgh FastTrack Airport Parking Supports the Local Community Again

FastTrack Airport Parking, located at 701 Flaugherty Run Road, Coraopolis PA 15108 (Exit 8 Rt. 60, 2 minutes from PIT International Airport), recently donated to Findlay Township Crime Prevention Unit’s “Shop with a Cop Program”.

 

The program, geared toward the holiday season, benefits local children from ages 6 to 13 who are escorted to the mall by township personnel and permitted to choose gifts, which they would otherwise not be able to have. The program’s goal is to raise enough money to allow each child to have $225.00 to spend on themselves. FastTrack’s donation of $225.00 benefits one child this season.

 

Questions about the “Shop with a Cop Program” can be directed to Officer Jeffrey M. O’Donnell (724-695-1300) or Recreational Coordinator Darlene Larson at 724-695-0500 ext. 26.

 

FastTrack Airport Parking offers the best airport parking service in Pittsburgh, with indoor/covered parking and a 5-minute trip to Ticketing or from Baggage Claim. Call Area Manager Alan E. Kraemer at 412-657-1324 or akraemer@parkingcompany.com for information.

 

FastTrack Aiport Parking of Pittsburgh PA Gives Back to the Community

FastTrack Airport Parking, located at 701 Flaugherty Run Road, Coraopolis PA 15108 (Exit 8 off Rt. 60) is working with local charitable organizations to give back to the Pittsburgh community it serves.

In October 2009, FastTrack began a program with Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation in which airport parkers using an “e-coupon” available via the Programs/Special Programs section of CHPF’s website, park at a discounted rate and a percentage of the patron’s total bill is donated by FastTrack to the CHPF. Says FastTrack's Pittsburgh Area Sales Manager and National Sales Manager,  Alan E. Kraemer, “It’s very simple; children should be happy, healthy and safe. Anything my company can do to help the Foundation achieve this goal is effort well-spent.”

FastTrack also began a donation program in September 2009 with Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation with a similar structure as the Children’s program. JDRF made e-coupons available to associates during two major events in September; the JDRF coupons also offer the user a discounted parking rate and a percentage of each sale is donated by FastTrack to JDRF. Mr. Kraemer: “We are very proud to be part of this cause.”

Finally, FastTrack is also very proud to support local Pittsburgh artistic endeavors. In November 2009, FastTrack began working with The Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh, which has the distinction of being Pittsburgh’s oldest continuing performing arts organizations. With coupons made available to associates via the Mendelssohn quarterly newsletter, airport parkers can park at a discounted rate with a percentage of their bill donated back to The Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh.

Any inquiries regarding these programs can be sent to Area Manager Alan E. Kraemer at akraemer@parkingcompany.com or 412-657-1324.

  

AviStar/FastTrack Selected For 2009 Transportation Website Award

AviStar/Fasttrack, both Parking Company of America (PCAA) trademarks, have been notified by Definition6 , PCAA’s website developer in Atlanta, GA, that they have won the 2009 Transportation Site Web Award for the PCAA’s Website redesign. The new site launched on March 6, 2009 has been on a steady upward track in revenue, repeat visitors, and both the SEM and SEO position in Google, Yahoo and MSN.

 

Business Travel Is On The Rise

With the current economic conditions, many businesses have cut back or stopped business travel all together. Recent studies however show that businesses are beginning to spend more on business travel. And it is no wonder – research shows that meeting customers in person results in an increase in revenue. 

According to an Oxford Economics study, each dollar invested in business travel produced $12.50 in revenue and $3.80 in profits. "Not all spending cuts are smart cuts," according to Oxford Economics managing director Adam Sacks. "When companies reduce their travel budgets, there are negative consequences that we can now quantify, in terms of lost revenue and profit growth, and in terms of giving competitors a distinct advantage." “Surveys this year of about 300 corporate executives and 500 business travelers projected that 28 percent of current business would be lost without in-person meetings." Researchers also noted that most customers require in-person meetings, and that such meetings are more valuable than virtual meetings”.  Read more at www.destinationmarketing.org.

As you make your business travel plans, don’t forget to reserve your airport parking space with AviStar/FastTrack Airport Parking!

 

 

Glow Parking Parntership Supports VFW Foundation

AviStar/FastTrack is pleased to be part of the Glow Parking network. Glow Parking, LLC is a Service Disabled Veteran Owned business that provides nationwide airport parking. Glow Parking and it's members support our veterans through the VFW Foundation. When you book your reservation through www.vfwparking.com part of your parking proceeds will go towards this worthy cause.
 

ExpenseWire Automates Airport Parking Expense

Despite the cuts in Travel and Entertainment spending, employee's submission of automated travel expense reporting has grown this year according to ExpenseWire CEO Andrew Vaeth.  Millions of employee's spend hours each month manually submitting expense reports. ExpenseWire, part of Rearden Commerce, simplifies and automates this process providing immediate cost savings and increased employee productivity.   

AviStar/FastTrack Airport Parking supports ExpenseWire and the Rearden Commerce platform. Expense managers often overlook employee's airport parking expenses. Calculated on an annual basis across many employees, this is a category that needs attention.

By setting up a corporate account with Avistar/FastTrack Airport Parking, you'll have access to 30 different parking lots with self-park and valet park options at many of them. A single Premier Parker card can maintain a parker's history and register a corporate discount across all national parking lots. You can be assured that  your employees are getting the best price based on corporate departures and volume nationwide rather than city-by-city.

For more information on corporate programs, please contact Alan Kraemer, National Sales, at akraemer@parkingcompany.com. For travel agents, please contact Joanne McHugh, Travel Agent Sales, at jmchugh@parkingcompany.com. 

