APWA Bridges 1 February/March 2013

By Clark Wantoch, Milwaukee County, Department of Transportation; Bill Dunlop, JSD Professional Services, Inc.

The Wisconsin section of APWA has a number of success stories resulting from the creation of a diversity committee. This fall at our technical conference, the chapter demonstrated its commitment to the importance of diversity by opening its conference with Brigadier General Gracus K. Dunn as the keynote speaker. The objective of this general (no pun intended) session was to hear how the U.S. Army imple-ments its diversity programs and how that can be applied to our work places.

Brigadier General Dunn currently serves in two roles in the Army Reserves. One assign-ment is the Commanding General of the Chicago-based 85th Support Command. His other assignment is in Fort Hood as the Deputy Commanding General for Support, First Army Division West. The general is a reserve officer and works in the private sector. In addition to talking about diversity, he raised the chapter’s awareness about the role of the reserves and how this impacts individuals from the chapter’s membership who serve as reservists.

The audience received a clear message from the start that good leadership will promote diversity. By continually developing and providing opportunities for everyone within an organization, we should be able to attain a workplace that reflects the makeup of our society. The general placed great importance on knowing the members of your team, judging and

developing them based on performance, and placing individuals in positions where they can best support the organization’s goals.

Part of knowing your team is to promote a culture where everyone knows and is aware of the differences of those around them. Formal diversity awareness events that highlight different cultures, generations, or genders, support these goals. These conscious efforts through events and training made by the Army, the general suggested, could also be done in public works.

The general asserted that by truly knowing your team, you are able to select members of your team that will provide the diversity needed to succeed. He reminded the chapter that in developing a team, diversity is a consideration to be used in member selections. He related leader-ship to being a football coach. The leader should know where everyone should be on the field and what each player’s responsibilities and abilities are. He also stressed that as you provide oppor-tunities, you need to provide practice through training and experience before team members are called upon to make the big play!

We are operating in a dynamic, multi-cultural environment. Leaders in any field must know the dynamics of their team to get the job done. The general was able to raise the chapter’s awareness of the role of leaders by showing how the Army’s focus on diversity creates a roadmap using focused leadership with stated goals and outcomes. (continued on page 2)

The Newsletter for Chapter Leaders February/March 2013

This Month’s Focus: VolunTeer recruiTMenT

in This issue

1 Brigadier General Gracus K. Dunn on Diversity in the Military Workplace

2 Award Submission Deadlines

3 charlotte Welcomes the Show for Snow

6 Donald c. Stone center

6 education calendar

Brigadier General Gracus K. Dunn on Diversity in the Military Workplace

APWA Bridges 2 February/March 2013

(continued from page 1) Those team members are incorporated into a diverse structure; resourced, educated, and trained; and they are aware of their environment. This was an exciting way to start the conference and a benefit of the diversity dommittee in action.

Interested in starting a diversity committee in your chapter? See the November APWA Reporter, page 12, “Advantages of having a Chapter Diversity Committee.”

This newsletter is published bimonthly by the APWA Chapter Relations Department and provides insider informa-tion on APWA activities for chapter leaders.Please address comments to:Bridges NewsletterAPWA2345 Grand Blvd., Suite 700Kansas City, MO 64108-2625ph 800-848-2792, ext. 5260

Bridges

1. Excellence in Snow and Ice Control Award – Deadline February 1, 2013; midnight eastern time.

2. Top Ten Public Works Leaders of the Year – Deadline March 4, 2013; midnight eastern time.

3. Public Works Project of the Year – Deadline March 4, 2013; midnight eastern time.

4. SC/RC Project of the Year – Deadline March 4, 2013; midnight eastern time. (NEW THIS YEAR)

5. Award nominations to all other awards—except the four mentioned above, the PACE, and the PWHS awards. Deadline March 4, 2013; midnight eastern time.

6. PACE Award – Deadline June 3, 2013 – Chapters must first be notified they qualify to submit for this award.

Each site has instructions on how to proceed in submitting your award. Once you reach the nomination site, you will need to fill out an entrant form, which includes providing your contact information choosing a username and password in order to submit a nomination. Because the form is not on the APWA website, please keep the e-mail Omni Contests will send you as APWA is not able to look up your password. Once you register by filling out an entrant form, you will have access to submit a nomination.

