CBA Awards Program
Each year, the California Bus Association honors excellence in safety, service, maintenance, leadership, and innovation — spotlighting the people and companies who set the standard and move our industry forward. These awards celebrate not only achievement, but also the values that define the California Bus Association and the motorcoach community: professionalism, integrity, and a shared commitment to excellence.
It is important that EACH OPERATOR MEMBER take advantage of this opportunity to recognize your employees, your company, or your peers. Each of you has someone to be proud of, and we would like the entire CBA Membership have the opportunity to appreciate them.
Time Saving Tip - Do you hate filling out forms? Did you submit an application last year for an outstanding driver or maintenance technician? Want to save some time? Contact Alice Lemon at the CBA office and ask to resubmit last year's application for the upcoming year's awards. For a driver application you will need to submit an updated Motor Vehicle report.
Our major sponsors go to great lengths in their support of our CBA activities EVERY YEAR. It is important that, as Operator Members, we make them feel that they are appreciated and that they are getting a “bang for their buck”!!!!
As a reminder, all nominees' employers or businesses must be CBA members in good standing in order to be considered for an award. We are happy to reach out to any member whose employee or company is under consideration to resolve any concerns.
2025 Nomination Forms are now available.
We invite all CBA Operator members to share your 2025 nominations for the following award categories:
Operator of the Year
This peer-nominated award recognizes a California motorcoach company that exemplifies the very best our industry has to offer. The honored CBA operator member demonstrates excellence across the board: engaging in sound business practices, maintaining a strong safety record, and embracing innovation in marketing, operations, and customer service. As a responsible corporate citizen and active community partner, the recipient sets a high bar — not only raising the standards for fellow operators, but also enhancing the reputation of the motorcoach industry as a whole.
Deadline for submission for Operator of the Year nominees is August 29, 2025. Submitted names will be placed on a ballot and mailed to the CBA Operator members. Winner is voted upon by your peers. You know who the good operators are.
Vickie Cole Memorial Award for Women in Leadership
Sponsored by Prevost
The Vickie Cole Memorial Award for Women in Leadership is established to honor the legacy of Vickie Cole, a dedicated leader and trailblazer in the motorcoach industry. Vickie’s journey, rising from a school bus driver to a motorcoach driver and eventually to Co-Owner of a bus company alongside her business partner, Charles Williams, is a testament to her determination, leadership, and passion for the industry.
This award serves to remember Vickie and to honor her lifelong commitment to mentoring, challenging, and championing women in the industry. Through this award, we aim to recognize women who, like Vickie, embody the spirit of leadership, innovation, and dedication to the motorcoach world.
Deadline for submission for Vickie Cole Memorial Award for Women In Leadership nominees is August 29, 2025.
Submitted names will be reviewed and voted upon by a small committee of judges from sponsoring company Prevost, and led by Charles Williams, President of American Stage Tours.Driver of the Year
Sponsored by Lancer Insurance
Presented annually to two exceptional CBA Member motorcoach drivers — one representing a small operator and one from a large operator — this award honors individuals who exemplify the highest standards of professionalism, safety, customer service, and dedication behind the wheel. These drivers go above and beyond in their role, serving as ambassadors for the industry and earning the trust of their passengers, their employers, and the communities they serve. The award recognizes not only safe driving records, but also leadership, reliability, and the ability to positively represent their company and the California motorcoach industry.
Participation in the 2024 and/or 2025 Dennis Easley Memorial Driver Skills Competition also counts toward the nomination — so if your driver took part (or plans to), they’re already earning points!
Deadline for submission for Driver of the Year nominees is August 29, 2025. Winners will be selected by a committee of judges from the award sponsor.Maintenance Technician of the Year
Sponsored by MCI
This award honors a CBA maintenance professional whose expertise, work ethic, and commitment to safety and reliability make a lasting impact on their operation and the passengers it serves. The recipient demonstrates technical excellence, attention to detail, and a proactive approach to fleet care — keeping vehicles road-ready, minimizing downtime, and upholding the highest maintenance standards in the motorcoach industry. Whether turning a wrench, mentoring others, or solving problems behind the scenes, this individual plays a critical role in keeping California’s coaches running safely and smoothly.
Technicians who attended CBA’s 2024 and/or 2025 Annual Maintenance Seminar earn points toward their nomination — along with additional points awarded based on their test scores at the event.
Deadline for submission for Maintenance Technician of the Year is August 29, 2025. Winners will be selected by a committee of judges from the award sponsor.
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CBA 2024 Operator of the Year
Pictured above are CBA 2022 Operator of the Year winner, Robert Saucedo, Carreras Tours, and CBA President, Michael Giddens, Pacific Coachways, presenting the award to CBA 2024 Operator of the Year winner, Charles Williams, American Stage Tours.
CBA / Prevost 2024 Vickie Cole Memorial Award for Women in Leadership
Pictured above is our inaugural CBA 2024 Vickie Cole Memorial Award for Women in Leadership, awarded to Jasmine Sayah, Best Tours & Travel, with Award Sponsor Prevost's Dan Besserer, CBA President, Michael Giddens, Pacific Coachways, and Vickie Cole's Business Partner and Colleague, Charles Williams, American Stage Tours.
CBA / Motor Coach Industries 2024 Maintenance Technician of the Year
Pictured above is Tim Nash, Technical Solutions Western Regional Manager of Motor Coach Industries, and CBA President, Michael Giddens, Pacific Coachways with our CBA 2024 Maintenance Technician of the Year, Michael Browne, American Stage Tours, and Charles Williams, Operations Manager, American Stage Tours.
CBA / Lancer Insurance Company 2024 Outstanding Driver of the Year (small operator)
Pictured above are Dan Tomlinson and Kimberlee Bissegger of Lancer Insurance, and CBA President Michael Giddens, Pacific Coachways, with CBA 2024 Driver of the Year, Small Operator, Freddy Samarripa of Carreras Tours, and Robert Saucedo, President, Carreras Tours.
CBA / Lancer Insurance Company 2022 Outstanding Driver of the Year (large operator)
Pictured above are Dan Tomlinson and Kimberlee Bissegger of Lancer Insurance with CBA 2024 Driver of the Year, Large Operator, Teresa Gibbs of Pacific Coachways, CBA President, Michael Giddens, Pacific Coachways, and Pacific Coachways President, Tom Giddens.
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