The future of MN's transportation | Lunch & Learn
*Registration is now closed, please contact Amelia Cerling Hennes at ahennes@cleanenergyeconomymn.org if you’d like to attend.*
Join us for an engaging discussion on the future of transportation in Minnesota! Our June Lunch & Learn event will focus on the shift to electric vehicles and clean fuels, and how this will shape the transportation industry in the coming years.
Prior to the panel discussion, there will be a networking portion to connect with other professionals in the transportation industry, share your own experiences and ideas, and forge new connections. This is a great opportunity to expand your network and gain valuable insights from others in the field.
Our panel of industry and business experts will share their insights and predictions on the future of transportation in Minnesota, covering topics such as infrastructure, policy and technology. You’ll have the opportunity to hear from leaders in the field, ask questions, and participate in a lively discussion on the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Location: University of St. Thomas, Andersen Student Center (Room 340 – 2115 Summit Ave, St Paul, MN 55105)
Date & Time: Friday, June 2 | 11 am – 1 pm
Agenda:
- 11 am – 12 pm: Networking & Lunch
- 12 – 1 pm: Panel discussion with industry experts
Don’t miss this chance to learn about the future of transportation in Minnesota and connect with others in the industry. Register now and join us for an informative and engaging event!
*This event is for CEEM members only. If you are interested in joining our growing membership, please contact Gregg Mast at gmast@cleanenergyeconomymn.org.
Speaker
Senator Scott Dibble
Senator D. Scott Dibble (DFL – Minneapolis) is the Chair of the Transportation Committee. He also serves on the Senate Captial Investments, Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate and Taxes Committees. Senator Dibble will join us for the lunch and learn to give remarks, take questions and join the conversation.
Panelists
Carolyn Berninger, Transportation & Fuels Public Policy Manager, Great Plains Institute
Carolyn is a public policy manager for the Transportation and Fuels Team at the Great Plains Institute. She works on public policy, engagement, and outreach efforts related to vehicle electrification and clean fuels policy. Prior to joining GPI, Carolyn was a policy analyst at the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy where she advocated for state clean energy and climate policy. Carolyn has a dual Master of Arts degree in International Relations and Environmental Policy from Boston University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Studies from Stonehill College.
Carrie Desmond, Manager Electric Bus Infrastructure, Metro Transit
Carrie Desmond serves as the Manager of Electric Bus Infrastructure at Metro Transit. She was the project manager for development of the agency’s first Zero Emission Bus Transition Plan, published in February 2022 and leads the interdepartmental working group tasked with implementing the plan. Carrie’s professional background is in program management for emerging technologies and mega infrastructure projects. She has a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Illinois, with an emphasis on transportation and construction management.
Jim Steffes, VP of Business Development & Strategy, Zeus Electric Chassis
With over two decades of successfully accelerating sales, operational performance and account growth for a variety of companies, Jim Steffes is the Vice President of Business Development and Strategy for Zeus Electric Chassis, Inc. He currently serves as Vice Chairman on the Executive Board of the North Central Chapter of North American Fleet Association (NAFA), is an active member of National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA) and is an inaugural steering Committee member for The University of MN Technological Leadership Institute, Center for Electrification Opportunity (CEO). Before joining Zeus Jim spent 7 years with Stonebrooke Equipment as its Strategic Account Manager and RAM Truck Bailment Pool Coordinator, developing strategies and solutions to deliver profit increases for commercial dealers and fleets management operations. He has extensive senior level experience in strategic planning, client relations, team training, process improvements, P&L management, forecasting, and program development, and spent over ten years successfully managing a company he launched. Jim holds a B.S. in Mass Communications from the University of South Dakota.
Richard Trebtoske, Sales Consultant - EV Chargers, Pump and Meter
Richard Trebtoske is the Sales Consultant, EV Chargers for Pump and Meter Services, Inc. Richard has been in the Consumer-Packaged Goods Sales, Marketing and Managing for the past 40 years. He has worked for several well-known companies, including Kraft Foods (Mondelez), Amana Appliances, Hastings Cooperative Creamery, and as a Manufacturer’s Representative for Castrol Oil, Philips 66, Valvoline, Mobil, and VP Racing. Richard enjoys all aspects of his role as an EV Sales Consultant with sales, infrastructure, site planning and marketing and participating in many events and working with all his customers from Residential to Commercial and Government.