For more information on the 2012 Connect Georgia TSPLOST campaign, please visit their website.
Click HERE for a printable PDF of the 2012 Georgia Chamber Transportation Policy Statement.
Executive Director Selected for Georgia Transportation Alliance
Transportation Expert to Lead State Chamber Affiliate
The Georgia Chamber of Commerce announced today that transportation expert Doug Callaway has been selected to be the executive director of the Georgia Transportation Alliance, an affiliate organization created earlier this year to focus on long-term transportation strategy, beginning with the passage of the 2012 TSPLOST in the eleven districts outside of metro Atlanta.
“We are thrilled to have found someone with Doug’s depth of experience and understanding of transportation issues,” said Chris Clark, Georgia Chamber president and CEO. “I am confident that, working with our key stakeholders, he will effectively lead our efforts to build a statewide multi-modal transportation network and solidify our position as a global logistics hub – both of which will have a positive impact on Georgia’s economy.”
Callaway has served as president of Floridians for Better Transportation since 2003. Prior to that he was a transportation program manager with Carter & Burgess, a national engineering consulting and management firm based in Texas. He was the Federal Programs Coordinator for the Florida Department of Transportation and has additional experience in the United States Congress and with campaign management.
“I am excited about this new opportunity, especially at this time in Georgia’s transportation history,” added Callaway. “The state has a great network of existing transportation assets to build upon and the business community can play a significant role in informing and executing the right strategy for the future. Passing the TSPLOST in as many regions as possible next year will be an important first step.”
Callaway will begin his new position on November 1. The search for this position was managed by Christen Sindone of Hill & Co.
Leadership Team Chosen for Statewide TSPLOST Campaign
Organization Will Work Regionally to Ensure Passage in 2012
Citing the 2012 statewide TSPLOST referendum as one of the most important economic development opportunities in the state’s history, the Georgia Chamber and its affiliate, the Georgia Transportation Alliance, today announced the selection of its statewide campaign leadership team. This team will work with individual regions across the state, in concert with efforts in metro Atlanta, to educate voters and pass the referendum next year.
“As we travel throughout the state, talking to Georgians about what is needed to spur economic investment and job creation, transportation projects are always at the top of the list,” said Georgia Chamber president and CEO Chris Clark. “Georgians understand that a quality multi-modal transportation network that connects communities and facilitates trade is critical to our recovery and our future. With that in mind, we were determined to put together the best possible campaign team. Each of the individuals selected realizes just how important this effort is for our state.”
The bi-partisan team includes a number of well-known, successful campaign strategists with statewide experience in a variety of campaigns, including referenda:
In addition to the team of strategists, a partnership of nationally recognized polling and research experts was also announced including:
“While we realize that no one ever wants their taxes to rise, the fact is that there are no other sources of funding available to meet the state’s transportation needs,” continued Clark. “Our plan between now and the election is to help Georgians understand how this additional investment in transportation will benefit their community.”
“Our team understands the challenge we are taking on,” added Heath Garrett. “But we agree that this is one of the most important elections on the ballot next year and have faith that the electorate will ultimately decide to vote in favor of new jobs and a better economic future.”
Georgia Chamber Announces Creation of Transportation Affiliate
New Entity to Focus on Tie to Economic Development
The Georgia Chamber of Commerce announced today the creation of a new transportation-focused affiliate, the Georgia Transportation Alliance.
“A quality, comprehensive transportation infrastructure is critical to Georgia’s current and future economic development,” said president and CEO Chris Clark. “This affiliate will allow us to bring key stakeholders together to focus on how we build and maintain a multi-modal network that moves both people and freight safely and efficiently. Our state has the opportunity to solidify its position as a transportation and logistics hub not only for the Southeast, but the entire nation. We cannot achieve that goal without proper planning, funding and commitment from the business community and our elected leaders.”
The Alliance will focus on transportation planning as it relates to economic development throughout the state. One of the first challenges for the new affiliate will be to work with leaders in each of Georgia’s 12 economic development regions to pass the one-cent TSPLOST on the ballot next year.
Long-term, the Alliance will work to, among other things, expand Georgia’s growing logistics industry, strengthen the state’s ports and regional airport system, mitigate congestion in the state’s metropolitan areas, identify needed improvements for rail and highway networks, improve connectivity for rural communities, and support efforts to build and maintain quality, multi-modal transportation networks.
“We know that transportation is one of the key factors considered when companies are making location decisions. The Alliance will help make sure that we have the infrastructure necessary to attract and retain jobs and grow our economy,” added Clark.
An executive director will be hired to manage the Alliance later this spring.
Click HERE for more information on the 2012 TSPLOST campaign
For more information contact Doug Callaway at dcallaway@gatransportation.org
Georgia Transportation Alliance, Inc. operates as a 501(c)(4) nonprofit corporation. Contributions to Georgia Transportation Alliance, Inc. are not tax deductible.
