NAFA Connection

by Phil Russo, CAE
Executive Director, NAFA

We are quickly approaching the 2010 I&E dates (April 24-27 in Detroit). For those who will be there, I want to remind you of some very important guidelines that will go a long way toward ensuring everyone sees positive results.

First, it has long been a tradition that NAFA Affiliates invite fleet managers to private meetings, receptions, hospitality events, and other functions during I&E. These networking opportunities are extremely valuable and great ways to do business. However, these events cannot take place during NAFA's official show hours. I ask your cooperation to ensure that the focus stays on NAFA's education and networking opportunities during the show hours.

Specifically, meetings, receptions, hospitality events, or any other non-NAFA function to which fleet managers are invited are strictly prohibited during the following times:

• Saturday, April 24: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
• Sunday, April 25: 8:00 am to 5:30 pm
• Monday, April 26: 7:45 am to 5:00 pm
• Tuesday, April 27: 8:00 am to 1:45 pm

I have alerted every exhibitor of this policy and reminded them to schedule their events around these times. If you are not an exhibitor but plan on holding an event at I&E, please be sure to make note of this policy.

If you are a fleet manager and you get invited to an event, please make sure it is not during any of the above times. If you learn of any affiliate-sponsored event taking place during the above noted hours, including those conducted by non-exhibitors, please notify me immediately. I can be reached at prusso@nafa.org at all times. Sanctions will be taken against companies found violating NAFA's policy.

Affiliates may -- and are encouraged to -- conduct internal sales meetings or employee meetings during I&E show times, provided they meet two important criteria. First, only employees of the affiliate company may attend the meeting. Second, the meeting must be coordinated through NAFA using our "Adjunct Meeting" application form found on the "Exhibitors" section of www.nafaiande.org.

Again, I ask for your full cooperation and assistance in adhering to our policies to ensure a fantastic return on investment for all.

Thank you!

P.S. If you have not yet registered for I&E, please visit www.nafaiande.org for information and to register online.

P.P.S. If you missed the news, Bob Lutz, Vice Chairman for General Motors, will deliver the keynote address on Sunday, April 25, while Mark Fields, Executive Vice President from Ford Motor Company Ford will keynote on Monday, April 26. Chrysler will provide a keynote for Tuesday, April 27.

Send Your Goill Award Submissions To NAFA By March 12!
For more information, visit http://www.nafa.org/goillawards

Each year, NAFA honors those individuals with innovative ideas with the Larry Goill Memorial Quality Fleet Management Idea Award – one of the most prestigious awards in the fleet management industry. The awards will be presented at NAFA's 2010 Institute & Expo in Detroit April 24-27.

Recent winning ideas have included innovative uses of Internet technology; the formation of both internal and external strategic alliances; cost and efficiency savings realized by restructuring personnel; the design of unique vehicles to meet special needs; creative lifecycle analysis and decision making; and unique hiring and retention practices.

"The Goill Awards are an opportunity for fleet managers to get recognized for their innovation and problem-solving techniques," explained NAFA's Executive Director, Phillip E. Russo, CAE. "They showcase how fleet professionals turn situations into solutions. They are among the best ideas in today's fleet management profession. I am sure with the many situations the industry faced in 2009 there are abundant solutions that fleet managers will be submitting for this year's awards."

"I look forward to the Goill Awards presentation every year to see the new and creative ways the winners have solved tough fleet problems that many of us face," said NAFA President Christopher Amos, CAFM. "Sometimes the recipients make a valuable incremental improvement to industry best practices. Sometimes they shove old paradigms aside and come up with something completely new that gives the rest of us one of those 'aha' moments. In either case, they do credit to Larry Goill's memory by moving our profession forward as they selflessly share their quality fleet management ideas with their peers."

NAFA has opened the submission process for its annual Sustainable Fleet Awards (formerly known as the Green Fleet Awards), which honors individuals who have implemented pioneering, innovative, and creative programs to help with their company's overall sustainable or green initiative. The deadline for submissions is February 26, 2010 and awards will be presented during NAFA's 2010 Institute & Expo in Detroit April 24-27.

"The Sustainable Fleet Award goes to those whose sustainable practices are providing for the sustainability of the environment for future generations," explained Stephen B. Russell, Alternative Transportation Program Coordinator for Massachusetts Clean Cities and Chair of NAFA's Fuels & Technology Committee.

ONLINE ENTRY FORMS CLICK HERE

Four awards will be handed out -- two for a sedan/light truck fleet and two for a truck/equipment fleet. Awards are offered for those in mandated areas and non-mandates areas.

Mandated Areas:

• Sedans/light truck fleets with trucks less than 10,000 GVWR located in EPAct and clean air mandated areas of the U.S. for clean air, or in Pollution Emission Management Area (PEMA) mandated areas in Canada.
• Truck/heavy equipment fleets located in EPAct and clean air mandated areas of the U.S. for clean air, or in Pollution Emission Management Area (PEMA) mandated areas in Canada.

