April 2024

Spring is a time of new beginnings and growth, and this year is no exception.

In April of last year, I stressed the amount of work that this season brings for WTS, but also the excitement and progress championed by our spirited leadership, our dedicated members, and our committed volunteers. At the time, I said I was especially thankful for our 67 Chapters and members across North America.  In the spirit of growth, this year I get to write that I am motivated by our 69 chapters and over 9,000 members.

Adding new chapters and increasing our membership are just two reasons I believe the WTS mission and vision resonate more than ever.  In five weeks, the WTS community will meet in New Orleans for our 2024 Annual Conference. The finalization of plans with our conference and programming committees and our vendors always overlaps nicely with April’s National Volunteer Month. It is a privilege to work alongside our amazing volunteers at all levels: our Annual Conference volunteers but also our Board of Directors, Region Council, committees, and our Chapters. The body of WTS is passionate and determined to grow a better future – believing that integrity, hard work, and creative ideas make our communities better places for all.  WTS is fueled by you.

On April 10th and April 24th, I invite members to join us in our second series of monthly sessions - our newly revamped “WTS Connects.” These member meetups feature renowned leadership experts, dedicated to growth mindset. In March, members experienced the energy of author and entrepreneur Pegine Echevarria. This month, WTS Executive members have the opportunity to hone their “C-Suite Mindset” with Jennifer Eggers, and all WTS Members are invited to join Kricket Harrison on April 24th to grow their leadership communications skills. I can’t think of a better training topic for volunteers in the transportation industry. If you are not yet a WTS member, I encourage you to join us - find out more and sign up for WTS Connects sessions here.

Also in April, we celebrate and recognize Arab American Heritage Month, and the rich culture, history and contributions of Arab Americans in the transportation community and across the world. We will also recognize Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and think more about the impact of our industry on our climate on Earth Day.

In New Orleans, the saying is “Laissez Les Bons Temps Roulers” – Let the Good Times Roll. For WTS, I think of it more as “Let the Good Times Grow.”  I look forward to a successful remainder of 2024!
 

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Sara M. Stickler
President and CEO, WTS International