WINTER 2017 | ACCELERATE 1

Winter 2017 A publication of the Conference Of Minority transportation Officials

www.comto.org

In thIs Issue

View from the Hill & BrainTrust Recap

Get Ready for CWWMN!

Loretta Kirk is a COMTO Legend

Russell Hughes is a COMTO Rising Star

Members & Chapters on the Move

2 COMTO | Moving the nation

comto Board of directors

National Chair

Warren Montague

1st Vice Chair

Freddie Fuller, II

2nd Vice Chair

Dianne T. Mendoza, Ph.D.

Secretary/Treasurer

Loretta Kirk

At-Large Members

Tanya Adams

Sharmyn Elliott

Clinton Forbes

Mark Gale

Emille Williams

Council of Presidents Representatives

Meshelle Howard

Frank Mesa

Council of Presidents Alternate

Gwendolen Gray

Immediate Past Chair

Roosevelt Bradley

Board Advisors

Adelee LeGrand, AICP

Christian Kent

Deborah Underwood

ACCeLeRATe

is a publication of the Conference Of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO)

comto mission statementCOMTO provides opportunities in the transportation industry for minority participation and advancement, through advocacy, training, and professional development.

100 M Street, SESuite 917Washington, DC 20003

202.506.2917info@comto.org | www.comto.org

Articles may not be reproduced without the publisher’s written permission.

Publisher: A. Bradley Mims Editor: McMillon CommunicationsDesign: Gloria Marconi Illustration & Design

© 2017,2018 All Rights Reserved

table of COnTEnTs

3 Message from the Chairman

3 Message from the President

4 Legislative Advisory Council

8 Getting Ready for CWWMN

10 Membership Focus

12 Meet a COMTO Rising Star

13 Meet a COMTO Legend

14 Members on the Move

16 Save The Date

17 Chapters on the Move

Five ships are more than 1,000 feet in length at Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo: Courtesy of Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding)

WINTER 2017 | ACCELERATE 3

Please review our committee page and click the Membership button to sign up!

—Warren montaGUe

froM the ChAiRMAn

froM the PREsidEnT

DeAR COMTO MeMBeRS AND FRIeNDS:

DeAR COMTO FAMILy:

As we enjoy the holiday season and look forward to a new year, I hope you remember COMTO’s important mission click here, which is largely

achieved through the work of our 12 standing committees click here. We hope your 2018 New Year’s Resolution list includes membership and involvement on a COMTO committee!

In this issue of Accelerate we review the important work of our Legislative Advisory Council and the two national events they help produce. The Council is responsible for monitoring local and national legislative activities and advocating for policy that will positively impact our members and mission.

Our View From the Hill event is a day of legislative advocacy on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, bringing together legislative and industry experts to discuss relevant issues facing the transportation industry. The program begins with a legislative panel discussion and concludes with COMTO members visiting their respective Congressional officials and representatives.

This year our group heard from U.S. Representative Dwight Evans (D-PA) who is a member of the Congressional Small Business Committee.

Our CBC Braintrust event under the guidance and sponsorship of U.S. Representative Elijah Cummings (D-MD), provides a forum during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference (ALC) for the top-level exchange of information and ideas between key leaders and experts in the transportation industry.

Please review our committee page and click the Membership button to sign up! Through involvement in this and other committees, you help shape COMTO’s messages and policy while you reap the benefits of building contacts and relationships within the organization.

As always, let’s revere our history, celebrate our present and plan our future.

Warren MontagueNational Board Chairman

COMTO is proud to announce this year, once again, the scholarship contributions from all 32 chapters is nearly $500,000 – including a $70,000 contribution from

the national office.The donations come from businesses,

individuals, foundations and fundraising events held across the nation throughout the year. We are gratified by the magnitude of generosity displayed and thankful to those who contribute both their time and checks.

COMTO scholarships achieve a key part of our mission to ensure opportunities and maximum participation in the transportation industry for minority individuals through training, education and professional development.

