Public transportation is a hot topic in Tampa Bay,
and a group of young professionals are getting in on the conversation.
TRANSITition Tampa Bay
was founded in November 2009 and began as a casual discussion between
Brett Milke, Brian Seel and a group of friends. They soon gained the
support of members of the
Tampa Bay Partnership
who were excited that "young folks were interested in the cause." In
addition to Milke and Seel, TRANSITion Tampa Bay formed with the help of
Kitty Riggs, Jason Pierce, Chrissie Sherman, Jess Johnson and Daniel
Bergin.
"The transportation issue is something that we can latch on to
and make a change for Tampa Bay," says Milke.
Milke
points out the diversity of the group's founding team and the varied
industries they represent is a strength: "Jason is a chemist, Kitty is a healthcare
adviser, Jeff works in real estate, Chrissie is a transportation planner
and Daniel is a civil engineer." Milke and Seel work in the
construction industry.
The mission of TRANSITion is to bring together
young professionals who want to see an innovative and integrated
transportation network in the Tampa Bay region. It also serves as a hub
organization that brings together the various young professionals groups
in the Bay region allowing them to meet and network together for a
common cause.
The group addresses four key areas: economic development, quality of life, smart growth, and safe and
reliable travel. Through an enhanced public transportation system, Tampa
Bay will be able to attract large corporations to the region for job
creation, encourage healthy, sustainable living by encouraging in-town
redevelopment that allows individuals to walk and/or bike for work and play,
and reduced traffic congestion.
TRANSITion Tampa Bay hosts
monthly networking events and their next one is tentatively scheduled
for August 14. They will also start Speakers Training in September. The plan is to
bring in community leaders and local professionals who are well-educated
on transportation issues to share information about its value to the
Tampa Bay region, transit-oriented development and next steps for
regional transportation improvements.
For more information about TRANSITion Tampa Bay click
here, or visit TRANSITion Tampa Bay on Facebook:
www.facebook.com/transitiontampabay.
Writer:
Nancy Vaughn
Source: Brette Milke, TRANSITion Tampa Bay
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