Ground Force Training instructor Bill Barnes and backhoe trainee in Durham Region
AORS & Ground Force Training Inc. have many backhoe training programs but we won’t teach you how to do this: Dancing Backhoe http://bit.ly/9Mai3v or this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nqm8a3wNsQ4&feature=player_embedded
RoadMap: The key to maintain equipment service life is proper operator training.
Go Green! Fleets everywhere today are seeking ways to optimize their operations for reasons of corporate social responsibility and public image, cost control, and environmental purposes – the “triple bottom line.”
Green Fleet 401
This forum will be held in conjunction with Green Fleet Expo 2010 and will introduce “the big picture in future automotive transportation”, with a discussion of emerging national and global directions in automotive fleets and fuel, as well as innovative products and developments.
Location: Centennial College, Ashtonbee Campus, Toronto, Breakfast at 7:30 a.m. Forum 8:45 a.m. until noon.
Confirmed expert speakers for Forum 401 (June 10th) include:
- John German, Senior Fellow for the International Council for Clean Transportation, with prior experience with the EPA’s Office of Mobile Sources, Chrysler, and Honda Motor Company.
- Antoine Belaieff, Toronto City Director of Clinton Climate Initiative and formerly involved with the development of The Big Move, Metrolinx’s regional transportation master plan.
- Richard Gilbert, Author and Transportation Consultant to the Paris-based Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
- Matt Crossley, General Motors of Canada – Director of Engineering, with previous experience developing new business strategies for telematics and hybrid electric vehicles for General Motors Europe.
Price: General Admission $75 + GST; Municipal Employees $60 + GST
RoadMap: Registration
CentreLine: Municipalities should be local leaders in modern fleet management techniques and proven best management practices.
National Public Works Week (May 16-22, 2010) is a celebration of the tens of thousands of men and women in North America who provide and maintain the infrastructure and services collectively known as public works. The OPWA Kick-off Event and Pioneers Luncheon (Thursday, May 13th) featured 7 excellent speakers discussing public works infrastructure/asset management current status, issues and several important future challenges.
Wally Wells, P.Eng., Wells Infrastructure Group Inc. (“Asset Management BC”) outlined the status of the Local Government Asset Management Working Group (LGAMWG). The group has finalized their terms of reference, vision, mission and objectives. The ‘way forward’ for the group will be:
• PSAB 3150 follow-up (i.e. condition assessment guidelines)
• Integration – focus on core strengths and deliverables
• Communication – get the message out and solicit input from stakeholders; educate public and politicians
• BC Knowledge Product – follow up actions
• Pilot projects – find practical asset management (AM) solutions
• Tools – create a ‘tool chest’ for sustainable AM
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Michael Mortimer, P.Eng., Program Manager, CSA Standards provided an update on CSA training and publications for buildings and municipal public works. The Municipal Infrastructure Solutions Program (MSIP) focuses on delivering practical, pragmatic and proven tools and services in the form of new standards, best-practice guides, technologies and training offerings.
Currently there are 14 technical committees/working groups established to guide the development of additional courses and publications. CSA would welcome additional knowledgeable participants on these advisory committees.
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An excellent round table discussion –“Challenges for the Next Decade”- featured Kathleen Llewellyn-Thomas, P.Eng., York Region (transportation), Allan Magi, P.Eng., City of Birlington (facilities), Andrew Pollock, Niagara Region (solid waste) and Mike Price, P.Eng., Mike Price& Associates Inc. (water/wastewater).
Some of the issues/challenges outlined included:
Facilities
• Performance measurement similar to linear assets needed
• Consistent condition assessment approach (i.e. facility condition index)
• Energy management
• Funding/inflation
• Multiple use facilities to address aging population and recent immigration patterns/interests
Waste Management
• Recycling – move to full producer responsibility (Waste Diversion Act/June 2010)
• Composting – 2nd generation plants, different/conflicting methods; biofuel
• Disposal – landfill capacity; district heating potential/projects (Durham); fuel production from waste
Water/Wastewater
• Source Protection – world-wide and in Canada
• Future design/capacities of infrastructure – considering reductions in usage (i.e. condos)
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The keynote speaker Reg Andres, P.Eng., Vice President, R.V. Anderson Associates Limited presented ‘Sustainable Infrastructure Management – Where We Are & Where We Are Going”.
