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.
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 differ...
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...
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 cruci...
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 b...
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'...
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.
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: Business Co...
Wisconsin Department of Transportation Secretary Craig Thompson, serving as the 2024 American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) president, joins TDA Executive Director Debby Jackson on the On The Go podcast. Thompson talks about the department's work and accomplishments during his five years at WisDOT and the plans and priorities for the year ahead. They also discuss his priorities for AASHTO and what he has learned about the transportation challenges states face...
It's episode #50 of TDA's On The Go podcast! The microphone is turned in this special episode as Dan Deibert of Edge Messaging interviews TDA Executive Director Debby Jackson. Debby looks back to the first On The Go episode recorded in February 2019. She shares the original inspiration behind the podcast, recollects some of her favorite moments, and looks to future topics. On The Go continues to share incredible transportation stories across the state, thanks to supporters like you....
Patrick Vander Sanden, who assumed the role of executive director of the Wisconsin County Highway Association (WCHA) earlier this year, joins TDA Executive Director Debby Jackson on the latest On The Go podcast. Patrick explains the plans and priorities for his organization and shares some of what has surprised him since he assumed his new role. He also emphasizes that he looks to collaborate with other stakeholders to further transportation in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin's airports are integral to the state's economy and generate significant economic impact for the communities where they are located and the regions they serve. Two Wisconsin aviation experts join TDA Executive Director Debby Jackson on the latest On The Go podcast to talk about Wisconsin aviation, the Wisconsin Airport Management Association (WAMA), and the upcoming Wisconsin Aviation Conference. Listen in as Rachel Engeler, assistant airport director at Green Bay Austin Straubel Intern...
The recently signed 2023-25 state transportation budget includes some significant investments throughout the system. In this episode of the On The Go podcast, TDA Executive Director Debby Jackson talks with Steve Baas, executive director of the Wisconsin Transportation Builders Association, about what’s in the 2023-25 transportation budget and what’s next.
Last month, TDA held its Drive-in at the State Capitol in Madison. Approximately 75 TDA members, including representatives of business, industry, local government, transportation advocates and trade unions attended a morning seminar and then groups visited the Capitol to share legislative priorities with lawmakers and staff. In this episode of the podcast, TDA Executive Director Debby Jackson speaks with a few of the attendees who share their thoughts on the importance of the Drive-In, and the s...
Agriculture is big dollars and a key driver of Wisconsin's economy. It's no secret that the condition of the state's roads, bridges and culverts, and posted weight restrictions, impact whether the industry can safely and efficiently transport agricultural products to market. In this episode of the On The Go podcast, TDA Executive Director Debby Jackson talks with Jason Mugnaini, executive director of governmental relations at the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation, to discuss agriculture, transpor...
At the 2023 TDA Fly-in to Washington, DC, there was much focus on the discretionary grants in the federal infrastructure law and the need to bring a fair share of those dollars home to Wisconsin. In the latest On The Go podcast, TDA Executive Director Debby Jackson speaks with Rob Krejci, the highway commissioner for St. Croix County, about these funding opportunities from a county's perspective. Rob shares how a trio of Wisconsin counties — St. Croix, Dunn, and Eau Claire — partnered and succes...
Governor Tony Evers has submitted his 2023-25 State Budget. What’s in it? Why does it matter, and what’s next? TDA Executive Director Debby Jackson sits down with political communications consultant Brian Fraley, the President of Edge Messaging, to discuss items of interest to those concerned about Wisconsin’s transportation infrastructure. They also explain how individuals can make an impact on the budget process.
The Canadian Pacific (CP) Holiday Train returns with its approximately 170 free, in-person shows after being virtual in 2020 and 2021. The train will roll through Wisconsin from December 8th through the 10th. This holiday tradition dates back to 1999 and brings live, family-friendly music to large and small communities along the CP system. Each year, the Holiday Train raises money, food, and awareness to address the issue of food insecurity. CP makes a donation within each community where the Ho...
TDA was on the road in October holding a series of five regional transportation roundtables across the state. TDA and local partners hosted community leaders, legislators, and candidates in Eau Claire, Appleton, Richland Center, Pewaukee, and Wausau. Our goal was to reconnect and restart a conversation about transportation in Wisconsin after the pandemic. During our travels, we heard about regional accomplishments, opportunities, and challenges. In our latest On The Go Podcast, you will get a qu...
