Wisconsin Transportation Builders Association
by Lane Kimble
Florida DOT & Local Contractors – Rebuilding the Sanibel Causeway After Hurricane Ian
Tina Nazier – Breaking the Engagement Barrier
Zoran Jovic – Reducing the Risk of a Cyber Attack
WTBA Staff Update: How New WTBA Team Guided Utility Bill Across Finish Line
by Lane Kimble
CHARLOTTE HARBOR, Fla. — First, the cheers were for Fabick Cat’s Andy Coté, who won a South Dakota pheasant hunt thanks to the persistent paddle raising of a Ramthun grandchild on his shoulder.
Moments later, the cheers grew and the high fives started flying.
That auction item pushed the total well beyond JR Ramthun’s goal of raising $200,000 during the WTBA Annual Scholarship Auction. When all was said and done, the auction raised just north of $277,000 for the Transportation Education Fund. It was the most money raised in the event’s history.
“The Scholarship Auction was phenomenal. We set a lofty goal of $200,000 and we all came together… unbelievable… I did not expect it to go that far over 200,” Ramthun said.
All night, bidders and spectators kept an eye on a video screen showing the rising total. An opposite screen showed current and upcoming items, which included things such as equipment rentals, sports memorabilia, jewelry, and Summerfest VIP packages.
The auction also featured a silent version, which went live 12 days before the live auction in Florida.
WTBA of Tomorrow and Associate Council members relentlessly gathered items and cash donations from members over the course of several months, leading to an excellent array to bid on.
The Scholarship Auction pays for WTBA’s annual Scholarship Program in addition to other educational efforts across Wisconsin which strengthen our industries.
by Lane Kimble
New WTBA President Brian Endres wants to clear something up: He and Brian Enders are friends, coworkers, and vice presidents within The Walbec Group. However, they are two completely separate people.
It’s probably not the last time Endres will need to specify.
In an opening speech that mixed humor with heartfelt honesty, Endres drew plenty of laughs from the crowd at the Annual Convention’s closing night banquet.
Endres graduated from UW-Platteville (An “Ivy League School”, Endres said, tongue-in-cheek) and went to work for Walbec right after. He’s been there for 27 years.
“Years ago I would go to WTBA events and be much more into the networking than the actual content, so it is fun to be on the other side of the equation now,” Endres said.
Endres told the crowd he has two big goals for his one-year term: Develop sustainable, long-term funding options for the Transportation budgets and help the Association navigate an election year where local, state, and federal leaders and transportation allies could look quite different.
Endres also thanked now-Past President JR Ramthun for his guidance and support in preparing him for the leadership role, noting Ramthun became a friend and trusted advisor.
“The stresses, challenges, and time commitments are absolutely worthwhile in the end and I think we’ve seen that in JR’s presentation tonight and what he’s done over the year,” Endres said.
“From when I came in Wednesday to where I’m leaving (the convention) tomorrow, I am much more energized about this role and what we can do as a team,” Endres said in his closing remarks.
MEET THE NEW WTBA EXEC. COMMITTEE
President: Brian Endres
1st Vice President: Dan Zignego
2nd Vice President: Mike Hahn
Treasurer: Josh Wade
Secretary: Neil Bakke
Past President: JR Ramthun
by Lane Kimble
CHARLOTTE HARBOR, Fla. — The theme may have been “Build the Road Tour,” but the 2024 WTBA Annual Convention built something even greater: strength and unity.
“You come together as one, we are so powerful… we are so powerful as one,” outgoing President JR Ramthun told WTBA staff on the convention’s final morning.
More than 260 members and their families gathered for the four-day Convention at the new Sunseeker Resort in Charlotte Harbor, Florida.
CLICK to view 2024 Annual Convention Photo Gallery
General sessions included Packers Hall of Fame tackle Mark Tauscher, a Florida DOT representative and local contractors who talked about infrastructure repairs after Hurricane Ian, a five-person panel on best practices for contractors, a cyber security expert, a motivational speaker and humorist, and much more.
“The room has been full every day, every morning. Can’t say enough about the membership,” Ramthun remarked.
Presenters fed off the crowd’s interest and energy.
That included Wipfli’s Tina Nazier, who shared strategies on how to retain talented workers and go further to get them to engage in your company’s mission.
“I love what you do for the industry… You’re always thinking ahead, ‘What can we do to make this better for our members and how do we engage folks?’” Nazier said of the WTBA.
“You’ve got such a great, large audience here, which means they come to you because they know you’re a valuable resource for them.”
Of course, the convention also featured plenty of chances to have some fun. Opening night was held aside a rooftop pool and featured dueling piano players. Friday offered a boat cruise, wine tasting, and golf, and Saturday night’s Scholarship Auction generated nearly $280,000.
Ramthun – who worked closely with WTBA staff and Michels Road & Stone’s Amy Jessen to plan the convention – chose to look forward when asked about his feelings as the convention wrapped up.
“We’re only growing. We’re going to take this to the next level in years to come,” Ramthun said.
Ramthun will stay on the WTBA board for one year as “Past President.”
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