1. Regional Reflections Regional Reflections
Spring 2010
Message from the President
Inside this Issue
WTS Tampa Bay Members and Friends,
This is my first message as President of WTS Tampa Bay, and let me tell you, I am happy March WTS Lunch
to be here in the Tampa Bay area and very enthusiastic for what this year may mean for N’ Learn
our chapter as well as what the year may bring to the region! With the excitement ...........................................P2
regarding future transportation enhancements for Tampa Bay, as well as the promise of
true regionalism for the area, it is a great time to be a professional in Tampa Bay.
WTS Events
...........................................P3
I have had the honor of serving on the WTS Board as the Treasurer for the past two
years, and in that time have had the opportunity to really understand all of the benefits
that WTS has to offer to its members. The Women’s Transportation Seminar is an
international organization that strives to advance the role of women in the In the News
transportation industry. WTS is truly a multi‐modal organization, with members
representing the fields of aviation to public transit, from tourism to engineering, and
from research to planning. WTS provides its members with unparalleled access to
National
powerful transportation professionals across the country and around the world. Five things to Know about
High-Speed Rail ...............P4
For the rest of this year, the Board will continue to strive to provide access to interesting Surprise! Americans Want
speakers and tours, to facilitate the accumulation of AICP CM credits, and to coordinate Public Transportation .....P5
with other professional organizations in the area to co‐host intriguing and stimulating
Public Transportation In
events. The Board and I encourage you all to continue to show your support to the Serious Funding Crisis Due
Chapter and get involved as much as you can. Whether it is to help coordinate a single To Economic Recession ...P5
event or program, be engaged on a more frequent basis, or suggest the organization to
your friends and colleagues, there are many ways for you to be more involved. If you Regional
wish to get more involved, you can contact me or any of the other Board members listed New Leader at TIA will set
on page 2. Tone for Region ...............P6
Upcoming Events I would also like to invite you to meet the new Executive Director of WTS International,
Marcia Ferranto. She is a veteran of the for‐profit and non‐profit trenches and joins WTS
There are several opportunities in the upcoming months for members to participate in WTS Tampa Bay. Here is a from Kalmar Nyckel, a maritime‐based educational organization in Delaware. She has a
sneak peak of some possible things to come. unique ability to advance organizations to the next level, so we are excited for her first Member Spotlight
...........................................P7
year as Executive Director. For more information on Marcia, please check out the most
 USF Car Sharing Program – Tour (May 20, 2010—tentative)
recent issue of WTS TransScript:
 It is anticipated that this event will be a partnership with the Suncoast Chapter of APA
http://newsmanager.commpartners.com/wts/issues/2010‐04‐05/index.html.
WTS-TAMPA BAY  Speed Networking (June 2010)
 With a speaker on Social Media Upcoming Events
Please enjoy the rest of this issue of Regional Reflections, and I hope to see you at a WTS
18302 Highwoods Preserve  Hillsborough County BOCC Referendum Update (July/August 2010) event in the near future. Also, become a fan of WTS Tampa Bay on Facebook. It’s one
...........................................P8
Parkway, Suite 200  As the landscape surrounding the referendum continues to change we hope to offer a play by play more way to stay connected to your WTS chapter, colleagues and friends!
Tampa, FL 33647 update on the state of the referendum.
Phone: (813) 977-3434
 Councilwoman Linda Saul‐Sena (July/August 2010)
Fax: (813) 977-3722
 Running for County Commission, District 5 (county‐wide seat)
Brandie Miklus
Brandie Miklus
 Florida APA Annual Conference — WTS Mixer (September 2010)
WTS Tampa Bay – 2010 President
 Tampa International Airport ‐ Tour (September/October 2010)
 This event will consist of a tour and presentation on certain Airport Master Plan projects.
 WTS Annual Holiday Party (December 2010)
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2. Regional Reflections Regional Reflections WTS - TAMPA
2010 Executive Board Do you have an idea
for a CM credit-
President
Brandie Miklus
March WTS Lunch N’ Learn worthy event?
brandie.miklus@jacobs.com
Please send ideas to:
Vice-President On Tuesday March 3rd, WTS Tampa Bay organized a Lunch and Learn event at the HART Damaris Cordova Lara Webster, P.E., AICP
Janille A. Smith-Colin, E.I. Executive offices in Ybor City that was well attended by WTS members and friends alike. Contract Specialist | HART lara.webster@jacobs.com
jasmith23@gmail.com The subject of the Lunch and Learn was “How to Win and Keep a Public Sector Contract”
and our presenter was Adam Goldman, Director of Procurement and Contracts Administra‐ Where is your hometown?
