lhutnik posted on January 14, 2011 15:47
ITASCA - The Illinois Road and Transportation Builders Association highlighted a list of accomplishments in 2010 that includes becoming a leading voice for the industry on a number of fronts and helping to keep the Illinois economy on track.
IRTBA worked with local, state and federal officials on issues ranging from job creation to emissions regulations. IRTBA advocated for full funding of the Illinois Jobs Now! program, participated on the Tollway Transition Team and worked with the City of Chicago and IDOT to develop clean air/diesel emissions specifications.
IRTBA also reached out to civic groups and stakeholder organizations to establish lines of communication and mutual support.
“Our reach extends from the safety of the traveling public, to improving sustainability, to creating jobs,” said Mike Sturino, President and CEO of IRTBA. “We will continue to look for opportunities to improve the lives of Illinois residents, ensuring they arrive safely to their jobs and return home to spend time with their families.”
IRTBA focused on business practices and education in 2010, graduating its second class of Emerging Leaders, conducting certification programs with IDOT, and launching Road Builder University webinars.
IRTBA reaffirmed its commitment to diversity in 2010 by maintaining a 37 percent minority workforce employment among its members, a number that exceeds the general population in Illinois, despite the flagging economy. IRTBA added 14 new disadvantaged business (DBE) firms to its membership, bringing the percentage of IRTBA members that are DBEs to 23 percent. Sturino credits IRTBA’s gains in DBE numbers to a strong outreach effort.
To continue the momentum created by the I-LAST design manual, IRTBA completed its I-LAST construction practices addendum in 2010. The I-LAST manual is a green infrastructure scoring system, modeled after the USGBC’s LEED green building certification system. With the completion of both parts of the manual, Illinois becomes a national leader on green infrastructure and one of only a few states to create such an extensive program.
IRTBA continued to place heavy emphasis on safety in 2010, promoting work zone safety in a media blitz and other venues.
“We have succeeded in becoming a resource for elected officials and government agencies, as well as stakeholder groups, on a whole range of transportation initiatives,” Sturino said. “We look forward to another great year.”