The Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) Jacksonville hosted a Women’s Leadership Panel in commemoration of Women’s History Month in March 2023. Members from the public, private and non-profit sectors joined us as we celebrated and learned from women who are highly recognized in a variety of disciplines serving the transportation and logistics field.

Our Panelist included:

WTS Northeast Florida President – Jeannette Berk

Norfleet Integrated Solutions CEO – Dr. Wendy Norfleet

Acuity Design Group President/CEO – Cantrece Jones

Trailer Bridge VP of Customer Experience (Ocean Division) – Ann Phelps

Green Legacy Farm Owner/FarmHer – Ashantae Green

The panel discussion broached subjects such as leading in the transportation/logistics space, career progression, work-life balance and breaking down workplace barriers. This panel not only assisted our audience to realize their full potential but also illustrated the crucial role women play in this industry.

COMTO Jacksonville hopes everyone in attendance left the event motivated and inspired from the perspectives of these notable leaders.

Thank you to our presenting sponsor of this March Meeting and Women’s Leadership Panel

COMTO Jacksonville celebrated Garrett Morgan Day on February 24, 2023 at the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA). The local chapter hosted approximately 30 high school students from Andrew Jackson School of Advanced Technology and educated them on Garrett Morgan and his impact in the field of transportation in addition to educating them about careers in transportation and the importance diversity within the industry.

The day was informative and engaging including a tour of the Armsdale Test & Learn Facility led by the JTA Automation team, as well as, a presentation of the Ultimate Urban Circulator (U²C) Program. Next, the students were treated with delicious sandwiches, delectable desserts and refreshing beverages from Tidbits (minority owned restaurant). Last but not least, the students engaged in discussion about COMTO, opportunities in transportation, the scholarship program and Garrett Morgan’s contributions to transportation and society, as a whole. The students received goodie bags during their tour and embraced the Automation/COMTO team members for closing remarks and engaging questions. 

The Garrett A. Morgan Day Program was developed under the Clinton administration by Rodney E. Slater, former Secretary to the US Department of Transportation. The program is designed to educate students in grades K-12 about career opportunities in transportation. Garrett A. Morgan Shadow Days take place on any day during the month of February, in observance of Black History Month.

On January 31st, 2023, the COMTO Jacksonville chapter hosted a lively evening social at Bistro Aix restaurant in Historic San Marco. This was a fun evening and a pre-cursor to the 2023 International Association of Public Transport (UITP) conference hosted by the Jacksonville Transportation Authority.

The City of Jacksonville welcomed over 200 transportation professionals, worldwide, to discuss hot topics in the public transit space including but not limited to electrification, micro-mobility and autonomous vehicles.

Not only did this event draw many new and familiar faces; we enjoyed delicious appetizers, had the opportunity to hear from political candidates as they present their vision for the future and engaged in thought-provoking discussions and a lot of laughs! COMTO Jacksonville plans to host a quarterly social for the remainder of 2023 and look forward to seeing you at the next one.

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.

Fireside Chat w/ Mr. Ford & Mr. Wallace

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.

#COMTOVotes

COMTO members ensuring their voice is heard on this mid-term election.

JTA Cares Alliance with ATU Local 1197 for Sulzbacher Thanksgiving Baskets Initiative

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.

Membership Mixer

Postponed due to Tropical Storm Nicole. Event will be rescheduled for a later date.

Veteran’s Day Recognition

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.