Non-Mandated Areas

• Sedans/light duty fleet located in non-mandated areas of the U.S. or Canada.
• Truck/heavy equipment located in non-mandated attainment areas of the U.S. or Canada.

Entrants must be members of NAFA Fleet Management Association to qualify. Applications may be submitted by any individual who is directly employed in a vehicle management role by any company, utility, government agency, or not-for-profit organization in the United States or Canada. A NAFA Member can nominate themselves and/or their fleet team.  NAFA Members and Affiliates may nominate other fleet managers for their work in this area; however, such nominations must be verified by the person being nominated.

Entries are judged by a distinguished panel that includes representatives from OEM manufacturers, automotive publishing companies, leasing companies, and fleet managers from both private and public sectors. The criteria for judging includes originality, innovativeness, and demonstrated accomplishment for reducing energy consumption.

For more information, visit http://www.nafa.org/sustainablefleetawards.

For those attending NAFA's Institute & Expo in April, we know your time is extremely valuable. To help you get the best return on investment, NAFA has partnered with Map Your Show, an interactive tool that allows attendees to make the most out of their I&E experience while saving valuable time and money.

Map Your Show is a user-friendly online tool that lets attendees view an interactive floorplan, find companies and products of interest, and plan out their sessions and events. You will even be able to print out a detailed day-by-day event schedule as I&E draws near.

It's easy to use Map Your Show. Visit www.nafaiande.org or click here to begin. Start by searching for exhibitors, products, sessions, or the floorplan. You will be prompted to create an account to utilize this revolutionary feature. Begin today!

Vincentric, a company specializing in the area of automobile lifecycle analysis, recently announced the Chevrolet Tahoe Police 2WD vehicle was found to have the lowest lifecycle cost in the law enforcement market. The findings were released in Vincentric's 2010 law enforcement vehicle market analysis measuring 20 mileage/lifecycle timeframes and the Tahoe Police 2WD was found to have the lowest lifecycle cost in the majority of scenarios.

The lifecycle computation analysis evaluated seven factors: depreciation expense, fuel costs, finance costs, opportunity costs, maintenance costs, repair costs, and insurance costs. When these seven factors were analyzed for 2010 police models of the Chevrolet Tahoe 2WD, Chevrolet Impala, Ford Crown Victoria, and Dodge Charger, it was the Chevrolet Tahoe that came out on top due to its strong residual value.

"We are proud our vehicles performed so well in Vincentric's lifecycle cost analysis," commented Joyce Mattman, Product Director, Fleet and Commercial Operations. "The low lifecycle costs of the Tahoe and Impala police vehicles offer our customers great value in this economic climate."

Across all scenarios in the study, the Chevrolet police vehicles' costs were lower than those of the Ford Crown Victoria and Dodge Charger. For more information on the Vincentric law enforcement market analysis, visit the Industry Reports section at www.vincentric.com.

"Our intent with any of our fleet lifecycle cost analyses is to  provide guidance to all types of fleet buyers, including small businesses, large commercial fleets, and police and other government organizations," stated David Wurster, President of Vincentric.

Toyota dealers nationwide have received the parts, information, and training they need to fix accelerator pedals in recalled Toyota Division vehicles, and repairs on involved vehicles have begun, according to Toyota Motor Sales (TMS) U.S.A., Inc.
 
The company also began mailing letters to owners of recalled vehicles to let them know when to bring their vehicles into a dealership. Owners will only receive a letter if their vehicle is involved in the recall.

"Nothing is more important to us than the safety and reliability of the vehicles our customers drive, and we are determined to live up to the high standards people have come to expect from Toyota over the past 50 years," said Jim Lentz, president and Chief Operating Officer, TMS. "The parts have been shipped, the dealers are trained, and they are already making the repairs. Many of our dealers are working extended hours – some 24/7 – and adding service technicians and other staff to complete the recall campaign as conveniently as possible."

Many dealers are offering extended service hours, and some are planning to stay open 24 hours a day until all customer vehicles have been fixed. To support these efforts, Toyota is sending checks of between $7,500 and $75,000 to its dealers in acknowledgement of the additional costs they are assuming to make it easier for customers to have the necessary repairs done quickly and conveniently.

Toyota's engineers developed a solution to address the potential for sticking accelerator pedals that is effective and simple. A precision-cut steel reinforcement bar will be installed into the accelerator pedal assembly on affected vehicles, thereby eliminating the excess friction that has caused pedals to stick in rare instances.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced it is opening a formal investigation of the Toyota Prius Hybrid model year 2010 to look into allegations of momentary loss of braking capability while traveling over an uneven road surface, pothole, or bump.

