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ICAT Vision Statement
Dr. Amir Al-Khafaji
Conference Chair
The mission of the Innovations Conference on Asphalt and Transportation (ICAT) is to develop a network of business executives, policymakers, and scholars from around the United States. The network will seek uncommon and innovative solutions to common problems in the areas of asphalt technology, traffic engineering, and snow removal. The objective is to promote partnerships between leaders from industry, education, and government. We intend to create an environment in which educators and student are given unmatched opportunities to network with professionals and policymakers. Focusing on future generations of college-bound students and researchers will have a profound impact on the transportation field in the United States.
It is common knowledge that the economic strength of any nation is directly related to the quality of its transportation infrastructure. The ICAT provides a firm foundation for effective national cooperation and an enriching environment for the development of a new generation of transportation engineers and highway builders. Specifically, the ICAT will
- Provide a forum to examine and seek answers to questions and challenges confronting the transportation industry with special focus on asphalt, traffic, and snow removal.
- Review current research and innovation and to expose a select group of college and high school students to attend ICAT free of charge.
- Introduce attendees to influential business executives, decision-makers and scholars with wide-ranging perspectives and expertise to deal the deteriorating US transportation infrastructure.
- Develop mechanisms for alternative funding sources and means to influence policymakers on emerging legislations impacting transportation infrastructure.
Explore innovative strategies to gain insights into current transportation systems and emerging trends to help attendees make informed decisions.
This conference offers unique settings for attendees to gain insights into innovative and emerging technology in transportation infrastructure. In 2009, we intend to add a new track on ice and snow removal. I am thrilled that Senator Dale Risinger is chairing the ICAT 2008 conference and that Mr. Milton Sees, the Illinois Secretary of Transportation, has agreed to be our keynote speaker.
Please feel free to contact me should you need any questions and/or clarifications. We look forward to welcoming you at the ICAT 2008 conference.