TDA: On The Go Podcast

In the latest On the Go podcast, TDA Executive Director Debby Jackson interviews Jackie Q. Carter, Port Milwaukee's director, about the port's critical role in regional commerce and its booming tourism sector. She highlights efforts to enhance cruise ship experiences to boost Milwaukee's tourism appeal and outlines workforce development initiatives to attract maritime professionals. As Carter tran...

Dr. Chris Johnson, a seasoned pilot and flight instructor, joins TDA Executive Director Debby Jackson on the latest  On The Go  podcast to discuss his role in the innovative Professional Aeronautics Certification (PAC) program at Madison College, developed in partnership with Wisconsin Aviation. The duo explores the creation of this accelerated aviation training program, designed to provide a fast...

Jim Griesbach, Marathon County Highway Commissioner, joins TDA Executive Director Debby Jackson on the latest On The Go podcast to discuss highlights from his distinguished three-decade career in transportation and the vital role of professional relationships in the industry. Throughout the conversation, Jim reflects on significant changes he's witnessed, including advances in winter highway maint...

Governor Tony Evers has submitted his 2025-27 State Budget proposal. TDA Executive Director Debby Jackson sits down with strategic communications consultant Brian Fraley, the president of Edge Messaging, to discuss what's in the proposal, why it matters, and what's next. The two also discuss the significant impact individuals can have on the budget process. 

A new year brings new opportunities. In this first episode of 2025, TDA Executive Director Debby Jackson speaks with Jerry Deschane.  In addition to his role as the executive director of the League of Wisconsin Municipalities, Deschane is the current president of TDA. The two discuss the League's legislative goals for this session, including the hope that the Governor and Legislature can build off...

Secretary Thompson joined the TDA On The Go Podcast as he wrapped up his time at the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. Thompson and TDA Executive Director Debby Jackson discussed his bittersweet thoughts on leaving WisDOT, the team's accomplishments, and what still needs to be tackled. The two also talked about Wisconsin's unique transportation community and how its uniqueness is a key to it...

Jason Culotta, president of the Midwest Food Products Association and this year's TDA president, joins TDA Executive Director Debby Jackson on the latest On The Go podcast episode. A self-proclaimed "rail geek", Jason has a deep understanding of not only railroads but the entire transportation system.   The podcast explores a wide range of topics, from intermodal discussions and how the logistics...

Wisconsin is on the verge of strengthening and expanding its electric vehicle (EV) charging station network. On the latest On the Go podcast, Kaleb Vander Wiele, Transportation Electrification Project Manager at the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, talks with TDA Executive Director Debby Jackson about the exciting plans for Wisconsin's charging network. Thanks to the NEVI (National Electric...

What a difference four years makes! In the latest On The Go episode, Debby Jackson speaks with Abe Weber, director of the Appleton International Airport (ATW). These two last chatted on the podcast in May 2020, in the early days of the pandemic when the future of air travel was uncertain. Over the past four years, Appleton International Airport has experienced a significant surge in passengers. We...

Brian Fraley, president of and owner of Edge Messaging, again joins TDA Executive Director Debby Jackson on the On The Go podcast. In this episode, Debby and Brian cover the timely topic of Wisconsin's new state legislative maps. The two chat about what we know and what we need to learn about the new maps and the potential opportunities for grassroots groups like TDA.

Scott Rogers, the vice president of governmental affairs at the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce, joins TDA Executive Director Debby Jackson on the latest On The Go podcast to talk about passenger rail. Scott and Debby discuss the economic benefits of passenger rail for the region and the recently announced federal grants to study passenger rail in the state. Jackson also takes the opportunity...

Wisconsin Department of Transportation Secretary Craig Thompson, serving as the 2024 American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) president, joins TDA Executive Director Debby Jackson on the On The Go podcast. Thompson talks about the department's work and accomplishments during his five years at WisDOT and the plans and priorities for the year ahead. They also discu...