The Office of Defects Investigation has received 124 reports from consumers, including four reports alleging that crashes occurred. Secretary Ray LaHood spoke with Toyota president, Akio Toyoda, who reassured him that Toyota takes U.S. safety concerns seriously and puts safety at the top of the company's priorities.

Consumer complaints about possible safety problems are one of NHTSA's most important sources of information about vehicles. Of the 100 investigations NHTSA opens every year, there are currently 40 open defect investigations, three of which involve Toyota. Over the last three years, NHTSA's defect and compliance investigations have resulted in 524 recalls involving 23.5 million vehicles. NHTSA is advising owners of vehicles affected by recent Toyota recalls to contact their local dealership if they detect a problem.

Enterprise Holdings removed approximately 83 percent of the approximately 35,000 recalled Toyota and Pontiac Vibe vehicles from its North American rental fleet on behalf of its Alamo Rent A Car, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, and National Car Rental brands.

These vehicles, which were identified for recall and suspension of sales due to potential problems with sticking accelerator pedals, represent about 4 percent of the company's entire North American fleet. Enterprise Holdings will continue to remove all affected cars from its fleet. Meanwhile, the company has suspended sales of the affected models and will not sell or put any affected Toyota vehicles into service under the Alamo, Enterprise, or National car rental brands until the situation is corrected.

Tesla Motors announced that former Toyota production engineering general manager Gilbert Passin will lead Tesla's vehicle manufacturing operations. Passin brings 23 years of international automotive experience to Tesla. He has led some of the most high-profile divisions at Toyota, Volvo, Mack and projects at Renault across North America and Europe. Most recently, Passin served as general manager of production engineering for Toyota in North America. In spite of the recent recall, Toyota's manufacturing production process continues to be regarded as one of the most efficient in automotive assembly.

DOT Prohibits Texting in Commercial Vehicles

On January 26, 2010, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced federal guidance to expressly prohibit texting by drivers of commercial vehicles such as large trucks and buses. The prohibition was published in the January 27 Federal Register and became effective immediately. DOT said in the notice that the regulatory guidance should not be construed to prohibit the use of electronic dispatching and fleet management systems; and should also not be construed to prohibit the use of cell phones for purposes other than text messaging.

"The Department believes safety-conscious fleet managers would neither allow nor require their drivers to type or read messages while driving," DOT said in the notice.

The prohibition applies to drivers of vehicles used on a highway in interstate commerce to transport property or passengers, when the vehicle:

1. Has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating, or gross vehicle weight or gross combination weight, of 4,536 kg (10,001 pounds) or more, whichever is greater; or
2. Is designed or used to transport more than 8 passengers (including the driver) for compensation; or
3. Is designed or used to transport more than 15 passengers, including the driver, and is not used to transport passengers for compensation; or
4. Is used in transporting material found by the Secretary of Transportation to be hazardous under 49 U.S.C. 5103 and transported in a quantity requiring placarding under regulations prescribed by DOT.

EPA Studies ULSD Corrosion

In response to a number of reports about corrosion in tank systems using ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is looking into steps it might take to investigate any problems that may exist.  At issue are reports that seem to indicate that ULSD systems are encountering a much higher level of corrosion than those using other fuels.  EPA may conduct a survey of ULSD system owners and operators to gather more information. Please contact NAFA's U.S. Legislative Counsel Pat O'Connor at patoconnor@kentoconnor.com if you have information you would like to share on the issue.

British Columbia Welcomes New Public Transit Fleet

In conjunction with the opening of BC Transit's new Whistler Transit Centre, the world's largest fleet of hydrogen fuel cell buses is now in operation, marking the beginning of a new era in zero-emission public transit.

The hydrogen fuel cell buses produce no smog-creating or greenhouse gas emissions at the tailpipe.  The project, with a total budget of $89.5 million, is funded by the governments of Canada and British Columbia, the Resort Municipality of Whistler, and the Canadian Hydrogen Fuel Cell Association.

President of the Treasury Board and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, the Honorable Stockwell Day, reiterated the Government of Canada's commitment to continue investing in projects that create a stronger economy and a healthier environment.

Also welcoming the buses into service were BC Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Shirley Bond, West Vancouver-Sea-To-Sky MLA Joan McIntyre, and Resort Municipality of Whistler Mayor Ken Melamed.

British Columbia has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 33 percent by the year 2020. The ultimate goal of the hydrogen fuel cell bus project is to demonstrate for the first time the integration of hydrogen fuel cell buses into the regular operational service of an urban transit system.

Ontario Distracted Driving Fines Began February 1st

February 1, 2010 marked the first official day for police officers to begin issuing tickets for using hand-held cell phones and communications and entertainment devices while driving in Ontario. Drivers caught using a hand-held device will be issued a $155 ticket.

