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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Palm Tran News:
Palm Tran Recognition:
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 Happy New Year! I hope yours is off to an excellent start. Despite ongoing challenges due to the pandemic, 2021 was a productive, successful year. We, as an organization, have many things to reflect on, and many of initiatives and opportunities lie ahead in 2022.
It is a pivotal time for public transit, and also for Palm Tran. Historic infrastructure investments are being made, ridership is recovering and the need for public transportation is undeniable. People need to travel to work, to school, to stores and doctor’s appointments and government buildings. Our vision is to be the premier transportation choice in Palm Beach County, and so now is the time to renew our focus on our core values: respect, integrity, recognition, teamwork, communication and safety.
Many of the people we serve rely on us to take them to and from where they need to go. We want to encourage even more people to try transit. Even, and especially, those who do own cars. With high gas prices and traffic congestion ever-increasing, taking public transportation is a great option to save money and reduce the number of vehicles on our roads.
Just as we want to encourage more people to ride Palm Tran, we want to encourage people to apply! We are always looking for good people such as yourself. Who do you know who might be great for Palm Tran? Please encourage them to apply for our current openings at palmtran.org.
Moving public transit forward starts with recruitment. Palm Tran is proud to have developed a new student-focused program where both our agency and student employees grow from the experience. TRANSITiON, Palm Tran’s Learning Academy, has launched a paid Student Employee Program designed to nurture interest in public transportation. The pilot program is a partnership between the student and each participating department to learn, foster innovative ideas and provide real work experience beyond the campus. You can read more about our Student Employee Program below.
Looking back on the last few months, we have enjoyed some well-deserved recognition. Our team strives to continually build opportunities for advancement, training and professional development for minorities, and I was honored to be named the 2021 Corporate Executive of the Year from the National Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO). Additionally, COMTO National named Palm Tran the 2021 Public Agency of the Year for our work in several community outreach programs and internal initiatives. Both awards were presented during COMTO’s 50th Anniversary Virtual National Meeting and Training Conference on Thursday, September 30th. Read on for an article and photos from the virtual event.
You may already know that Palm Tran Connection went above and beyond during the pandemic, delivering more than 7,600 meals to homebound seniors, transporting the homeless population to safe housing and making significant enhancements such as wheelchair securement devices on fixed route buses and installed UV lights on the vehicles to block bacteria in the circulated air system. For these things and many other examples of excellent service, Palm Tran Connection was recognized as the 2021 Urban Community Transportation Coordinator (CTC) of the Year Award at the Florida Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged Conference in October. Congratulations to Connection!
Read on for more information about these topics, plus we celebrate several of our employees who have been recognized with well-deserved promotions, and welcome some new employees to our spectacular Palm Tran team.
And finally, the COVID-19 pandemic is not yet in our rear-view mirror. Please continue to follow the critically-important safety protocols we have put into place to keep yourselves, your loved ones, your coworkers and our riders healthy and safe.
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Humbly,
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Palm Tran Executive Director Clinton B. Forbes Awarded
2021 Corporate Executive of the Year by COMTO National during its
50th Anniversary National Meeting and Training Conference
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Palm Tran honored as COMTO National 2021 Public Agency of the Year
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For his exemplary leadership of Palm Tran, commitment, drive to continually build opportunities for advancement, training and professional development for minorities, Clinton B. Forbes, executive director of Palm Tran Public Transportation, was awarded the 2021 Corporate Executive of the Year from the National Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO). Additionally, COMTO National awarded Palm Tran, under Forbes’ leadership, the 2021 Public Agency of the Year. Both awards were presented during COMTO’s 50th Anniversary Virtual National Meeting and Training Conference on Thursday, September 30th.
“It is a true honor to receive this award, both personally and as an organization,” Forbes said. “Investing in professional growth and creating a road to advancement for minorities both within our organization and the community is key to cultivating an environment of continuous growth which helps everyone.”