Secretary
Lori Gardner
tion at HART. A My hometown is Miami, Florida.
lgardner@citiesthatwork.com
The presentation included an overview of everything a firm should consider when pursuing
Treasurer How long have you lived in Tampa, and why did you choose to move here?
a project or contract – from understanding the scope of the project to ensuring that all the
Nilgün Kamp, AICP A I have lived in Tampa for a little over 10 years. My husband and I wanted a slower
nkamp@tindaleoliver.com
necessary forms are filled out. Mr. Goldman discussed various solicitation types, including
paced lifestyle after having children and we believed Tampa would be the best location.
Requests for Proposal (RFPs), Invitations for Bid (IFBs), Requests for Quotation (RFQs), and
Membership Chair pointed out common blunders that he has encountered during his years as a contracting
Jamie Fox officer. How are you involved with the transportation industry?
jlfox@pcl.com A I am a Contract Specialist for the Hillsborough Transit Authority (HART) in Tampa, Flor-
Programs Chair As we all know, project pursuits are not always successful, but a loss can still be a wonder‐ ida.
Katharine Eagan ful opportunity as a learning experience. Mr. Goldman reviewed how to make the most of
eagank@gohart.org a loss by making it a learning experience – request a debriefing and remember that every‐ Why did you decide to join WTS Tampa Bay?
Immediate Past-President
thing is public record except trade secrets! Mr. Goldman also addressed the protest rights A I joined WTS for greater networking opportunities. WTS affords me the opportunity to
Lara Webster, P.E., AICP of a competing firm and went over the timing associated with this process. meet other professionals in the industry that I would otherwise not have the ability to meet.
lara.webster@jacobs.com
Some key points that Mr. Goldman suggested for firms – particularly for firms new to the What type of programming would you like to see in the future?
area or looking to break into the public sector for the first time is to make sure they are in
A I would like to see greater emphasis on Rail programming. I believe this is the future of
the know regarding upcoming opportunities, including:
the Tampa Bay area.
 Getting registered;
What do you think transportation in the Tampa Bay area will look like in 25 years?
 Making sure it is easy for procurement officials to find your firm (by improving your
A The Tampa Bay area will have High Speed Rail, Light Rail, Bus Rapid Transit, new and
presence on the Web, for instance); and
improved transit infrastructure as well as other Rail Fixed Guideway System.
 Creating a single email for marketing purposes (i.e. sales@yourfirm.com), to avoid
having emails sent to an individual who may no longer be with the company.
What is your greatest accomplishment?
A Although my public procurement experience began only three (3) years ago, through
The presentation ended with a reminder that winning a contract is only the first step in the
continuing success of any firm – keeping the client happy through continued excellent ser‐ hard work and dedication I have been able to advance very quickly in this industry. My
vice is the key to being successful when pursuing future work. plan is to continue pursuing education and certifications necessary to advance on many
levels both in federal and state procurement.
The March Lunch and Learn was both informative and entertaining, and provided atten‐
dees an intimate setting to learn about a subject that is important to so many of us, Any hidden talents you care to share with the group?
whether we are involved in private or public sector work. Please keep an eye out for fu‐ A I am a professional organizer. Also, I have the ability to recall large amounts of informa-
ture WTS Tampa Bay emails for information about our upcoming events and future install‐ tion down to the smallest details.
ments in our Lunch and Learn series.
Miscellaneous demographic info: marital status, number of kids, ….?
To learn more about the Florida Statutes that govern the procurement process, you can A I have been happily married for 16 years and have two wonderful children, Jacob Ty, 15
get started here: http://www.flsenate.gov/Statutes/index.cfm? and Amber Victoria, 13.
App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=Ch0287/SEC055.HTM&Title=‐%3E2009‐
%3ECh0287‐%3ESection%20055#0287.055
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3. WTS - TAMPA
Regional Reflections Regional Reflections WTS - TAMPA
Feature Articles & Where Do Our
Announcements In The News Members Work?