Nomination Entry instructions:

1. Click on the Add Entry Button and fill out the Entry Form.

2. Hit save, you can then go to the second tab.

3. Click on the second tab, fill out the form, hit save. Fill out each tab until you reach the Upload Nomination form.

4. Upload the Nomination form. The nomina-tion form is to be filled out, printed, and saved as a file separate from your nomina-tion. You will click on Browse, search your files, select, and click on upload. Browse should disappear.

5. Second, upload your nomination. Third, if you have any photos you want to upload, there will be a field for that. HIT SAVE, BUT YOU ARE NOT DONE.

6. Now go to View Entries.

7. Submit your entry by clicking on the incom-plete link in red.

8. You MUST choose submit now for it to be ready for judging.

9. You are now done and will receive a confir-mation e-mail.

Support is available during normal business hours, Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., central time, if you need help submitting your entries. Every attempt is made to respond to e-mail and telephone messages on the same business day.

Contact Rhonda Wilhite at 800-848-2792, ext. 5261, or e-mail at rwilhite@apwa.net.

Award Submission Deadlines

APWA Bridges 3 February/March 2013

April 7-10, 2013Charlotte, NC

APWA and the North Carolina Chapter are proud to bring the

2013 Show for Snow to one of America’s prominent Ice Belt cities - Charlotte, NC! With a variety of winter weather events occurring in the Ice Belt annually, and even as far south as

Dallas and Atlanta in recent years, it’s important to remember that winter maintenance is more than just snow removal.

With that in mind, the 2013 North American (Not Just) Snow Conference promises to be the best yet! Attendees will have the opportunity to sit in on one of the many outstanding education sessions featuring the very best in snow and ice control, or take in the expansive lineup of fleet and emergency management solutions that fit their needs. They’ll also have an opportunity to visit the exhibit floor to network with peers and vendors as they discover the industry’s latest cutting-edge technologies, equipment and processes needed to help keep communities safe next winter! Join your fellow snowfighters at the Show for Snow in Charlotte, April 7 – 10.

The Queen City is the largest and most accessible city between Washington, D.C., and Dallas. Due to its mid-Atlantic location, getting to Char-lotte is easy from anywhere in the country, hence its nickname “the International Gateway to the South.” But there’s a lot more to experience in Charlotte! Beyond the modern

skyline of Center City you’ll find streetcar-era communities where buildings range from vintage factories to grand southern estates. Check out one of the many NASCAR race shops in the area or take time to admire turn-of-the-century architecture and traditional tree-lined thoroughfares on your way to one of Charlotte’s award-winning soul food, BBQ, or international restaurants. When the sun goes down, you’ll find plenty to keep you entertained at the NC Music Factory where you can discover some of the coolest bars, restaurants, pubs and live music set amid historic mill buildings. Located just a few blocks from your hotel is the EpiCentre, a dining and entertainment hub where restaurants and nightspots surround an open air pavilion with views of the Charlotte skyline. For those looking for a quiet place to unwind after a long day at the Snow Conference, Mecklenburg County is home to more than 210 parks located on more than 17,600 acres of land. All of this within walking distance or a short taxi, bus, or trolley ride from the Snow Conference hotels!

Charlotte is also home to the NASCAR Hall of Fame, which will be hosting the Show for Snow’s Tuesday evening reception this year. The NASCAR Hall of Fame was built to honor the sport’s history, its moments, and its best drivers while also functioning as a tribute to the sport’s passionate fans. You’re in for a full-throttle experience during this final evening of the 2013 Snow Conference. Enjoy food and drink while you discover three floors of NASCAR history and amazing artifacts. Get your adrenaline racing as you challenge your friends at more than 50 interactive experiences that will be available such as the tire-changing stations, realistic racing simulators, and broadcast booth. You’ll also have a chance to check out the Hall of Fame inductees, explore their backgrounds, and even cast your vote for the next Hall of Fame class. Whether you’re a history buff, a die-hard NASCAR fan, or just looking to share the experi-ence with your peers, you’re sure to be in for a night of pedal-to-the-metal fun! (continued on page 4)

Charlotte Welcomes the Show for Snow

APWA Bridges 4 February/March 2013

(continued from page 3)

Along with a great city and fun social events, the Snow Conference will offer outstanding education and exhibit programs at the Charlotte Convention Center.

The 2013 exhibit floor promises to be the best yet, with this year’s conference schedule providing more exhibit open hours for you to explore the floor and talk with the exhibitors that bring you everything you need to help keep the streets clear and your community safe when winter comes around. More than 120 companies will be showcasing everything from innovative new equipment and ground-breaking technologies to products and services focused on snow & ice removal, winter road maintenance, and streets and fleet operations. The education program has been developed by a committee of APWA members and winter maintenance profes-sionals, and it really delivers this year, with longer sessions and more variety. In addition to the usual Winter Maintenance and Weather presentations, we’ve added tracks for Emergency Management, Fleet and Sustainable Winter Operations.

