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Ellen Voie has contributed to 531 posts out of 3925 total posts
(13.53%) in 2,111 days (0.25 posts per day).
20 Most recent posts:
http://knowledgetoday.wharton.upenn.edu/2012/11/fast-cash-kabbage-fills-funding-gaps-for-small-businesses/
Kathryn Petralia is the co-founder and COO of Kabbage, an online company that provides cash advances from $500 to $50,000 to small businesses, such as online retailers, nail salons and restaurants. Since launching its platform two years ago, Kabbage has grown rapidly and provided more than $45 million to small businesses.
In September, the Atlanta-based company announced that it had raised $30 million in new financing, bringing the total capital raised by the firm to $56 million. This year, the company anticipates providing slightly more than $60 million to small businesses, and more than $200 million in 2013.
K@W Today sat down with Petralia last month at the Money 2020 Conference in Las Vegas, Nev.
An edited transcript of the conversation follows.
K@W Today: How does Kabbage work?
Kathryn Petralia: The whole process is automated. Small business owners come to our site and fill out an application for a cash advance. They also grant us access to their transaction information [from a variety of sources including] eBay, Yahoo, Amazon and Etsy, and also access to their UPS shipping data. Some authorize us to look at their Facebook and Twitter information, too. A lot of small businesses use social media channels as a free [customer relationship management] package to provide promotions and engage with customers. The data helps us make better decisions. Then we combine all of that information with information in their application and their credit report, and make an instant decision.
K@W Today: How “instant” are we talking here?
Petralia: On average, our customers make it through the process in about seven minutes — that’s seven minutes from the time they land on our site to the moment they have cash in their PayPal account.
K@W Today: How do you determine which businesses are a good bet?
Petralia: There are hundreds of different data points from every transaction, but mainly we are looking for throughput and velocity. We are looking at revenue information to determine how their business is performing now, and we are looking at historical data to see how they are trending over time.
K@W Today: What is the average loan size?
Petralia: It’s $10,000. The challenge that small businesses face is that they don’t need [a huge amount of] money. But getting a traditional bank loan is a cumbersome process. So small business owners are using their personal credit cards to run their businesses on a day-to-day basis, which messes up their credit scores. It’s really tough because with just a bit more cash flow, many of these businesses would be able grow by hiring a new employee, buying more inventory or increasing advertising.
K@W Today: Who are your customers?
Petralia: They’re people who sell stuff online on Amazon.com or eBay. They’re everyone from a person whose business is making $25,000 a year selling handmade jewelry to someone who’s making millions of dollars a year…. We have one customer who buys huge containers of returned products from companies and figures out ways to sell them online. [That customer] has grown his business from $150,000 a year to a couple million dollars a year. He has warehouses all over the country now. He had stuff in his garage when we first met him. A few months ago, we started to work with offline service providers, too, such as retailers, restaurants, dry cleaners and nail salons.
K@W Today: Have your other customers seen similar growth?
Petralia: Our customers grow on average 266% when you compare their revenues post-taking cash from Kabbage to pre-taking cash from Kabbage. That’s what happens when you give businesses cash: They grow.
K@W Today: What about those that fall short?
Petralia: Our delinquency rates are less than 6%. Customers have six months to pay the loans back. We want to make sure no one gets ahead of their skis: We try to make sure they don’t take more than they can reasonably use effectively. Too much capital is just as bad as too little if you deploy it the wrong way.
K@W Today: Is Kabbage looking to leverage the information it has about these small businesses?
Petralia: What we have now is a balance sheet business that’s giving working capital to small businesses. But what we’re really building here is a data warehouse that can allow us to do lots of things. We don’t foresee ourselves always providing the capital. We are doing it now because we have to prove that the dog likes the dog food.
K@W Today: It appears that the dog — in this case, the small business owner — likes the food. Now what?
Petralia: We’re not here to compete with Wells Fargo or Bank of America. We want to help them serve the customers they already have. We do this by helping identify the point at which a small business has a need for something — say, insurance because they moved to a new location or expanded their business. Or maybe it’s payroll because now they have another couple of employees, so they need payroll services.
K@W Today: This is your seventh startup. What’s your best advice for entrepreneurs?
Petralia: I’d always rather have a small piece of something big than a big piece of nothing. You hear people say that they don’t want to take in investment because they don’t want to give up any part of their company. But if your company needs money to grow, and it will help you generate more income, [then taking in investment is not a bad thing]. Being underfunded is the surest way to kill a company.
Ellen Voie
President/CEO
Member 10002-I
Women In Trucking, Inc.
http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/11/prweb10107359.htm
Best Ways to Help Hurricane Sandy Victims From the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster
Only now we are beginning to understand how Hurricane Sandy has devastated so many communities across the Northeastern United States. As the awareness of relief and recovery needs increases each day, it is evident that support from the American public will continue to be necessary for affected communities to find a path to recovery
ARLINGTON, VA (PRWEB) November 07, 2012
Only now we are beginning to understand how Hurricane Sandy has devastated so many communities across the Northeastern United States. As the awareness of relief and recovery needs increases each day, it is evident that support from the American public will continue to be necessary for affected communities to find a path to recovery.
