TDA: On The Go Podcast
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What a difference four years makes! In the latest On The Go episode, Debby Jackson speaks with Abe Weber, director of the Appleton International Airport (ATW). These two last chatted on the podcast in May 2020, in the early days of the pandemic when the future of air travel was uncertain. Over the past four years, Appleton International Airport has experienced a significant surge in passengers. Weber attributes the growth to pent-up demand, the return of business travelers, and airline partners' introduction of new routes at ATW. They also discuss the airport's expansion and the ATW team's commitment to delivering an exceptional customer experience.
Brian Fraley, president of and owner of Edge Messaging, again joins TDA Executive Director Debby Jackson on the On The Go podcast. In this episode, Debby and Brian cover the timely topic of Wisconsin's new state legislative maps. The two chat about what we know and what we need to learn about the new maps and the potential opportunities for grassroots groups like TDA.
Scott Rogers, the vice president of governmental affairs at the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce, joins TDA Executive Director Debby Jackson on the latest On The Go podcast to talk about passenger rail. Scott and Debby discuss the economic benefits of passenger rail for the region and the recently announced federal grants to study passenger rail in the state. Jackson also takes the opportunity to get tips for long-distance train trips from Rogers, a longtime train traveler. Notes: Business Coalition for Passenger Rail - List and sign on form Email: rogers@eauclairechamber.org Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce - 2024 Business Issues Agenda 30th Annual Chippewa Valley Rally Economic Impact of Missouri's River Runner service (MoDOT) Creating the new Normal: How trains transformed one Midwestern town (HSR Alliance) WisDOT - Wisconsin Passenger Rail FRA Corridor Identification and Development Program Rail Passengers Association https://www.railpassengers.org/ West Central Wisconsin Rail Coalition https://www.westwisconsinrail.org/ Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Commission https://miprc.org/ Amtrak Guest Rewards Amtrak's Empire Builder - Facebook Group
Wisconsin Department of Transportation Secretary Craig Thompson, serving as the 2024 American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) president, joins TDA Executive Director Debby Jackson on the On The Go podcast. Thompson talks about the department's work and accomplishments during his five years at WisDOT and the plans and priorities for the year ahead. They also discuss his priorities for AASHTO and what he has learned about the transportation challenges states face - the similarities and differences - by working with his colleagues in other states. Safety is an integral part of Thompson's objectives. Jackson and Thompson also touch on transportation funding, including states' progress on a longer-term solution for shoring up lost gas tax productivity.
It's episode #50 of TDA's On The Go podcast! The microphone is turned in this special episode as Dan Deibert of Edge Messaging interviews TDA Executive Director Debby Jackson. Debby looks back to the first On The Go episode recorded in February 2019. She shares the original inspiration behind the podcast, recollects some of her favorite moments, and looks to future topics. On The Go continues to share incredible transportation stories across the state, thanks to supporters like you.
Patrick Vander Sanden, who assumed the role of executive director of the Wisconsin County Highway Association (WCHA) earlier this year, joins TDA Executive Director Debby Jackson on the latest On The Go podcast. Patrick explains the plans and priorities for his organization and shares some of what has surprised him since he assumed his new role. He also emphasizes that he looks to collaborate with other stakeholders to further transportation in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin's airports are integral to the state's economy and generate significant economic impact for the communities where they are located and the regions they serve. Two Wisconsin aviation experts join TDA Executive Director Debby Jackson on the latest On The Go podcast to talk about Wisconsin aviation, the Wisconsin Airport Management Association (WAMA), and the upcoming Wisconsin Aviation Conference. Listen in as Rachel Engeler, assistant airport director at Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport and President of WAMA, and Jim Schell, Director at Whittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh and Vice President of WAMA, share their aviation insight and knowledge.
The recently signed 2023-25 state transportation budget includes some significant investments throughout the system. In this episode of the On The Go podcast, TDA Executive Director Debby Jackson talks with Steve Baas, executive director of the Wisconsin Transportation Builders Association, about what’s in the 2023-25 transportation budget and what’s next.
Last month, TDA held its Drive-in at the State Capitol in Madison. Approximately 75 TDA members, including representatives of business, industry, local government, transportation advocates and trade unions attended a morning seminar and then groups visited the Capitol to share legislative priorities with lawmakers and staff. In this episode of the podcast, TDA Executive Director Debby Jackson speaks with a few of the attendees who share their thoughts on the importance of the Drive-In, and the state of transportation infrastructure in Wisconsin, overall.