Do you have an article you’d WTS Events  American Consulting
like to submit for inclusion Engineers of Florida
in our next Regional Supersession Steering Committee Meeting  Bayside Engineering
Newsletter? Please e-mail  CH2M Hill
your submission to The first meeting of the Supersession Steering Committee was held on March 17. The Committee  Florida Department of
nkamp@tindaleoliver.com. New Leader At TIA Will Set Tone For Region Transportation (FDOT)
discussed each member’s past involvement, potential themes and speakers for this year’s event
The St. Petersburg Times  Gannett Fleming
Make sure to include any as well as event logistics. This year’s committee is being chaired by the Tampa Bay Institute of
April 3, 2010  HART
graphics or pictures
Transportation Engineers (TBITE). Committee meetings will take place on the third Tuesday of
associated with the item. We  Hillsborough County
The governing board of Tampa International Airport is each month. Aviation Authority
are accepting articles, job
announcements, and member preparing to make a monumental decision for the re‐  Hyatt Survey Services
updates. gion's economic future. The person it picks to replace As last year’s lead organization for the event, WTS looks forward to supporting TBITE in making  Jacobs Engineering
just‐departed director Louis Miller will impact the re‐ the 2010 Supersession a huge success. More information to come.  PCL Construction, Inc.
gion's gateway for travel, trade and jobs as well as the  Polk County
first impression millions get of the bay area. The board
WTS Tampa Bay Annual Membership Appreciation Night  Renaissance Planning
needs to find a director who can build on the airport's Group
reputation for comfort and convenience, and who can The Annual Membership Appreciation Night was held on Tuesday, January 26, 2010. The event  Tampa Steel Erecting Co.
make Tampa more competitive for domestic and interna‐ was held on a brisk January evening in downtown Tampa on the patio of Malio’s Steakhouse. The  Tindale-Oliver &
tional flights. It should start by setting a clear vision for focus of the event was to celebrate the beginning of an exciting new year, to show appreciation
Associates
the airport.  Vrana Consulting
for all WTS members and their continued support of our organization, and to introduce the 2010 
Wilson Miller
The board began the formal part of its search Thursday by deciding to hire a headhunter to board, several of whom are new to WTS Tampa Bay. In spite of the weather, our members came
conduct a national search. But to attract the best candidates, the board must also do some out to enjoy complimentary appetizers, and to reacquaint themselves with old and new WTS col‐
work internally to repair the divisions revealed by Miller's resignation in February. New leagues. As an organization we had the good fortune of having two new members join us at this
board members Steven Burton and Joseph Diaco accused Miller of misleading them, and an event. The evening closed with a farewell from our outgoing president Ms. Lara Webster, and an
outside review found Miller had improperly approved height variances on airport land that official changing of the guard as Ms. Brandie Miklus took over the presidential reigns. Once again,
should have been decided by a larger committee. However the board feels about Miller and the Board would like to thank all of our members for your continued support of WTS Tampa Bay.
his sudden decision to leave, he is gone and the task now is to find a capable successor.
The board's job is significant. With 17 million passengers every year, TIA is among the 30
busiest airports in the country. Miller was able to move Tampa forward through good times WTS Tampa Bay is on Facebook!
and bad. Over his 14 years as director, Miller built strong domestic service, updated passen‐ If you’re on Facebook, it’s about time you became a fan of WTS Tampa Bay! Get the latest infor‐
ger and parking areas and worked closely with the tourism and hospitality industries. His mation on our upcoming events and chapter news, check out our expanding photo albums of pre‐
proactive nature and attention to detail also enabled Tampa to accommodate the many se‐
curity enhancements required after the Sept. 11 attacks without making the airport ugly or a vious events and activities, or start a discussion with your fellow WTS members and friends.
hassle.
Check us out at:
The next director needs to show that same concern for the visitor experience. But he or she http://www.facebook.com/WTSTampaBay.
will also need the sophistication and expertise to grow the airport even as the airline industry
looks to hold the line on capacity. TIA should explore new connections, both domestic and Also, while you fan WTS Tampa Bay, become a fan of
overseas. With the region considering a light‐rail system, and with high‐speed rail on the WTS International – search using “Women’s Transpor‐
way between Tampa and Orlando, the next director also needs to ensure that the airport is a tation Seminar”. If you are not already a member, you
key player in connecting the region's transportation systems.
will need to create a login by going here:
The governing board needs to get past personality conflicts to focus on the search itself. http://www.facebook.com/
That means laying out a vision for the future and the role it will play in accomplishing those
goals. TIA has had only two directors since Lyndon B. Johnson was president. That continu‐ Join Facebook so you can stay in touch with us even
ity helped make TIA a success. Miller has left big shoes to fill. The focus now needs to be on better!
filling them.
