From: "Friends of Transit" To: Subject: Invitation to WTS Reception for New Valley Metro Rail CEO Date: Wednesday, March 17, 2004 9:59 AM -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- LAST DAY TO R.S.V.P. FOR THIS IMPORTANT EVENT! Welcome New Valley Metro Rail CEO The Metropolitan Phoenix Chapter of Women's Transportation Seminar invites you to our March membership meeting, which will be a welcome reception for New Valley Metro Rail, Inc. Chief Executive Officer Rick Simonetta. A former chairman of the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), Rick Simonetta has long been recognized as a leader in the industry. He brings to the Valley more than 25 years of experience that includes serving as chief executive officer at several transit agencies nationwide, from smaller transit systems, such as Ann Arbor, Michigan and Columbus, Ohio, to the MARTA system in Atlanta, Georgia - the 7th largest transit system in the U.S. During his tenure at MARTA, he helped prepare the organization for the transportation demands of the 1996 Summer Olympics. In 1997, he was awarded APTA's Transit Manager of the Year Award, a highly revered award in the industry. On two occasions, transit agencies under his leadership have been recognized by APTA for excellence in developing and advancing women and minority employees. As CEO of Valley Metro Rail, Rick Simonetta will provide leadership for completing the starter segment and future extensions of METRO, the Valley's new regional light rail transit system. We hope you will join us in welcoming our new WTS Metropolitan Phoenix Chapter Member, Rick Simonetta, to the Valley of the Sun. As always, this meeting is open to the public; however, seating is limited, so please reserve early... When: Thursday, March 18, 2004 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Where: Phoenix Country Club (Patio Room & Terrace), 7th St. & Thomas, Phoenix No host bar -- Hors d'oeuvres will be served. Cost: Complimentary for individual & corporate members -- $20 for non-members. ( Non-members may pay at the door. Please make checks payable to WTS. No shows will be billed. ) Please R.S.V.P. by noon on Monday, March 15, 2004 to Flora Mondragon via e-mail at flora.mondragon@hdrinc.com or by calling 602-778-7318. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- About WTS... Founded in 1977, the Women's Transportation Seminar was created through the efforts of 40 women involved in transportation in the Washington, DC, area who recognized that a mechanism was needed to enhance professional and personal advancement and to develop industry and government recognition of the increasing involvement of women in the field of transportation. After more than 25 years of growth and development, WTS is now a national organization of 3,500+ transportation professionals - both women and men. Over 35 chapters have developed since 1977, serving the local needs of WTS members across the U.S. and now in Canada, as well. The president of the WTS Metropolitan Phoenix Chapter is Alan C. Wulkan, Senior Vice President, Parsons Brinckerhoff. For information on joining WTS, contact Membership Director Vasti Mugica at (480) 966-1207, ext 310, or vmugica@atc-nec.com. .