News Release

March 25, 2008

“Moving Iowa Forward” Economic Development and Transportation
Conference set for April 2, 2008

Economic Developers and Industry Leaders Will Address Transportation Challenges to Grow Their Businesses and Strengthen Iowa's Economy

DES MOINES, Iowa - Economic developers, transportation users/providers and government leaders will be attending the “Moving Iowa Forward” Economic Development and Transportation Conference Wednesday, April 2, 2008, at the Des Moines Marriott Downtown, 700 Grand Ave. The one-day conference offers a broad range of presentations, breakout sessions and networking opportunities on issues affecting transportation in Iowa.

The conference is hosted by the Iowa departments of Economic Development (IDED) and Transportation (Iowa DOT). The keynote speaker is Matt Rose, chief executive officer of the BNSF Railway and a member of the National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission. The commission recently released their report to Congress, “Transportation for Tomorrow,” that includes detailed recommendations for transportation in the United States.

Conference highlights include breakout sessions on transportation innovations, lessons learned in shipping, changes in distribution and warehousing, transportation and economic development, becoming a “port city,” and the basics of using railroads for shipping.

“Transportation drives economic development,” said IDED Director Mike Tramontina. “By strengthening our airports, roads, rails and riverways, we can attract new businesses and keep Iowa 's economy moving forward.”

“This conference focuses on bringing together key people involved in truck and rail transportation, and will be of interest to many Iowa companies that ship freight,” said Nancy Richardson, director of the Iowa DOT.

Registration and conference information can be obtained by visiting http://www.iowalifechanging.com/register.

WHAT:
IDED and Iowa DOT host “Moving Iowa Forward”
Economic Development and Transportation Conference

WHEN:
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
7:30 to 8:30 a.m. – Registration
8 :30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. – Conference Activities

WHERE:
Des Moines Marriott Downtown, 700 Grand Avenue, Des Moines

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Federal and state laws prohibit employment and/or public accommodation discrimination on the basis of age, color, creed, disability, gender identity, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran's status.  If you believe you have been discriminated against, please contact the Iowa Civil Rights Commission at 800-457-4416 or Iowa Department of Transportation's affirmative action officer.  If you need accommodations because of a disability to access the Iowa Department of Transportation's services, contact the agency's affirmative action officer at 800-262-0003.