Highland on the MOVE in Texas!

 On Tuesday, September 26th, several Highlanders, including myself, attended the annual MOVE America conference in Austin, TX. The mobility industry conference was centered around three core pillars: models, technology, and sustainability. MOVE America had an estimated 3,800 attendees present this year, all who joined from across the country with vast backgrounds but sharing one thing in common – the love for clean transportation and finding a platform to educate others in this growing space. 

Fortunately, I was part of not one, but two, panels at MOVE. First, I joined the “Fleet Leasing vs. Purchase” session with co-panelist Jim Lager (Executive Vice President, Leasing & Rental, Penske Truck Leasing). Our conversation covered a wide range of topics impacting fleets today, including the changing landscape of leasing and ownership models as fleet operators (and school districts) begin to think about implementing zero-emission vehicle solutions.

I also had the pleasure of joining Ruth Bridger (Marketing Director, Imagry) and Dan Grossman (Chief Executive, Automotive and Shared Mobility Advisors) on the “Public Private Collaborations to Build the Transit Networks of Tomorrow” panel where we discussed how public and private entities are working together to address mobility and vehicle miles traveled issues in communities around the world. 

My colleague, Amy McGuire, also had the chance to speak on the importance of electrification in a fireside chat with Jeffery Robinson (Branch Chief, Air Permits, Monitoring & Grants Branch) from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). No chestnuts roasting or toasted marshmallows were present but their conversation on how school districts can electrify and how to take advantage of EPA grant funding was fire! 

The conversations both on and off stage were insightful and we were excited to participate and have the opportunity to share our electrification and energy expertise while also learning from the other 1,000+ attendees. 

Where will Highland be next? Pennsylvania! 

I will be heading to Pennsylvania to continue the conversation on fleet electrification and how to get started. Join me at Pittsburgh Region Clean Cities’ Odyssey Day on October 6th and PASBO’s Facilities, Transportation, and Safety Conference on October 10th. Hope to see you there.