TDA On The Go 61: Fast-Tracking Aviation Careers with Dr. Chris Johnson
TDA: On The Go Podcast
Dr. Chris Johnson, a seasoned pilot and flight instructor, joins TDA Executive Director Debby Jackson on the latest On The Go podcast to discuss his role in the innovative Professional Aeronautics Certification (PAC) program at Madison College, developed in partnership with Wisconsin Aviation. The duo explores the creation of this accelerated aviation training program, designed to provide a fast-track pathway for aspiring commercial pilots and a wide range of aviation careers. Chris shares his lifelong passion for aviation, sparked at an early age, and draws on his over 20 years of...
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TDA On The Go 60: Thank You, Jim Griesbach
TDA: On The Go Podcast
Jim Griesbach, Marathon County Highway Commissioner, joins TDA Executive Director Debby Jackson on the latest On The Go podcast to discuss highlights from his distinguished three-decade career in transportation and the vital role of professional relationships in the industry. Throughout the conversation, Jim reflects on significant changes he's witnessed, including advances in winter highway maintenance technologies, and shares insights about major projects he's championed, such as the on-going work to relocate the county's highway department headquarters and shop facilities. He speaks...
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TDA On The Go 59 - The Governor's Budget: What's Next with Brian Fraley
TDA: On The Go Podcast
Governor Tony Evers has submitted his 2025-27 State Budget proposal. TDA Executive Director Debby Jackson sits down with strategic communications consultant Brian Fraley, the president of Edge Messaging, to discuss what’s in the proposal, why it matters, and what’s next. The two also discuss the significant impact individuals can have on the budget process.
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TDA On The Go 58 - Meet The New President (Jerry Deschane)
TDA: On The Go Podcast
A new year brings new opportunities. In this first episode of 2025, TDA Executive Director Debby Jackson speaks with Jerry Deschane. In addition to his role as the executive director of the League of Wisconsin Municipalities, Deschane is the current president of TDA. The two discuss the League’s legislative goals for this session, including the hope that the Governor and Legislature can build off last session’s bipartisan progress. They cover a wide range of topics, including the need for different transportation interests to work together to better the entire system, the...
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TDA On The Go 57 - Thank you, Craig Thompson
TDA: On The Go Podcast
Secretary Thompson joined the TDA On The Go Podcast as he wrapped up his time at the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. Thompson and TDA Executive Director Debby Jackson discussed his bittersweet thoughts on leaving WisDOT, the team's accomplishments, and what still needs to be tackled. The two also talked about Wisconsin's unique transportation community and how its uniqueness is a key to its success. Finally, Thompson explained why he is so excited about his new endeavor at the University of Madison.
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TDA On The Go 56 - Meet the President
TDA: On The Go Podcast
Jason Culotta, president of the Midwest Food Products Association and this year's TDA president, joins TDA Executive Director Debby Jackson on the latest On The Go podcast episode. A self-proclaimed "rail geek", Jason has a deep understanding of not only railroads but the entire transportation system. The podcast explores a wide range of topics, from intermodal discussions and how the logistics of freight containers work to the supply chain and the state budget. The pair also discusses the crucial need to continually educate legislators—and their staff—about transportation issues,...
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TDA On The Go 55 - It's Electric!
TDA: On The Go Podcast
Wisconsin is on the verge of strengthening and expanding its electric vehicle (EV) charging station network. On the latest On the Go podcast, Kaleb Vander Wiele, Transportation Electrification Project Manager at the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, talks with TDA Executive Director Debby Jackson about the exciting plans for Wisconsin's charging network. Thanks to the NEVI (National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure) Program, WisDOT has been allocated approximately $78M in federal funds to build out the network of Level 3 EV fast charging stations across the state....
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TDA On The Go 54 - Checking In At The Appleton Airport
TDA: On The Go Podcast
What a difference four years makes! In the latest On The Go episode, Debby Jackson speaks with Abe Weber, director of the Appleton International Airport (ATW). These two last chatted on the podcast in May 2020, in the early days of the pandemic when the future of air travel was uncertain. Over the past four years, Appleton International Airport has experienced a significant surge in passengers. Weber attributes the growth to pent-up demand, the return of business travelers, and airline partners' introduction of new routes at ATW. They also discuss the airport's expansion and the ATW team's...
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TDA On The Go 53 - New Maps, New Opportunities
TDA: On The Go Podcast
Brian Fraley, president of and owner of Edge Messaging, again joins TDA Executive Director Debby Jackson on the On The Go podcast. In this episode, Debby and Brian cover the timely topic of Wisconsin's new state legislative maps. The two chat about what we know and what we need to learn about the new maps and the potential opportunities for grassroots groups like TDA.
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TDA On The Go 52 - Riding The Rails
TDA: On The Go Podcast
Scott Rogers, the vice president of governmental affairs at the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce, joins TDA Executive Director Debby Jackson on the latest On The Go podcast to talk about passenger rail. Scott and Debby discuss the economic benefits of passenger rail for the region and the recently announced federal grants to study passenger rail in the state. Jackson also takes the opportunity to get tips for long-distance train trips from Rogers, a longtime train traveler. Notes: Email: (MoDOT) (HSR Alliance)
info_outlineScott Rogers, the vice president of governmental affairs at the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce, joins TDA Executive Director Debby Jackson on the latest On The Go podcast to talk about passenger rail.
Scott and Debby discuss the economic benefits of passenger rail for the region and the recently announced federal grants to study passenger rail in the state. Jackson also takes the opportunity to get tips for long-distance train trips from Rogers, a longtime train traveler.
Notes:
Business Coalition for Passenger Rail - List and sign on form
Email: [email protected]
Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce - 2024 Business Issues Agenda
30th Annual Chippewa Valley Rally
Economic Impact of Missouri's River Runner service (MoDOT)
Creating the new Normal: How trains transformed one Midwestern town (HSR Alliance)
WisDOT - Wisconsin Passenger Rail
FRA Corridor Identification and Development Program
West Central Wisconsin Rail Coalition