“In the coming days, weeks, and months a coordinated effort by the American public, hurricane survivors, faith-based and community-based relief organization, private sector businesses and local, state and federal governments will be necessary to restore life in the region,” Daniel Stoecker, Executive Director of National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (National VOAD) said. “The best way you can help is to make a responsible donation to an organization active in disaster’s response and recovery activities or volunteer your time.”
Here are some of the ways individuals can support the ongoing response and recovery efforts, whether they live in one of the affected areas or across the country:
(1) Financial Contributions are Most Effective: This allows relief organizations to purchase exactly which items are needed to assist in the response and recovery efforts. It also helps the local economy recover. This also allows funds to be used for direct victim assistance.
(2) Confirm the Need Before Collecting or Sending Goods: Please only send donated goods to a reputable place that has made a request for donated goods, and only send what they are asking for. That way, you know your gift will reach someone in need. Otherwise, you may overwhelm relief organizations that do not have a way to distribute or warehouse donated goods. Keep in mind that a community hit by disaster often does not have the necessary resources to sort and disburse unsolicited donations. Piles of unsolicited goods also take up valuable space to house volunteers.
Many donors have been disappointed that their efforts, as well as the goods they collected were not appreciated. Seek out precise information and confirm the need before collecting any donated goods or used clothing. Donors should be wary of anyone who claims that “everything is needed.”
(3) Volunteer Wisely to Help Others: In a community struggling to recover from a disaster, an influx of unexpected or unneeded volunteers and donations can make the process even more difficult. The best way to volunteer, if you are not affiliated with an organization, is to visit AllForGood.org and Serve.gov for opportunities.
Please visit the National VOAD website http://www.nvoad.org/sandy to find additional tips on donating and information on volunteer opportunities.
###
National VOAD, or National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, is a national coordinating body for fifty-three (53) of the nations most respected community-based and faith-based disaster response organizations and 55 state and territorial affiliates, with hundreds of additional localized member organizations. National VOAD members focus on all stages of disaster: preparedness, relief, response, recovery, and mitigation. Working collaboratively with the private and governmental sectors, the members of National VOAD are the driving force behind disaster recovery in the United States
Ellen Voie
President/CEO
Member 10002-I
Women In Trucking, Inc.
---
Hi everyone!
My name is Michael Petrella, and I'm a casting director specializing in television and live event productions. I've worked on some pretty unbelievable projects in the past -- including Emmy-winning seasons of The Amazing Race and MTV's Made, as well as a pair of Super Bowls, the first season of Project Runway, and TLC's extraordinarily popular Extreme Couponing. I invite you to visit my website, www.michaelpetrella.com, for a full list of credits and experience.
Now, I'm working with an award-winning and prolific production company based in Los Angeles to cast and create a new documentary series that will explore the lives of female truck drivers. Topics that will be touched upon will include balancing home life and family with their life on the road, working in what continues to be a male-dominated industry, and the unique challenges that face drivers that are responsible for hauling millions of dollars worth of cargo all over the country. The production company has asked to remain anonymous at this time, but they are responsible for creating some of the most beloved and award-winning shows on television -- they're a big one, and they're committed to making this a responsible and well-crafted series.
Over the coming weeks, I'll be conducting interviews with perspective drivers. For the most part, these interviews will occur via Skype, so that no travel will be required and we can easily work around your schedule. Any female drivers interested in being considered are encouraged to get in touch with me as soon as they can. Likewise, if you'd like to recommend a driver, I'd love to hear about them. Please send an e-mail to casting@michaelpetrella.com with the following information and I will be in touch to set up a good time to chat. In general, I will need about ten or fifteen minutes of your time. Women of all ages, ethnicities, martial statuses, and sexual preferences are encouraged to be in touch. The only stipulation is that you live in one of the fifty states.
FULL NAME
AGE
LOCATION
CONTACT INFORMATION (Email, Phone, Skype handle)
SHORT DESCRIPTIONS (Family, Job History, Life)
PHOTOGRAPH
Ellen Voie
President/CEO
Member 10002-I
Women In Trucking, Inc.
Back to Search Results
Soroptimist International of the Americas: Women's Opportunity Awards
1709 Spruce Street
Philadelphia, PA
19103 -6103
Phone: 215-893-9000
Fax: 215-893-5200
Email: siahq@soroptimist.org
Url: http://www.soroptimist.org/
Primary Contact:
Ms. Lori Blair
Senior Director of Program Services
Email: lori@soroptimist.org
Geographic Scope:
National/International
Geographic Focus:
Women in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guam, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Taiwan, the U.S., and Venezuela are eligible to apply.
Type of Organization: Other Sources
Total Annual Giving: Not Available
Grant Details:
Awards of up to $10,000 are provided.
