ATSSA Signal May June 2020

The Signal | May/June 2020 43 Member Engagement a- e p- r a- roadway safety issues with legislators on Capitol Hill and thenmeet with them. Martine encourages ATSSA members to take advantage of Fly-In because he said it provides a great opportunity for members tospeakdirectly to their elected representatives and inform themabout roadway safety infrastructure needs within their districts. “The annual ATSSA Fly-In occurs every spring and it’s critical that we have ATSSA representation from local transporta - tion officials,” he said. Because of COVID-19, the 2020 Fly-In was postponed fromApril to Sept. 9–10. Martine attended the 2017 Fly-In and was able to speak directly with Sen. Tom Carper, who represents his home state. “I felt it was a positive meeting and he understood all the critical topics that we spoke of,” Martine said. He encourages ATSSAmembers to take advantage of all aspects of the legislative-focused event. “The ‘pre-game’ meetings that ATSSA hosts are filled with great informa - tion and topics that will be discussed,” he said. “The staff really help educate and coach these topics. But at the end of the day, there’s no need to stress or feel anxious in this situation. You are there to bring awareness to the legis - lators and staff. It may just change their perception on a topic and lead to future advocacy for ATSSA.” Martine sees many benefits in ATSSA membership, including first-hand knowl - edgeofnewproducts,whichcanultimately be tested or used by the departments of transportation within the chapter’s geographical area. “[ATSSA] involvement also helps solid - ify relationships with industry leaders,” he said. “It’s these leaders who strive for change—ultimately making road - ways safer.” The Chesapeake Chapter meets at least twice a year, and also makes an effort tomix with other chapters. Martine said his chapter held joint meetings with the Virginia Chapter in 2017 and 2018, and even created a joint bowling event called the “Mason-Dixon Mixin.” The event is based around a bowling tour - nament with a creative scoring format, an idea that was recently used at ATSSA’s Midyear Meetings. Proceeds from the event benefit the American Traffic Safety Services Foundation, the charitable arm of ATSSA, which focuses on charitable giving and public awareness programs related to roadway safety.  To learnmore about the Chesapeake Chapter and all ATSSA chapters, go to ATSSA.com/Chapters. JOIN THE COMMUNITY OF INDUSTRY MOVERS & SHAKERS CHAPTER NETWORK • GROWING STRONG Learn where your next chapter event is happening at ATSSA.com/Chapters Local chapters are designed to connect industry leaders, public agencies, legislative advocates, manufacturers, suppliers, and contractors to exchange information and ideas about our industry. Area with ATSSA Chapter Representation Interest in forming a chapter