With a theme of "Transportation Technology for the Future," three guest speakers addressed a variety of topics in the ninth annual Mid-Atlantic Transportation and Logistics Institute Symposium, which recently took place on Cecil College's North East campus.

Secretary Tom Perez, of the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, delivered the keynote address. Perez, a nationally recognized consumer advocate and civil rights lawyer who was appointed to his current position by Gov. Martin O'Malley in January 2007, praised community colleges and the critical importance they play in the state of Maryland. His presentation focused on workforce creation and environment sustainability. "Making sure people have the skills necessary to succeed is the most important economic stimulus package," said Perez.

In regard to sustainability, Perez said the more green we get is not only good for the environment but good for the economy as well. He said there is robust dialogue going on about what can be done to build a greener Maryland. Erich Poch, director of federal client development and environmental stewardship for Roofing Resources, Inc., spoke about "Green Efficiencies in Business, Sustainable Technologies - Improving Your Bottom Line." As a direct liaison between RRI and federal government leadership in multiple departments, Poch has developed RRI capabilities to offer federal clients green roof and biobased technologies.

Paul Mauritz, executive vice president, corporate strategy for Breakway, Ltd., talked about the intersection between gaming technology with real world models and what it can do for you in business. Breakway, Ltd. creates entertainment experiences that enable people to master skills and concepts in virtual worlds, and transfer this expertise to develop tools that provide game-based solutions for real world problems.

Cecil College, through its Mid-Atlantic Transportation and Logistics Institute, has taken a national lead in addressing the need for education and career programs in support of the evolving transportation distribution and logistics industry by creating a powerful regional program in the field of transportation and logistics. The institute includes degree programs, professional development, licensure and technical programs, as well as an active industry resource center that brings together companies with similar workforce development needs.