For more information on this topic please visit:
http://www.tampabay.com/opinion/editorials/new‐leader‐at‐tia‐will‐set‐tone‐for‐
region/1084796
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4. Regional Reflections Regional Reflections WTS - TAMPA
Feature Articles & Do you have an idea
Announcements In The News for a CM credit-
worthy event?
Do you have an article you’d
like to submit for inclusion National Surprise! Americans Want Public Transportation Please send ideas to:
in our next Lara Webster, P.E., AICP
Newsletter? Please e-mail Five Things You Need To Know About High‐Speed Rail By Keith Barry lara.webster@jacobs.com
your submission to
nkamp@tindaleoliver.com. Wired Autopia blog
By David J. Carol March 30, 2010
Make sure to include any Planetizen
graphics or pictures April 1, 2010 Hot on the heels of debate over a new transportation spending bill, a new poll shows that most
associated with the item. We Americans want to see more funding for public transportation, and only drive because they
are accepting articles, job
These are exciting times for passenger railroad‐ have few better options.
announcements, and member
updates. ing, not only in America, but around the world. It
is as if a switch was thrown – suddenly, high‐ In a survey commissioned by the transportation advocacy group Transportation For America
speed rail (HSR) is under active planning or al‐ (T4), pollsters asked Americans what priorities they’d like to see in an upcoming transportation
ready in operation in China, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, bill that will replace 2005’s SAFETEA‐LU.
England, across Europe and Asia, Brazil, and , yes,
now even in the United States. The confluence It may come as a shock to anyone whose town’s main road features parking lots, strip malls and
of worldwide concern about congestion, air qual‐ no mass transit to speak of that most Americans (82 percent) would like to see expanded public
ity, global warming, economic growth and transportation that makes better use of rail and buses.
sprawling land use is driving a fundamental shift
in favor of public transportation, including fast Similarly, though 73 percent of respondents said they have “no choice” but to drive most places,
trains that link the global economy. The United The Acela Express, with a top speed of 150mph the majority said they’d rather be getting to work, school or vacation some other way — specifi‐
(240 km/h)
States may be late to this HSR game, but not so cally, on a bus, on a bike or on foot.
late that we cannot learn from prior efforts worldwide – and our own ‐‐ to provide
Americans with an energy efficient and environmentally positive alternative to the con‐ For more information on this topic, please visit:
gestion that is otherwise sapping our economic vitality. http://www.wired.com/autopia/2010/03/surprise‐americans‐want‐public‐transportation/
Planetizen’s new website, HSR News, will, I hope, focus on key issues relating to imple‐
mentation of HSR, offering a path through the rhetoric of advocates and opponents and
provide a platform to appreciate both the benefits and limitations of this important
mode of transportation. Public Transportation In Serious Funding Crisis Due To Economic Recession
Here are five keys issues to consider about HSR:
APTA
1. HSR can genuinely make a difference. March 31, 2010
2. Planning and implementing HSR takes a long time.
3. Some corridors in the United States are ideal for high‐speed rail, but others Public transportation systems are facing unprecedented funding challenges due to widespread
may not be. declining state and local revenues, and have been forced to take a number of critical actions
4. We need a success to demonstrate the potential for HSR in this country. including: raising fares, cutting service, and laying off employees, according to a new survey re‐
5. HSR must complement – not come at the expense of – other transportation leased today by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA).
modes.
This report, Impacts of the Recession on Public Transportation Agencies, shows that since Janu‐
ary 1, 2009, 84 percent of public transit systems have raised fares, cut service or are considering
For more information on this topic please visit: either of those actions. Fifty nine percent of public transit systems reported that they have al‐
http://www.planetizen.com/node/43441 ready cut service or raised fares.
Service cuts that have been either implemented or will be considered for future action include:
reductions in rush hour service (56%), reductions in off‐peak service (62%), and reductions in
geographic coverage (40%).
For more information on this topic, please visit:
Page 4 http://www.apta.com/mediacenter/pressreleases/2010/Pages/100331_funding_crisis.aspx Page 5