Ports-to-Plains Brings Visionaries Together During 13th Annual Conference

Ports-to-Plains Newsletter

September 30, 2010

Ports-to-Plains supporters gathered in Rapid City, South Dakota for the 13th Ports-to-Plains Annual Conference September 8 – 10.  More than 100 people learned about progress made in construction, economic development success stories, energy development along the corridor and becoming actively engaged in advocacy efforts.

“It is great for all of our supporters to come together, celebrate our achievements and plan for moving forward,” said Ports-to-Plains President Michael Reeves.  “Our board and staff work very hard every day for Ports-to-Plains, and it is nice to step back every year and see what all has been accomplished.”  Keynote speakers included Kathy Ruffalo, a governmental affairs export who served as a senior policy advisor to the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, including during the passage of the last two transportation authorization bills.  Ruffalo spoke of the contentious atmosphere in Washington, and the delayed passage of new legislation reauthorizing transportation funding.  Also addressing the conference was Trent Loos, a farmer and radio personality, speaking about the importance of agriculture, not only to the economies of Ports-to-Plains communities, but to nationally.  Unfortunately, Governor Humberto Moreira Valdes was unable to attend the conference after an unforeseen scheduling conflict, but the membership of the State of Coahuila remains on track.

“President Calderon scheduled a trip to Coahuila during our conference so Gob. Moreira obviously had to stay and host the president,” said Reeves.  “We are finalizing a date in October for a formal signing ceremony and announcement about our partnership with Coahuila, and will continue working with other potential partners in Mexico.”

Attendees also had an opportunity to visit the tourist attractions of the Black Hills of South Dakota including Mount Rushmore, where the opening session, welcome reception and dinner were held, and an outing to Deadwood.

“The reception and dinner at Mount Rushmore was a wonderful way to open the conference and carry out this year’s theme…Bringing Visionaries Together,” stated Duffy Hinkle, Vice President of Membership and Marketing and event planner for the Ports-to-Plains Alliance. After dinner, conference attendees enjoyed the inspiring evening program and illumination ceremony at the Mount Rushmore amphitheater before returning to Rapid City.

On Thursday evening, attendees were transported to Deadwood (courtesy of Deadwood Gulch Resort), where guests were entertained on the bus by a local resident who portrays renowned Sheriff Seth Bullock. After arriving in Deadwood, guests enjoyed dinner and either an evening at the casino or touring the historic town. “Unfortunately, I don’t believe any of the attendees made enough money at the casino to go toward construction costs of the Ports-to-Plains Corridor,” chuckled Ms. Hinkle.

Ports-to-Plains thanks all the sponsors who supported this year’s successful event. “Without the sponsors, this annual event would not be possible and we are very appreciative,” Ms. Hinkle stated. “We are also appreciative of the Texas Department of Transportation for co-hosting this year’s event in South Dakota,” she added.

Plans are already underway for the 2011 Ports-to-Plains Annual Meeting in San Angelo, Texas. During the conference in Rapid City, San Angelo Chamber of Commerce President Phil Neighbors extended an invitation for everyone to attend next year’s event in San Angelo and showed a few of the city’s highlights with a PowerPoint presentation.

Ports-to-Plains staff will let you know as soon as the date for this event is determined so you can mark your calendar and make plans to attend.

All power point presentations from the conference in Rapid City are available online at www.portstoplains.com.