The ban became Ontario law on October 26, 2009, since which time the focus had been on educating drivers about the new rules for hand-held wireless communication. The purpose of the education period was to allow drivers a chance to adjust to the new law.

This law makes it illegal for drivers to talk, text, type, dial, or e-mail using hand-held cell phones and other hand-held devices. Hands-free use of these devices is permitted.

By Mark Klein
Strategic Account Manager for Safelite Solutions
Vice Chair of the NAFA Affiliates Committee

NAFA's Institute and Expo for 2010 is being held this year in Detroit from April 24-27.  For all fleet suppliers, there is no better place to showcase your products to such a vast gathering anywhere within our industry. There are thousands of fleet participants at the I&E, and NAFA is taking big steps this year to make the I&E better than ever. GM, Ford, and Chrysler leaders are keynote speakers at the 2010 I&E! The agenda has been designed to make the Expo more successful. All evenings are now open (no planned NAFA events) for dinners and networking with your customers and industry contacts.

NAFA wants the Expo to be a success for all the Affiliates who are contributing their time and resources by obtaining a booth and supporting the I&E.  The 2010 Expo will include:

• New Expo hours on Monday with NAFA speakers/events directly before and directly after the Expo to encourage more Expo participation.
• Lunches will only be available at the Expo, which will bring more participants onto the floor.
• The Networking Welcome Reception will be ON THE EXPO FLOOR on Sunday from 4 PM to 5:30 PM. This event replaces the Grand Celebration.
• The Affiliates Committee is working on additional Expo enhancements to help boost attendance.

What should you be doing to get ready for Detroit?

• If you haven't already, reserve your booth space for the Expo and book your hotel.  It will be here before you know it... don't wait!
• Make your booth plans and bring something NEW into your booth. Get creative! The best way to capture the attention of participants is to show them something they have not seen before.
• Consider becoming an I&E Sponsor! This makes a strong statement to all the attendees that your company supports NAFA and its contribution to the fleet industry. The extra visibility is exceptional, and there are many levels to choose from.

NAFA is reminding all Members and Affiliates to support the Expo by attending this event and the new NAFA agenda supports this. Affiliates are making a significant investment to display at the Expo, and it hurts all of us if an Affiliate takes customers away from the Expo. NAFA will be working hard this year to remind everyone not to remove attendees from the Expo. You will earn the respect of your customers and your peers by supporting and encouraging your industry contacts to attend the Expo. Some Affiliates support the Expo by walking it with their customers, which is a great idea to help network with your customer... right on the Expo floor. And with the new 2010 I&E schedule, all evenings are open to be with customers so that we can all support and participate in NAFA's Expo and daily events. 

And did you know... The Education Development Committee is currently working on 14 projects and the committee would benefit greatly from Affiliates that are willing to contribute to the success of a project.  The projects cover a wide array of fleet topics such as: Acquisition & Disposal, Global Fleet Management, Fleet Cost Allocation, and The Fleet Managers Manual to name a few.  Our NAFA Affiliates are a tremendous resource of knowledge of the important events occurring within the fleet industry. Why not share your experience and knowledge by assisting the EDC on a project? Your gift of knowledge will be a resource for the entire fleet industry, and your name will be included as a contributor for the project. Please contact anyone at NAFA or our current EDC project leader Jan Christensen at jchristensen@mercury-assoc.com. NAFA would really appreciate your help with this!

We look forward to seeing you in Detroit!

President Barack Obama announced a series of steps his Administration is taking as part of its comprehensive strategy to enhance American energy independence while building a foundation for a new clean energy economy, and its promise of new industries and millions of jobs. Three measures that will work in concert to boost biofuels production and reduce our dependence on foreign oil were laid out at a recent meeting.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized a rule to implement the long-term renewable fuels standard of 36 billion gallons by 2022 established by Congress. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has proposed a rule on the Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP) that would provide financing to increase the conversion of biomass to bioenergy. The President's Biofuels Interagency Working Group released its first report—Growing America's Fuel. The report lays out a strategy to advance the development and commercialization of a sustainable biofuels industry to meet or exceed the nation's biofuels targets.

In addition, a Presidential Memorandum creating an Interagency Task Force on Carbon Capture and Storage to develop a comprehensive and coordinated federal strategy to speed the development and deployment of clean-coal technologies was also announced. The President calls for five to 10 commercial demonstration projects to be up and running by 2016.

"The actions President Obama has taken today will create jobs, slash greenhouse gas emissions, and increase our energy security while helping to put America at the leading edge of the new energy economy," said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. "The renewable fuel standards will help bring new economic opportunity to millions of Americans, particularly in rural America. EPA is proud to be a part of the President's effort to combat climate change and put Americans back to work—both through the new renewable fuel standards and through our co-chairmanship with the Department of Energy of the Interagency Task Force on Carbon Capture and Storage."