Awardees include minorities at every level of education preparing for multi-modal transportation careers. Our scholars are

college undergraduates, graduate students pursuing advanced degrees, mid-career individuals honing their skills, as well as men and women in trade schools preparing to address the technical needs of the industry.

As you plan your 2018 activities, please consider joining our Scholarship Committee. As a member of this committee you will cultivate scholarship opportunities for students, be responsible for educating members on the scholarship application process and help promote fundraising. Click here to review our Standing Committee list and sign up!

In Solidarity,

A. Bradley MimsPresident & CEO, COMTO

A. Bradley Mims

Warren Montague

“

awardees include minorities at every level of education preparing for multi-modal transportation careers.

— a. BradLeY mims

“

“

“

4 COMTO | Moving the nation

legislative AdvisORy COunCiL

VieW from the hiLL

“Transforming the American Transportation Infrastructure: The Next Frontier”

The annual View From the Hill (VFH) Legislative Briefing, cancelled in March 2017 due to bad weather, was rescheduled for September 21st, to

coincide with the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Foundation’s 47th Annual Legislative Conference. This Capitol Hill event, which is followed by visits to COMTO members’ visits to individual congressional offices, has proven to be an extremely effective way to convey our legislative message to Congress.

The VFH panel briefing was held in the U.S. Capitol and featured transportation experts from the staffs of Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-OR), Ranking Member of the

House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I), as well as fellow T&I member Rep. elijah Cummings (D-MD), who is also the Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. Although the status

View from the Hill &

BrainTrust Update

By Renee Y. Banks and Karen Campblin

COMTO Legislative Committee C0-Chairs

Rep. Dwight evans (D-Pennsylvania)

WINTER 2017 | ACCELERATE 5

legislative AdvisORy COunCiL

Pictured at the View from the Hill event (from left) are COMTO Board Chair Warren Montague, U.S. Rep. Dwight Hughes, Board member emille Williams, and COMTO President & CeO Bradley Mims.

of an infrastructure bill was unclear at that time, COMTO’s legislative agenda drew strong support from the panel, and we now expect transportation leaders to begin consideration of this important legislation in early 2018.

A highlight of the early morning VFH was a rousing wake up speech delivered by Rep. Dwight evans (D-PA), Member of the House Small Business Committee and acquaintance of COMTO National Board Chair Warren Montague, who provided his own perspective of the machinations of the U.S. Congress and the legislative process.

cBc/comto BraintrUst

“Payment Is Due: U.S. Transportation Infrastructure Funding and Inclusion”

Importantly, the CBC/COMTO BrainTrust, hosted by Rep. Cummings was held later that same day at the Walter Washington Convention Center,

the hub of the CBC conference activities. Rep. Cummings’ remarks opened the session which was moderated by Politico Transportation Reporter Stephanie Beasley. Panelists provided their views on funding, procurement inclusions and

workforce development, and included Dr. Beverly A. Scott (Jobs To Move America/Beverly Scott Associates), emeka Moneme (Deputy Executive Director - Federal City Council), Melvin e. Clark, Jr. (Chairman/CEO - G. W. Peoples Co., Inc.), Regine C. Beauboeuf (Director of Client Services, FTCH), and Michael Garner (Vice President & Chief Diversity Officer - New York MTA).

VieW from the hiLL 2018

“Multimodal Transportation: Many Paths to One Goal”

Multimodal interconnectivity will be

This past fall

proved to be

a busy time

period for

COMTO National here in

Washington, DC. Rep. elijah Cummings (D-Maryland)

6 COMTO | Moving the nation

legislative AdvisORy COunCiL

U.S. Rep. elijah Cummings leads a distinguished panel at the COMTO BrainTrust event.

the thrust for COMTO in 2018, and VFH 2018 plans to reflect that theme. VFH is scheduled on Capitol Hill for Wednesday morning, March 21, 2018. (Exact time and room number TBA.) This breakfast event is free and open to all stakeholders, including everyone interested in politics, transportation policy and our legislative goals. Advance registration will be required, and that link will be provided by National in early 2018. Appointments for visits to congressional offices must be scheduled by COMTO members themselves, which should allow flexibility for participating in other scheduled COMTO National and APTA activities. This event will precede the COMTO Women Who Move the Nation Breakfast, which is scheduled for the next morning, Thursday, March 22, 2018.