The Mississippi River plays a major role in transporting Wisconsin's agricultural products and is directly tied to the state's economy. An effort is underway to form a new, federally-recognized statistical port district, known as the Northern Grain Belt Port Statistical Area. Bob Gollnik, senior planner at the Mississippi River Regional Planning Commission, and Chris Smith, chief operating officer at Riverside Global Solutions, speak with TDA's Debby Jackson on the latest On The Go podcast about...
Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin was founded in 1983 to help increase the sale and consumption of Wisconsin milk and dairy products. Today, the farmer-owned, operated, and funded organization continues to support the state’s dairy farmers by establishing new markets, funding research, and showcasing dairy’s economic contribution to the state. Chad Vincent, CEO of Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, talks with TDA's Debby Jackson about the state's dairy industry in the latest On The Go podcast.
The annual Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin competition highlights the state's vibrant manufacturing industry, showcases amazing Wisconsin products, and celebrates the men and women who make it all happen. Nick Novak, Vice President of Communications & Marketing at Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce, talks with TDA's Debby Jackson about this annual contest, encouraging us all to get involved at madeinwi.com . Other topics covered in this fast-paced segment include the condition of Wiscons...
The ACE (Aviation Careers Education) Program is back this summer, connecting Milwaukee public high school students with airport employers to open doors for these young people to pursue aviation-related careers and learn job skills. Harold Mester, director of public affairs and marketing at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, speaks with TDA's Debby Jackson about this successful 30-year-old summer internship program.
Have you tried an e-scooter? In this episode of the On The Go podcast, Austin Marshburn, head of city and university partnerships at Bird, talks with TDA’s Debby Jackson about how e-scooters are becoming an important part of the transportation mix in cities, including almost a dozen in Wisconsin, who uses them, and how the system works.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recently released preliminary traffic fatality numbers showing the U.S. reached a 16-year high in 2021. In this episode of the On The Go podcast, Nicholas Jarmusz, AAA Director of Public Affairs for Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin, joins TDA’s Debby Jackson to discuss the upcoming summer travel season and what we can all do to make the roads safer for everyone.
TDA learns a lot by watching what is happening in other states. In this episode of the On The Go podcast, Margaret Donahoe, executive director of the Minnesota Transportation Alliance, joins TDA’s Debby Jackson to discuss all things Minnesota transportation.
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) is all the news. We hear about the funding for roads, bridges, public transportation, and the transition to electric vehicles. But what about investment in ports and waterways? Adam Tindall-Schlicht, director of Port Milwaukee and the Wisconsin Commercial Ports Association president, joins TDA’s Debby Jackson on the latest episode of the On The Go podcast to discuss Wisconsin ports and the opportunities provided by the recently passed infrastruct...
Every year in Wisconsin, people die needlessly on or around railroad tracks. Many of these accidents occur where there are warning devices alerting drivers and pedestrians to the presence of trains. Sept 20-26 is Rail Safety Week in Wisconsin and throughout North America. Gary Koerner, state coordinator of Operation Lifesaver, joins TDA Executive Director Debby Jackson on this episode of the On The Go podcast. The two discuss safety at railroad crossings, the dangers of trespassing on tracks, an...
Just about anywhere you go today, you will see help wanted signs. This labor shortage predates the pandemic, but the events of the last year (or so) certainly exacerbated the issue. Dave Steele, executive director of the Regional Transit Leadership Council, joins TDA's Debby Jackson on the latest episode of the On The Go podcast. The two discuss the Council's plan to help workers fill in the "last mile" between public transit and jobs in the Milwaukee area, expanding the pool of possible employe...
A significant part of the state’s economy, tourism was one of the hardest-hit sectors during the pandemic. But now, with the vaccine readily available, communities open for business, and pent-up travel demand, Wisconsinites are hitting the road this summer after more than a year of sticking close to home. In the latest episode of the TDA On The Go Podcast , Executive Director Debby Jackson speaks with Romy Snyder, president and CEO of the Wisconsin Dells Visitor and Convention Bureau, about the ...
