Join us for networking, introduction of new members and learn about what’s to come in the upcoming year! In addition to this being a social outing, this kicks-off the UITP conference that will be hosted in Jacksonville, Florida (February 1 – 3rd, 2023). Reserve your spot here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/comto-jax-membership-social-tickets-518113931717
To celebrate the year’s end, COMTO Jacksonville teamed up with TALON (Transportation & Logistics Network). A wonderful cause brought together more than 75 transportation professionals from 7 different clubs, societies, and organizations. The Christmas event was held in Riverside’s iconic 5 points, starting on Hoptinger Rooftop. The group continued their networking and socializing by singing carols at Birdies 5 Points. In order to cap the night with delicious Mexican food, the group sang their way to 904 Tacos. In order to develop a more robust transportation network in North East Florida, COMTO is appreciative of the ties that are being forged.
COMTO Jacksonville joined the JTA, ATU Local 1197 and Sulzbacher Village to share in precious moments during the holiday season. COMTO members passed out Thanksgiving meals and hugs to residents at the Sulzbacher Village. It was an honor and blessing to be a blessing during this season.
We are thrilled to announce a slew of events for COMTO Week. The emphasis this year is on equity and being equity champions. Each of our events is in line with the strategic goals of education, engagement, and empowerment for the period 2022-2024.
On Monday, COMTO welcomed two of Florida’s Top 500 Influential Business Leaders to kick off COMTO Week with an intimate fireside chat about equity, economic growth, and the role of transportation in tying it all together in Northeast Florida. Mr. Aundra Wallace (President of JAXUSA Partnership) was our guest, and Mr. Nathaniel Ford moderated the discussion (CEO of Jacksonville Transportation). We are honored to have them join us as our members discussed how COMTO can be more active on all fronts, including equity, economic growth, and transportation.
COMTO members ensuring their voice is heard on this mid-term election.
On Wednesday, COMTO Jacksonville was honored to partner with JTA Cares and ATU Local 1197 for our annual Sulzbacher Thanksgiving Basket Drive. Every year, our organizations form an alliance for this cause in order to provide families a warm embrace during challenging times. Our chapter is grateful for the opportunity and eagerly anticipates our visit. Our sponsors and COMTO membership are to be commended for their ongoing support of this initiative.
Postponed due to Tropical Storm Nicole. Event will be rescheduled for a later date.
On behalf of COMTO Jacksonville, we would like to say THANK YOU to our COMTO Jax members who have served our country in various armed forces: Christopher Bedgood, Mark Benston, Raymond Diggs, Sr., Ari Jolly and Ken Middleton! Your time and service is greatly appreciated!! Happy Veteran’s Day to all!! #COMTOstrong #COMTOweek2022 #IAMANEQUITYCHAMPION #COMTOJax #veteransday2022
COMTO was invited to partner with WTS – Jacksonville Chapter led by President April Bacchus for the visit of FDOT Secretary Jared Perdue. Secretary Perdue discussed the importance of community as a priority for all transportation and infrastructure projects. Our chapter and executive board was honored to have met Secretary Perdue and discussed how could COMTO / WTS further provide discussion about having a seat at the table. An amazing event at the River Club in Downtown Jacksonville. Additionally, we were greeted by the amazing Chairwoman of the Jacksonville Transportation Authority – Chair Ari Jolly! We are grateful for WTS, FDOT and the many organizations in NE Florida that are moving the region ahead!
The Transportation and Logistics Network (TALON) in Jacksonville is comprised of seven transportation and logistic clubs focusing on different aspects of the industry. These societies and organization joined forces under TALON to help connect transportation professionals in NE FL and create improved lines of communications/collaboration amongst the different clubs. This career matching event was one joint initiative that TALON members were excited to champion. In collaboration with USO, this career fair focused on matching high quality careers with returning military and their families. COMTO Jax is proud to have been a supporter for our military service men and women as they transition into the next chapter of their life.
The August Breakfast Meeting was hosted at the Jacksonville Transportation Authority Myrtle Avenue Operation Campus. Many members were in attendance, as well as, some new faces learning about COMTO Jacksonville and the initiatives that we are focusing on. The meeting included: delicious breakfast from minority-owned caterer – “Fatmanwithskillz, LLC”, discussion was had about the strategic goals, we recognized and had a pinning ceremony for our immediate Past-President “Christopher Macklin” and last but not least unveiled the new website. In summary, we celebrated the transportation industry in Jacksonville and left rejuvenated from the networking and information sharing.
Creating the vision for a career takes more than hard-work and dedication to bring it to fruition. It also includes making substantial connections with potential colleagues to fulfill the search for the ultimate “Dream Job”. The COMTO Jacksonville Chapter successfully hosted an interactive seminar on Thursday, July 28th to over 30 interns at the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA). During their internship tenure, each student is gaining expertise in various departments of the JTA ranging from I.T., Marketing, Operations, Procurement, Automation and more.
The purpose of the seminar hosted by COMTO Jacksonville not only showcased the local organization’s accomplishments and perks to join, but also the benefits of building long lasting relationships with contemporaries involved in the transportation & logistics realm. The students learned about “Crafting the Perfect Elevator Speech to Land Your Dream Job!” and the information was well received. Each group were tasked to create an elevator speech to impress an executive in 60 seconds or less.
As an added bonus, the local chapter invited News4Jax Anchor & I-Team Reporter, Tarik Minor to be the special guest & speaker for the day. Mr. Minor shared valuable nuggets of wisdom for students to find their niche of which career will benefit them financially, but also a career that will elevate their passion on a daily basis. The JTA interns were inquisitive, interactive and creative on how they plan to establish their own recipe of success by using the information they gained from the session.
Thank You to the COMTO Jacksonville Executive Board, Tarik Minor, Sherman Rothwell and the JTA interns for their participation, interaction and enthusiasm. We hope their road to fulfillment leads to ultimate success in their future careers.
During the September 2018 General Body Meeting, Aisha Eccleston was honored for her leadership, hard work and dedication in her previous role as President of the COMTO Jacksonville Chapter. She was presented with a plaque of appreciation and joined by members of the COMTO Jacksonville Chapter.
(from left to right: Endya Freeman, Shilene Singleton, Ida Blaylock, Aisha Eccleston, Emma Shipman, Tsopie Trottie, Terri Smith and Chris Macklin)
Shilene Singleton, 1st Vice President of Jacksonville’s COMTO Chapter, was this month’s speaker. She spoke on the Eight Traits of Success and how it had a positive impact on her life. Singleton is also an entrepreneur and owns an Allstate Insurance franchise.
The 47th National Meeting and Training Conference was held July 28 – August 1, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. The conference is open to transportation professionals at all career levels, government employees, manufacturers and suppliers, and all interested participants. Conference highlights included: High-level round tables and panel discussions, CEU courses on industry trends, technical tours of local transportation agencies and projects, career and professional development workshops.
