David Ripplinger, bioenergy specialist and assistant professor in the Department of Agribusiness and Applied Economics, and John Bitzan, associate professor of management, were elected officers of the Transportation Research Forum during its annual meeting March 11-14 in Atlanta. Ripplinger was elected president and Bitzan was elected program vice president-elect. 

The Transportation Research Forum provides an impartial meeting ground for carriers, shippers, government officials, consultants, university researchers and suppliers to exchange of information related to passenger and freight transportation. In addition to monthly meetings of local chapters in Washington, D.C.; New York; and Chicago, a national meeting has been annually since 1960.

Ripplinger earned a bachelor's degree at NDSU, a master's degree in agricultural economics from Iowa State University and a doctorate in transportation and logistics from NDSU.

Bitzan earned a bachelor's degree at St. Cloud State University, a master's degree at Marquette University and a doctorate at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

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