Eligibility Requirements:
Individuals
Application Deadlines:
Applications are accepted from July 1 through December 1, annually.
Areas of Interest:
The Women's Opportunity Awards, a project of Soroptimist International of the Americas, assists women entering or re-entering the workforce in obtaining the education and skills training they need to improve their employment status.
The Women's Opportunity Awards are designed to give women heads of household who provide the primary source of financial support for their families the opportunity to achieve their career goals and to pursue an opportunity they have not previously had, whether because of economic or social barriers, or personal circumstances.
Recipients may use the cash awards for any expenses related to their educational pursuits. These include tuition and books, housing, childcare, and transportation.
The program begins at the local level, where award amounts vary. Local winners then become eligible to receive region-level awards. Soroptimist clubs are located in 19 countries and territories throughout North, Central, and South America, and Asia, and are divided into 28 regions. Each region grants one $5,000 first-place award. Most regions grant additional $3,000 awards. The 28 first-place recipients then become eligible to receive one of three $10,000 finalist awards.
Eligible applicants must be female heads of household who are enrolled in or have been accepted to a vocational/skills training program or an undergraduate degree program. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, and cannot have already earned an undergraduate degree. Only residents of Soroptimist International of the Americas' 19 member countries and territories are eligible to apply
Application Procedures:
The application process begins at the local level. Application forms, available on the Soroptimist International website, must be mailed to the appropriate regional address.
Regional contact information is available on the Soroptimist website.
EIN: 23-2154856
Last Updated: 1/1/2012
Ellen Voie
President/CEO
Member 10002-I
Women In Trucking, Inc.
This email came from the US DOT:
The new legislation requires DOT to develop implementation guidelines. We want to make sure that interested stakeholders can stay informed of our progress. We will communicate relevant events and milestones in this important task through the MAP-21 list, and we encourage you to subscribe to the MAP-21 list.
For example, subscribers to the “MAP-21” list received this email:
We are pleased to announce the launch of two National On-Line Dialogues focused on MAP-21 Implementation. These virtual sessions provide stakeholders with an opportunity to provide insights about priorities and implementation strategies on these two issues and will be open from September 13 to 23, 2012.
National Online Dialogue on MAP-21 Transportation Performance Measures
Please join this important dialogue to discuss and provide suggestions on the establishment of performance measures and standards (standards include items such as metrics, data collection, data sources, etc.) for States, MPOs, and/or transit grantees to use to assess the performance and condition of their transportation systems.
National Online Dialogue on MAP-21 Freight Policy
We hope that you log on to this dialogue and offer your suggestions on possible measures for the conditions and performance of a freight system and what should be included in the development of guidance for state freight plans.
These Online Dialogues are free and open to all and will be accessible 24/7 so that you can easily log on from home. You will have the opportunity to submit, comment on and rate ideas interactively with colleagues from across the country, creating a national exchange of ideas, suggestions and strategies for implementing these specific aspects of MAP-21.
If these online dialogues or other opportunities to learn more about MAP-21 appeal to you, please sign-up for MAP-21 Updates from DOT to continue to receive notices about our implementation efforts. You may also feel free to join the dialogues listed above.
Ellen Voie
President/CEO
Member 10002-I
Women In Trucking, Inc.
The Hunts Point Clean Trucks Program offers rebates for the purchase of new trucks to truck owners/operators that operate within the food distribution facilities/local businesses in Hunts Point and Port Morris. It is our understanding that some of the members of the trucking association may qualify to participate in this rebate program. The rebate incentives offered through the Hunts Point Clean Trucks Program would provide a direct benefit to those members of the Association that meet the program’s eligibility criteria.
For more information about the Hunts Point Clean Trucks Program please visit our website:
www.huntspointctp.com
Ellen Voie
President/CEO
Member 10002-I
Women In Trucking, Inc.
The St. Christopher Fund to Accept Applications for the
TBS Factoring Service Trade School Scholarship
KNOXVILLE, TN— St. Christopher Truckers Development & Relief Fund Contact: Denise Pittenger, Director of Fundraising 423-596-8868 truckersfunddevelopment@gmail.com
The St. Christopher Truckers Development & Relief Fund (SCF) will begin accepting scholarship applications for the TBS Factoring Service Trade School Scholarship on October 1, 2012. The $10,000 scholarship will be awarded to a former professional truck driver who is no longer able to drive professionally due to medical problems. Applications can be downloaded at www.truckersfund.org
The SCF Board of Directors will oversee the scholarship and allocate the scholarship to the trade school of the chosen applicant’s choice upon confirmation of enrollment. Applications will be available online and accepted through November 15, 2012. The scholarship winner will be announced in early December.
This scholarship program was made possible by a $10,000 grant from TBS Factoring Service, LLC, of Oklahoma City, a family business providing flexible cash flow solutions to independent truckers.
