NYS Public Transit Industry Convenes on Managing Economic Instability

ALBANY, NY (06/02/2010)(readMedia)-- Members of the New York Public Transit Association, Inc. (NYPTA) will meet in Tarrytown, NY, June 2-4 for their Spring Conference: Meeting the Continuing Economic Challenges of Public Transit. Conference sessions will provide an in-depth exploration on sustaining Public Transit in New York State through times of economic hardship and appeal to a broad range of transit industry professionals.

"The situation in New York State continues to create unprecedented challenges and hardships for the public transit industry and our riders," commented Frank Kobliski, NYPTA president and executive director of Central New York Regional Transportation Authority (CNYRTA). "Never before has it been so important for public transit officials and business partners to come together."

NYPTA's Spring Conference program includes timely educational sessions that address ways transit systems can cope with the challenges faced by economic uncertainty. MTA Chairman and CEO Jay Walder will address conference attendees during the opening session on June 3 and nationally renowned economist Hugh Johnson will provide an economic outlook for 2010 and 2011 during the Association luncheon later that same day. The program also offers several other education sessions, including:

Crucial Conversations: Keeping Your Communication on Track: Business success is built on effective communication; this is particularly true with a challenging economy. Tough times require crucial conversations and preparation is essential. Dale Klein, Founder and Owner, Profitable Speech, will provide a dynamic and interactive workshop where attendees will learn clear-cut strategies for confidently delivering your message and tuning in to your listeners' reactions.

Attracting, Recruiting and Retaining Talent During Tough Times: Implementing a well-aligned employment brand can increase the likelihood of attracting and retaining employees that best "fit" the organizational culture. In today's competitive environment, talent shortages and tough economic times require new staffing and retention strategies. In this session, presented by Lori Miller, President of Developing Professionals, practitioners will take a look at their company's current branding strategy and what elements need to be managed to effectively express the firm's value proposition, culture, systems, attitudes and employee relationships.

"Throughout this conference, we'll work together to find creative solutions to bridge the gaps between system budgets and system needs," commented Kobliski. "We don't have to do this alone. By sharing information and experiences, we will see each other through this time of instability."

NYPTA is a not-for-profit association representing transit systems across the state, as well as more than 65 private sector manufacturers, consultants and state government agencies. Members provide nearly all of the public transportation services in New York State and nearly 40 percent of the public transportation services in the nation, employing more than 60,000 New Yorkers.

Association and conference details are found at www.nytransit.org.

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