Fall Business MeetingOn October 19th and 20th MTA members gathered for their Fall Business Meeting. One topic of discussion was the Spring Conference which will be held April 12th through 14th in Bozeman. We've booked the Holiday Inn—Bozeman. The members felt it would be good to focus on Reauthorization and the new programs or requirements created by the bill. Time will be scheduled to discuss legislative goals for the 2007 legislative session. We're in the process of hiring a national speaker to conduct the keynote address and developing workshops. We'll also invite representatives from CTAA, APTA, FTA and Legislative Aides from our congressional representative's offices. Another topic of discussion was the Statewide Bus Roadeo which will be held in Great Falls on June 17th at the Fairgrounds. We have booked the LaQuinta Inn & Suites for lodging accommodations. Members also discussed the next Fall Business Meeting which is tentatively scheduled to be held in Helena, October 10th and 11th. Members present were joined by Sandy Straehl, Dick Turner and Pat Saindon from MDT who informed members about what information is known about reauthorization and new requirements and funding levels. Discussions were also held on developing match funding sources and strategies in regards to the 5311 program. Cara Piccono, Payne Financial Group, spoke to attendees about the insurance pool that we are researching. On Wednesday after the meeting adjourned Great Falls Transit shuttled attendees to an evening of networking, bowling and pizza sponsored by Payne Financial Group. |