Dr. Donna Kennedy, Executive Director of the SCF, stated “It is very admirable that someone who has been a driver all their life is willing to give it a go in another profession after a medical issue left them unable to drive a truck. We are excited to be able to broaden our mission of helping drivers in need by offering an opportunity to go to school to learn another trade.” The SCF was founded in late 2007 as a 501(c)(3), not-for-profit organization. The SCF’s mission is to provide assistance to professional truck drivers whose medical problems have led to financial hardship. The SCF also conducts health research to benefit professional drivers and the trucking industry. To date, the Fund has been able to provide over $275,000 in financial assistance to more than 590 drivers. Assistance has been in the form of direct payment for household expenses, prescriptions, and medical bills.
About TBS
The TBS family-ownership group has over 50 years experience serving independent truckers. TBS Factoring Service, LLC, a freight bill factoring company created in 2004, and based in Oklahoma City, is one of the nation’s leading providers of simple and flexible cash flow solutions for independent trucking companies. Founded in 1968 as Truckers Bookkeeping Service, the family-owned company provided permitting and fuel tax reporting services. In 1998, the company began offering truck insurance through TBS Insurance Agency.
For more information about the SCF or to make a donation, visit www.truckersfund.org, send a letter to P.O. Box 30763, Knoxville, TN 37930, call 865-202-9428, or send an email to truckersfund@gmail.com. For more information about TBS Factoring Service, visit their website at www.tbsfactoring.com or call 800-207-7661.
###
Ellen Voie
President/CEO
Member 10002-I
Women In Trucking, Inc.
Currently casting for Truckers in the Tampa/Orlando Florida area for a new show about an independent trucking company. They're looking for people under the age of 35 to join the company and be a part of a television series for a major cable network.
Are you an out of work driver looking to get back on the road?
Are you an established driver who considers yourself the best of the best?
Have you always wanted to be a truck driver but never taken the steps to make it happen?
They want to hear your stories!
To apply, please send an email telling them why you'd be great for the show and include your work experience, licenses & certifications, employment status and recent photo. A producer will be in touch to discuss the details of the show and next steps for the casting process.
Email: FloridaRealityCasting@gmail.com
Ellen Voie
President/CEO
Member 10002-I
Women In Trucking, Inc.
US Department of Labor announces $1.8 million in grants to support women in nontraditional occupations
WASHINGTON — Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis today announced awards of $1.8 million in grants to consortia in six states through the Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations program.
"Apprenticeship programs are effective pipelines into growing industries. But too often, these programs are not as accessible to women. The federal grants announced today will better connect women with apprenticeships, helping them to gain skills in fields that offer long-term career opportunities," said Secretary Solis.
The grants will support innovative projects that improve the recruitment, hiring, training, employment and retention of women in apprenticeships in industries such as advanced manufacturing, transportation and construction. Within these industries, the grants will fund activities focused on three occupational areas: existing occupations expected to experience primarily an increase in employment demand, existing occupations with significant changes to work and worker requirements, and new and emerging green occupations.
The six grantees are community-based organizations, each of which has formed a consortium with a local Workforce Investment Area and at least one Registered Apprenticeship program sponsor. This consortium-based approach is intended to ensure that women served by WANTO grants have access to a range of supportive services and training, as well as to specific nontraditional employment opportunities.
Each grantee will be required to place at least 50 participants annually and at least 100 participants over the life of the two-year grant into a Registered Apprenticeship program.
The grants are jointly administered by the Labor Department's Women's Bureau and its Employment and Training Administration's Office of Apprenticeship. For information about the department's range of employment and training programs, visit http://www.doleta.gov.
Editor's note: A list of grantees, their locations and award amounts follows this news release.
Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations Grants
Grantee
City
State
Funding Amount
Action for Boston Community Development Inc.
Boston
Mass.
$300,000
Chicago Women in Trades
Chicago
Ill.
$300,000
Goodwill of North Georgia Inc.
Atlanta
Ga.
$300,000
Oregon Tradeswomen Inc.
Portland
Ore.
$300,000
West Virginia Women Work
Morgantown
W.Va.
$300,000
Women In Non Traditional Employment Roles
Los Angeles
Calif.
$300,000
Total
$1,800,000
Ellen Voie
President/CEO
Member 10002-I
Women In Trucking, Inc.
Diesel Idle Reduction Interested Parties-
Please see the announcement below for a new funding opportunity. Please feel free to forward this message to anyone you think may be interested in this program:
NCTCOG 2012 Clean Diesel Call for Projects
The North Central Texas Council of Governments plans to submit a grant application to EPA for the National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program on behalf of the region. Both private and public sector entities who operate in the DFW ozone nonattainment area are invited to take part in this proposal by submitting a grant application to NCTCOG through the 2012 Clean Diesel Call for Projects. Eligible projects include a variety of activities including on-road and non-road replacement, repower, retrofit, and upgrade activities. All projects must result in NOx emissions reductions. Funding thresholds will be between 25 and 100 percent depending on the project type. The application deadline is Friday, May 18, 2012, at 5 p.m. Central Time.
For a copy of the application or for more information, visit www.nctcog.org/AQfunding or email AQgrants@nctcog.org.