For COMTO members’ reference, the following was distributed at the VFH 2017. These talking points will be updated for the upcoming March briefing:

comto - 2017 LeGisLatiVe messaGe

I. Local Hiring PreferenceIn 2015, the U.S. Department of

Transportation launched the Ladders of

Opportunity Program, which enabled recipients of FTA and FHWA grantees, including states and local agencies, to utilize local labor hiring preferences and economic-based labor hiring practices (i.e., low-income), to evaluate competitive bid submissions. In January 2017, the FHWA announced its intent to extend the program through 2022.

COMTO is disappointed by the current Administration’s apparent decision to challenge and rescind this program, supporting the promotion of Ladders of Opportunity for the workers in the communities where transportation projects are located.

COMTO Message - We urge Congress to act to preserve the Ladders of Opportunity Program, which accounts for jobs and business opportunities for the minority community.

II. Federal RailroadAdministration DisadvantagedBusiness enterprise(DBe) Program

Since the mid-nineties, the U.S. DOT has established a single DBE goal, encompassing firms owned by both

The View

From the Hill

breakfast

event is

free and open to all

stakeholders, including

everyone interested in

politics, transportation

policy and our

legislative goals.

WINTER 2017 | ACCELERATE 7

legislative AdvisORy COunCiL

women and minority group members. A participation goal of at least 10% for business certified by state unified programs is required for projects funded through the FHWA, the FAA and the FTA.

With a budget of close to $7 billion, the FRA is the only major federal DOT agency omitted from the DBE program.

COMTO Message - COMTO strongly endorses an FRA program to allow DBEs to competitively participate in federally-funded railroad projects. We urge Congress to require the U.S. DOT to accelerate its review of the requisite disparity study and institute a DBE participation plan for that agency.

III. SBA Small Business Size Standards

Currently, an inconsistency exists between the Small Business Administration and the U.S. DOT with regard to determining a firm’s qualification as a small disadvantaged business. For example, because of this incongruity, the revenue cap for a DBE construction firm is nearly 35% less than what SBA has determined the revenue cap should be for a small construction company ($12.5 million less).

COMTO Message - COMTO strongly supports efforts by members of Congress to correct this discriminatory treatment of minority and women owned firms and to have the U.S. DOT utilize a size standard that is consistent with that of the SBA.

IV. Workforce Investment/Workforce Development Initiatives

COMTO Message - COMTO strongly supports efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in the workforce as well as continued authorization and expansion of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), signed into law in 2014. The program includes employment and training services for adults, dislocated workers,

and youth through Department of Labor formula grants to states. It is designed to help job seekers access employment, education, training, and support services to succeed in the labor market and to match employers with the skilled workers they need to compete in the global economy.

aBoUt the aUthors

Renee y. Banks, President and Chief

Communications Officer for G. W. Peoples (GWP), is a rail transportation expert. She coordinates the company’s marketing

and internal/external communications. She is also manages the firm’s federal, state and local government relations, including DBE/MBE/SBE certifications, business licenses, annual reports, contractors’ licenses, and tax filings. GWP is the only national African-American owned firm that specializes in heavy and light, railroad and transit construction, maintenance and repair.

Karen Campblin, AICP, is Principal

Planner for ktcPlan, LLC, a woman-owned architecture and planning firm. She has more than fourteen years of experience

as a Community Development Planner specializing in transportation planning, corridor studies, environmental justice, transit development, and scenic highway studies. She has been responsible for the design and implementation of a wide range of public involvement and community coordination programs in support of these transportation studies.

