NAFA Connection
NAFA Fleet Management Association
Are you enrolled in the CAFM Program but the three-year time limit to earn your certification is almost up? Not to worry – you may be eligible for an extension.
NAFA recognizes that personal and professional obligations may interfere with a candidate's ability to complete the program within the three-year window. Candidates may therefore apply for up to two, one-year extensions but only if they have registered for and taken at least one exam during the previous 12 months. No extensions outside of this policy will be approved. For more information go to certification@nafa.org.
The NAFA Foundation, Inc., working on behalf of NAFA Fleet Management Association (NAFA), seeks a qualified resource to develop, promote and deliver an instructor-led, introductory-level fleet management seminar in venues outside the continental United States and Canada. The seminar will be based on NAFA's highly successful Fleet Management Seminar and use NAFA-approved materials, terminologies and recommended practices.
Interested parties should obtain the full Request for Proposal by clicking here. Bids must be received by October 31, 2008. For more information, please contact Foundation President Jim Anselmi at jimscmc@bellsouth.net or (336) 621-1000.
This year's event was a success - over 300 fleet managers and transportation experts attended this year's event held at Staples World Headquarters in Framingham, Massachusetts. The amount of attendees tripled this year compared to past years.
Attendees ranged from fleet managers of light, medium, heavy duty and mixed fleets from 19 State and Federal agencies, 23 cities and towns and 114 companies. NAFA's New England, NY and NJ chapters helped the event succeed by making the Ride and Drive happen. Vehicles featured on-site included scooters, bucket trucks, class 6/7/8 trailers and trucks and six first-of-a-kind vehicles in the country.
"We received very positive comments with almost everyone telling us on the way out they had learned something new and expanded their thinking," said Alison Sander from the AltWheels Fleet Day Team.
The event included several panel sessions on various topics on best practices and helped attendees who were looking for new technologies and practical tips for coping with rising fuel costs and wanted to achieve maximal efficiency.
Get Your Space Now!
The general sales campaign has been open and the exhibitor prospectus were mailed in September. You still have time to secure a prime location at the largest fleet management event under one roof anywhere.
Here are the forms you will need to reserve your booth space today:
2009 NAFA Institute & Expo Floor Plan
2009 NAFA I & E Exhibit Space Application
Look at the vendors already signed up!
To connect with buyers at all levels – from corporate & public service fleet managers to fleet maintenance managers – exhibit at NAFA 2009 Institute & Expo. To reserve your booth or request more information, contact Mark Miller at 703-934-4700, ext. 1107 or exhibits@nafa.org.
Save the dates: the 2009 I&E takes place April 25-28, 2009, at the New Orleans Morial.
NAFA INSTITUTE & EXPO IS THE MARKETPLACE THAT MATTERS MOST!
At NAFA's 2009 Institute and Expo, meet face-to-face with hundreds of fleet professionals at one of the largest fleet management events in the world. It's only six months away, and select expo spaces are going fast! Reserve your space and become an I&E sponsor today!
Benefits of Exhibiting:
- Access to the best prospects for your products in all industry segments.
- Networking opportunities with your current customers, potential buyers and industry leaders. Conference programming that draws buyers.
- Complimentary registrations (one conference and three exhibitors per every 100 sq ft.)
- Listings in the Official Show Guide, which acts as a year-long buyers guide for attendees, as well as online.
- Join the Green Zone to showcase your "green" product or service - at no extra cost!
Attendee Information:
- 85 percent of attendees recommend/specify or have purchasing authority.
- Seven out of 10 attendees are responsible for fleet maintenance services.
- Seven out of 10 of the fleet managers of the largest commercial truck fleets attend NAFA I&E.
- I&E attendees manage $45 billion dollars in assets.
- Three in four attendees have light-duty trucks in their fleets.
Become an I&E Sponsor Today! I&E Sponsorship packages are designed with your maximum return on investment in mind. We have designed valuable sponsorship packages that consider budgets of all sizes. From pre-event marketing exposure to extensive on-site visibility to post-event press coverage and extensive online visibility, sponsoring NAFA's 2009 Institute & Expo is the ideal way to reach the largest gathering of fleet managers this year. Take advantage of the networking opportunities – the I&E is a great place to not only find new customers but also build long-standing relationships.
Become a Sponsor! Contact Mark Miller at (703) 934-4700, ext. 1107 or exhibits@nafa.org.
As the U.S. new-vehicle retail market continues to deteriorate, new-vehicle retail sales are projected to end 2008 at 10.8 million units, which is 2 million units below 2007 sales, according to J.D. Power and Associates.
Approximately two-thirds of the decline in retail sales - which are reflective of actual consumer behavior in the new-vehicle marketplace - can be attributed to consumers delaying vehicle purchases. On average, consumers are keeping their vehicles four months longer in 2008 compared with 2007 -up from 67 months to 71 months. The remaining one-third of the volume decline comes from reduced leasing activity. Additionally, fleet sales are expected to decline to 2.8 million units in 2008, which is well below the 3.3 million unit level achieved in 2007.
