TLA

Another Chicago Regional Conference is in the books. If you were there, you know what a fantastic job Rob Reeb and Laura Gordon did as Co-Chairs. Along with Bill Taylor at the helm for Thursday’s Boot Camp, this year’s conference was a rousing success. With over 240 members visiting freezing Chicago in January, the Regional came close to an all-time record. Congratulations to Rob, Laura and Bill, their moderators and speakers, along with President Kelly for a tremendous conference. The educational program was superb, something for everyone. On top of all else, it was great to see some new faces on the main stage.

It has been said before, our strength is our membership. We are fortunate to have some of the most knowledgeable people in the industry share their time and experience at our conferences. However, our value lies not only with the grizzled veterans but also comes from the energy and vitality of our newer members. If you want to be more involved there are any number of ways to jump in. If there is a topic you want to see presented, feel free to champion that cause. Chances are you will find yourself on the program, microphone in hand. If speaking is not your passion, write an article for The Transportation Lawyer. If you are not already a member of a committee, consider joining. Our committees give you the opportunity to exchange ideas with those whose practice is most similar to your own, not to mention the networking benefits they provide.

I thought Chicago in January was the coldest place on earth. Wrong again. Shout out to my friends up north. I just returned from a balmy four days in Quebec celebrating their Winter Carnival. Temperatures of 25 below zero, Fahrenheit, and wind gusts up to 40 mph did not dampen the spirts of the Québécois. A few libations mixed with rabbit wings and deer tartare, and I was ready to brave the cold. While I did not venture up the ice climbing wall, I was able to manage a few maple whiskeys in a legitimate shot glass made of ice. If you have the chance, looking out at the frozen St. Lawrence River from a bundled perch is worth the trip.

By the time you read this, winter will be but a memory. While I love the winter, I know not everyone shares this view. For those of you who could do without the snow, cold and ice, I offer these thoughts from Anne Bradstreet, “If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant.” Thoughts of a pleasant spring lead me directly to The TLA Annual Conference & CTLA Midyear Meeting in San Diego’s Paradise Point. By the time this TTL hits your inbox, we will be mere weeks away. Co-Chairs, Kristen Johnson and Stevan Baxter, have assembled a not to be missed, superhero-worthy, collection of presenters and topics for this year’s conference. Their Comic-Con themed program will undoubtedly educate and entertain all who venture forth. While not being updated on the Justice League’s interpretations of cutting-edge transportation-related issues, Paradise Point offers its guests countless opportunities for down-time diversion. I hope to see you all sunny California.

Until then, please allow me to bring you up to date on the financials of the TLA. As of December 2022 the Association had assets of $648,767, of which $432,341 was in SunTrust Checking, $28,942 was in a money market account with BB&T, $25,747 in a SunTrust money market account, $72,931 in a CD with the Bank of the Midwest and $51,481 in a CD with Piedmont. The above figures include restricted assets of $135,967. The Association had actual revenue in the amount of $324,847, representing 45% of our budgeted revenue. The Association is operating at $87,415 revenue over expenses at present. There is deferred income of $81,981.