This year’s Talk Show session is titled Public Works and Emergency Response. This interac-tive session will be led by a panel of experts from across North America who will lend their experience and provide strategies on emergency management and incident command that you’ll be able to take back to your agency after the conference.

The Tuesday general session will feature keynote speaker and NASCAR legend, Jeff

Hammond. Jeff began his NASCAR career in 1974 working as a tire changer for Walter Ballard. After joining Cale Yarborough for three Winston Cup championship seasons, and one

more with Darrell Waltrip, he was promoted to the head crew chief position in 1982. As the old saying goes, “the rest is history” – Hammond set the sport on its ear, winning two more cham-pionships with Waltrip and amassing 43 wins as crew chief. Jeff now provides commentary for FOX, FX, and the Speed Channel. Always entertaining, Jeff’s session will provide a unique perspective on success and how to overcome the obstacles you encounter each and every day.

Back by popular demand is the Winter Main-tenance Supervisor Certificate Workshop, which made its premiere as a pilot program at the 2011 Snow Conference in Spokane. Designed for individuals charged with supervising their winter maintenance operations, this one-day workshop provides a well-rounded overview of all aspects of snow and ice control. Held on the first day of the conference, this workshop provides a great foundation for deeper investigation into specific topics of interest throughout the rest of the conference.

Our exhibitors have some knowledge to share too. There will be special 45-minute sessions in the Exhibitor Solutions Theater located on the exhibit floor. Presenters will demonstrate how their company’s technology or service provides a solution that addresses the needs of the snow-fighting industry.

The conference ends on Wednesday with technical tours. Attendees will have the oppor-tunity to choose between the Charlotte Street Maintenance Facility Tour, Freightliner Trucks Mount Holly Plant Tour, or the Michael Waltrip Racing Shop Tour.

Charlotte Street Maintenance Facility Tour: The Charlotte Department of Transportation Northwest Operations Yard and Administra-tive Facility is a state-of-the-art facility, built in 2006. This tour will highlight the division’s snow fighting equipment, 5,000-ton salt storage building, and its highly-effective salt brine manufacturing system with 10,000 gallon salt brine and 5,000 gallon calcium chloride storage capacity. (continued on page 5)

APWA Bridges 5 February/March 2013

(continued from page 4) Technicians from the City of Charlotte’s Fleet Management Division will be on hand to demonstrate the tools and equipment used to fight snow and ice on more than 5,200 lane miles of city roadway and maintain the over 6,200 pieces of rolling and non-rolling stock used throughout the city and county. This tour also functions as the hands-on supplement to the education session “Biodiesel in Winter – What You Need to Know.” As an extension of that education session, you will also be performing easy biodiesel testing that you can take back to work.

Freightliner Trucks Tour: This tour takes you to Freightliner Trucks’ Mount Holly Plant. Thanks to their more than 630,000 square feet of floor space and approximately 1,550 employees, the Mount Holly facility was recently able to celebrate the production of its 500,000th vehicle – a Freightliner Business Class M2. Open in 1979, the Mount Holly Plant originally produced long-haul heavy-duty Freightliner trucks for customers in the eastern United States and Canada. Discover the major renovation and expansion that took place in 2002 that readied the plant for M2 production and allowed them to hit this historic milestone.

Michael Waltrip Racing Shop Tour: Located in Cornelius, NC, the Michael Waltrip Racing Shop encompasses over 11 acres and more than 140,000 square feet of NASCAR excitement. Opened in 2007, the complex houses Michael Waltrip Racing’s three SPRINT Cup Series race teams: Clint Bowyer (#15 5-hour Energy Toyota Camry), Mark Martin (#55 Aaron’s Toyota Camry) and Martin Truex, Jr. (#56 NAPA Toyota Camry). During this tour, you’ll observe the inner workings of production such as the machine shop, shocks, suspension, gears & transmission, paint booth, fabrication and final assembly departments as technicians build the cars you see every weekend on TV. In addition, you’ll see short films throughout the tour that further detail the immense amount of work it takes to get these machines on the race track. Weather and schedule permitting, attendees can even watch a LIVE Pit Practice session. Following the tour, you’ll be able to visit the Team Store for a memento from your favorite driver to remember this one-of-a-kind tour.