Agriculture is big dollars and a key driver of Wisconsin's economy. It's no secret that the condition of the state's roads, bridges and culverts, and posted weight restrictions, impact whether the industry can safely and efficiently transport agricultural products to market. In this episode of the On The Go podcast, TDA Executive Director Debby Jackson talks with Jason Mugnaini, executive director of governmental relations at the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation, to discuss agriculture, transportation, and a legislative proposal to create an agricultural road improvement program at WisDOT.
At the 2023 TDA Fly-in to Washington, DC, there was much focus on the discretionary grants in the federal infrastructure law and the need to bring a fair share of those dollars home to Wisconsin. In the latest On The Go podcast, TDA Executive Director Debby Jackson speaks with Rob Krejci, the highway commissioner for St. Croix County, about these funding opportunities from a county's perspective. Rob shares how a trio of Wisconsin counties — St. Croix, Dunn, and Eau Claire — partnered and successfully worked with the USDOT to obtain a $500,000 Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) action plan grant. This plan will unlock future implementation grant opportunities. Rob hopes other counties and municipalities will benefit from what they learned during the application process.
Governor Tony Evers has submitted his 2023-25 State Budget. What’s in it? Why does it matter, and what’s next? TDA Executive Director Debby Jackson sits down with political communications consultant Brian Fraley, the President of Edge Messaging, to discuss items of interest to those concerned about Wisconsin’s transportation infrastructure. They also explain how individuals can make an impact on the budget process.
The Canadian Pacific (CP) Holiday Train returns with its approximately 170 free, in-person shows after being virtual in 2020 and 2021. The train will roll through Wisconsin from December 8th through the 10th. This holiday tradition dates back to 1999 and brings live, family-friendly music to large and small communities along the CP system. Each year, the Holiday Train raises money, food, and awareness to address the issue of food insecurity. CP makes a donation within each community where the Holiday Train stops and asks attendees to bring a cash or non-perishable food donation if they're able. Andy Cummings, a spokesman for Canadian Pacific Railway, speaks with TDA's Debby Jackson on the latest On The Go podcast about the exciting return of the in-person CP Holiday Train and the holiday magic this train brings to the cities and towns along the route.
TDA was on the road in October holding a series of five regional transportation roundtables across the state. TDA and local partners hosted community leaders, legislators, and candidates in Eau Claire, Appleton, Richland Center, Pewaukee, and Wausau. Our goal was to reconnect and restart a conversation about transportation in Wisconsin after the pandemic. During our travels, we heard about regional accomplishments, opportunities, and challenges. In our latest On The Go Podcast, you will get a quick overview of the spirited discussions at these meetings.
TDA was on the road in October holding a series of five regional transportation roundtables across the state. TDA and local partners hosted community leaders, legislators, and candidates in Eau Claire, Appleton, Richland Center, Pewaukee, and Wausau. Our goal was to reconnect and restart a conversation about transportation in Wisconsin after the pandemic. During our travels, we heard about regional accomplishments, opportunities, and challenges. In our latest On The Go Podcast, you will get a quick overview of the spirited discussions at these meetings.
The Mississippi River plays a major role in transporting Wisconsin's agricultural products and is directly tied to the state's economy. An effort is underway to form a new, federally-recognized statistical port district, known as the Northern Grain Belt Port Statistical Area. Bob Gollnik, senior planner at the Mississippi River Regional Planning Commission, and Chris Smith, chief operating officer at Riverside Global Solutions, speak with TDA's Debby Jackson on the latest On The Go podcast about the crucial role of the upper Mississippi River and the benefits of this statistical port area.
Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin was founded in 1983 to help increase the sale and consumption of Wisconsin milk and dairy products. Today, the farmer-owned, operated, and funded organization continues to support the state’s dairy farmers by establishing new markets, funding research, and showcasing dairy’s economic contribution to the state. Chad Vincent, CEO of Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, talks with TDA's Debby Jackson about the state's dairy industry in the latest On The Go podcast.
The annual Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin competition highlights the state's vibrant manufacturing industry, showcases amazing Wisconsin products, and celebrates the men and women who make it all happen. Nick Novak, Vice President of Communications & Marketing at Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce, talks with TDA's Debby Jackson about this annual contest, encouraging us all to get involved at madeinwi.com. Other topics covered in this fast-paced segment include the condition of Wisconsin's economy and how manufacturing has changed.
