The Michigan Infrastructure & Transportation Association (MITA) held its 6th Annual Conference and Trade Show at Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort in Mount Pleasant, Mich. on Jan. 20 to 22.

The theme for this year’s event was Leadership and Preparedness in Tough Times. Along those lines, MITA Board President Tom Diponio and MITA Executive Vice President Bob Patzer opened the General Session by introducing keynote speaker Lt. General Russel Honore, (Ret.), an expert on preparedness.

Speaking from experience, Honore provided insights on the leadership principles required for management in crisis situations. Honore was in charge of the entire army east of the Mississippi and was responsible for bringing calm to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.

Conference sessions covered such subjects as claims, labor contracts, MIOSHA Enforcement Initiatives, managing employee benefits and an MDOT roundtable discussion. During the evening of the first day of the conference, JDE Equipment Company hosted a cocktail reception where contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and MDOT representatives could meet and mingle in a relaxed atmosphere.

Breakfast on Jan. 22 was sponsored by Wolverine Tractor and lunch was served within the exhibit hall area compliments of Michigan CAT.