New York Association Recognizes Top Contractor

The New York School Bus Contractors Association (NYSBCA) named Robert Brisman, president of West Point Tours, as its Contractor of the Year for 2021.

Brisman was among several honorees at the association’s 67^th annual convention, held Oct. 15-16 in New York City.

“After many virtual meetings and events, it was great to finally gather and celebrate our elected leaders, agency partners, vendors, and contractors for this conference,” said Nick Vallone, NYSBCA’s newly inducted president. “We would not have gotten through the past 20 months without these individuals’ tireless commitment to the safe transportation of New York’s students. Most importantly we recognize New York’s school bus drivers, monitors, and mechanics who continue to provide safe transportation to millions of students every single day.”

The contractor award recognizes companies with exceptional safety and performance records, superior maintenance and training programs, and demonstrated involvement with their local communities, the association said in a statement.

“It is with great pleasure that I received the Roger Weeks Contractor of the Year Award for West Point Tours Inc.,” said Brisman. “The award is offered by an association of the top school bus operators in the state and therefore is greatly appreciated and respected. West Point Tours looks forward to continuing to transport our children safely to and from the schools we service.”

West Point Tours, based in Vails Gate, N.Y., is a third-generation family corporation that was established in 1947. The company provides authorized tour service at the United States Military Academy and operates school buses in the Newburgh region. The contractor award includes a $1,000 scholarship, which the winner can bestow on their school district of choice.

The NYSBCA also retroactively presented the 2020 Contractor of the Year Award to Corey J. Muirhead, executive vice president with Logan Bus Co., Inc. & Affiliates. Muirhead was credited with helping association members while advocating for the industry with legislators in the wake of the COVID pandemic.

Legislator of the Year Award recipients:

• Michael Benedetto, Assemblyman
• Carl E. Heastie, Speaker of the Assembly
• Kimberly Jean-Pierre, Assemblywoman
• Mike Martucci, N.Y. State Senator
• Shelley B. Mayer, N.Y. State Senator

Distinguished Service Award recipients:

• Marc Berger, Director, Passenger Carrier Safety Bureau
• Jeff Corey, Field Operations Manager, New York State Department of Transportation
• Joseph Crisafulli, Director of Operations, New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
• Kevin Kohli, Operations Programs and Support, New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
• Tracey Wheaton, Motor Vehicle Program Manager, New York State Department of Motor Vehicles

The association recognized former executive director Jennifer Bruce with an Honorary Lifetime Member Award “for all her hard work with running the association for over a decade and being a long-time advocate for our industry,” the association statement read. “Her passion and dedication have made a different and (is) truly appreciated by her peers.”

The NYSBCA gave out to Heart of the Industry awards: one to an “on-road” employee and the other to an “off-road” employee.

Norman Faison with Suffolk Transportation Service, Inc., received the On-Road Heart of the Industry Award, while Off-Road went to Jane Nicholl of Chestnut Ridge Transportation.

“Our award recipients have as passion for the school bus industry and safe student transportation that serves as an inspiration to all of us,” Vallone said. “Their professionalism and commitment to their school districts, community, and transportation partners are unmatched and represent the very best of what our industry has to offer. We are extremely proud to honor them for their efforts and celebrate these awards with their peers, family, and friends.”