Forbes’ commitment to COMTO’s mission to provide opportunities to minorities through advancement, advocacy, training and professional development spans more than 17 years. Elected to the Board of Directors in 2016, Clinton started two COMTO chapters, including the Palm Beach County chapter, which experienced significant growth in just five years by adding more than 50 members. Clinton was instrumental in reviving the Columbus, Ohio COMTO chapter which won Chapter of the Year under his leadership. He was also a member of the COMTO chapters for Miami-Dade Transit and the Jacksonville Transit Authority (JTA).
“Clinton Forbes is passionate about providing opportunities to minorities and shining a light on the rewards of serving the public,” said Freddie C. Fuller II, COMTO National Immediate Past Board Chair. “His dedication and commitment to growth has led to many professionals deciding to concentrate their careers in transportation. It is a true honor to recognize his contributions to COMTO and the transportation industry.”
Palm Tran was also honored with the 2021 Public Agency of the Year award for its work in several community outreach programs and internal initiatives. Palm Tran professionals spoke to middle and high school students about the importance of hard work and determination during COMTO’s Garrett A. Morgan Day, for example. Palm Tran employees also participate in the Upward Mobility program, which encourages them to pursue manager roles; 70 staff members have advanced to higher roles as a result.
Forbes and Palm Tran received the awards during the virtual ceremony attended by dozens of local members, including Bruce Guyton, president of the Palm Beach County COMTO chapter. Forbes has been the recipient of several awards, including COMTO Gerald Anderson Service Award in 2018 and the 50 Most Powerful and Influential Black Business Leaders of South Florida in 2018 and the Executive Champion from the United Way in 2019. In June, Forbes was presented the Business Executive Award as part of the 2021 Men of Excellence from West Palm Beach Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority in partnership with the Delta Heritage Foundation, which awards scholarships to local students.
Palm Tran has received several awards including COMTO’s Community Engagement Award in 2020 and the Safety Program Award from the Safety Council of PBC in 2020.
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Pictured: National Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO)'s 2021 Corporate Executive of the Year award and its 2021 Public Agency of the Year award.
Photo by Ivonne Perez
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Palm Tran Connection Wins Florida Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged Urban Community Transportation Coordinator of the Year Award
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Pictured: Director of Operations Chad Hockman, Jeanie Chrisman of MV Transportation, Director of Administrative Services Jeremy Baker,
Senior Manager of Paratransit Lou Ferri and Interim Director of Support Services Joe Harrington
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December 2, 2021
When senior facilities closed during the peak of the pandemic, many were left without a way to get their daily meals. In partnership with the Division of Senior Services, Palm Tran Connection, the paratransit door-to-door service in Palm Beach County (PBC), made a life-saving move to deliver more than 7,600 meals to homebound seniors, making sure no one went hungry.
For this caring act and many other examples of excellent service, Palm Tran Connection was recognized as the 2021 Urban Community Transportation Coordinator (CTC) of the Year Award at the Florida Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged Conference in October.
“Winning an award like this validates what we have been doing for the last 19 months, it is a pretty big deal,” said Louis Ferri, Senior Manager of Paratransit at Palm Tran Connection. “It is a testament to all the staff here that they are doing a great job. Anything we could do to help other agencies and help our customers, throughout the pandemic, we did.”
Each year, the Florida Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged (TD) recognizes individuals and organizations within the community that have exhibited exceptional service, personal excellence, and dedication towards serving persons who are transportation disadvantaged. The Urban CTC of the Year Award recognizes one of the larger urban areas throughout the state that “performed in an outstanding manner” and examines data, annual performance reports and operating costs.
The Transportation Disadvantaged Program is a coordinated state-wide effort which groups riders together for a shared ride service. Transportation services are available in all 67 Florida counties for those who are eligible and have no access to transportation. Federal, state and local agencies join together to provide necessary transportation to medical appointments, employment, educational and other life sustaining services. Connection does not have trip limits, trip priorities, or restricted areas. An eligible TD rider can go anywhere in PBC. Access to transportation is independence through mobility, Ferri said.
