Industry Update
Industry Mourns Passionate Operator
Julie Herring, owner of Julie’s Limousines Service in Tampa, Florida, passed away on May 16, 2008, after a 2-year battle with cancer. Herring continued to work at the company she started in 1985 and still managed to attend the trade shows and industry events, despite enduring treatment and battling fatigue. She was 45.
Herring’s entrance into the industry was humble when she purchased her first limousine at an auction and drove on weekends. She continued to serve as a chauffeur for the company in the early ’90s when the company took off. Herring also promoted her company on a local radio station where she earned the title of “Julie the Limo Driver.” Today, the company runs well over 20 vehicles and has a full office staff.
Herring’s attitude was contagious. Even in the grimmest of circumstances, her positivity and love of life was apparent. Richard Kane, president of the National Limousine Association (NLA), of which she was a member of its board of directors, says, “She had so much energy. She always thought things through before making a decision. She had a passion to serve and frankly wanted to leave the association in better condition than when she arrived. I think she achieved her goal. The NLA has lost a shining star with really big shoes to fill.”
The funeral services for Herring took place on May 20. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the Morton Plan Mease Foundation (specify Gamma Knife Center), 1200 Druid Road South, Clearwater, FL 33756.
