When: Thursday evening April 7, 2011, 6 p.m.
Who: Dr. Catherine Ross, author of Megaregions: Planning for Global Competitiveness and director of Georgia Tech’s Center for Quality Growth and Regional Development
Why: Dr. Ross is the world’s expert on Megaregions â€" how to bring together regions on transportation, water, energy, land, housing and health to create great places to live that compete in a global world. Her research is funded by U.S. DOT, Pew Charitable Trusts, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Ford Foundation, U.S. HUD, National Science Foundation, EPA and more.
Dr. Ross has worked for years with mayors from Charlotte, Atlanta, Birmingham, Raleigh-Durham and more to work together as part of the southeast “Piedmont Atlantic Megaregion,” which represents more than 34 million people and 10 percent of the nation’s GDP. Dr. Ross’ research impacts what type of transportation funding states and regions will receive in the future â€" from high speed rail to freight lines to city streets, freeways, bicycle/walking paths and sidewalks.

What: Keynote speech for “Women in Transportation” Charlotte Metro Chapter Annual Scholarship and Awards Banquet.

Where: Byron's South End
101 West Worthington Avenue
Charlotte, NC 28203

How: To arrange an interview with Dr. Ross in Charlotte on Thursday (or by phone another time), please contact Linda Stephen at IWPR Group at linda@iwprgroup.com or 402-483-0747. See Dr. Ross’ full bio here: For more information on the Piedmont Atlantic Megaregion, see here:

About Women in Transportation: Founded in 1977, WTS is an international organization dedicated to the professional advancement of women in transportation. Web site: www.wtsinternational.org. For more info on the Charlotte chapter, contact Mary Clayton: Clayton@pbworld.com