“We are thrilled, it is a big honor to win this award,” said Jeanie Chrisman, general manager of MV Transportation, which is one of the paratransit contractors for Connection. “We provide freedom to people in this community. We get people to doctor’s appointments, jobs, shopping. I am proud of the work we do here. I know we make a difference in people’s lives.”
When the pandemic hit, just like every other agency, there were challenges. Palm Tran Connection implemented several safety measures and most importantly never stopped services or limited access to customers, Ferri said. Providing meals was just one part of the assistance to the community it serves. Palm Tran was able to transport the homeless population to safe housing and make significant enhancements such as wheelchair securement devices on fixed route buses and installed UV lights on the vehicles to block bacteria in the circulated air system.
“Before and during the pandemic, we always put caring for the community we serve at the forefront, it is at the heart of what we do at Connection and this award is an honor and a validation to our service,” said Clinton B. Forbes, Palm Tran executive director. “We proudly accept this recognition for providing access to safe and efficient transportation to our community and doing it with compassion.”
Even though ridership declined by 26% due to COVID-19, Connection still provided 552,683 trips from July 2020 to June 2021. On-time performance increased to 94% and paratransit was successful in transitioning 33% of its users to fixed route buses, in which TD riders are eligible for either free or discounted fares.
“Our riders are someone’s family, and the fact that we were able to continue to provide them service, get them to dialysis, bring them food, and provide a way for them to function as much as normal as possible, it is priceless,” said Valerie Courchesne, General Manager of First Transit, one of Connection’s paratransit providers. “For our riders it is a lot of caring, for us it is great teamwork. We provided them life.”
Keeping the needs of riders in the forefront is core to Palm Tran Connection which each year assists in coordinating a bus of advocates to travel to Tallahassee for TD Day. This trip allows supporters and advocates of paratransit the opportunity to meet with state and local legislators to educate them on transit needs and secure public transportation funding. Palm Beach County has had the largest group of TD attendees for close to 20 years. In 2021, the event was held virtually.
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PBC Mayor Robert Weinroth, Assistant County Administrator Todd Bonlarron, County Administrator Verdenia Baker and
Palm Tran Executive Director Clinton B. Forbes are all on board for Palm Tran’s Stuff the Bus 2021 campaign
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Storekeeper Pilot Program success creates an upward mobility template for other positions
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December 2, 2021
The Storekeeper. It kind of has a mystical ring to it, like a character in a Harry Potter kind of story. In transportation, the storekeeper is a real person and key to keeping buses on the road as they provide parts mechanics need for maintenance and repairs. As one of the few 24-hour positions at Palm Tran, the storekeeper needs to have every alternator, battery, oil or air filter on the ready for small to big repairs.
When a couple of storekeeper positions opened up, it was easy to issue a notice to find applicants who already had the skills and experience. Palm Tran decided to take a different approach and create a detailed training and mentorship program to pave the way for bus operators and utility staff to advance into the position that included a significant pay raise.
“We thought it was a perfect opportunity to see if we could develop an internal process to give our bargaining unit employees an opportunity through training to become eligible for a storekeeper position,” said Cathy Lewis, executive senior manager of Human Resources at Palm Tran. “It’s an approach to provide longevity to our employees and was an opportunity to show that Palm Tran not only cares about our administrative team, we want to provide upward mobility for everyone.”
A storekeeper needs to be organized, detailed oriented and have strict follow through for all orders, keep materials in stock and master a specialized software system. Working with Dwight Mattingly, the president of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1577, and Dr. Lili Finke, organizational development manager at Palm Tran, the Storekeeper Pilot Program was quickly developed. And just like any other position, it involved an application and interview process.
“This program is an example of the commitment we have to everyone at Palm Tran to provide a pathway to career advancement,” said Clinton B. Forbes, executive director of Palm Tran. “We want our employees to know they can grow professionally here, if they are willing, we are dedicated to providing opportunities within Palm Tran.”
