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DEARBORN, Mich., May 12 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau (DMCVB) today officially kicked off National Transportation Week (NTW), May 11-17, 2008, as Detroit is the host city of this annual transportation industry celebration for the second consecutive year. National Transportation Week also marks the start of "2008: Year of the Car," a summer-long festival in Southeast Michigan to celebrate the momentous centennials of General Motors Corporation and the Ford Model T with more than 120 auto-themed activities in the region through early October.
"National Transportation Week allows our region to celebrate our rich, world-class automotive heritage with the community that made it all possible," said Chris Baum, senior vice president of sales and marketing of the DMCVB. "This annual event gives us a chance to highlight our region's positive transportation contributions to the world and show how we are a vital part of a trillion dollar industry, both now and in the future."
Overseen by the U.S. Department of Transportation, NTW was established by President John F. Kennedy in 1962 to celebrate the historical significance of transportation, focus on its future impact, as well as promote transportation-related careers to young people. The DMCVB, official host of NTW, designated this year's theme "The Year of the Car" to tie into the centennial celebrations of General Motors and the Ford Model T.
According to the Federal Highway Administration, the transportation sector accounts for more than 11.7 million jobs and contributes more than $1 trillion annually to the U.S. economy, generating more than 10 percent of the Gross Domestic Product.
National Transportation Week features a number of conferences and events, both public and private, that bring the transportation community together for dialogue and demonstrations about the present and future of the industry. For example, Mary E. Peters, secretary for the U.S. Department of Transportation, spoke to the Detroit Economic Club about the state of transportation on May 5. NTW also seeks to educate area youth on the possibilities and benefits of careers in transportation. A detailed list of NTW events in southeast Michigan can be found below and at www.ntweek.org.
National Transportation Week Business Conferences and Events -- Monday, May 12, 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. -- The General Motors Heritage Tour and Networking Event Celebrating GM's 100th Anniversary (Hosted by the Engineering Society of Detroit's Young Engineers Council)
Learn about some of the automotive industry's greatest inventions, and enjoy GM's impressive collection of restored and significant vehicles, over cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. GM Heritage Center, Sterling Heights. For more information, please visit www.esd.org or call 248-353-0735.
-- Tuesday - Wednesday, May 13 -14 -- ITS Michigan Annual Meeting & Exposition (In partnership with MDOT)
More than 300 representatives from industry, higher education and all levels of government will gather to discuss the latest developments in "intelligent transportation," to include advanced examples of VII (Vehicle Infrastructure Integration) in outdoor demonstrations. Rock Financial Showplace, Novi. For more information, please visit www.itsmichigan.org or call 734-936-2070.
-- Thursday, May 15, 8 - 10 a.m. -- WWJ Newsradio 950 Business Breakfast (In partnership with MDOT)
A panel discussion will cover transportation and logistics enhancements on the drawing board for Southeast Michigan, including an update on an aerotropolis and proposed light rail system between Detroit, the airports and Ann Arbor. The Henry Ford, Dearborn. For information, please view www.wwj.com or call 248-455-7200.
-- Thursday, May 15, 11 a.m. -- Clean School Buses Press Conference MEDIA ONLY -
Media are invited to view examples of the 68 school buses that have been fitted with diesel oxidation catalysts by NextEnergy, Cummins Bridgeway and the Environmental Protection Agency to eliminate harmful emissions from Michigan's environment. NextEnergy, Detroit, MI. For more information, please contact
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or call 313-833-0100, ext. 140.
Consumer-Oriented Activities -- Wednesday, May 14, 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. -- Wayne County Transportation Education Expo
Elementary through high school students will experience Southeast Michigan's resources and 21st century solutions to transportation challenges through a variety of research projects, hands-on/interactive activities, educational sessions and vehicle displays that will show that math and science can lead to exciting and fun careers in transportation industries. Hines Park (Warrendale Area), Dearborn Heights. For information, please contact
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or call 313-224-6120.
-- Thursday, May 15, All Day -- MDOT/AASHTO Transportation Education Day
The Michigan Department of Transportation and American Association of State Highway and Transportation officials will promote transportation careers with AASHTO TRAC program interactive displays, including magnetic levitation, bridge design and motion modules for school children of all ages. Detroit Science Center, Detroit. For information, please contact
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or 517-241-3998.
Autopalooza August
It also was announced today that August 2008 has been designated "Autopalooza August" in Metro Detroit to recognize the many automotive-related events during the course of the month. This marketing initiative, a partnership between the MotorCities National Heritage Area and the DMCVB, highlights a month with a major automotive-related activity every weekend. It starts with the Meadow Brook Concours d'Elegance during the first weekend and culminates with the Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix on the last weekend, with the Detroit Festival of Speed and Style and the Woodward Dream Cruise in between.
Autopalooza August events are as follows: -- Meadow Brook Concours d'Elegance (7/31 - 8/3) at Meadow Brook Hall -- Detroit Festival of Speed and Style (8/8 - 8/10) at Campus Martius Park
This new event is a free downtown celebration of the automobile that combines the excitement of car cruises and races with the style and sophistication of a Concours d'Elegance.
-- Cruisin MotorCities (8/8 - 8/15) in downtown Detroit's Foxtown
A new downtown car festival to usher in the Woodward Dream Cruise that kicks off with the Detroit Festival of Speed and Style car show at Campus
Martius Park -- Woodward Dream Cruise (8/16) on Woodward Avenue, Ferndale to Pontiac -- Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix (8/29 - 8/31) on Belle Isle
About National Transportation Week
National Transportation Week is an annual event celebrating the importance of the transportation industry's contributions to the economy. Serving as an opportunity for transportation professionals to gather for industry-related events, meetings and conferences addressing key issues in the air, rail, trucking, shipping and automotive fields. First observed in Houston in 1953, nearly a decade later in 1962, President John F. Kennedy declared a permanent date that would always be the week in May which contains the third Friday, National Defense Transportation Day, with Maritime Day on the following Saturday.
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