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.