Thank you Bill for that kind introduction. I also wish to recognize Commissioner Moss who's taken such tremendous leadership on improving our taxi industry. We are here this afternoon to recognize some very special people who work in the visitor industry.
Service is the primary quality that defines the visitor industry.
And it is excellent service that will give Miami-Dade County the competitive edge to continue thriving as a tourist destination. Each year more than 10 million visitors come to Greater Miami and the Beaches for business and leisure. Ninety-seven percent of these visitors arrive by air. Aside from rental cars, taxi service is their primary means of transportation. An aging taxicab fleet with vehicles up to fifteen years old and an increase in complaints of poor service spurred the visitor industry and business community to mobilize.