Hello All!

With fall just around the corner, WTS is gearing up for an exciting program line up to start it off. But first, let's recap the past summer's events. In July, WTS members and friends gained insight into the current and future state of transportation funding in Minnesota with the help of Scott McBride, MnDOT Metro District Engineer, who moderated a panel of leaders in transportation funding. August was filled by a bike tour lead by WTS members Mackenzie Turner Bargen, Nadine Chalmers, and Rose Ryan which highlighted some of the newest bicycle and pedestrian facilities in Minneapolis. See below for Katie Roth's program recaps. Also this summer, the WTS board finalized our 2013 Annual Report. A special thanks to Sara Pflaum for all her hard work coordinating the effort.

Over the summer the chapter board started a financial planning exercise and is hoping to have a finalized plan in place by the end of the year. In conjunction with this planning, our chapter will also be kicking off our 2015 corporate partnership campaign led by Ashley Ver Burg. This year we had overwhelming support from our corporate partners and we hope to continue that support in 2015. If your firm is interested in becoming a part of WTS Minnesota's corporate partnership program or learning more about it please visit our website or contact Ashley.

WTS Minnesota continues to maintain momentum as fall approaches and will be offering some exciting program opportunities to prove it. On September 17, WTS will be hosting their second annual book club, highlighting the book The Confidence Code by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman, led by WTS member Mary Karlsson. Check out our website for more information or to register. Also in September, WTS will be hosting an evening reception to welcome all those in town for this year's Rail~Volution conference. Then in October, join WTS for a Transitway Project Update roundtable. Please visit our chapter website for more details on these programs.

As we get closer to the end of the year, it is time to start planning for next year. WTS Minnesota is successful because of the time and energy our volunteers put forth to further our chapter mission of transforming the Minnesota transportation industry through the advancement of women. For those interested in getting more involved I encourage you consider one of the director positions, becoming a TYOU mentor or joining the programs or scholarships & recognitions committees. For more information please reach out to any board member listed on the left sidebar.

I hope you are enjoying the final days of summer and I look forwarding to seeing many of you at upcoming programs and networking opportunities this fall!

Best wishes,

Corporate Partner Spotlight: URS Corporation

Additional Volunteers Needed

Scott McBride, MnDOT Metro District Engineer and WTS Minnesota's Member of the Year, moderated a lively panel of leaders in transportation funding, including: Adam Duininck, Chair, Metropolitan Council Transportation Committee; Margaret Donahoe, Executive Director, Minnesota Transportation Alliance; and Matt Kramer, President, St. Paul Chamber of Commerce.

August Program: Innovation in Bike and Pedestrian Design