EUFMC WRAPS UP ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL CONFERENCE
With nearly 100 fleet managers from about 60 investor-owned electric utilities, electric cooperatives and electrical contractors from across the U.S., Canada and South America in attendance, the 59th annual Electric Utility Fleet managers Conference was held June 3-6, 2012 in Williamsburg, Virginia. Also attending EUFMC were over 250 representatives from more than 95 manufacturers and service providers.
“EUFMC this year was the largest ever,” said Gerald Owens, Fleet Manager at Oncor Electric Delivery and the new EUFMC President. “In addition to 28 first time fleet members, many long time attendees returned to the conference again, along with a number of retirees. The Electric Utility Fleet Managers Conference continues to hold great interest for fleet managers because the subjects we address help them meet the challenges they face every day in their organizations.”
Dare To Lead
Jim Stanley, senior vice president, power delivery at Duke Energy led off EUFMC with a message about leadership. The industry veteran is currently responsible for the company’s electric power transmission and distribution activity in a five-state service area.
“Ask yourself, ‘How do I lead?’ because the answer impacts everyone, every second of every day,” Stanley said. “Establish credibility by being constructively influential. At the same time, have an attitude of accountability by taking responsibility while being constructively competitive.”
Stanley also noted that while the systems and processes companies have in place can help these things happen, it’s important not to hide behind precedent. “Say yes when you can and go outside processes when needed,” he said. “Embrace change because it never stops, and always accumulate knowledge.”
A high degree of customer service comes from knowing whom you are serving, Stanley continued. “Our credibility with our customers comes from keeping the lights on,” he said. “Effective leadership makes a difference.”
EUFMC 2012 HIGHLIGHTS
Top Gun fighter pilot and philanthropist Major Dan Rooney, USAF (Ret.) addressed EUFMC attendees after dinner on June 5. A former F-16 pilot in the Oklahoma Air National Guard, the decorated military aviator served three combat tours in Iraq and was a two-time recipient of the "Top Gun" award. Rooney is also the founder of the Folds of Honor Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides scholarships to the spouses and children of military service members disabled or killed in action.
Industry leader Bob Lutz, the driving force behind many vehicle advancements in a nearly 50-year career in the automotive industry was the guest speaker at the EUFMC President’s Gala Dinner. Lutz is currently a member of the Board of Directors of VIA Motors. Until his retirement in 2010 he served as Vice Chairman and Special Advisor, Design and Global Product Development at General Motors where he championed the development of the Chevrolet Volt. Lutz has also held senior leadership positions at Ford, Chrysler and BMW, and was CEO of Exide Technologies.
PM Practices & Technician Training Survey results were presented at EUFMC. The first in a planned series of annual surveys was developed based on the high level of interest in the practices that utilities are following in regard to preventive maintenance, testing of aerial equipment, and training of fleet technicians. Topics included PM and dielectric and acoustic emissions testing practices, management information system and data use, warranty work and claims processing, and technician training and apprentice programs.
Essential Tools for Utility Fleet Professionals
The 2012 EUFMC program featured presentations by industry experts, manufacturers and fleets:
Industry Trends -- Light Duty Vehicles, Hybrid vs. Conventional
Jim Michon, Ford Motor Company
Tom Nimmo, Utilimarc
Craig Neuber, ARI
Life Cycle Costs – Models that Work
Chris Shaffer, Utilimarc
Steve Granger, Kansas City Power & Light
Mike Radziewicz, ComEd
Cliff Edwards, Pike Electric
Diesel Engines -- Current and Future
Dave Bryant, Freightliner
Tim Shick, Navistar
GPS/AVL – Looking for ROI
Alan Riddle, Southern California Edison
David Guerrero, Southern California Edison
Craig Stepien, Florida Power & Light
Tim Taylor, Telogis
Regulatory and Legislative Update
Pat O'Connor, Kent & O'Connor
Bill Van Amburg, CALSTART
Josh Chard, Altec Industries
Battling the Scales – Bridge Law Compliance
Mike Allison, Duke Energy
Bill Hall, Minnesota Power
Joe Caywood, Terex
Supplier Support
“EUFMC greatly appreciates the very generous support of our sponsors, as well as all the suppliers that attend the conference, including five new companies in 2012,” said Gerald Owens. “Every year they come prepared for the highly popular drive-through utility equipment demonstration and the exhibition of the latest equipment and services for utility fleets. They are also always ready to discuss technical and operational issues.”
Platinum Sponsors
Altec
Automotive Resources International
Equipment Technology
Freightliner
Navistar
Telogis
Terex
Gold Sponsors
Ford Motor Company
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.
Kenworth Truck
Michelin
Palfinger
PNC Equipment Finance
Time Manufacturing
Utilimarc
Western Star Trucks
Silver Sponsors
Braden Winch
Eaton Corporation
J.J. Kane Auctioneers
Pennwell Publishing Utility Products Magazine
Peterbilt
Reading Body
US Auctions
Utility Equipment Leasing Corp.
Bronze Sponsors
ASA/Voyager Camera Systems
Case Construction Equipment
Dakota Bodies
Diversified Inspections
Golight
Knapheide
Leggett & Platt
Posi-Plus Technologies
Powertraxx
Prinoth
PS Energy
Reelstrong
Sherman & Reilly
Soft Track Supply
VOCON Auctions
SAVE THE DATE: The 60th Electric Utility Fleet Managers Conference will be held June 2-5, 2013 at the Williamsburg Lodge and Conference Center in Williamsburg, Virginia.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, visit www.eufmc.com