Thank you,
Roxann Nayar
Transportation Planner
North Central Texas Council of Governments
817-608-2378
Ellen Voie
President/CEO
Member 10002-I
Women In Trucking, Inc.
Miami, FL (May 2, 2012) – TheManInWhite.ORG (TMIW) is pleased to inform professional trucker drivers that (for the next thirty days) they can download a free audio book on health specifically designed for truckers. Titled Truckers’ Road to Health, it is the first in a series audiobook on health care targeting professional truck drivers. This audio format is an ideal resource for professional truck drivers, who can learn about their health as they drive. Topics include lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, nutrition, obesity and sleep apnea.
Truckers’ Road to Health was authored by medical specialists, edited into laymen’s terms, and narrated by professional voice talent. Other contributors include Joe Martin, CEO of Truckercise.net, and Matthew S. Thiese, PhD, MSPH, University of Utah School of Medicine, Instructor of Occupational Injury Epidemiology - with special research Interests in Physical Activity in Occupational Populations and Commercial Driver Health.
Of Audible’s 30-day free audiobook offer, Scott Weidner, CEO of Transport for Christ, said, “What better way to learn about one’s health? We are very fortunate to be partnered with TMIW in an effort to improve the wellness of individual drivers and the industry as a whole.”
“Understanding how to take control of your health is crucial, especially for the trucking industry which is experiencing increased regulation pertaining to driver fitness. This audiobook should be mandatory for every driver, male or female.” said Ellen Voie, CEO of Women in Trucking, whose input resulted in the inclusion of several key topics on womens’ health in the audiobook.
According to the American Trucking Association, there are approximately 4.2 Million professional Truck Drivers, and approximately 1.7 Million operate “big rigs” for long hauls. Audiobooks provide a solution for millions of busy people who struggle to find enough time to read, including the 105 Million Americans who drive to work alone every day.
Truckers wishing to take advantage of Audible’s offer will be able to try a 30-day free trial for the Gold plan. Although the credit can be used on any listed title in Audible.com’s catalog, it is hoped that truckers will apply the credit towards the audiobook of “Truckers’ Road to Health.” Trial (new) membership is subject to Audible.com’s general trial terms. Audible’s 30-day free trial for new members is available at TheManInWhite.ORG and Audible.com/truckerhealth, and will be available for truckers to try anytime over the next six months. “This is a great opportunity for drivers to get an excellent tool to improve their health for free,” said Dr. Matthew S. Thiese, PhD, MSPH. “This is a wonderful audiobook on truckers’ health,” said Joe Martin, adding, “Get it now.”
“The usual price is $23.85, so there is absolutely no excuse not to take advantage of this free book offer”, said Efrain Arroyave, MD, CEO for TMIW.
TheManInWhite.ORG produces health care information on truckers’ health issues. Upcoming topics for audio books on truckers’ health include: sleep apnea, nutrition and diabetes and stress management.
###################
Contact: Jack James, Director
Media Relations
DevelopMED, LLC
444 Brickell Ave., Suite 811
Miami, FL 33131
info@developmed.net
305.579.4735
Ellen Voie
President/CEO
Member 10002-I
Women In Trucking, Inc.
PRODUCER LOOKING FOR TRUCK DRIVERS WITH TALENT FOR NEW TV SHOW!
Celebrity John Ratzenberger is on a search fueled by Petro Stopping Centers and TravelCenters of America for TRUCK DRIVERS with TALENT for a new TV talent show on a major cable network!
If you're a trucker and you think you have an amazing talent to show off to the world we want to hear from you!
COMEDIANS
MUSICIANS
SINGERS
DANCERS
RAPPERS
IMPERSONATORS
VENTRILOQUISTS
MAGICIANS
ACROBATS
JUGGLERS
…ANYTHING that you can perform on a stage!
Don't be shy with your talent — we're considering every possible talent you can imagine!
If you’re a trucker with talent that can impress celebrity judges and an audience, send an email to:
talentedtruckers@gmail.com
Please include the following information:
Your name
Your home base
Your talent
How long you’ve been a truck driver
A brief description of who you are and how you discovered your unique talent
A recent picture of yourself
Contact phone number
The taping will be in Southern California in April 2012. The deadline to apply is 3/30/12, but do not wait!
Ellen Voie
President/CEO
Member 10002-I
Women In Trucking, Inc.
U.S. Transportation Secretary LaHood Recommends $2.2 Billion to Strengthen Backbone of America’s Transportation Network
Funding for 29 Capital Transit Projects
Will Create Jobs, Opportunities Across America
WASHINGTON - U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today recommended $2.2 billion in funding to begin or advance construction of 29 significant rail and bus rapid transit projects in 15 states.
The projects, included in President Obama’s proposed Fiscal Year 2013 budget, will put thousands of Americans to work building the vital infrastructure the nation needs to improve access to jobs while reducing U.S. dependence on oil and spurring new economic development.
