Michigan Infrastructure Transportation Association > Reference Materials

January 23, 2012

MEMORANDUM

TO: MITA Members

FROM: Chris Shea, 2012 President of the MITA Board of Directors

DATE: January 23, 2012

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself as the President of the MITA Board of Directors for 2012. My name is Chris Shea and I am the President of PK Contracting. We are a pavement marking company based in Troy with additional offices in Kalamazoo, St. Johns and Lake City. PK Contracting has been a member of MITA since it was founded in 2005. Prior to that, our company had been a contractor and associate member of the MRBA and AUC, respectively, for nearly twenty years.

I encourage you to take advantage of the many services your association provides. MITA has an excellent staff of professionals capable of assisting you in most facets of your business. Whether it is engineering or technical questions, MIOSHA or safety concerns, wage or labor issues, MITA has staff eager and capable to help. You pay dues, make use of them.

In addition to assisting in the areas mentioned above, MITA offers many opportunities to meet and network with your fellow contractors, suppliers and governmental officials. The MITA Annual Conference just concluded this past week with its largest turnout ever. In March there will be the Winter Management Conference in Aruba, three regional golf outings this summer, European pheasant hunts spaced throughout the year and other events that provide great fun and opportunity. In July 2012, the Summer Conference will be held at Crystal Mountain. This function is a family event where everyone is encouraged to bring along kids and grandkids. As with the Annual Conference, it is attended by contractors, suppliers and governmental officials and provides a great opportunity to conduct business as well as have fun with family and friends. Join in, you'll be glad you did!

As you are aware, the condition of the infrastructure in our state is nearing a crisis point. Infrastructure has been neglected and underfunded for years. Finally, with the leadership of Governor Snyder, along with key members of the state legislature, it appears that something may be done about it. Hopefully, in the next week or two, a number of bills will be introduced in both the House and Senate to dramatically increase infrastructure spending. As you can imagine, there will be great opposition to any increase in taxes or user fees. It is time for all contractors and suppliers to get involved as they have never done before.

Historically, contractor involvement in the political process has been woefully inadequate. However, it has increased recently. The success of any initiative to increase funding for our infrastructure is tied directly to our involvement with our own state elected officials. While MITA has a terrific lobbying team, legislators need to hear directly from their constituents. Over these next few months it is imperative that every member become engaged with his or her State Rep and Senator. Visit them at their office or better yet invite them to your office and introduce them to your staff and show them around your yard or jobsite.

Very soon, debate will begin to discuss the merits of increased infrastructure funding. Opponents of this effort will be vocal right off the bat. Town hall meetings will be held to provide forums for public debate. Contractors and Associate Members need to be willing to take part in the events held in their areas. MITA staff will gladly join you and provide information and support.

As I mentioned earlier, MITA has a great team conducting this lobbying effort. Mike Nystrom, our Executive Vice President, Lance Binoniemi, our Vice President of Government Affairs, and Nicole Cook, our Outreach Coordinator, are ready to assist you in getting more involved in the process. Call them to find out what you can do to begin a dialogue with your elected officials.

The opportunity to see an infrastructure funding increase is at hand. It would be great for you as a member of MITA, great for our industry and great for our state as it climbs out of its worst economic crisis ever. Be a part of it. Don't stand on the sidelines.

Feel free to contact me anytime. My office number is (248) 362-2130 and my cell is (248) 640-4081.

Thank you and best of luck in 2012.

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