His main message for OPWA members….asset management has come a long way; OPWA members need to lead the way into the future; continue to get the message out regarding infrastructure management, funding and sustainability.
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RoadMap:
• National (Canada) Asset Management
• Asset Management International – Dr. Penny Burns (Australia)
CentreLine: “An asset without a user is an asset without a value”
When I joined APWA in 2004, I received a very comprehensive package of promotional material in the mail which included a letter of thanks, information about their services, the Info Now network, the historical society, benefits of membership and a publications/resources catalogue. Needless to say, I was impressed and as we all know…you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression”.
Harry Campbell's graphic interpretation of the theme "Public Works: Above, Below & All Around You".
Over the years their publications and promotional materials have been consistently relevant, essential and timely. The National Public Works Week (NPWW) flyer that I received this week is no exception. The flyer cover – a copy of the 2010 NPWW poster by illustrator Harry Campbell – is an amazing interpretation of the theme “Public Works: Above, Below, & All Around You” .
Harry’s distinctive graphic line illustration work can be found in most major publications including The New York Times, Time Magazine, Newsweek, and many others. A graduate of The Maryland Institute College of Art where he also has taught. Campbell has received numerous awards from The Society of Illustrators, Communication Arts, and American Illustration.
National Public Works Week (NPWW) 2010 is celebrated on May 16-22. Instituted as a public education campaign by the American Public Works Association (APWA) in 1960, NPWW calls attention to the importance of public works in community life. The Week seeks to enhance the prestige of the often–unsung heroes of our society–the professionals who serve the public good every day with quiet dedication.
The Association of Ontario Road Supervisors (AORS) has formally partnered with the Ontario Public Works Association (OPWA) – A Chapter of APWA/CPWA. One of the goals of this agreement is to cross promote the partner’s significant events and awards including NPWW. OPWA has two awards available for NPWW in Ontario including:
Township of Scugog staff and elected officials - winners of the Roger Brown Trophy.
The 2009 winner in the first category was the City of Brampton and the second category was the Township of Scugog. Congratulations to both Municipalities and their staff or organizing such great programs that met the strategic objectives of the program.
In my opinion, NPWW activities are like APWA publications. They’re opportunity to make a great impression…a lasting impression of your Municipal public works department and its important role in providing essential quality of life services in our communities. From my conversations with representatives of the winning teams, it doesn’t take a great deal of time or resources to make any NPWW celebratory event memorable. On the other hand, the benefits – award and trophies notwithstanding – including increased morale, teamwork and pride amongst participating Municipal staff are enormous.
So….don’t forget those dates…..May 16-22. If you and your Municipality are interested in supporting NPWW in Ontario please contact anyone at OPWA or AORS or better yet, talk to the Municipalities who have participated in the past. There is no sense in reinventing the wheel.
These folks have lots of experience and good ideas so tap into it.
CentreLine: NPWW is an opportunity to shout from the rooftops “We are public works”.
Positive Forecast Good for Manufacturing Sector
In a previous post I speculated about Caterpillar’s absence from the AORS annual Municipal Trade Show in Essex County. As it turned out, they had just weathered their first quarterly loss in 17 years and reported a 66% drop in 2nd quarter earnings. It’s nice to hear that they are back on track.
The ubiquitous CAT backhoe is a key machine on most large construction sites.
According to their 4Q 2009 Earnings Release they expect higher sales, revenues and profit in 2010. Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE: CAT) today announced sales and revenues of $32.396 billion for 2009, a decrease of 37 percent from $51.324 billion in 2008. Profit per share was $1.43, down 75 percent. Excluding redundancy costs of $0.75, 2009 profit was $2.18 per share.
Fourth-quarter sales and revenues were $7.898 billion, down 39 percent from the fourth quarter of 2008. Profit per share for the quarter was $0.36, down 67 percent from the fourth quarter of 2008. Excluding redundancy costs, profit for the fourth quarter was $0.41 per share.
“While the economy in 2009 was the worst our company has experienced since the Great Depression, I’m proud to report that Team Caterpillar responded in an extraordinary way,” said Caterpillar Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jim Owens. “We delivered solid profitability and cash flow and dramatically improved our balance sheet.
RoadMap: Caterpillar expects 2010 sales and revenues to be up 10 to 25 percent from 2009, and profit is expected to be about $2.50 per share at the midpoint of the sales and revenues range. More….