“President Obama called on us to rebuild America by putting people back to work on transportation projects that are built to last,” said Secretary LaHood. “The budget proposal released yesterday demonstrates our commitment to put people back to work to build the infrastructure we need that will improve our transit systems, highways, railways and airports well into the future. At this make-or-break moment for the middle class, we can afford to do no less.”
President Obama’s proposed budget recommends investing $243.7 million for seven new transit construction projects, including rail and bus rapid transit projects in California, Florida, North Carolina, Oregon, Texas, and Washington State. An additional 10 projects that were recommended for funding in previous years, but have not yet received federal commitments, will receive $769.5 million in this year’s budget.
“President Obama is committed to building an America that works for all of us, and these projects will ensure that hard-working families have real transportation choices,” said Federal Transit Administrator Peter Rogoff. “They represent truly transformational investments that will provide the public with new and reliable ways to get to work, school, and medical appointments while easing congestion on many of our highways.”
In addition to the transit construction projects that have not yet been funded, the proposed budget provides nearly $1.2 billion for the continued funding of 12 rail and bus rapid transit projects already under construction in Dallas, Denver, Hartford, Houston, Minneapolis-St. Paul, New York City, Northern Virginia, Orlando, Salt Lake City, and Seattle.
The New Starts and Small Starts capital investment program is one of the largest discretionary grant programs in the federal government. Proposed projects, such as rapid rail, light rail, commuter rail, bus rapid transit, and ferries, are evaluated and rated on a number of measures at several steps in the process as they seek FTA approval for a federal funding commitment to finance project construction.
Secretary LaHood and FTA Administrator Peter Rogoff recently proposed changes to the New Starts/Small Starts program to reduce red tape in order to allow approved projects to begin construction sooner and help FTA focus more on local needs, such as economic development, community revitalization, and responding to historically underserved populations.
Examples of some of the projects in the President’s proposed FY 2013 budget include:
· Charlotte, North Carolina, LYNX Blue Line Extension (Northeast Corridor): The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) proposed the construction of a new light rail transit line that would extend from Uptown Charlotte, the region’s central business district, northeast to the US 29 interchange and the University of North Carolina – Charlotte campus. Commuters along the I-85/US 29 corridor have suffered through increasing congestion that population increases and economic development are expected to only make worse. The LRT will be 9.3 miles and serve 11 new stations. The FTA plans to fund 50 percent of the total $1.07 billion project cost, or $534.6 million.
· Jacksonville, Florida, Southeast Corridor and North Corridor Bus Rapid Transit (BRT): The FTA recommended funding for two BRT projects in Jacksonville that will combine for 20 miles of new rapid transit routes and 21 new stations. The Southeast Corridor will receive its first recommendation for funding in the President’s budget and the FTA will continue to support development of the North Corridor. The two corridors will serve a highly transit-dependent population along extremely congested parts of the Jacksonville area. The total cost of the two projects is more than $57 million, of which FTA will cover nearly $47 million, or 80 percent of the two projects.
· Grand Rapids, Michigan, Silver Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT): The Interurban Transit Partnership proposed to implement a BRT line along Division Avenue from the Grand Rapids central business district to 60th Street/Division Avenue. The FTA will invest 80 percent of the total $35.3 million project cost, or $28.2 million. The project is expected to offer commuters a true alternative to the highly congested US 13. The BRT will include real-time passenger information at stations, traffic signal priority, off-board fare collection, and the purchase of 10 low-floor, hybrid-fueled buses.
All the recommendations are part of the FTA’s Annual Report on Funding Recommendations for Fiscal Year 2013, available online here. Individual detailed project descriptions are available here.
# # #
Ellen Voie
President/CEO
Member 10002-I
Women In Trucking, Inc.
A TV producer is seeking women for a new television series about the lives of women in trucking.
They are focusing on the American experience of women throughout the country who live a life on the road. This series is about the day to day struggles of trucking, being away from family and friends for weeks at a time, the odd and surprising experiences on the road, and, a little bit of home life.
Do you travel with the whole family on the road? They are looking to get a true feel for and share the lives of strong women who live in the rough life of the modern trucker.
If you're interested in being a part of this project, please send a brief introduction telling them who you are, how long you've been trucking, a bit about your home life and some bizarre things that have happened to you on the road and why they should cast you on the show.
Please send a few pictures and your introduction to Chris.Ceccarelli@megww.com
Ellen Voie
President/CEO
Member 10002-I
Women In Trucking, Inc.
The Women In Trucking board of directors wants your input. In a recent strategic planning session the board of directors formed four committees to better understand the needs of our members. The committees are; Communication and Image, Education, Events and Recognition, and Membership.
The committees will be setting a meeting schedule and determine their charter before setting goals (long and short term). These goals will then be shared with the full board for consideration and approval. If needed, a budget will be provided once the metrics to determine the progress of the group is established.
Each committee will include two or more directors, but our objective is to include members in these discussions. If you are interested in serving on a committee, please send an email to ellen@womenintrucking.org and tell us which committee you would like to be on and provide a brief introduction to yourself. I will forward these to the appropriate committee for their consideration.