COMTO

strongly

supports

efforts to

promote diversity

and inclusion in the

workforce…

8 COMTO | Moving the nation

Celebrating wOMEn whO MOvE ThE nATiOn

COMTO is proud to celebrate women in the transportation industry who serve in leadership roles and who make a difference.

In observance of Women’s History Month, we salute phenomenal women and their extraordinary contributions to the transportation industry at the sixth anniversary of Celebrating Women Who Move the Nation (CWWMN).

Honorees are chosen by the CWWMN Selection Committee based on several criteria including:

l demonstrated leadershipl commitment to diversity

and inclusionl support for advancement of

minorities and womenl demonstrated effective advocacy l support for Historically

Underutilized Businesses (HUBs).

Representing a broad cross-section of transportation modes in both the private and public sectors — including aviation, highways, public transportation, labor and advocacy — these women are the very definition of excellence. Their areas of influence and affiliations are diverse. Their unqualified commitment to advancing and strengthening our nation’s transportation infrastructure is unparalleled.

Join us for the sixth year of this annual signature event as we celebrate incredible women who continue to move the nation.

COMTO is happy to welcome the following companies as industry partners:

For more information about our Industry Partners Program visit www.comto.org.

GET READY FOR THE

CELEBRATIONRonald Reagan Building &

International Trade Center1300 Pennsylvania Ave., NW

Washington, DC 200041

Thursday, March 22, 20188:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Jannet Walker Ford, Chair Celebrating Women Awards Committee

WINTER 2017 | ACCELERATE 9

2017 Celebrating Women Who Move the Nation Honorees

Celebrating wOMEn whO MOvE ThE nATiOn

sponsorship opportUnities

Some of the highlights of sponsorship benefits are:Platinum-$25,000

• 1½ complimentary tables premiumplacement (seats 15)

• Opportunity to provide brandedkeepsake to attendees

• Recognition on COMTO website• Corporate logo on all event signage• Recognition at awards ceremony

(rotating sponsor logo)• Full-page color ad in event program,

premium placement

Gold-$15,000• 1½ complimentary tables premium

placement (seats 15)• Opportunity to provide branded

keepsake to attendees• Recognition on COMTO website

(rotating sponsor logo)• Full-page color ad in program

Silver-$10,000• 1 complimentary table (seats 10)• Opportunity to provide branded

keepsake to attendees• Corporate logo on all event signage

• Recognition at awards ceremony(rotating sponsor logo)

• ¼ page color ad in program

Bronze-$5,000• ½ complimentary table (seats 5)• Corporate logo on all event signage• Recognition at awards ceremony

(rotating sponsor logos)• ¼ page color ad in program

Friend of COMTO-$2,500• 2 complimentary tickets• Recognition in program book as a

Friend of COMTO• Business 1/4 page ad in the program

Media Sponsor-$40,000Visit link below for list of benefits.

Individual tickets*: $150; Tables: $1500* Preferred seating or group seating is NOT

guaranteed for individual ticket sales.For a complete list of benefits visit:

goo.gl/yP4k1XFor more information visit:

www.comto.org/celebratingwomenPlease direct inquiries to COMTO

National at info@comto.org or call (202)506-2917.

“

“

Join us for the sixth year of this annual signature event as we celebrate incredible women who continue to move the nation.

10 COMTO | Moving the nation

Join COMTO and enjoy all of the benefits of membership. View membership levels for individuals, students, non-profit organizations, academic institutions,

Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUBs), private sector businesses and transportation agencies on our website www.comto.org/membership.

l Network with multi-modal transportation leaders, decision makers and professionals

l Access up-to-date industry issues and information, contracting and career opportunities

l Participate in professional and leadership development and continuing education training

l Gain mentors who will provide support and guidance for your career or business goals

l Advocate on behalf of diverse involvement in the industry with key legislators and government officials

l Support youth programs to create a pipeline of minority professionals and leaders

Fill out your membership application at www.comto.org

MeMbershiP fOCus

COMTO is your voice for diversity

in the multibillon

dollar transportation

industry...Join COMTO

today!