A $20 million funding assistance program launched by the Air Resources Board is designed to spur the purchase of hybrid trucks and buses that reduce smog-forming pollution and address climate change.

Funding incentives range from $10,000 to $45,000, and each vehicle purchaser, regardless of the size of their fleet, is limited to a maximum of 100 vouchers and is expected to put up to 800 vehicles on the road on a first-come, first-served basis. ARB created the financial incentive program from AB 118  funding to help Californians purchase cleaner, but more costly hybrid vehicles.

"California is taking an aggressive approach to getting lower-polluting vehicles on the road more quickly," said ARB Chairman Mary D. Nichols. "This will accelerate our progress in cleaning up the air we breathe and reaching our climate-change reduction goals."

The program cuts about half the cost of purchasing road-ready hybrid trucks and buses and helps owners buy cleaner, newer technology sooner. The program is expected spur U.S. manufacturing and technology jobs, bolstering American companies that are leaders in heavy-duty hybrid technology.

ARB has partnered with CALSTART  to administer the program.  Eligibility is based on the purchase of selected hybrid vehicles, and fleet owners must agree to register and operate the vehicle in California for three years. Dealers, manufactures and fleet owners can learn more about the program at www.californiahvip.org. The program will also help achieve the goals of the state's Climate Change Scoping Plan that requires California to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by the year 2020 with clean alternative fuels.

The Patrick-Murray Administration announced that 41 school buses serving Beverly, Blackstone, Clinton, Cohasset, and Millville public schools in Massachusetts received pollution control equipment as part of a Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) initiative to reduce emissions from diesel school buses.  

Twenty of the recent installations represent the final round of retrofits installed under a $120,000 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Northeast Diesel Collaborative Emissions Reduction-School Bus Retrofit Program. In total, 46 school buses have received retrofits under the EPA grant since its inception in 2007.
       
The remaining 21 school bus retrofits were funded through MassCleanDiesel, a multi-million-dollar diesel school bus retrofit program operated by MassDEP. MassCleanDiesel is supported by $16.5 million in state and federal funding from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT).

Hurry! There are just 12 days remaining to take advantage of the limited-time, valuable savings NAFA is offering for the 2010 I&E! Register by February 20, 2010 and save $50 off the onsite registration fee! Not a NAFA member? Join NAFA and save more than $500 on the registration fee!

REGISTER NOW

Government Room Rates Available: This year at I&E, government room rates will be available to attendees. Click here for hotel reservations.

Don't Get Left Behind! Join Your Fleet Colleagues at the Fleet Event of the Year! 
Below are just some those attending I&E 

50 Interactive Sessions. Exclusive Ride-and-Drive.
Two Days Of Expo Floor. Four Nights Of Networking.
Only At NAFA's I&E!

In four days, choose from nearly 50 educational courses on any and all aspects of fleet management. Customize your program to fit your needs. Sessions include:

• Choosing the Right Remarketing Channel 
• Fuel Efficient Technology 
• Getting Executive Buy In
• Performance Measurement Workshop
• Alternative Fuel and Advanced Technology Vehicles
• U.S. and Canadian Legislative Updates
• Certification and Advance Sessions

Register NOW and save $50 off the onsite registration fee! Don't miss your chance to attend the only conference this year that will give you everything pertinent to today's fleet professional. Click here to join NAFA and save $500 on the registration fee.

Every year NAFA gathers the best in the automotive industry to speak at our Institute and Expo. All of our speakers are beyond qualified and ready to share valuable information, but there are a few that stand out in the crowd.  Don't miss out on your chance to obtain the best advice out there—sign up for the I&E today! 

Click here to view a list of featured I&E speakers.

A Green Thumb

Andrew Burnham, Fuel and Vehicle Systems Analyst, Argonne National Laboratory - Andrew has been assisting with the update of the Greenhouse Gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy Use in Transportation (GREET) model with a focus on developing the GREET 2 sehicle cycle, which examines vehicle material energy use and emissions from "cradle-to-grave."

Sherry Lewis, Associate Director of UCLA Transportation - Sherry is an advocate for environmental stewardship and clean-air initiatives. Under her leadership, UCLA has been the recipient of three South Coast Air Quality Clean Air Awards for innovative transportation programs for the use of propane, natural gas and electric vehicles. She was selected as one of the 20 Government Fleet Magazine Environmental Leadership Award winners for 2009.

Automotive Safety

Ed Dubens - Ed's efforts led to the creation of Interactive Driving Systems, which specializes in helping businesses implement a holistic, systems-led approach to their road safety objectives. Interactive Driving Systems "Virtual Risk Manager" is now active in more than 20 countries including North and Latin America, Asia, and Europe.