If you are looking for a way to become more involved in Women In Trucking Association, this is your chance. Volunteer to serve on a committee now! We look forward to your
Ellen Voie
President/CEO
Member 10002-I
Women In Trucking, Inc.
Bonding Education Program Kicks-Off 2012 Series in Chicago
Last week in Chicago, the US Department of Transportation’s Bonding Education Program (BEP) began its 2012 schedule. This event marked the further expansion of the program and the start of a full slate of sites for the new year. The BEP, a partnership between the Surety and Fidelity Association of America and DOT’s Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU), is designed to help small businesses become bond-ready and better able to compete for transportation contracts.
BEP participants look on during the Construction Accounting workshop
"We are excited to continue the expansion of the Bonding Education Program to the great city of Chicago. The Department is committed to providing the necessary resources and opportunities for small businesses throughout the country,” remarked OSDBU Director Brandon Neal.
The BEP consists of an educational workshop component and a bond readiness component. The educational workshops include a curriculum designed to help small businesses improve their operations in order to become bonded or to increase their bonding capacity. The bond readiness component consists of one-on-one meetings with local surety representatives to assemble materials necessary to complete the bond process.
The beginning of the session in Chicago marks the program coming full circle. In April 2010, during Chicago Small Business Day with Congressman Bobby Rush, Secretary LaHood announced the beginning of the BEP at Chicago Transit Authority headquarters. During that event, Secretary LaHood remarked,
“President Obama, Vice President Biden and I want to ensure that as the economy recovers, small businesses have every opportunity to compete successfully for contracts in the transportation and construction industries.”
Jim Sulkowski, representing the National Association of Surety Bond Producers, explains the bonding process to BEP participants during orientation.
Ten cities completed the BEP in 2011. In addition to Chicago, the program will expand this year to Columbia (SC), Kansas City, Birmingham, Montgomery, Louisville, Oakland, Salt Lake City, Oklahoma City, Albany (NY), Philadelphia, Denver, Portland, and Norfolk.
For more information, please visit http://osdbu.dot.gov/bap/bep_main.cfm
Ellen Voie
President/CEO
Member 10002-I
Women In Trucking, Inc.
Governor Walker Announces 2012 Trailblazer Awards for Women in Business
14 Woman-Owned Companies Selected from
Across Wisconsin to Receive Awards
Madison- Governor Scott Walker, Lt. Governor Rebecca Kleefisch and the Wisconsin Women's Council are pleased to announce the recipients of the 2012 Governor's Trailblazer Awards for Women in Business, recognizing women pioneers in the business community.
"Private sector businesses are key to our state's job creation strategies," said Governor Scott Walker. "We are fortunate to have many women who have started a business and now employ their fellow Wisconsinites. I hope that these Trailblazers can serve as role models to other women who are considering opening a business and creating jobs."
"Women business owners and entrepreneurs are a driving force in moving our state's economy forward, " said Lt. Governor Rebecca Kleefisch. "We are grateful for their contributions to job growth in Wisconsin."
Trailblazer Awards are given to businesses statewide to recognize the legacy of women's business ownership in Wisconsin. Categories including family-owned businesses that are currently majority woman-owned and have been in operation for three generations or more, and businesses with sole or majority ownership by a woman, or series of women, for 25 years or more.
"The value of these winners is not just in the past accomplishments we celebrate today- it is also in the women their trailblazing example will inform and inspire in the future to follow their own entrepreneurial passions and dreams," said Mary Jo Baas, Chair, Wisconsin Women's Council.
For more information about the Trailblazer Award program, visit the Women's Council web site at http://womenscouncil.wi.gov.
Ellen Voie
President/CEO
Member 10002-I
Women In Trucking, Inc.
RITA 01-12
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Contact: Nancy Wilochka
Tel: (202) 366-5128
U.S. Transportation Secretary LaHood Announces $77 Million in Transportation Research and Education Grants
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced today $77 million in grants to 22 University Transportation Centers (UTCs) to advance research and education programs that address critical transportation challenges facing our nation. The UTCs, which are located throughout the United States, conduct research that directly supports the priorities of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), and the participating universities are a critical part of our national transportation strategy.
“Transportation matters in everyone’s daily life. These research centers will help us solve the transportation challenges we face today and those that we know lay ahead of us,” said Secretary LaHood.
DOT’s Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA), which administers the UTC program, used a competitive selection process to select ten University Transportation Centers (UTCs), two Transit-Focused UTCs, and ten Regional UTCs. The centers will advance U.S. transportation technology and expertise in research, education, and technology transfer. Each one of the selected UTCs will receive a $3.5 million grant which they must match with funds from non-federal sources. The 22 UTCs selected are all consortia, involving a total of 121 different universities.
