Solving the crisis of the region’s outdated and deteriorating roads, bridges, rail lines, and other aspects of transportation infrastructure will be the focus of the Third Annual Infrastructure Conference to be hosted by Iona College on April 8. Top-level business, political and labor leaders and government officials from New York, New Jersey and Connecticut will address a number of topics during the forum entitled “CONFRONTING THE CRISIS: Solving Our Regional Transportation Infrastructure Issues.”
The conference—which is expected to attract more than 300 attendees— will again bring together Iona College and presenting sponsor Terex Corporation, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of construction equipment based in Westport, Connecticut. Ronald DeFeo, Terex Chairman and CEO, is an Iona alumnus (’74).
Program details are being finalized but among the prominent individuals expected to participate are New York Lt. Gov. Richard Ravitch and Frank McArdle, a well known consultant to the private and public sectors. In addition, the state transportation commissioners from the tri-state region have been invited.
Speakers and panelists will discuss practical solutions and funding needed to bring the regional transportation infrastructure up to grade. The current needs and demands of key transportation links in the region including the Tappan Zee Bridge— which has been the focus of discussion for urgent rehabilitation or replacement—
Brother James A. Liguori, President of Iona College, said: “Iona is pleased to host this year’s conference on a topic that affects all of us who live in the tri-state area. We are grateful to Ron DeFeo and Terex for their continuing commitment to find solutions to address our aging and rapidly deteriorating transportation infrastructure.”
Mr. DeFeo stated: “Upgrading our regional transportation infrastructure to meet the demands of a new century will require the combined efforts of municipal, regional, state and federal governments as well as the private sector. A collaborative approach, in-depth planning and non-partisan long-term leadership are required if we are to improve the region’s economic competitiveness and quality of life for our citizens. We look to this year’s conference to help bring attention to the need for concerted action.”
For the first time, an advisory board composed of leaders in infrastructure related sectors has been named to plan the Conference. Its members include: Michael Bazinet, Director, Corporate Communications, Terex Corporation;
“We are very fortunate to have a group of individuals on the advisory board whose combined expertise and knowledge in various aspects of the transportation infrastructure issue will be extremely helpful in mapping out an effective conference program and attracting expert speakers and panelists,” said Br. Liguouri. “This will be a very strong program and are confident that it will attract interest from around the region.”
Conference sponsorship opportunities are available but limited. For more information, please contact Thompson & Bender by February 12 at
(914) 762-1900.
Founded in 1940 by the Congregation of Edmund Rice Christian Brothers, Iona College is a private, coeducational institution of learning in the tradition of American Catholic higher education. Iona - currently listed in the top tier of US News and World Report's annual "America's Best Colleges 2010; The Princeton Review's Best Northeastern Colleges 2010 edition and Business Week's Top 25 Undergraduate Business Schools in the Northeast - offers undergraduate degrees in liberal arts, science, and business administration, as well as Master of Arts, Master of Science and master of business administration degrees and numerous post-graduate certificate programs.
Terex Corporation is a diversified global manufacturer with operations in four business segments: Terex Aerial Work Platforms, Terex Construction, Terex Cranes and Terex Materials Processing and Mining. Terex manufactures a broad range of equipment for use in various industries, including the construction, infrastructure, quarrying, mining, shipping, transportation, energy, refining, and utility industries.