James Juneau - James is a Dallas, Texas, board-certified trial lawyer who specializes in cases involving product liability, catastrophic injury, and wrongful death. During his 26-year legal career, he has developed a special expertise in fire apparatus and firefighting equipment, and has handled many serious injury and death cases involving fire apparatus and firefighting equipment.

Honored

George Schwarz - With more than 40 years of experience in fleet management and, having retired twice, George is a recipient of numerous exemplary service awards and the developer of the procurement program, PACC (PA Capitol City) Automotive and Equipment Contract. The PACC is a multi-million-dollar saving purchasing program used by governmental entities for equipment purchasing and upfitting in nine states and Washington DC.

Be part of the premier fleet management event. Visit www.nafaiande.org. Call our sales team at 703-934-4700 or e-mail nafa@cmgexpo.com for help selecting your booth or sponsorship opportunity.

HOW CAN ALL NAFA AFFILIATES AND I&E EXHIBITORS GAIN MORE EXPOSURE?

• Reinforce name and brand recognition for your company.
• Gain more visibility for your company on the exhibit floor.
• Increase worldwide exposure.
• Stand out from your competitors and give your products and services an edge.
• Maximize your budget options with the many levels to choose from.
• Enhance your company's goodwill and standing in the industry.

Click Here To View 2010 Sponsors

Pledge your support today and let everyone know you actively support the industry's preeminent Association for fleet solutions for all fleet professionals. Request your pledge sponsorship form and return it today. Please contact Scott Groves at 770-576-4971 or e-mail nafa@cmgexpo.com.

Save money and gain knowledge at this year's I&E. Take advantage of several airline and rental car discounts by clicking on "Attendee Information" and then "Hotel and Travel Information" on the left-hand side at www.nafaiande.org.

Airline Discounts

American Airlines:
American Airlines is offering 5% off the lowest applicable published airfare. To book online: Log on to www.AA.com and refer to promotion code A7640AE. For phone reservations: Call 800-433-1790 and refer to authorization code A7640AE (a $20 ticketing fee will be added to phone reservations). For tickets purchased at an airport, a $30 ticketing fee will be added. These amounts are subject to change. International originating guests need to call their local reservations number and refer to NAFA's promotion code A7640AE.

Continental Airlines
Phone reservations: call Continental Airline's Meeting Works at (800) 468-7022 and provide the Z Code ZGCK and discount code DCH1HK to save 2% -10% off published fares. There will be a service fee collected per ticket for all tickets issued through Meeting Works Reservations or any Continental Airlines ticketing facility. The service fee is non refundable and applies to all itineraries one-way or round trip.

To avoid a service fee, book your reservations online. To book online go to www.continental.com and enter both the Z code ZGCK followed by the discount code DCH1HK (without a space) in the Offer Code Box when searching for flights.

Northwest Airlines:
For phone Reservations: call (800) 328-1111 and provide Worldfile number NM4AF. To book online visit www.nwa.com. Complete the information on the Flights tab page. Before choosing "Search Flights," double click "Do you have an NWA Discount Travel E-Cert or other voucher?" which appears under the City Name/ Airport Code section. Navigate to the bottom of the next page where you will see"'Do you have an E-Cert, NWA Discount Travel, Electronic Credit Voucher or Meeting Agreement or NWA Extras Voucher?" Select type (i.e. Meeting agreement [WorldFile number] and then enter the WorldFile number NM4AF in the Meeting WorldFile Number box and complete your transaction.

Air Canada:
Air Canada is offering a 10% discount on Tango Plus, Latitude and Executive Class tickets when tickets are purchased online at www.aircanada.com  using promotion code FXQDEQA1.

Car Rental Discounts

Enterprise is the "official car rental company" for NAFA's 2010 Institute & Expo. To arrange a car rental reservation with a discount, follow this link and enter NAFA's corporate number 24E2998 in box 3. For telephone reservations, call Enterprise at 800-261-7331 and mention our corporate number 24E2998. Please note, online reservations may cost less than telephone reservations. Enterprise has rental offices conveniently located at Detroit's Metro Airport (734-942-8990) and inside the Renaissance Center (313-259-3946).

Reserve Your Room Now and SAVE!
Book your hotel room now and save with the government rate.
Click here for more information.

The Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center will serve as the headquarters hotel and is located three city blocks from Cobo Convention and Conference Center. Registrants are encouraged to make their hotel reservations early to take advantage of special limited offeres. Early hotel reservations can be made through NAFA's I&E website at www.NAFAIandE.org.

Online Reservations: Government Rate
Online Reservations: Standard Room Rate
Reservation Form PDF

The Courtyard by Marriott Detroit Downtown is also located three city blocks from Cobo Convention and Conference Center.  Click here for Government Room Rate.