WINTER 2017 | ACCELERATE 11

MeMbershiP fOCus

Dear COMTO Family,

It’s time to renew your COMTO membership. You are part of an essential

network of men and women in chapters across the country. Without your

participation and dues support, COMTO could not fulfill its commitment to

helping ensure opportunities and maximum participation in the transportation

industry for minority individuals, businesses, and communities of color.COMTO is where we do hands-on work to safeguard our voice in the industry through advocacy, information sharing, training, education, and professional development. Your membership means that COMTO can continue to be an active and vital part of the industry.

Every member strengthens COMTO’s political clout, national

influence and ability to encourage minority youth to join the industry. Even

when you don’t have the time to be personally involved, your membership dues

support the actions of other COMTO members who work to fulfill our mission.

As a member, you make everything we do possible. Please renew your membership in COMTO as early as possible to avoid a

lapse. Thank you in advance for your prompt attention to this matter. Your

involvement is important and very much appreciated. Sincerely,

President and CEOA Bradley Mims

100 M Street, SESuite 917Washington, DC 20003202.506.2917info@comto.orgwww.comto.org

Renew TodAy!

12 COMTO | MOVING THE NATION

COMTO RISING STAR

COMTO Board Member Russell Hughes, a civil engineer with the prestigious multi-disciplinary engineering and planning firm Wade

Trim, recalls that when he was growing up in Detroit, his family would spend each Christmas at his uncle’s large and stately home in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

“My mother told me that my uncle was an engineer and that he had his own firm. I had no idea what that meant or what he actually did,” Hughes said with a smile, “But I knew I wanted to live like him someday.”

His uncle, Paul Tucker, was founder of Tucker, Young, Jackson, Tull, Inc.; a successful consulting engineering firm. He died in 2011, but not before he helped and encouraged Hughes through college and got the young man on his way to an engineering degree.

Today, Russell holds Master and Bachelor Degrees in Civil Engineering from Wayne State University and is currently working on his MBA there. He is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, and the Engineering Society of Detroit as well as COMTO.

Though Hughes is currently involved with Wade Trim’s Water Resources Group, he started his career with the firm on a number of transportation engineering projects including the development of the Detroit M1 Rail Streetcar and the Gordie Howe International Bridge.

That transportation work introduced him to COMTO where he quickly earned a leadership role.

“Russell is a young man with a very bright future,” said COMTO president & CEO Bradley Mims. “He is an important role model for the young men and women considering careers in transportation and supporting industries. He is one of our rising stars.”

“My Uncle Paul told me that as soon as I was in a position the give back to the community, I must do so,” said Hughes. “One of the things I enjoy most is encouraging young men and women in their career paths.”

Russell is frequently asked to speak to high school and college students and always steps up.

“I try to relate to them, not preach to them. I am honest about the challenges they face. For example, I freely admit that I initially flunked calculus,” he said.

But, he added, “I tell them that it’s okay to fail, but it’s not okay to quit.”

He also gives them the same advice that his uncle gave him. “When you make it, reach back.”

Civil Engineer

Russell Hughes

is a COMTO

Rising Star

Russell Hughes speaks to CITY Interns.

WINTER 2017 | ACCELERATE 13

when Loretta Kirk, Deputy General Manager of Finance & Administration at Greater Cleveland Regional Transit

Authority (GCRTA), retires at the end of 2017, she can look back with pride and satisfaction on a 38 year career that gave her security, responsibility and, at times, great joy.

She can also celebrate contributions to the transportation industry that gave others opportunity, inspiration and the support needed to help shape a brighter future.

“Loretta Kirk is a COMTO Legend,” said COMTO President Bradley Mims. “A member since 1980, for the past 16 years she has consistently served in leadership roles on our board, including Board Chair from 2006-2010. She has put in the hard, smart work that has kept the organization on a steady course.”

