Norman Y. Mineta, the longest-serving Transportation Secretary in the history of the Department, is scheduled to open the IPI Conference & Exposition that runs May 20-23 in Tampa, FL.
Mineta was the first Asian-American Cabinet member during the Clinton administration and the first to switch directly from a Democratic to a Republican Cabinet, while maintaining his affiliation with the Democratic Party. Chosen by President George W. Bush, he became the 14th Secretary of Transportation on Jan. 25, 2001. In December 2004, Mineta accepted Bush’s invitation to continue service in the Cabinet during his second term.
At the Department of Transportation, Secretary Mineta delivered on the president’s historic commitment to safety. During his first four years as secretary, America achieved the lowest vehicle fatality rate ever recorded, the highest safety-belt usage rate ever recorded, and the lowest rail fatality level ever recorded. He has overseen the safest three-year period in aviation history.
Secretary Mineta also was instrumental in persuading every state in the country to set a blood alcohol rate at .08 percent, an alcohol level that has proved to be effective in preventing automobile crashes and improving safety.
Before joining the Bush administration, Mineta served as Secretary of Commerce under Clinton. Before that, he was vice president of the Lockheed Martin Corp.
From 1975 to 1995, Mineta was a congressman representing the heart of California’s Silicon Valley. Then-Rep. Mineta was known for his dedication to the people of his district, for consensus building among his colleagues and for forging public-private partnerships. His legislative and policy agenda was wide and varied, including major projects in the areas of economic development, science and technology, trade, transportation, the environment, intelligence, the budget and civil rights. He co-founded the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus and served as its first chair.
IPI Trade Show Features Technology
Imagine the future of the parking industry spread out before you. That’s what you can expect to experience at IPI’s “Expanding the Synergy of Technology” conference and exposition. You’ll be able to see for yourself the new direction of technology by suppliers/competitors. You’ll have access to visionaries and leaders describing the possibilities ahead. You’ll be able to share challenges, ideas and solutions with colleagues and peers.
The conference experience also includes diversified educational and technical sessions, along with open discussion forums and apples-to-apples comparisons on various forms of technology. The exposition complements the conference experience by bringing the latest technology available for you to touch, see and experience – all under one roof!
One thousand people are expected at the IPI event, which is being held at the Tampa Convention Center. It kicks off Saturday, May 19, with the traditional golf tournament. Secretary Mineta, the keynote speaker, opens the General Session at 9 a.m. Sunday, May 20, followed by the trade show opening at 10 a.m. The event runs through Wednesday, May 23.
For more information and to register, go to the IPI web site at www.parking.org.