Important for the positon was to make sure anyone selected understood the job, the challenges and was open to be trained and learn the skills needed. Out of 16 applications, two were selected. Torre Walker, formerly in the utility department, finished the program and is now a full-time storekeeper and Geraldine Chaney, formerly a bus operator, is currently in training and learning the skills to be a storekeeper.
“I wanted to do something different with Palm Tran,” said Walker, who was with Palm Tran’s utility department for 12 years. “I like it, I love my coworkers, they are very helpful and the best part of the job.”
For Chaney, after driving the bus for 4 years, she was ready for a change. “It caught my eye,” she said. “It’s a whole different experience. It is not as hard as I thought it would be. I’m getting the hang of it.”
The pilot program has sparked interest from other employees and provided Palm Tran with a template to use for other positions. Lewis said that with the challenges of recruitment and retention, this program offers a way to develop more initiatives in other areas and positions.
That is an exciting outcome, said Mattingly, who points out the uniqueness of the transit industry. “I think there are other opportunities to build on this and I look forward to working with HR and the recruitment team to be able to do that,” he said.
By Ivonne Perez
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Palm Tran Announces Promotions and New Hires
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We are excited to announce the following well-deserved promotions:
- Yili Affonso, Operations Supervisor to Operations Manager
- Frank Stassi, Systems Integrator to Interim Systems Architecture Analyst
We would like to extend a warm welcome to the following new employees:
- DeBorah Posey-Blocker, Manager of Legislative and Government Affairs for Palm Tran
- Johanna Rojas, Reservation Specialist
- Veronica Castro, Reservation Specialist
- Fabiola Zamor, Paratransit Dispatcher
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Meet Johanna Zephirin, Administrative Services Supervisor
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Nice to meet you, Johanna! First I would like to ask, where did you grow up?
I was born in Haiti, I moved to the United States when I was 9, in third grade, and I’ve lived in Palm Beach County ever since. I wouldn’t live anywhere else.
What was your very first job?
I loved my first job! I worked in an ice cream shop, and the ice cream shop was owned by a teacher. That was his passion, his dream, to have an ice cream and snow cone shop. When I left 8th grade, I begged him to hire me. I was 14; I was so young! I wanted him to hire me because I wanted to pay my cell phone bill. It was Metro PCS, $50 a month, and it was the old Nokia blue phone. I wanted to pay it because I wanted to talk to my friends, and I wanted to play that snake game. I’ve always had a job since then. And I love ice cream to this day.
When and why did you join Palm Tran?
I joined Palm Tran in 2013 as a Reservation Specialist. I used to work at a call center, and the reason I applied was because a woman who worked here told me I should. The day I went to apply was the last day the job was posted. I got in the car with my son, who was little at the time, and I couldn’t find the building to save my life! My phone died, and I stopped at a gas station for directions. I asked the lady to PLEASE help me find this building! I found it, ten minutes before they closed for the day, and they were so nice and so sweet.
What do you enjoy most about our company?
I started in Reservations, moved up to an Administrative Assistant position in the Revenue Department. Then they changed the title to Fiscal Specialist I. Then I started in Payroll as Fiscal Specialist II. And now I think I’ve had four job titles in the Payroll Department. I love the people I work with, and I’ve learned a lot from Palm Tran. It’s been an amazing experience. I love it.
What is one habit you want to get rid of and one habit you want to keep?
Not eating breakfast. I feed the kids and drop off the kids, but I don’t feed myself. When I eat in the morning, I’m more energized. When I don’t, I’m wishing it were lunchtime at 9:30am! So that’s one habit I want to get rid of, for sure. One habit I want to keep is prioritizing my day. I use a planner, it’s a monthly and weekly planner. I love my planner and I block out time to get certain things done. The one thing we have to focus on as supervisors is our own jobs! As a supervisor, you’re so focused on helping others, so I block out time to complete my tasks so I’m more efficient. Also, I like to get the most important thing of the day done first, then it’s easy to make time for the other tasks. I start off the new year with a new calendar, and I love to fill it up and organize my months. I’m excited because I’ve been even more consistent than normal this year. I like to take notes on it, too, and keep it so I can refer back to it.
