The American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) has engaged Washington, D.C.-based Dittus Communications to assist in the development and execution of a multi-year image and branding program for the U.S. transportation design and construction industry.

ARTBA’s “It’s Our Future” campaign will use research, advertising and earned media to educate audiences about the many returns the industry provides on the public’s investment in transportation infrastructure improvements.

In the second phase of the campaign, ARTBA will focus on building public and political support for significant increases in federal transportation investment. The current law, the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act — A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), which funds the nation’s road, highway, bridge, transit and transportation infrastructure programs, expires in 2009.

“We are thrilled to be chosen by ARTBA to work on this timely campaign,” said Dittus Communications vice president of public affairs and project lead Peter Holran. “With the federal highway bill up for reauthorization in a few years, the time is ripe to raise awareness of the transportation construction industry, and to show that transportation infrastructure is a smart investment in our nation’s future.”

The Dittus team handling the work will be comprised of Holran; Angela Martinez, senior director; Tom Conway, senior vice president; Tom Squitieri, senior media advisor; and Liz Eigenberger, account executive.

The Dittus team brings to the ARTBA project experience with similar projects for clients including Shell Exploration & Production, the American Council on Fitness and Nutrition, Dell, PhRMA, and Pernod Ricard. Also, Dittus’ issue advocacy expertise has been called upon by numerous campaigns, including Pepco’s “DC is Electric” campaign, the High-Tech DTV Coalition’s campaign for DTV transition and the Campaign for Tire Safety, as well as campaigns promoting nutrition and fitness and increased access to domestic energy resources.

ARTBA’s “It’s Our Future” also includes a separate, yet complementary, workforce recruitment and development component aimed at attracting the “best and brightest” to careers in the industry.

For more information, visit www.artba.org or www.dittus.com.

Today's top stories

Larry Young Paving Tackles Grade-Separated Interchange in Texas

NAPA Urges Drivers to 'Watch For Us' During National Work Zone Awareness Week

Caltrans, Crews Working to Repair Highway Landslides

Landscapers, Contractors, Dealers Can 'Test Before They Invest' in Equipment in Equip Expo's 30-Acre Outdoor Demo Yard

John Deere Launches Nationwide Search for First-Ever Chief Tractor Officer

Growing Interest in Construction Careers Among Younger People Means Jobs Filled, Deadlines Met

American Bridge Co. Leads Conn.'s East Haddam Swing Bridge Project

New Rocket Park at Huntsville, Ala.'s Space Program Museum Nearing Completion