At the end of her term as Board Chair in 2010, Ms. Kirk received COMTO’s Thomas G. Neusom Founders Award for her dedication to the growth and development of minorities in the industry. It is the highest award given by COMTO. In spring of 2017, she was honored again with a COMTO Celebrating Women Who Move the Nation Award. This signature event recognizes the accomplishments and influence of today’s outstanding women in transportation.

A graduate of Cleveland State University with a degree in Accounting, Ms. Kirk began her career as an auditor for a major accounting firm. “I was recruited from that firm to GCRTA in 1979 after I completed an audit of the organization,” she said. “And I’ve been here ever since. The energy and movement in the transportation industry can be addictive.”

As Chief Financial Officer of the GCRTA, her primary role has been to manage the financial resources of the organization. She is responsible for the Accounting, Disadvantaged Business Enterprise/ Small Business.

“It has been my privilege to be a steward of public funds throughout my career,” Ms. Kirk said. “I strongly believe in keeping finances straight, organized and transparent.”

She has also been a mentor for scores of young men and women in business and careers in the industry. “Mentoring has been my passion,” she said. “Watching these young people grow and prosper; helping them along in their careers and professional development…that has given me my greatest joy.”

She added that while she will be retiring from her job, she is not retiring from the transportation industry or from her memberships in other professional organizations. “I hope to be able to continue to nurture my industry relationships and be of service where needed,” Ms. Kirk said.

“I’m not the kind of person who sits on the sidelines and watches when challenges arise,” she adds. “I always want to step in and say ‘how can I help?’.”

CoMto LEgEnd

Watching these young people grow and prosper; helping them along in their careers and professional development…that has given me my greatest joy.

— Loretta KirK

“

“

Retiring from GCRTA, Loretta Kirk is a COMTO Legend

14 COMTO | Moving the nation

MeMbers On ThE MOvE

DeTROIT, MICHIGAN

COMTO Michigan’s eric Morris has been recognized as one of the “Forty Under 40” honorees selected by Detroit Crains Business. For more on his reward and achievements, please click on the following link: goo.gl/8JHBTy

COMTO Michigan Board Member Sommer Woods is a recipient of the Regional Shining Light Award for her work developing the Q-Line on Woodward Avenue in Detroit. Click the link for more information goo.gl/eQvJJo

OAkLAND, CALIFORNIA

COMTO Oakland’s Beverly Greene been hired as Alameda-Contra Costa

Transit’s new Executive Director of External Affairs, Marketing and Communications. She is responsible for establishing and strengthening the District’s relationships with key stakeholders and strategic partners.

DALLAS, TeXAS

COMTO Dallas member Carmen Garcia has been promoted to Assistant Vice President, Office of Diversity, at Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART). García oversees DART’s Outreach Programs by directing outreach program for minority contracts and D/M/WBE vendors.

HOUSTON, TeXAS

COMTO Houston’s kimberly Williams has been selected as Chief Innovation Officer for the Metro Transit Authority of Harris County. In that role she will partner with transit authorities, local government and the private sector to improve the quality of the transit system and address transportation challenges.

Kudos to Our

Chapter Members!

WINTER 2017 | ACCELERATE 15

MeMbers On ThE MOvE

JACkSONVILLe, FLORIDA

Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) CEO Nathaniel P. Ford, Sr. was elected as Chair of the American Public Transportation Association for the upcoming year at their annual business meeting in October. APTA is the nation’s leading force in advancing public transportation. APTA members are public entities providing bus, light rail, commuter rail, subway and waterborne passenger services, as well as high-speed rail and paratransit services.

Bob Prince was recently honored at the APTA both for his leadership and mentoring of young people of color in the transportation industry. APTA Awards recipients are stellar leaders who have significantly advanced public transportation in North America. Bob has also been a key leader for COMTO, having been a member since 1985 and sitting

on the board for several years culminating as national chair from 2012-2015. Additionally, Bob participates in Leadership APTA and the ENO Transportation Leadership Program.

