Association Business
TLA
President’s Message
W
e are full swing into fall. The arrival of cooler weather brings artists ranging from Louis Armstrong to Black Sabbath to Public activities that many people look forward to this time of year. Enemy to Whitney Houston.2 Accordingly, this notable site has Certainly there is the welcome of college football, changes in something for everyone. the colors of leaves and the approach of various holidays. From a For those of you who did not enjoy Headbangers Ball on MTV, Transportation Lawyers Association (“TLA”) perspective, however, the city of Cleveland has lots more to offer.3 The city is famous fall means the anticipation of the Transportation Law Institute for its sports teams, including the Cleveland Indians, Cleveland (“TLI”). In fact, for the last 52 years, the TLA has hosted its annual Cavaliers and Cleveland Browns. Beyond sports, it is culturally rich TLI event at outstanding venues all across North America. Most and historically significant. In fact, John D. Rockefeller founded recently, however, the 2020 installment of the TLI was held “vir- Standard Oil in Cleveland long before the successor companies, tually.” Originally planned as a “Cajun” version of the TLI event Amoco Corporation and British Petroleum, were recognizable. set for New Orleans, Louisiana, TLA had to adapt Nonetheless, for others, Cleveland will always be quickly to make the TLI a remote event in order to associated with the sitcom The Drew Carey Show. accommodate the response to the health crisis. A The program, which aired from 1995–2004, was quick note of thanks to Charles Riley and Clark based on Cleveland native Drew Carey and his Monroe for their efforts surrounding the 2020 common man-themed interactions with work, TLI. Hopefully, TLA can make a return visit to New friends and life in Cleveland.4 As a matter of fact, Orleans sometime soon in the future. As successful the musical intro to the show adopted the song as the virtual seminars have been in the past year, “Cleveland Rocks,” which was originally performed as anyone who has ever been to a concert knows, by Ian Hunter and later covered by the band The there is nothing quite like a live event. Fortunately, Presidents of the United States. The song title now it looks like the 2021 TLI will be live and in person. serves as a slogan for the town. Regardless, get As such, saddle up for a “rock and roll” version of your bandmates together and we will see you in the TLI on November 12, 2021, at the Metropolitan Ohio. Steve Canty at The 9 Hotel in Cleveland, Ohio. On a business note, a quick shout of praise to TLI Committee Co-Chairs Stevan Baxter and our Young/New Lawyers Committee for involving Allen Jones are the promoters of the show this year and will all of the latest inductees to our organization. Thanks also to all ensure that “Cleveland Rocks.” In addition to an outstanding the Committee Co-Chairs for promoting the committee operaeducational program, the Committee Co-Chairs have enlisted tions with the TLA. As a theme throughout 2021-2022, we are local talent to allow for the exploration of the sights, sounds and welcoming all members (new and aged) to become active in the tastes of the “Forest City.” Indeed, be sure to check out the dining TLA. Sitting on the proverbial sidelines is not encouraged. Rather, and entertainment activities planned to guarantee total emersion spectating is more appropriate for Professional Bull Riding.5 On into what the town has to offer. “Simply put, this is not a one-note the contrary, we encourage the membership to actively particitown, but a place rich in diversity and depth.”1 pate and seek a role in the association. For a city that is the home of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, On a personal note, I would like to express my continuing correlation between “forests” and the city of Cleveland is a little gratitude for the opportunity to serve as an officer of the TLA. I unclear. It is a little clearer, however, how Cleveland became asso- thank the Past Presidents who previously provided the encourciated with rock music. As history goes, a local disc jockey named agement to be active and involved in this organization. Moreover, Alan Freed on WJW (am) promoted jazzy and bluesy music in the my ongoing appreciation is extended for the work and efforts of early 1950s. He is credited during his tenure of spinning records TLA’s Representatives-at-Large Paul Mello, Melissa Thompson with coining the phrase “rock and roll.” A full examination of the Richardson, Jeff Cox, Kim Stoll, Jason Orleans, Beth Lashuk, rock genre can be conducted at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, with Peggy Bush, and Tom Martin, as well as current officers a complete accounting of the origins of the music, as well as the Chris Kelly, President-Elect; Eric Benton, First Vice President; artists who made the music famous. A visit to the musical gallery Kathy Garber, Second Vice President; and Louis Amato-Gauci, will also provide some insight into the eclectic inductees now Secretary/Treasurer. Their behind the scene work and commitenshrined in the annals of history. Indeed, past honorees include ment truly make them the “roadies” of TLA.
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Transportation Lawyers Association • Canadian Transport Lawyers Association • October 2021, Vol. 23, No. 2
