WIB Newsletter
March 2026 Issue:
Networking     Webinar     Member Spotlight     Book Club    WIB Day Survey     Milestones     Events

New Member Spotlight

Emily Eckler,
Anderson Coach & Travel

Emily Eckler

Emily Eckler is the Lead Charter Sales & Business Development Manager at Anderson Coach & Travel, where she focuses on building strong customer relationships while developing new business opportunities. She works with a diverse range of clients, including professional sports teams, scouting groups, dance organizations, and entertainment productions, helping coordinate seamless transportation experiences.

Originally from Greenville, where Anderson Coach & Travel is based, Emily always wanted to be part of a company that plays such an important role in the local community. After moving back home to raise her two children, she joined Anderson in a sales role and has grown into a leadership position.

Emily thrives on relationship-building and enjoys being a trusted resource for her customers while learning about the unique destinations they visit—many of which she has later explored with her own children. She is proud to be involved with the International Motorcoach Group, a network of motorcoach companies across the United States and Canada dedicated to collaboration, education, and elevating the passenger experience.

Emily also joined Women in Buses (WIB) to connect with and learn from other women in the transportation industry she admires while sharing experiences and insights within the community.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

Lauryn DuBois, Peter Pan Bus Lines, Inc.  |  Jessica Miller, TMS  |  Karie Barrett, Liberty Receptive Tours

WOMEN IN BUSES DAY SURVEY

We are still riding the high from the WIB Day in Reno!

Check out our Photo Recap

Now it is time to get back to the drawing board and make next year's WIB Day even better. We would love your input so we can take your insights and opinions and make adjustments to better serve this council.

Don’t be shy, we thrive on feedback!

If you attended WIB Day, please take a few moments to complete our survey.

EARLY NOTIFICATION

Networking Opportunity

CONNECTING THROUGH CONVERSATIONS (CTC)

CTC is the Women in Buses Council’s networking program designed to spark connections, one conversation at a time. Members are paired quarterly for virtual or in-person chats, creating opportunities to build relationships, share insights, and strengthen our industry.

We're gearing up for our Q2 2026 pairings.

Don't wait. Sign up now!

ConnectingConversations

Wednesday Webinar
Wednesday, April 1st, 2:00 pm EST

CHARTER SMARTER, NOT HARDER

Presented by,
Mark Rodriguez, Transportation Advisors

Scheduling issues often stem from a disconnect between the road and the office. In this practical session, we will discuss how to bring drivers, dispatchers, and management into the same conversation to explore how better communication and smarter scheduling practices can reduce friction, improve efficiency, and keep operations running smoothly.

Join us for this informational session!

Can’t join us live? That's ok.

Register anyway, and we’ll send you the webinar recording to watch whenever it’s convenient for you.

 

Mark Rodriguez

Mark Rodriquez oversees daily operations at Transportation Advisors, where he works directly with transportation companies to simplify DOT compliance and safety management. Known for his approachable style and deep knowledge of federal regulations, Mark helps operators navigate everything from onboarding and recordkeeping to audits and ELD data interpretation.

Having risen through the ranks from Safety Analyst to a leadership role, Mark has worked with motorcoach, school bus, limousine, black car, and trucking companies across the country. He has also played a key role in the development and growth of the company’s MYDOTDocs.com DOT-Ready Records Portal, helping clients organize their compliance records and stay audit-ready.

WIB Quarterly Book Club

It’s not too late to join us for our Q1 read!

Tuesday, March 24th, 1:30 pm EST

The book, “Fans First” by Jesse Cole is our first of four books this year. Change the game, break the rules, and create an unforgettable experience. This part memoir, part playbook dives into the genius behind the Savannah Bananas and how they have come to be a household name.

Interested in joining? Email us at wib@buses.org to receive the meeting link!

Fans First
Calendar of Events

Meet & Eat

Wednesday, March 18, 1:00 pm ET

Curious about something? Looking for advice? Or just want to meet some incredible people in tourism?

Come join our monthly virtual chat! This is your space to guide the conversation, swap ideas, and make genuine connections across the industry. Whether you’re here to learn, share, or simply network, you’ll find a welcoming community. Many great friendships, and even game-changing collaborations have started in these chats.

Don’t miss out!

 

<div style="text-align: center;">Register NOW!</div>

WIB on the Road

April 20-22, 2026

Join your fellow Women in Buses members on the road at different industry events.

WIB will be thrilled to see everyone at the African American Travel Conference.

African American Travel Conference Birmingham, Alabama

Join us on April 21, 2026 starting at 6:00 pm at the Hyatt Regency Birmingham - The Wynfrey Hotel.

We'll be meeting at Merk's Tavern & Kitchen - at the bar.

Where will you be?

Do you have an event you are attending soon?

Are you interested in helping to host an OTR?

We’re always on the hunt for additional opportunities to meet.

Contact us at WIB@buses.org.

<div style="text-align: center;">Contact Us.</div>
Milestone Moments:
Celebrating Women Who Lead
Our very own WIB Council – Travel, Tour & Charter Committee Chair, Clare Ritter with Penn Wells Hotel and Lodge was interviewed for the Podcast, Destination on the Left (hosted by TAP).
 
<div style="text-align: center;"><strong>LISTEN HERE</strong></div>
 
During the podcast, Clare shares her experience positioning a smaller, less well-known destination and talks about the foundations of successful collaborations and why building a supportive network has been crucial to her success.
Clare Ritter
Have someone in your company who deserves recognition?
Send us their “Milestone Moment” — a recent achievement, promotion, project success, or inspiring story worth celebrating.
 
Let’s shine a spotlight on the women who lead, elevate, and inspire. 💛
 
Quote

“I raise up my voice—not so I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard.”

— Malala Yousafzai

Got Questions?

Reach Out Today

MCI is a Proud Sponsor of Women In Buses