Rural Transit Managers Workshop (RTMW)
Tuesday, April 15, 2025 8:00 AM - Wednesday, April 16, 2025 2:00 PM (EDT)
Description
The Rural Transit Managers Workshop (RTMW) is a two-day program providing essential training tailored to rural transit managers and specialized service providers. The workshop includes refresher training on essential topics, timely updates of concern, roundtable discussions, and many opportunities for engaging with Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) staff.
Attendees typically include nearly 100 directors and managers from 50+ Michigan transit providers, as well as 20+ MDOT staff. The agenda allows for regular meals, refreshment breaks, and an evening networking reception. The sessions and speakers will be confirmed and announced soon!
This workshop is eligible for reimbursement through the Rural Transit Assistance Program (RTAP) agency funds, and registration is on an individual basis.
| Tuesday, April 15 | ||
| 8:00 AM | Registration & breakfast | |
| 8:15 AM | Welcome & introductions | |
| 8:30 AM | MDOT - Fundamentals for Transit Success | Jeff Turner, Jean Ruestman; Brian Kass, and Tina Makarewicz, MDOT |
| 10:00 AM | Morning Break | |
| 10:20 AM | New Transit Technology: A Framework for Budgeting and Marketing | Mona Ketterl & Utpal Dutta, CRAFT |
| 11:10 AM | MDOT Compliance Update | Kevin Wassom and Cory Barz, MDOT |
| 12:00 PM | Lunch | |
| 1:00 PM | ADA Compliance for Websites and Communications | Kevin Estill, Michigan Department of Civil Rights |
| 2:00 PM | Afternoon Break | |
| 2:15 PM | Navigating NEMT: Lessons Learned & Stories from the Front Lines | Valerie Lefler, Feonix Mobility Rising |
| 3:15 PM | Building Community Partnerships and Revenue Contracts | Michele Loper and Traci Davis, Flint MTA; John Stapleton, Schoolcraft County Transit Authority |
| 4:15 PM | Networking reception | |
| Wednesday, April 16 | ||
| 8:00 AM | Breakfast | |
| 8:30 AM | Legislative Update | Dusty Fancher, Midwest Strategy Group |
| 9:15 AM | MDOT OPT Update | Jean Ruestman, MDOT |
| 10:00 AM | Morning break | |
| 10:30 AM | Human Resources – Best & Worst Practices | Cat Koerner, enPower Technology Solutions |
| 11:15 AM | Legal Update & Ask the Lawyer | Mark Koerner, Foster Swift Collins & Smith PC |
| 12:15 PM | Lunch and program evaluations | |
| 1:00 PM | optional afternoon session - Agency Panel on Leveraging Local Millages | Gerry Bundle, Cass County Transportation Authority; Mallory Avis, Battle Creek Transit, Jessica Carland, Benzie Transportation Authority; Kim Bruner, Gladwin City-County Transit; Kelly Bales, Greater Lapeer Transportation Authority |
Program Registration: $170 for individuals, $145 early discounted rate (before March 14).
Please note that your lodging arrangements must be made separately, but a hotel room block is available at the Courtyard Mt. Pleasant for $98.00 per night. Last Day to Book: Friday, March 14, 2025
Book your group hotel rate for the Courtyard Mt. Pleasant.
Confirm Your Sponsorship Selection Today!
- Lanyard - $500 – 1 available - includes custom name/logo on attendee lanyards
- Attendee gift sponsor - $250 – 2 available – Includes recognition on all communications and distribution of sponsor’s promotional item to all attendees
- Breakfast - $500 – 1 available - includes recognition on all communications, materials on breakfast tables, and brief remarks at breakfast
- Lunch – $500 – 2 available – includes recognition on all communications, materials on lunch tables, and brief remarks at lunch
- Breaks - $500 – 1 available - includes recognition on all communications, verbal recognition, and materials at break stations
- Reception - $750 – 1 available – includes recognition on all communications & materials at reception
Select Your Sponsorships: Online Payments Invoice Payments
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2400 East Campus Drive
Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858 United States
The Courtyard Mt. Pleasant at Central Michigan University is ideally located off US-127. Enjoy our spacious guest rooms and suites featuring a large, well-lit work desk, flat screen HDTV and complimentary Wi-Fi. Visit our on-site fitness center, business center and enjoy a swim in our indoor pool. Start your morning with Starbucks coffee and a healthy breakfast in our on-site Bistro which also serves dinner and cocktails in the evening. Whether you are visiting for business or pleasure, the Courtyard is the perfect place to relax and recharge.