Online Reservations: Government Rate
Online Reservations: Standard Rate w/ King Bed
Online Reservations: Standard Rate w/ 2 Queens
Reservation Form PDF

The cutoff date for room reservation is Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Note: You need to mention you're with NAFA to get the Government Room Rate. If you experience any problems getting room reservations please contact Gladys Reyes at 609-986-1051 or greyes@nafa.org.

This is an expanded update of our Fleet Maintenance Staffing Guide and is an in-depth coverage of the essential maintenance principles of in-house, contracted or outsourced maintenance. (e-download is almost 540 pages.) Due to its size, it will not be available in print. Order Today!

NAFA provides space in each issue of FleetFOCUS for companies and organizations to advertise career opportunities in the fleet industry, and for members to market themselves to potential employers. If you're interested in this opportunity, make your listings 200 words or less. Links to complete job descriptions on the company's website are suggested. Please note all of the materials a candidate must supply to be considered for the position (e.g., resume, salary history, municipal application, etc.). To take advantage of this service, e-mail your ad to Maureen Smith at msmith@nafa.org.

Fleet Specialist - Spokane, WA

Fleet Division Manager - Salt Lake City, UT

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Sales Representative - Paramus, NJ

Fleet Manager - Gillette, WY

Fleet Maintenance Supervisor - Albuquerque, NM

Resume Bank

NAFA is going one step further to help those in the industry gain employment. For a small fee, NAFA will send resumes to any prospective employer who places an ad on the Career Network Section of the NAFA website. For a small cost, employers will be provided with new, up-to-date resumes that fit the job.

There is still no charge to submit a resume to the resume bank. To be included in the resume bank, please send a current version of your resume to Maureen Smith, NAFA, Inc., 125 Village Blvd., Suite 200, Princeton, NJ 08540, or fax it to 609-452-8004. Resumes also can be e-mailed to Maureen Smith at msmith@nafa.org.

A few tips and reminders: If you would like to include a generic cover letter to be sent to potential employers, please include that as part of your resume. Make sure your home address, home phone or cell phone, and personal e-mail addreses are included on your resume. Potential employers will contact you directly.  NAFA has a number of fleet-related job openings on the Jobs Wanted/Available page (click here).

NAFA's local Chapters across Canada and the United States offer Members and Affiliates numerous opportunities to meet colleagues and receive valuable fleet management education. Each year, more than 100 NAFA Chapter meetings provide top-level education and training opportunities on a wide variety of timely topics.

February is busy with meetings!

February 4, 2010
Pacific Northwest Chapter - Meeting
Location: Busters Texas Style Barbeque, Tigard, OR
Contact: George Cartales, georgec@ci.hillsboro.or.us, 503.615.6569

February 9, 2010
New Jersey Chapter - Meeting and Presentation
Location: Crowne Plaza, Clark, NJ
Contact: Julia Mclver, 973.466.4556, jmciver@horizonblue.com

February 9, 2010
Michigan Chapter - Board Meeting
Location: Metropolitan Hotel, Romulus, MI
Contact: Steven Pederson, steven.pederson@vpsiinc.com, 248.597.3522

February 11, 2010
Greater Pittsburgh Chapter - Annual Business Meeting and Auto Show
Location: Westin Convention Center Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
Contact: Donna McDonough, P: 412.234.4432, F: 412.236.0288, donna.mcdonough@bnymellon.com

February 12, 2010
Chicago Chapter - Breakfast Meeting and Auto Show
Location: Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, Chicago, IL
Contact: Joe McDonald, Fax: 847.795.5458

February 17, 2010
Inter-County Chapter - Open Forum Workshop
Location: Diageo North America
Contact: Joan Jacobs, lloyd_r_jacobs@sbcglobal.net
 
February 17, 2010
New England - Chapter Election of Officers/Telematics
Location: MHQ Headquarters in Marlborough, MA
Contact: Karen Doyon, 401.757.2214, kdoyon@sperianprotection.com

February 18, 2010
Nations Capital Chapter - Meeting
Location: Prince George's County Central Vehicle Maintenance Facility, Capitol Heights, MD
Contact: Rick Hilmer, 301.808.1721, rghilmer@co.pg.md.us

February 18, 2010
Ontario Chapter - Meeting
Location: Best Western Lamplighter Inn, London, ON
Contact: Fran MacKenzie-Peacock, 905.459.1810, fran@bramptonchrysler.com

February 18, 2010
Chesapeake Chapter - Tour
Location: Baltimore City repair facility, Baltimore, MD
Contact: Donna J. Kelly, 410.879.6220, donna.j.kelly@firstgroup.com

February 19, 2010
Rocky Mountain Chapter - Manufacturer Update & Business Meeting
Location: TBD
Contact: Scott Edwards, 303.492.2752, scott.edwards@colorado.edu

February 23, 2010
Wisconsin Chapter - Meeting and Auto Show
Location: Hilton Milwaukee City Center (Meeting & Lunch) and the Midwest Airlines Center (Auto Show)
Contact: Mary Daniel, mdaniel@sssf.org, P: 414.385.5212, F: 414.384.1950