COMTO Jacksonville’s 2nd Vice President, Christopher Macklin, received the Outstanding Community Achievement Award at the “Successful Role Model & Recognition Banquet.” His leadership and contributions have helped Jacksonville build a stronger and healthier community. Chris was one of 14 city leaders to be honored.

Aisha eccleston, COMTO Jacksonville’s Chapter President, was recently promoted to Manager, Southeast Containerized Sales at the Jacksonville Port Authority (JAXPORT).

Members Being Honored, Advanced and Celebrated

16 COMTO | Moving the nation

NATIONAL MeeTING & TRAINING CONFeReNCe

JULY 28-aUGUst 1, 2018

each year, COMTO hosts its annual National Meeting &Training Conference (NMTC) — the nation’s premier

gathering of professionals in the transportation industry. COMTO’s conference brings together industry leaders across all modes of transportation for four days of learning, training, and networking.

COMTO’s National Meeting &Training Conference is open to transportation professionals at all career levels, government employees, manufacturers and suppliers, and all interested stakeholders.

The 47th NMTC will be held Saturday, July 28 through Wednesday August 1, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland.

@

GetFREEResearchReports?

?

HaveTRANSITQuestions?

tcrponline.org

??

Whatever your challenge, whatever you want to know, chances are The Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) has already studied and researched it. We’ve compiled over 500 reports and products on a broad range of subjects in public transportation. Get the information you need to make your critical decisions. The resources are here. Use them.

The Transit Cooperative Research Program would like to thank all of our users who have taken advantage of the great resources our program provides. You have demonstrated that research is valuable to the public transportation industry, and we truly appreciate your support of the program!

save ThE dATE

WINTER 2017 | ACCELERATE 17

ChaPters On ThE MOvE

ft. LaUderdaLe/paLm Beach coUntY

l October 16th – COMTO Ft. Lauderdale and COMTO Palm Beach County co-hosted a Professional Development Event featuring Mark Gale and Clinton Forbes. This sold out event provided members and guests an opportunity to have an up-close and personal conversation with two of our top executives in the region, who are also COMTO National Board Members.

l November 7th – COMTO Ft. Lauderdale in partnership with the Urban League of Broward County hosted its 3rd Annual Small Business Forum. The event drew over 70 Small and Disadvantaged Businesses and featured such speakers as Joanne Brooks, esq., Vice President & Counsel, The Surety & Fidelity Association of America; and Hyacinth Vassell, Director of Inner City Capital Connections, ICIC.

l November 8th – COMTO Ft. Lauderdale, in partnership with South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA) and Broward County Transit (BCT), hosted a field trip for the students of South Broward High School during COMTO Week. The students were granted a train ride on Tri-Rail with a BCT bus taking them to the Broward County Maintenance Facility, where they received a tour of the work stations and learned of the many

jobs available in transportation. The students are part of South Broward High’s Global Logistics Academy, which includes transportation in its curriculum.

l November 8th – COMTO Ft. Lauderdale held its 2nd Annual Family and Friends Bowling Challenge. This event is a favored attraction for members who compete for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place team medals. The Chapter also uses this event as a Membership Drive during COMTO Week.

miami chapter

The COMTO Miami Chapter is proud to announce that the Department of Transportation and Public Works has placed its first new Metrorail train in more than 30 years into service. This ushers in a new era of modern, high-tech trains manufactured by Hitachi Rail Italy that will improve both service reliability and overall riding experience.

“Today is a great day in Miami- Dade County’s history of providing public transportation. For the first time in more than 30 years of Metrorail service, we placed on our tracks the first new high-performance, modern vehicles for our 25-mile Metrorail system. This, along with other enhancements, is one of the many ways that Miami-Dade government is improving transportation in our community,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez.

Recapping Chapter Happenings

COMTO members at the 2nd Annual Family and Friends Bowling Challenge.

This new, high techMetrorail train is now in service in Miami.