February 24, 2015

As we have for the past three years Epstein hosted the unofficial Kick-off to the 101st Annual Illinois Transportation and Highway Engineering (T.H.E.) Conference last night at Murphy's Pub in Champaign. Like in previous Kick-off events Epstein picked-up the beer tab at Murphy's which also came with a complimentary Epstein-branded beer stein. (see photo collage)

Although this time we added a new, and much more meaningful benefactor, to our Kick-off party. This year Epstein also made a $500 donation to the Vincenzo 'Enzo' Petrella Memorial Trust. On January 27, 2014, Illinois Tollway worker and Teamsters Local 700 member, Vincenzo Petrella was assisting a trucker with a disabled semi-trailer on Interstate 88 when he was tragically struck and killed by another vehicle. Petrella, 39, left behind a wife and two children. The memorial fund was established to aid the family. We encourage you, or your organization, to make a similar donation to the 'Enzo' fund. You can send your donation to any Chase Bank branch. Your donation should be made out to the Vincenzo 'Enzo' Petrella Memorial Trust, Chase Bank Account Number 3020146931.

A fun time was had by all that attended our T.H.E. Kick-Off event and we give thanks to those that also made donations to the Enzo Trust!

For those of you unfamiliar with the T.H.E. Conference the purpose of the gathering is to bring transportation engineers, officials, technicians, faculty and students together to discuss issues critical to the safe and economical movement of people and goods across Illinois, the U.S.A., and beyond. For more info on T.H.E. visit http://www.theconf.com/