President's Column - John Strong

The past year has been one of significant transitions for TRF. Spurred by a major restructuring at the Eno Foundation, new approaches to TRF's administrative and publication relationships were required. After an unsettled period, we have been fortunate to become associated with the Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute (UGPTI). The entire UGPTI team has worked tirelessly with TRF. UGPTI has become a terrific partner in almost everything we do – including administration, the new TRF website, the annual meetings and this newsletter. All of us at TRF look forward to a strong and lasting partnership.

This newsletter is the first under the new stewardship. It contains articles on UGPTI, the Evanston meeting last March, the upcoming annual meeting in Washington, chapter news, an update on the TRF Foundation and a book review by the late Byron Nupp. Byron was a wonderful part of TRF for many years and we will miss his many contributions.

TRF Settles in at UGPTI

As most members know, the Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute (UGPTI) at North Dakota State University has become the administrative home of the Transportation Research Forum.

Day-to-day management of the TRF moved to the UGPTI last spring. The Journal of the Transportation Research Forum will be published twice a year by the UGPTI and the staff there also are maintaining the TRF website.

"As we look at the strategic direction of the TRF, it's a good fit with the expertise we have and the direction we've mapped out for the UGPTI," says Gene Griffin, UGPTI director. Griffin has been appointed executive vice president of TRF. "The strengths and expertise of our staff match the many traditional areas of strength for members of the TRF. Our staff members know the TRF and its members and they are active in its activities. That intimate knowledge of the organization gives us a firm foundation to build on."

The UGPTI is the interdisciplinary hub of research, education and outreach related to transportation and logistics at NDSU. The institute's eight research, outreach and education programs work together to enhance the mobility of people, goods and agricultural commodities in small urban and rural areas.

Since it was established in 1967, the institute has become a focal point for transportation issues and solutions across the region. UGPTI programs have gained national stature in the focus areas of rural and small urban transportation and logistics. The institute currently has a budget of more than $3 million and a staff of more than 40.

"There are some real benefits to the UGPTI aside from providing a home to the TRF," Griffin says. "We will benefit from closer relationships with our colleagues across the continent and the relationship will focus attention on the excellent work we do here."

The TRF has about 400 members and was founded in 1958. TRF was previously managed by the Eno Transportation Foundation in Washington, D.C.