The ACE (Aviation Careers Education) Program is back this summer, connecting Milwaukee public high school students with airport employers to open doors for these young people to pursue aviation-related careers and learn job skills. Harold Mester, director of public affairs and marketing at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, speaks with TDA's Debby Jackson about this successful 30-year-old summer internship program.
Have you tried an e-scooter? In this episode of the On The Go podcast, Austin Marshburn, head of city and university partnerships at Bird, talks with TDA’s Debby Jackson about how e-scooters are becoming an important part of the transportation mix in cities, including almost a dozen in Wisconsin, who uses them, and how the system works.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recently released preliminary traffic fatality numbers showing the U.S. reached a 16-year high in 2021. In this episode of the On The Go podcast, Nicholas Jarmusz, AAA Director of Public Affairs for Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin, joins TDA’s Debby Jackson to discuss the upcoming summer travel season and what we can all do to make the roads safer for everyone.
TDA learns a lot by watching what is happening in other states. In this episode of the On The Go podcast, Margaret Donahoe, executive director of the Minnesota Transportation Alliance, joins TDA’s Debby Jackson to discuss all things Minnesota transportation.
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) is all the news. We hear about the funding for roads, bridges, public transportation, and the transition to electric vehicles. But what about investment in ports and waterways? Adam Tindall-Schlicht, director of Port Milwaukee and the Wisconsin Commercial Ports Association president, joins TDA’s Debby Jackson on the latest episode of the On The Go podcast to discuss Wisconsin ports and the opportunities provided by the recently passed infrastructure law.
Every year in Wisconsin, people die needlessly on or around railroad tracks. Many of these accidents occur where there are warning devices alerting drivers and pedestrians to the presence of trains. Sept 20-26 is Rail Safety Week in Wisconsin and throughout North America. Gary Koerner, state coordinator of Operation Lifesaver, joins TDA Executive Director Debby Jackson on this episode of the On The Go podcast. The two discuss safety at railroad crossings, the dangers of trespassing on tracks, and upcoming Wisconsin events Operation Lifesaver has planned for Rail Safety Week.
Just about anywhere you go today, you will see help wanted signs. This labor shortage predates the pandemic, but the events of the last year (or so) certainly exacerbated the issue. Dave Steele, executive director of the Regional Transit Leadership Council, joins TDA's Debby Jackson on the latest episode of the On The Go podcast. The two discuss the Council's plan to help workers fill in the "last mile" between public transit and jobs in the Milwaukee area, expanding the pool of possible employees and connecting people to jobs.
A significant part of the state’s economy, tourism was one of the hardest-hit sectors during the pandemic. But now, with the vaccine readily available, communities open for business, and pent-up travel demand, Wisconsinites are hitting the road this summer after more than a year of sticking close to home. In the latest episode of the , Executive Director Debby Jackson speaks with Romy Snyder, president and CEO of the Wisconsin Dells Visitor and Convention Bureau, about the trends Snyder sees in the Dells and her optimism for the future of the industry.
AirVenture, described as the closest thing America has to a national airshow, returns to Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh July 26 through August 1 after a one-year hiatus due to the pandemic. In the latest episode of the On the Go Podcast, TDA Executive Director Debby Jackson speaks with Dick Knapinski, director of communications for EAA, about this extraordinary event.
Bikes are booming! During the pandemic, sales of bikes skyrocketed, and the trend continues. * * Bike-share programs have also seen tremendous growth in many cities across the country, and Madison and Milwaukee bike-share systems thrive. * As Bike Month comes to a close, Morgan Ramaker, Executive Director of BCycle, joins TDA's Debby Jackson to talk about the successful bike-share programs in Wisconsin and the role they can play in a community’s transportation system.
* In the latest episode, TDA Executive Director Debby Jackson sits down with Ellen Voie, President & CEO, Women in Trucking Association. The Women In Trucking Association is a non-profit organization with the mission to encourage the employment of women in the trucking industry, promote their accomplishments, and minimize obstacles faced by women working in the industry.
Mark O’Connell, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Counties Association, is also the current President of the Board of Directors of TDA. In this episode, Debby and Mark discuss how they both addressed the organizational challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and they examine the short and long-term opportunities facing TDA.