Make plans now to attend the 2013 North American Snow Conference in Charlotte! You can find more information and register online at: www.apwa.net/snow.

APWA Bridges 6 February/March 2013

As APWA’s Donald C. Stone Center enters its second year of operation,

the number of participants has grown significantly. Each of the

last two quarterly deadlines brought forth over 90 applications, bringing the total number of participants to over 500. There is great enthusiasm among applicants for the Level 1 Public Works Supervisor and the Level 2 Public Works Manager programs.

Candidates in the programs have commented frequently on how much they appreciate the opportunity to work one-on-one with a mentor who is willing to share a lifetime of leadership experiences. The old adage “experi-ence is the best teacher” rings true every time a

Public Works Leadership Fellow (PWLF) bestows his or her accumulated wisdom upon a mentee who aspires to be a competent leader.

Realizing the PWLFs who are serving as mentors have questions about the program, the DCS Center staff has recently implemented monthly Mentor Forums via conference calls. Issues with the participant website are being resolved as a result of the input that comes from the forums. As an added benefit of the forums, mentors have an opportunity to talk to other mentors. The DCS Center’s Past Presidents Advisory Group recommends that chapters consider forming DCS committees to broaden those exchanges among mentors and candidates.

For more information please contact Mabel Tinjacá at mtinjaca@apwa.net or call 816-595-5214.

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For more information about these free programs or to register online, visit www2.apwa.net/events. Program information will be updated as it becomes available. Questions? Call the Professional Development Department at

1-800-848-APWA. If you have expertise in any of the upcoming live topics, please use the online Call for Presentations form to describe your expertise and perspective on the topic. www.apwa.net/conferences/cfp.

Education Calendar

= Click, Listen, & Learn program

If you have expertise that you would like to share, please use the online Call for Presentations form to describe your expertise and perspective on the topic. www.apwa.net/callforpresentations/

EDUCATION AT YOUR DESKTOP

= Live Workshop = Online program

2013

EDUCATION AT YOUR DESKTOP

February 7 Public Works and Mutual Aid

February 8leadership in changing Times by ian Hill For more information and details, see the ad on the inside back cover.

April 7–102013 north American Snow conferenceCharlotte Convention Center, Charlotte, North Carolina

May 13–152013 APWA Sustainability in Public Works conferenceSan Diego Sheraton Hotel & Marina, San Diego, CA

August 25-282013 international Public Works congress & expositionMcCormick Place, Chicago, Illinois

Discovering the World of Public Works introduces K–5th grade students to the multifaceted and exciting world of public works. The curriculum:

• introduces children to four key areas of public works: construction, traffic and transportation, solid waste, and water and wastewater;

• informs children about basic public safety concepts;

• stimulates children’s interest in public works as a career choice; and

• increases society’s awareness of what public works employees do for our communities.

Exploring the World of Public Works is an innovative and comprehensive curriculum designed for students in 6th – 8th grade. The program focuses on:

• educating students about the role of public works in their everyday lives;

• fostering an understanding that the public works industry ensures well-maintained communities, sustains quality of life and a vibrant future of our nation’s public infrastructure; and

• piquing students’ interest in public works as a potential career.

Shaping the World of Public Works is a dynamic resource to educate high school students about viable career options available in public works. The outreach program:

• seeks to educate high school students about public works functions and careers, and

• builds on the foundation established by APWA with its elementary and middle school curriculums by offering resources for helping high school students understand the scope of public works in their communities and the opportunities they have to be part of this vital workforce.

Workbook for Children

by Jan Goldbergillustrated by Sheila Bailey

Instructor’s Guide

Student Almanac

Student Almanac

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CREATE IT.BUILD IT.MAINTAIN IT.SUSTAIN IT.

WANT TO HELP SHAPE YOUR WORLD?Public works is the heartbeat of any city, developing and maintaining buildings, roads, water systems, solid waste handling, and administration. The people who work in public works are solving some of the toughest problems faced by our communities, our country, and the world.

You could help shape the future of public works. Find out how!

Guide to Secondary School OutreachHandouts and

Resources CD-ROM

©2011 American Public Works Association • Produced in the USA. • Permission to copy or use for co

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APWA’s K–12 Outreach Programs

Order today! Call 800-848-APWA or visit www.apwa.net/bookstore.

Tomorrow’s public works professionals are sitting in today’s classrooms. With APWA’s K–12 outreach materials, you can promote an appreciation of the role of public works and inspire a commitment in students to build a sustainable

future for public works through their personal responsibility and—perhaps—even professional efforts.