News Release
FOR RELEASE - April 15, 2011
Contact: Aaron Ellis, aellis@aapa-ports.org
703-706-4714

American Association of Port Authorities
Phone: (202) 792-4033
www.aapa-ports.org

AAPA Communications Seminar To Focus On Infrastructure Advocacy

Program Targets Freight Industry Public & Government Relations Professionals

The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA), in coordination with the Georgia Ports Authority, will host the seminar Communicating the Importance of Infrastructure Investment, June 21-23, in Savannah, Ga.  Targeting public and government relations professionals throughout the freight transportation industry, the conference will focus on effectively communicating with policymakers, and those who influence policy, on the benefits of freight infrastructure improvements. 

Another focus of the program will be to help those who advocate for freight break down the barriers that may separate their organization's government relations and public relations functions.  Doing so can create operational synergies that better enable communicators to reach infrastructure policy and legislation influencers and decision-makers.

"With tight budgets at local, regional and federal levels, it is more important than ever that individuals, businesses, ports and other entities with a vested interest in goods movement strongly and effectively advocate for a greater focus on, and heightened funding for, freight transportation infrastructure," said AAPA President/CEO Kurt Nagle.

Among the array of multimodal experts on transportation policy, government relations and public communications will be keynote speakers Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, representing the Building America's Future coalition, who will address the topic of Successfully Promoting the Infrastructure Investment Agenda; and former U.S. Senator Mack Francis Mattingly (R-GA 1981-87), who will address Effectively Communicating with Key Legislators.  

Other seminar topics include:
·         Infrastructure Agendas of Freight Stakeholder Groups
·         Successful Activities That Promote the Value of Infrastructure Investment
·         Measuring Success By Outcomes and Outputs
·         Utilizing Social Media for Internal & External Stakeholder Outreach
·         Perspectives on Connecting With Policymakers
·         Effective "Grassroots" Advocacy Programs
·         Rising Above the Clamor-Leveraging the Media Spotlight
·         Are Gateways the Way?

WHO:	American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA), in coordination with the Georgia Ports Authority.
WHAT:	Seminar covering issues related to infrastructure policy and investment advocacy.
WHERE:	Hyatt Regency Savannah, Two West Bay St., Savannah, GA 31401; Phone: 912-238-1234; Fax: 912-944-3678. (Note: $149/night rate available through AAPA room block if booked by May 27.)
WHEN:	June 21-23, 2011 (Days 1 & 2, 8:15 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.; Day 3, 8:30 a.m. - noon)
INFO:	More information about AAPA's Communicating the Importance of Infrastructure Investment seminar is available at /2011PUBREL or by calling AAPA's Ed O'Connell at 703- 684-5700.
MEDIA:	Credentialed media wishing to cover the business sessions of this event are asked to call or email AAPA's Aaron Ellis (tel: 703-706-4714 / email: aellis@aapa-ports.org) in advance to obtain a media badge