Who do you admire and why?
I admire my grandfather. He is such an amazing soul. The reason why I admire him is because he is so selfless. He thinks of everybody else before he thinks of himself. He is the one who brought me to America to give me a better education and better opportunities. We had a good life in Haiti, but sometimes you get an opportunity you don’t expect. Now, my grandpa is 80 and still walking, talking, doing really well. I cannot imagine my life without him. He is always doing things for other people. He is my inspiration. I love him and I try to be like him. Without him, I would not be where I am today, and there would be no me. Now my kids are getting to grow up with him too. It’s amazing.
Do you listen to any podcasts? If so, which ones?
My favorite podcasts are financial podcasts. When I was in school, my goal was never finance or accounting, but now I love it. I went to school for crime scene investigation. Then when I worked in the Revenue Department, I realized I wanted to go to school for accounting. I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in finance. I love anything finance, accounting, or budgeting. I also listen to a lot of affirmations, things to get your day started the right way. I also like inspiring, empowering messages. Messages about how to build habits.
What is the best meal you have ever had, and what is the best meal you have ever cooked for yourself?
The best meal I ever had was a seafood boil. I used to get it at Robinson’s, and I love it from Red Crab Seafood. And the best meal I ever cooked for myself was hibachi. When I was pregnant, it was the start of the pandemic, and I was craving hibachi, but I couldn’t find it anywhere. I found some recipes online, got the ingredients and made it at home – it was so good! It had shrimp, steak, chicken, and the rice with the eggs… I still make it for my family and they love it.
What is something you have accomplished as an adult that your younger self would be proud of?
Being authentic. And also finishing up my degree. It is so hard to be authentic in this world, and I am 100% myself. I love being my authentic self, and I don’t let anyone change me. I listen and I understand certain things that I see. When you’re a kid, you see the world differently. You see your parents as superheroes. I’m not trying to be like my parents, I’m trying to be the best version of myself. I want to be a better me every day. My goal is always to make sure I’m learning something new every day. If you don’t love yourself, you can’t love anything else. Love yourself and be true to yourself and learn something new every day.
What skills are you cultivating right now?
Creating better habits. If you want to change something, you have to take it step by step. I have monthly goals, weekly goals and daily goals. I try to accomplish them. If they don’t get crossed off, I can move them to the next day or to the next month. Nothing is ever perfect, but I work every day to create better habits, better goals, and a better way for my team to keep processing payroll. Payroll is repetitive, but we learn so much all the time. The skills I am working so hard to cultivate are creating better habits and better daily structures in my life.
What are you most grateful for in this season of life?
My beautiful kids. I am so grateful for my beautiful kids. I love them. I have a nine-year-old and a one-year-old. I am grateful for my family also. You don’t know where life is going to take you, you don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow, so the people I’m surrounded by who I love on every day, who love on me every day, they don’t need anything to love you. They love you unconditionally. I’m grateful for my kids and for my family.
What inspires you to get out of bed in the morning?
My kids. And people say, what if you didn’t have kids, what would inspire you? Myself. It would be myself. I put my kids first, but I love myself too. And if you don’t love yourself, you can’t love anybody else. You have to put yourself first in that way.
Is there anything else you would like to say to your fellow Palm Tran colleagues?
I have such amazing colleagues. I have such an incredible family at Palm Tran. We aren’t coworkers; we’re family. I would like to say, thank you for being my inspiration; thank you for teaching me something new daily; thank you for being there when I really need you. There has never been a time I needed help with something when I didn’t get help. I think we work so well together and communicate so well. I think everybody should follow their dreams. Be you, be authentic, and live your life. Life is too short to worry about the little stuff. If you want to achieve a goal, go for it. You are doing your best and you are doing an amazing job. Keep achieving your goals. Nothing is done all at once, so be your own cheerleader, every step of the way.
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