It's episode #50 of TDA's On The Go podcast! The microphone is turned in this special episode as Dan Deibert of Edge Messaging interviews TDA Executive Director Debby Jackson. Debby looks back to the first On The Go episode recorded in February 2019. She shares the original inspiration behind the podcast, recollects some of her favorite moments, and looks to future topics. On The Go continues to s...

Patrick Vander Sanden, who assumed the role of executive director of the Wisconsin County Highway Association (WCHA) earlier this year, joins TDA Executive Director Debby Jackson on the latest On The Go podcast. Patrick explains the plans and priorities for his organization and shares some of what has surprised him since he assumed his new role. He also emphasizes that he looks to collaborate with...

Wisconsin's airports are integral to the state's economy and generate significant economic impact for the communities where they are located and the regions they serve. Two Wisconsin aviation experts join TDA Executive Director Debby Jackson on the latest On The Go podcast to talk about Wisconsin aviation, the Wisconsin Airport Management Association (WAMA), and the upcoming Wisconsin Aviation Con...

The recently signed 2023-25 state transportation budget includes some significant investments throughout the system. In this episode of the On The Go podcast, TDA Executive Director Debby Jackson talks with Steve Baas, executive director of the Wisconsin Transportation Builders Association, about what's in the 2023-25 transportation budget and what's next.

Last month, TDA held its Drive-in at the State Capitol in Madison. Approximately 75 TDA members, including representatives of business, industry, local government, transportation advocates and trade unions attended a morning seminar and then groups visited the Capitol to share legislative priorities with lawmakers and staff. In this episode of the podcast, TDA Executive Director Debby Jackson spea...

Agriculture is big dollars and a key driver of Wisconsin's economy. It's no secret that the condition of the state's roads, bridges and culverts, and posted weight restrictions, impact whether the industry can safely and efficiently transport agricultural products to market. In this episode of the On The Go podcast, TDA Executive Director Debby Jackson talks with Jason Mugnaini, executive director...

At the 2023 TDA Fly-in to Washington, DC, there was much focus on the discretionary grants in the federal infrastructure law and the need to bring a fair share of those dollars home to Wisconsin. In the latest On The Go podcast, TDA Executive Director Debby Jackson speaks with Rob Krejci, the highway commissioner for St. Croix County, about these funding opportunities from a county's perspective. ...

Governor Tony Evers has submitted his 2023-25 State Budget. What's in it? Why does it matter, and what's next? TDA Executive Director Debby Jackson sits down with political communications consultant Brian Fraley, the President of Edge Messaging, to discuss items of interest to those concerned about Wisconsin's transportation infrastructure. They also explain how individuals can make an impact on t...

The Canadian Pacific (CP) Holiday Train returns with its approximately 170 free, in-person shows after being virtual in 2020 and 2021. The train will roll through Wisconsin from December 8th through the 10th. This holiday tradition dates back to 1999 and brings live, family-friendly music to large and small communities along the CP system. Each year, the Holiday Train raises money, food, and aware...

TDA was on the road in October holding a series of five regional transportation roundtables across the state. TDA and local partners hosted community leaders, legislators, and candidates in Eau Claire, Appleton, Richland Center, Pewaukee, and Wausau. Our goal was to reconnect and restart a conversation about transportation in Wisconsin after the pandemic. During our travels, we heard about regiona...

The Mississippi River plays a major role in transporting Wisconsin's agricultural products and is directly tied to the state's economy. An effort is underway to form a new, federally-recognized statistical port district, known as the Northern Grain Belt Port Statistical Area. Bob Gollnik, senior planner at the Mississippi River Regional Planning Commission, and Chris Smith, chief operating officer...

Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin was founded in 1983 to help increase the sale and consumption of Wisconsin milk and dairy products. Today, the farmer-owned, operated, and funded organization continues to support the state's dairy farmers by establishing new markets, funding research, and showcasing dairy's economic contribution to the state.  Chad Vincent, CEO of Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, talks with...

The annual Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin competition highlights the state's vibrant manufacturing industry, showcases amazing Wisconsin products, and celebrates the men and women who make it all happen. Nick Novak, Vice President of Communications & Marketing at Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce, talks with TDA's Debby Jackson about this annual contest, encouraging us all to get involved at  ma...