Valley Freight Forum

The Valley Freight Forum will be held at the Arizona Biltmore on Tuesday, October 6 from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The Forum is being co-sponsored by the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG), the Arizona Highway Users and the Arizona Motor Transport Association.

"This Forum gives the freight community a significant opportunity to provide input on Valley transportation needs," says Dave Berry, Chairman of the Arizona Highway Users. "But even more importantly, this is a chance for those who use our roads to determine how millions of dollars in federal funds are spent."

Highlights of the event will include a keynote address by Eugene M. Pentimonti, Senior Vice President of the American Trucking Association, and an informative question-and- answer period in which a panel of transportation experts will take questions from the audience.

"People often think of transportation only as it relates to the movement of people," says James Bourey, Executive Director of MAG. "But it's important to remember it is also crucial to the movement of goods. This Forum is designed to tap into the expertise of those who use our system on a daily basis."

MAG is the designated Metropolitan Planning Organization for the Maricopa region. Two of its primary responsibilities are transportation planning and the distribution of transportation funds. MAG has long recognized the importance of considering the needs of the freight community when developing transportation programs — an attitude shared by backers of recent federal funding legislation which urges planners to be sensitive to freight interests.

The Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) is a regional organization that develops policies and makes decisions in areas such as transportation, air quality, water quality, solid waste and human services. MAG is made up of Valley communities working together to ensure a better quality of life for nearly three million residents in the Maricopa region. The region encompasses metropolitan Phoenix and includes the many cities, towns and Indian communities within Maricopa County. Governed by a Regional Council that includes 24 city mayors and other lead elected officials, MAG is the forum for ensuring an effective allocation of regional resources.
For more information about the Valley Freight Forum, please contact Kelly Taft at 452-5020.

Tentative Agenda

8:00 to 8:30 a.m.
Registration and Continental Breakfast

8:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m.
Welcoming Remarks - the Honorable Jane D. Hull, Governor of Arizona (invited) and the Honorable Wayne Brown, Mayor of Mesa, Chairman MAG Regional Council Transportation Subcommittee.

8:45 - 9:00 a.m.
Objectives of the Valley Freight Forum and Overview of MAG Role in Transportation, James M. Bourey, Executive Director

9:00 - 9:30 a.m.
The Importance of Freight Planning and Working With Metropolitan Planning Organizations Eugene K. Pentimonti, Senior Vice President, American Trucking Association Foundation.

9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Panel Discussion - Future Freight needs in the Valley.
Dave Berry, Swift Transportation and Chairman Arizona Highway Users Conference
Terry Smalley, Executive Vice President, Arizona Motor Transport Association
Alan Stanton, Lobbyist
The Honorable Jeff Groscost, Speaker of the Arizona House of Representatives (invited)
Mike Jimenez, President, J&L Transportation
Representative of United Parcel Service

10:30 a.m.
Where Do We Go From Here? How Can The Freight Community Provide Input on a Continuing Basis. Dave Berry, Arizona Highway Users

11:00 a.m.
Adjournment