“We are excited about the proposals these consortia put forward. They have the potential to advance basic and applied transportation research today and ensure a robust pipeline of professionals for the transportation workforce of tomorrow,” said RITA Acting Administrator Greg Winfree. “It is absolutely crucial that we continue to invest in research, which has the added benefit of attracting and developing the high level of professionals needed for innovation and expertise in transportation.”
UTCs work with regional, state and local transportation agencies to help find solutions to challenges that directly impact their communities and affect the efficiency of the nation’s transportation system. UTC projects are peer-reviewed and the results of their work are shared with the national transportation community to encourage greater progress through collaboration. The selected universities will research a wide range of transportation-related issues including shared rail corridors, innovations in multimodal freight and infrastructure, bridge inspection methods, and reducing roadway fatalities and injuries.
A list of grant recipients is available )http://utc.dot.gov/about/grant_recipients/html/2012_grant_recipients.html) Find out more about the UTC program.
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Ellen Voie
President/CEO
Member 10002-I
Women In Trucking, Inc.
WASHINGTON – U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced a final rule that employs the latest research in driver fatigue to make sure truck drivers can get the rest they need to operate safely when on the road. The new rule by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) revises the hours-of-service (HOS) safety requirements for commercial truck drivers.
“Trucking is a difficult job, and a big rig can be deadly when a driver is tired and overworked,” said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “This final rule will help prevent fatigue-related truck crashes and save lives. Truck drivers deserve a work environment that allows them to perform their jobs safely.”
As part of the HOS rulemaking process, FMCSA held six public listening sessions across the country and encouraged safety advocates, drivers, truck company owners, law enforcement and the public to share their input on HOS requirements. The listening sessions were live webcast on the FMCSA Web site, allowing a broad cross-section of individuals to participate in the development of this safety-critical rule.
“This final rule is the culmination of the most extensive and transparent public outreach effort in our agency’s history,” said FMCSA Administrator Anne S. Ferro. “With robust input from all areas of the trucking community, coupled with the latest scientific research, we carefully crafted a rule acknowledging that when truckers are rested, alert and focused on safety, it makes our roadways safer.”
FMCSA’s new HOS final rule reduces by 12 hours the maximum number of hours a truck driver can work within a week. Under the old rule, truck drivers could work on average up to 82 hours within a seven-day period. The new HOS final rule limits a driver’s work week to 70 hours.
In addition, truck drivers cannot drive after working eight hours without first taking a break of at least 30 minutes. Drivers can take the 30-minute break whenever they need rest during the eight-hour window.
The final rule retains the current 11-hour daily driving limit. FMCSA will continue to conduct data analysis and research to further examine any risks associated with the 11 hours of driving time.
The rule requires truck drivers who maximize their weekly work hours to take at least two nights’ rest when their 24-hour body clock demands sleep the most – from 1:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. This rest requirement is part of the rule’s “34-hour restart” provision that allows drivers to restart the clock on their work week by taking at least 34 consecutive hours off-duty. The final rule allows drivers to use the restart provision only once during a seven-day period
Companies and drivers that commit egregious violations of the rule could face the maximum penalties for each offense. Trucking companies that allow drivers to exceed the 11-hour driving limit by 3 or more hours could be fined $11,000 per offense, and the drivers themselves could face civil penalties of up to $2,750 for each offense.
Commercial truck drivers and companies must comply with the HOS final rule by July 1, 2013. The rule is being sent to the Federal Register today and is currently available on FMCSA's Web site at http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/HOSFinalRule.
http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/topics/hos-final/hos-final-rule.aspx
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Ellen Voie
President/CEO
Member 10002-I
Women In Trucking, Inc.
Edited by Ellen Voie on Dec 22, 2011 at 10:19 AM
Edited by Ellen Voie on Dec 22, 2011 at 11:13 AM
Doron Ofir Casting (Design Star, Military Wives, Jersey Shore, Nashville Star, Chefs vs. City, My Strange Addiction) has been given the opportunity to cast a new documentary television series entitled “Wonder Women” that will explore and celebrate the lives of outstanding women who are making a difference every day in some of the toughest occupational environments; from women who have the guts to dig deep and work as miners to the fearless women who work high atop urban skyscrapers. We are seeking a wide range of women who all share a passion for their jobs and make no bones about it. Whether knee deep in toxic sludge, dangling over a construction site, or part of the pit crew, these woman prove they have what it takes. It's a tough job, but some women love to do it. This show is a great opportunity to shine a light on the working environments shared by the members of your union, elevate awareness of all that they do, and showcase and venerate the women in your field as paragons of progress and social equality. It is our sincere hope that together we can offer the women of your union the opportunity to share a day in their life with a national audience and empower the audience to pursue employment in these extraordinary fields. We have set up an official casting website and digital application:www.wonderwomencasting.com. Please forward this casting opportunity to your members and their families. If you have any questions or would like to discuss this project further, feel free to contact me. Mike Hansen
Doron Ofir Casting Phone: (323) 580 - 6324
Email: mike@doronofircasting.com
www.doronofircasting.com
Ellen Voie
President/CEO
Member 10002-I
Women In Trucking, Inc.
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