 

State Police Crackdown on PHL Airport Parking along I-95

Do you have a loved-one or friend picking you up at the Philadelphia International Airport? Be aware that State police are cracking down on drivers parking along the shoulder of highway I-95 while they wait for arriving flights (read the full story by the Philadelphia Inquirer). Tickets range from $80-$140. Don't make your family or friends deal with this hassle. Drive yourself and park at one of our Philadelphia parking lots for only $8.24/day.

 

Houston FastTrack Hydrates the Homeless

Hats off to our Houston employees for their community support in reaching out to the homeless. They recently appeared in the Houston Chronicle for their efforts in supplying water and sun visors and transporting volunteers to the homeless in order to combat the scorching heat.

Marvin Oliphant, our general manager of Houston's FASTTRACK Airport Parking lot has teamed up with My Fellow Man Alliance's "Hydrating the Homeless" campaign in hopes of making a difference and touching some lives.

The campaign, launched July 4, calls for delivering water bottles and sun visors to homeless Houstonians from noon to 4 p.m. every Saturday through July and August.

"It really affected me when I got out there, getting out and handing out water to people in the scorching heat," said Oliphant.

"Even though the water didn't sustain people for a long time, it hopefully will help them," Oliphant said. "I couldn't imagine having to endure that heat."

 

Lambert Airport Increases Parking Rate but FastTrack Does Not

BY ken leiser

ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH

08/09/2009

The skies haven't been too friendly lately to parking lot operators near Lambert-St. Louis International Airport.

Soft demand for air travel has resulted in fewer people leaving fewer cars, and has forced public and private parking operators to adapt to tough times.

Last week, Lambert officials announced they would raise daily parking rates by $1 across the board after parking revenue took a plunge last year. Parking revenue at Lambert was $13.7 million in the fiscal year that ended June 30, compared with $17.5 million in fiscal 2008, said airport spokesman Jeff Lea.

The airport prices going up "will cause some of the people to look a little bit more," said Henry Bullough, general manager at FastTrack Airport Parking. "A dollar doesn't seem like much, but if you are going to be going for 10 days, it's 10 bucks."

Read full article at St. Louis Today

Travel Adventures

Summer is not over yet and there is still time to book that dream vacation. If you are considering something adventurous, check out Adventure Travel Tips. They have great suggestions for Animal Treks, Bicycling, Climbing, Cruises, Fishing, Safaris, Scuba and more. Another great resource for travel destintations is the Travel and Tourism Directory. Once you book your trip, save 20% on airport parking when you reserve your parking online with AviStar/FastTrack!

 

Dream Vacations 50% Less

According to Travelocity , there's never been a better time to travel. Through their Summer of Possibilities Sale, you'll find vacations for up to 50% less than last year. Now is the time to book the vacation of your dreams. And once you book that dream vacation, don't forget to reserve your airport parking space!
 

Houston FastTrack Helps the Homeless

On the FastTrack with My Fellow Man Alliance

Beginning Saturday July 4th, 2009, the My Fellow Man Alliance homeless advocacy agency will partner with FastTrack Airport Parking in an effort to provide much needed relief from the heat to the Houston homeless community.

The plan is to provide aid during the hottest times and months of the summer.

This outreach endeavor entitled “Hydrating the Homeless” will occur between the hours of 12pm-4pm every Saturday (in the months of July and August 09’). Cold bottles of water, as well as sun visors will be distributed to the homeless in downtown Houston.

With the City’s temperatures swiftly moving into the triple digits, it is becoming dangerous to be exposed to the sun for long periods of time. However, for men, women and children without permanent housing, it will become increasingly difficult to avoid it.

Although  the very complicated problems of the homeless community will not be solved by a bottle of water and a visor, My Fellow Man Alliance and FastTrack Airport Parking are attempting to reach-out to provide just a little relief, while keeping the homeless cooler.

Both organizations are sending out a challenge to the Houston community to get involved.

“The more individuals we have to distribute these items, the more we'll be able to help people in need”, said Marvin Olliphant, General Manager of FastTrack Parking/Hobby Airport.

And that’s simply what this outreach is intended to do – to help people. 

My Fellow Man Alliance is a private, non-profit organization with a dedicated mission of providing safe housing, support and vocational rehabilitation services for the homeless and those that would otherwise become homeless without intervention.

For volunteer information, please visit the agency’s website at www.myfellowman.org or contact Darrell Johnson at 713.780.2515 (or djohnson@myfellowman.org).

 

AviStar/FastTrack Newark Location Receives USCA Award

Congratulations to our Newark AviStar/FastTrack Lots for winning the US Commerce Association award. AviStar Airport Parking was selected for the 2009 Best Of Newark Award in the Airport Parking categoy. The USCA Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses that serve the Newark market.

 

Airport Shuttle Service Closes - AviStar/FastTrack Picks Up Slack

Olympic Airporter, which shuttles passengers from the Jersey Shore, Newark and New York City, will close this Friday, June 19. The company, which has been in operation for over 30 years, is closing due to a decrease in demand and an increase in cost. Olympic Airporter makes 19 trips a day and charges $24 to $38 each way.

In comparison,  Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) charges $18-$40/day (depending on location) while AviStar/Fasttrack/Newark charges between $12.95/day for outdoor Self Park to $16.99/day for outdoor Valet parking. Customers with AAA members can also receive a 10% discount.

 

AviStar/FastTrack Airport Parking Premier Parker Program

We look forward to becoming your choice for airport parking.

 

Flying is The Safest Form of Travel

And while you are safely flying away to that long-awaited vacation destination, be assured that your car is safely parked at AviStar/FastTrack.

 

PCAA New Website

PCAA launched the new AviStar parking website, www.avistarparking.com/fasttrack , in March 2009. This website was designed to make parking availability searches, rate checks and reservations easier for you.