CentreLine: The CAT should come back to AORS Municipal Trade Show in 2010.
First impressions and lasting impressions really count
I don’t know what the final attendance was at the Landscape Ontario Congress 2010 but I’m sure they exceeded – so I heard – last year by a significant amount. I hope so because the Face2Face Congress really raised the bar for this type of event. For anyone interested in horticultural, lawn or garden equipment, services and supplies there was ample opportunity to network, learn and participate throughout the massive venue.
We had several hands on deck at the AORS booth (Education Section) so I had plenty of time to walk around, network, take pictures and just generally observe the features that make this event so successful and so consistent throughout the 4 days.
Face2Face registration staff were efficient and professional.
Monday, January 11th - Congress Symposiums
Although I didn’t attend the Congress on Monday there was a full slate of a full slate of all-day, specialty programs and conferences including:
I like the idea of offering educational/accreditation opportunities on a separate opening day. As well, Landscape Ontario’s partners in education have an opportunity to promote their related programs and services. This really enhances the overall experience for attendees because there is something on the agenda for everyone. The message is clear from opening day. If you want to learn and be successful in the landscape business then this is the event to attend and participate.
Tuesday, January 12th – Congress Conference (Day 1for those of us at the AORS booth)
Creighton Rock Drill booth featuring 'Greenplus'
Hassel free parking…check. Hassel free registration….check. If you are going to attend an event of this size you want to be able to get inside the venue as quickly as possible. Landscape Ontario staff, volunteers and contractors showed us how it’s done. Despite thousands of cars descending on the show traffic and parking control persons did a great job and there were many professionally staffed registration tables at the entrance. In no more than 5 minutes I had my badge, brochure bag and was at the AORS booth ready to work. Despite our location – perhaps a bit too close to the entrance – we had lots of interest in our educational programs (particularly the equipment operator safety and skills series), annual Trade Show and Spotlight directory. For attendees and suppliers to get the most out of this event – and all similar shows – you really have to be pro-active, participative and patient. You only get out of it what you put in so everyone in our booth took turns circulating throughout the venue, talking with some AORS current and potential supplier members.
For the other attendees there was a full slate of Prosperity Partner educational sessions centred around the six pillars of business success…. Sales, Financial Health, Developing Customers for Life, Professional Operations, Leadership Excellence and Technical Expertise.
Highlight Tuesday: If you want a dose of infectious enthusiasm for a ‘green product’ and AORS just have a talk with Peter Creighton (Creighton Rock Drill/CRD). So that’s what I did. As usual CRD’s award winning booth (CRD won the ‘Best Inside Booth Award at the 2009 AORS Trade Show) was busy and filled with lots of information and displays about their drilling, breaking, demolition and compaction tools/attachments. Also featured was Greenplus Hydraulic Fluid ES an environmentally safe high performance biodegradable/non-toxic lubricant made from vegetable oils.
Wednesday, January 13th
On Wednesday Mick Scott, AORS Support Services Coordinator and Lyle Morris, AORS (Past President, 1998) joined us in the booth. We a fairly good flow of traffic and the professional, proactive approach of the booth volunteers ensured that we made the most of our time at the show. Educational sessions focused on technical expertise, financial health and leadership excellence required for success in the landscape business. The Equipment Dealers Forum was new for 2010 and is an great idea to implement at the AORS Trade Show.
The 'Certificatied Wall of Fame' was my personal favourite idea from Face2Face.
Highlight Wednesday: “I can sell you a booth, but I’d rather sell you an opportunity”. These enthusiastic words were spoken by Lorraine Ivanoff, Trade Show Sales representative, Landscape Ontario. I encountered Lorraine at the Congress office while renewing the AORS booth for 2010. I mentioned the issues with our booth location near the main entrance and Lorraine took the opportunity to explain to me why and how we ended up there. Needless to say, I now understand why the ‘education’ booths are located where they are (i.e. we are not-for –profit so we don’t pay full fee). However Lorraine also explained that if AORS wanted to improve its profile (e.g. promote 50th anniversary in 2011) at this show there are many other options (e.g. forum, mini conference/symposium) available that we could consider for next year. I think some of her ideas have merit and I’ll be meeting with her soon to discuss them in more detail.