February 24, 2010
New York Chapter - Dual Topic Educational Meeting
Location: NYPD Museum, 100 Old Slip, New York, NY
Contact: Mike McDonough, F: 201.216.2187 or log onto http://www.nafa.org/Source/ACF6F4.pdf

February 24, 2010
Mid-America Chapter - Tour of the Ford Assembly Plant
Location: Highway 69, Claycomo, MO
Contact: Becky Hanna, bhanna1@hallmark.com, 816.274.4288

February 25, 2010
San Francisco Chapter - Meeting and Central Shop Tour
Location: Central Shop, Jerrold Avenue, San Francisco, CA
Contact: Terence Kyaw, tkyaw@redwoodcity.org, 650.780.7485

Fuel Management Guide

Designed with you in mind, the guide will help you understand fuel supply and demand dynamics to better anticipate price changes, understand key fuel standards, and identify appropriate policies, activities, and technologies to improve fuel efficiency. A valuable appendix, comprised of additional references makes this an "evergreen" learning tool, as links to current websites provide direct access to current information on fuels and pricing, as well as from government authorities, non-profit and Association websites, and manufacturers.

Information is easily accessible, as detailed chapters explore the issues associated with the centralized fuel management of conventional fuels, a variety of tools to fuel decentralized fleets, and alternative fuels and advanced technology vehicles, including forms of hybrid drive trains currently available.

The guide is available in three formats to meet your project and budgetary needs:

• The e-download gives you instant access and portability—store it virtually anywhere: in your own "NAFA document folder" on your computer or on your flash drive to take with you.
• The CD version offers the same practical abilities as the e-downloadable format and is a product ready to share with other members of your fleet management team or add to the department's reference shelves.
• The more traditional, spiral-bound, soft-cover book provides easy use, especially when you're sharing references with colleagues. Order today!

As a service to NAFA Members, Patrick O'Connor and Huw Williams—NAFA's U.S. and Canadian Legislative Counsels, respectively—supply monthly updates on legislative issues impacting the fleet industry. These updates, e-mailed to NAFA Members the first week of each month, are posted in PDF format in the MEMBERS ONLY SECTION on www.nafa.org.

Legislative updates are issued monthly to NAFA Members and are archived online. With this e-newsletter, NAFA Members can easily check on the progress and status of current legislation. Click here for more information.

Congratulations—you just got a promotion! Best wishes on your retirement!

Now what do you do?

Remember to notify NAFA about these and other changes. Notifying us will help you in many ways. If you are retiring, you may be eligible to become a NAFA alumnus and stay in touch with your NAFA colleagues and friends. Membership in the NAFA Fleet Management Association will follow you wherever you go, whether you change your position or place of work, or retire.

Just two easy steps can help colleagues keep in touch. To make changes to your membership record: 1) click on "My Profile" on the NAFA homepage and submit changes; or 2) e-mail info@nafa.org.

Three online, searchable networking databases will easily put you in touch with all your NAFA colleagues. These databases are exclusively for NAFA Members. Our three databases help you find:

• Fellow Members and Affiliates based on name, geographic area, or Chapter.
• An expert who has volunteered to answer questions on specific topics that are important to you.
• An Affiliate product or service; you can choose from more than 50 categories.

NAFA's FleetED is designed to help you quickly find the references and educational resources you need now.

From asset management to maintenance management, benchmarking, and shop operations, NAFA's FleetED covers all fleet management disciplines and competencies, making this free website your fast online portal to all fleet management education.
 
Easily look up available resources while scanning an overview of a particular fleet management discipline. Complete a brief self-assessment test, selected by discipline, to confirm your strengths and discover what areas may need a little more concentration. These quizzes provide real-time feedback, with suggested educational content according to your assessment results.

Whether you are looking for something specific or just trying to figure out what you need to know, NAFA's FleetED will guide you to valuable, comprehensive educational content and reference materials. Visit FleetED at www.nafa.org/fleeted.

NAFA cares about your privacy. As such, NAFA does not sell or rent e-mail addresses or phone numbers of its Members or Affiliates.

NAFA also does not endorse any particular product or service provided by fleet suppliers. If you receive an e-mail (or any other form of communication) from a supplier that implies a NAFA endorsement or uses the NAFA name or likeness to imply endorsement, please notify NAFA immediately. We will issue a cease-and-desist notice and pursue action as necessary. (You should know that e-mail addresses are part of the online PDF files NAFA posts each month for communication among NAFA Members and Affiliates. Access to these files is restricted to NAFA Members and Affiliates.)

For NAFA's complete privacy policy, please click here: http://www.nafa.org/Template.cfm?Section=Privacy_Policy.