News
2007
November 01, 2007 -
Where In The World Is Curt Pianalto?
One of the frequent questions we are asked is, “How can you help our byway?” The Resource Center provides three specific services:
Resources
Many of the Resource Center’s resources reach the byway community in the form of publications. Here are some publications available, free of charge, to the byway community:
- www.bywaysresourcecenter.org
- Vistas bimonthly newsletter
- Tele-Workshop Fact Sheets
- Publications on specific topics including organizations, scenic conservation and historic roads
Training and Education
A full line of training, education and resources is available on the four core learning areas:
- Corridor Management
- Finances
- Byway Organization
- Visitor Experience
Training and educational opportunities can be accessed through the Resource Center in a variety of ways:
- www.bywaysresourcecenter.org
- On-site trainings/workshops
- Online trainings
- Resource Center products
- Tele-Workshops
- National conference calls
- Podcasts
- Biennial National Scenic Byways Conference
Technical Assistance
Our byways specialists and Federal and Tribal liaisons are here to support you in the following ways:
- Direct you to resources
- Facilitate networking within the byway community
- Help you identify problems and find solutions
- Provide assistance in the areas of Corridor Management, Finances, Byway Organization, Visitor Experience, Tribal byways and Federal lands
So, let’s talk about how this really works. We have four byway specialists that cover the country and are responsible for delivering information, services and assistance to America’s Byways®. Each byways specialist serves as the primary contact for specific States. Assistance can range from connecting via phone or e-mails, or it can involve several face-to-face meetings to provide specific assistance, training or facilitation services.
I caught up with byways specialist Curt Pianalto (at a nearby coffee shop - my treat) between assignments to talk about where he had been, where he was going and what was happening on the byways.
Where is Curt Pianalto? New Jersey!
New Jersey’s State Coordinator, Cindy Bloom-Cronin, organized a (first-time!) statewide meeting for existing and potential byways. Cindy called upon Curt to assist with developing the agenda, presenting information about the National Scenic Byways Program and training attendees on byway organizational sustainability. Federal Highway Administration team members (Gary Jensen, Cindi Ptak and Kate Valentine) were also present for part of the workshop via conference call to help discuss Program-related questions.
Where is Curt Pianalto? Michigan!
Curt was the keynote speaker at the annual meeting of the Western Upper Peninsula Planning and Development Region - home for the Copper Country National Scenic Byway. The following day, Curt facilitated a planning process for the byway organization to help them develop a strategic plan.
Where is Curt Pianalto? Peoria and Springfield, Illinois!
Next, Curt traveled to Illinois to deliver a presentation about Byway partnerships at the Illinois River Conference. The following day, Illinois State Coordinator Melissa Hendricks organized a meeting where Curt helped facilitate a discussion about statewide promotional efforts to identify possible promotional media.
So, where is Curt Pianalto?
Good question! But wherever he is, Curt and his fellow byways specialists, Bonnie and Dennis, are always available to help you and are just a phone call or e-mail away. It’s up to you where they travel to next. So find the byways specialist for your State and drop them a line. Check out our Resources section of our site for reading material while you wait for a return call.
Michelle Johnson
Director
P.S.
If you think you might like to work at the Resource Center, we may have the job for you! We have a byways specialist opening. Click here for details and application materials.