APTA Business Members Address Critical Industry Priorities at Annual Meeting

More than 150 APTA business members met March 16-18 for the association’s 2026 Business Members Annual Meeting in Savannah, GA. The meeting brought together manufacturers, suppliers, technology providers, architecture and engineering firms, contractors and builders, and small businesses—all reflecting the broad range of APTA business members.

Ray Melleady, president, STER North America LLC, and chair of the Business Members Board of Governors, reminded attendees of the importance of their voice in industry advocacy. “The funding that flows to transit doesn’t stop at the agency; it ripples through our supply chains and into communities that may never put a single passenger on a bus or rail car,” he said.

APTA Chair Leanne Redden, executive director, Chicago Regional Transportation Authority, emphasized the far-reaching impact of transit on the economy, connecting businesses to customers and employees, increasing productivity by reducing commuter time, attracting investment and spurring development near stations, creating local jobs, and acting as a catalyst for growth.

APTA President and CEO Paul P. Skoutelas reminded attendees that 77 percent of all federal dollars flows to more than 3,000 suppliers across all 50 states. “APTA’s public-private partnership is one of our strengths as an association,” he said.

Throughout the event, discussions centered on the importance of transit investment in creating jobs, manufacturing and a healthy business environment in the U.S., procurement reform, navigating market volatility, the use of AI, and initiatives to make transit safer and more effective.

A fundraising dinner was held to support the American Public Transportation Foundation, with a 2026 goal attained of raising more than $55,000.

The gathering included a community service event with the Savannah Tree Foundation.

View more images from the event.