ATSSA Signal Nov/Dec 2018

American Traffic Safety Services Association 10 Meetings & Conventions ATSSA’s 2018 Midyear Meeting was a record-breaking success, bringingmore than 300 members and industry profes- sionals from across the United States together in Williamsburg, Virginia to dis- cuss the future of the roadway safety industry. Held at the Williamsburg Lodge, mem- bers heard from ATSSA’s Chair Juan Arvizu, Virginia Department of Trans- portation (VDOT) Commissioner Stephen Brich, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials’ (AASHTO) Director of Engineering and Technical Services King Gee, indepen- dent consultant Brian Roberts, and VDOT Work Zone Safety Program Manager David Rush at the meeting’s Opening General Session (OGS). ATSSA President and CEO Roger Wentz also spoke with members about customs and trademark infringement. “We’re all here to march toward the fu- ture as leaders in the industry, advanc- ing roadway safety through our com- mittee work,” said Arvizu. During the OGS, outgoing committee members were recognized for their ser- vice and presented plaques by Greg Driskell. Additionally, Kathi Holst and David Villani were recognized as outgo- ing committee chairs, for their leader- ship and service on the Safety and Public Awareness Committee and Manufactur- ers and Suppliers Committee. Members of the Automotive Safety Coun- cil (ASC) met with ATSSA members, pub- lic agency officials, and industry stake- holders for an ASC Roundtable to discuss the future of connected automated ve- hicles (CAVs). During the roundtable it was discussed how automotive manu- facturers, ATSSA member companies, and transportation professionals can work together in developing technology that makes roadways safer as CAVs be- come more prevalent. ATSSA’s Vice President of Member Ser- vices Donna Clark led a Signals Open Forum during Midyear to discuss the possibility of opening up ATSSA mem- bership to traffic signal manufacturers and installers. That discussion will be continued at ATSSA’s 49th Annual Con- vention & Traffic Expo. “The conversation during the Signals Open Forum was a positive starting point for this ongoing discussion about opening up ATSSA membership to traf- fic signal manufacturers and contractors. ATSSA looks forward to continuing this conversation,” said Clark. Those inter- ested in the forum are asked to reach out to Clark at donna.clark@atssa.com to be added to the event mailing list. There is another Signals Open Forum scheduled for ATSSA’s 49th Annual Con- vention & Traffic Expo in Tampa, Florida on Monday, Feb. 11 from 9:15–11:30 a.m. See expo.atssa.com/concurrentsessions. html for more information. In addition to special events, ATSSA members met for several council and committeemeetings, including the Chap- ter Presidents’ Council, the Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) Council, High Friction Surface Treatment Council, In- novation Council, Guardrail Committee, Pavement Marketing Committee, Safety and Public Awareness Committee, Sign Committee, Temporary Traffic Control Committee, Government Relations Com- mittee, Member Engagement Commit- tee, PAC Oversight Committee, and the Operating Committee. The first annual Twisted Bowling Tour- nament to raise funds for The Founda- tion was hosted by the Virginia and Ches- apeake ATSSA chapters. The event, held at Williamsburg Lanes, had 113 bowlers and raised over $2,500. The proceeds will be used to support The Foundation’s programs. The event’s mascot Membo, a life-sized bowling pin, also made an appearance at the event and was spon- sored by J-Tech. According to ATSSA Di- rector of Member Engagement Rita Rose, the goal is to have ATSSA chapters host the bowling tournament each year in the location where the Midyear Meeting is held. “Midyear offers ATSSA members an im- portant opportunity to discuss what they’re seeing in the industry and work together on issues that impact the fu- ture of roadway safety. Several excellent conversations were started in Williams- burg and will be continued at ATSSA’s Annual Convention & Traffic Expo in 2019,” said Wentz. Marching toward the future ATSSA leaders come together to plot a course for the future We’re all here tomarch toward the future as leaders in the industry, advancing roadway safety through our committeework.