TDA: On The Go Podcast

In the latest On the Go podcast, TDA Executive Director Debby Jackson interviews Jackie Q. Carter, Port Milwaukee's director, about the port's critical role in regional commerce and its booming tourism sector. She highlights efforts to enhance cruise ship experiences to boost Milwaukee's tourism appeal and outlines workforce development initiatives to attract maritime professionals. As Carter transitions to her new role as director of Milwaukee's Department of Employee Relations, she reflects on her achievements and the strong foundation she leaves for the port's future growth.

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 experience as a pilot, flight instructor, engineer, and professor. He explains how this expertise informs his mission to create accessible, career-focused programs that cater to recent high school graduates and those seeking a second career. Highlighting the global pilot shortage, Chris emphasizes the urgent need for skilled aviation professionals and outlines how the PAC program addresses this demand. He also offers valuable insights into what prospective students can expect from the program and the rewarding opportunities awaiting them in the aviation industry. Find out more about the PAC program: https://www.wisconsinaviation.com/flight-school-rentals/professional-aeronautics-certificate

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 passionately about his commitment to highway worker safety and his efforts to advance related legislation over the years. Jim emphasizes how crucial connections and relationships are within the transportation sector for sharing information and exploring innovative solutions. As he prepares for retirement in September, we extend our best wishes to Jim as he embarks on this new chapter of his life.TDA

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 different transportation interests to work together to better the entire system, the importance of state highways to local municipalities, and what would be a "win" for transportation in the next budget.

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.

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, challenges, and opportunities. Debby and Jason also touch on TDA as an organization and its essential role in bringing together a broad mix of stakeholders to advocate for a safe, modern, interconnected transportation system.

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. These fast chargers are among the top considerations for those considering the purchase of an EV. Vander Wiele shares the process that has gotten us to where we are today, including stakeholder engagement and conversations with Wisconsin EV users.  After the podcast record, Governor Evers and WisDOT awarded $23.3 million through the Wisconsin Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (WEVI) program to support private industry construction of charging stations across Wisconsin. The WEVI program received more than 260 applications during the first Request for Proposals (RFP) round. A list of selected applicants is available here: https://bit.ly/4bVBU1E

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 commitment to delivering an exceptional customer experience.

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.