CBC Transportation Braintrust
The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's Transportation Braintrust was conceived over 27 years ago to provide a forum during the CBCF Annual Legislative Conference (ALC) for the top-level exchange of information and ideas between key leaders and experts in the transportation industry. The program has grown over the years thanks to the sponsorship of the late U.S. Representative Elijah Cummings (D-MD) and continues under the sponsorship of today’s CBCF leaders.
The Braintrust brings together the best minds and brightest thinkers in the field to discuss issues of particular relevance to disadvantaged peoples in transportation, including economic development, community participation, public safety, universal access and business opportunity. These experts come together annually and represent both a consolidation of the public and private sectors and a collaboration of diverse disciplines in the transportation industry.
The free flow of thought-provoking questions and subsequent discussion of the issues in a public setting can lead to an ongoing dialogue among all stakeholders. This significantly assists the COMTO leadership in its efforts to both develop a consensual agenda and devise a strategic plan for its Chapters and membership.
CBC Braintrust 2025
Small Businesses: Tools to Adapt and Pivot
Washington, DC – After a successful 2025 View from The Hill, COMTO continued its support of the CBC Transportation Braintrust. This year’s panel discussion focused on small business support and offered advice on ways to thrive in a changing landscape.
Shannetta Griffin Executive Director & CEO of BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport and the Maryland Aviation Administration compares this season to COVID urging small businesses to adapt. She emphasizes collaboration is one key to success.
“Don’t recreate the wheel,” urged Griffin, “learn from each other.”
“Don’t give up. These certification programs were never supposed to be the golden ticket,” Tyra Redus former Director of the USDOT Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization reminded the crowd.
Redus said there are still opportunities available for small businesses despite changes to the federal DBE program. She encouraged owners to search for jobs in the Small Business Administration's Subcontractors’ Directory.
“Small business must be everyone’s focus,” said Phil Washington, CEO of Denver International Airport, “ninety-eight percent of businesses in the U.S. are small business.”
“Airports are economic engines,” said Griffin, “Aviation is a trillion-dollar business and has a $1.6 Billion economic impact in Maryland and creates 110,000 jobs.”
“I can’t think of anything more American than entrepreneurship,” said COMTO President & CEO April Rai who expertly moderated the panel.
“It’s about making the business case for small businesses,” said Rai, “Small businesses are nimble and they’re the best at what they do in many cases. So, it’s important for us to focus on that.”
CBC Chair Rep. Andre Carson offered remarks and discussed his recently introduced bill on workforce development in aviation. The proposed bipartisan legislation would create a center to help the aviation and aerospace industries.
Rai concluded the panel discussion by asking each panelist to offer advice to small business owners at this time.
“Flexibility, adaptability, and follow the money,” said Griffin.
Washington added, “We must be bold, lead, implement and be innovative.”
“Focus on a measurable, data-informed strategy,” said Redus, “results, relationships, and re-evaluate your work portfolio.”
“If there ever was a time to join COMTO, now is it,” said Michael Garner as he urged the audience to join,” the contribution to small businesses and contracting opportunities are endless.”