Thursday, January 14th
The final day of the Congress is perhaps a bit quieter than the previous two but surprisingly there is always a pretty steady flow of attendees – particularly students – throughout the morning. I decided to stay over for the final day and I’m glad I did.
The Welcome Centre was a well designed area to relax and get some Landscape Ontario information from enthusiastic volunteers.
Highlight Thursday: The 8 educational sessions on Day 3 included a technical expertise session – The Marketing Power of Good Photography. Being an avid amateur photographer I thought this session might be helpful. The session leader, Nik Milner (Nik Milner Photography) provided some composition techniques to maximize the visual potential photographs particularly for use in various media and on the web. Nik was very animated and enthusiastic and I’m sure that everyone at this well attended seminar got some useful tidbit to use to improve their work.
The Welcome Centre completely lived up to its name. This beautifully designed and professionally staffed area was the perfect place to relax, enjoy a cup of coffee, look for a job, get information on training/accreditation or just put your feet up and take a load off. The Certification Wall of Fame was the focal point for sure. This is a great idea for AORS 2011 Trade Show.
RoadMap: Garden and Floral Expo – October 20-21/2009
CentreLine: Face2Face Congress set a high standard for similar events. Organizations that partner with Landscape Ontario during this and future events stand to gain significant credibility and positive exposure.
Milestones is an excellent OGRA publication.
The Winter Maintenance Issue of the Ontario Good Roads Association (OGRA) publication ‘Milestones’ is now available on their website.
This is an excellent publication with many pertinent public works related articles including:
As a machine operator, your goal in any emergency should be to complete these six S’s:
Working around utilities and other workers is hazardous for equipment operators and they need to stay alert at all times.
1. Stop The Machine – First, stop your machine as quickly and safely as possible.
2. Shift To Neutral
3. Set The Parking Brake
4. Shut Down The Engine
5. Summon Help – Call the service technician and describe the problem.
6. Stay In The Cab – Usually you should stay in the cab until help arrives. This is especially true if there’s a chance of a potential hazard around the truck that you can’t see. However, if there’s a threat to your safety in the cab, you should find the safest, fastest exit.
These safety tips provided with authorization from SAFETY.CAT.COM™.
The Association of Ontario Road Supervisors has partnered with Ground Force Training Inc. to provide our associates with leading edge equipment operator safety and skills training. First and foremost on every program is an emphasis on personal and equipment safety. The instructors walk the walk when it comes to this component of every program. These comprehensive programs are the standard for Municipal equipment operator training in Ontario.
RoadMap: 2010 AORS Training and Professional Development Program (PDF)
CentreLine: AORS equipment operator safety and skills training will help you prevent emergency situations in the first place and control potential hazards on the job site.
Arden Carruthers (left) passes the President's gavel to Ross Gellately.
If you wanted an example of a well organized and active AORS Local Association (LA), the Eastern Ontario Road Supervisors Association would be the template. With 13 business meetings and social events each year this LA always has something interesting, relevant and fun to offer its members (34 municipal/101 supplier).
The meeting on Wednesday, November 18th was no exception. After the regular business agenda, Ewen MacDonald, AORS Representative on the Board of Directors conducted the elections for the 2010 LA Executive. Ross Gellately (Twp. of South Stormont), has moved into the President’s position replacing Arden Carruthers (Twp. of North Dundas), and André Bachand (Twp. of North Glengarry) was elected as Vice-President. Mike McLennan (United Counties of SDG) has retired from the Municipality and his position as Secretary. No one was elected to replace Mike so this position will be filled at a future date.
Matt Maxsom holding the PolarFlex snow blade.
As well, two informative presentations were on the agenda including:
CentreLine: AORS Local Associations are the foundation of the organization and are the ‘close to home’ opportunity to network with your public works associates and learn about new supplier technologies and services.
It’s now the law – the use of hand-held cell phones and other wireless devices while driving is prohibited in Ontario. Ontario’s new distracted driving law makes it illegal for motorists to use hand-held wireless communication devices or hand-held electronic entertainment devices while driving. This new law also prohibits viewing a display screen unrelated to the driving task such as laptops or DVD players while driving.
Ontario’s new law applies to hand-held wireless communications and hand-held electronic entertainment devices. More…
RoadMap: Ontario Regulation 366/09 (Display Screens and Hand-Held Devices)
CentreLine: I am going to minimize my use of a cell phone while driving regardless of this law.