"Buyers are both voluntarily and involuntarily exiting the U.S. new-vehicle market," said Jeff Schuster, executive director of automotive forecasting for J.D. Power and Associates. "The additional decline in expected vehicle sales is a function of growing concerns around availability of credit and leasing, declines in vehicle equity and general economic stress."
The current turmoil and financial crisis adds risk to the 2008 forecast of up to 200,000 units, as it is unclear how consumers will respond in the fourth quarter. J.D. Power and Associates forecasts total new light-vehicle sales - which includes both retail and fleet sales - to drop to 13.6 million units in 2008, registering a 16 percent decline from 16.1 million units in 2007.
Market uncertainty has also led to a downward revision of the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 U.S. light-vehicle forecast. Total new light-vehicle sales are expected to drop to 13.2 million units in 2009, with the retail sales market declining to 10.6 million units.
"Falling trade-in equity, fewer leasing options, credit market restructuring and the increased migration to used vehicles are all putting added pressure on the U.S. new-vehicle sales market in 2009," said Schuster. "Any truly pronounced recovery appears to be more than 18 months away."
Air Resources Board staff hit the road this week to begin enforcing recently enacted anti-idling program for diesel engines that will reduce particulate matter emissions throughout California.
ARB staff and air quality officials in California will enforce the idling regulations by monitoring sleeper berths and commercial on and off-road diesel vehicles where they operate. First time violations, idling for greater than five minutes, will receive a minimum civil penalty of $300. Subsequent penalties can be from $1,000 to $10,000. Owners, renters or lessees will be responsible for the penalty.
"Turning these engines off should be second nature," said ARB chairman, Mary Nichols. "It saves money, reduces pollution and protects the health of the driver and everyone working or living around the engines."
Regulations limiting idling of on-road commercial diesel-engine vehicles to five minutes have been in effect for several years now and for sleeper berth trucks since January of 2008. The regulations addressing the idling of off-road diesel vehicles became effective in June of 2008. Industries were given a grace period allowing them to inform themselves and their staff of the new requirements.
In a case where an off-road vehicle is observed idling for more than five minutes, enforcement officials will contact the operator and site supervisor to determine the reason. If the reason is not exempted, as some clauses of the regulation allow, and the instance is a first time violation, a $300 per day citation will be issued to the owner, renter or lessee of the vehicle.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and New Jersey have slated almost $1 million to fund clean diesel projects across New Jersey. The State received nearly $600,000 from EPA and has leveraged an additional $393,760 in state funding. The funds will be used to retrofit publicly or privately-owned non-road equipment used for construction projects.
"This combined funding will enhance our ongoing efforts to protect children and families from exposure to harmful diesel emissions," said New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Lisa P. Jackson. "Municipalities can now partner with the state to improve air quality in our neighborhoods."
This announcement is only a portion of funding for clean diesel projects under the $50 million National Clean Diesel Campaign. The funding, newly available this year, will support grants to help save fuel and lower greenhouse gas and diesel exhaust emissions from the existing fleet of 11 million diesel engines.
The EPA's new heavy-duty highway and non-road diesel engine standards will take effect over the next decade, and will significantly reduce emissions from new engines. The standards, however, apply only to engines manufactured in the year 2007 and beyond. The 11 million diesel engines in use today will continue to pollute unless emissions are controlled with innovative technology and/or cleaner fuels.
General Motors and OnStar launched Stolen Vehicle Slowdown on more than 1 million model year 2009 GM vehicles in the U.S. and Canada.
Stolen Vehicle Slowdown is the latest enhancement to OnStar's Stolen Vehicle Assistance service and enables OnStar to further help law enforcement in the recovery of subscribers' stolen vehicles. Working with law enforcement and utilizing its unique built-in technology, OnStar can remotely send a signal that interacts with the vehicle's engine, gradually slowing it down, aiding in a safe recovery.
GM will integrate the capability on more than 1 million model year 2009 vehicles through OnStar's newest generation of hardware, Generation 8. Chevrolet, GM's largest division, will lead the effort with over half a million Chevrolet vehicles equipped with Stolen Vehicle Slowdown.
Ford Motor Company plans to offer a new advanced "active" collision-avoidance technology, Collision Warning with Brake Support, on certain Ford and Lincoln vehicles next year.
This accident-prevention technology uses radar to detect moving vehicles directly ahead and warns the driver with an authoritative beep and a red warning light when there's danger of a collision. The system also automatically pre-charges brakes and engages a brake-assist feature that helps drivers quickly reach maximum braking once the brakes are engaged.
Collision Warning with Brake Support is one of three new radar-based active safety and driver-aid technologies Ford is launching across a range of vehicles in 2008 and 2009.
Research indicates that Collision Warning with Brake Support could be particularly helpful in warning a driver who is distracted or drowsy. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the majority of accidents involve driver inattention. The agency's research found that one extra second of warning could prevent up to 90 percent of rear-end collisions.
Vehicle safety technology is second only to fuel efficiency on customers purchase consideration lists, according to a recent study by RDA Group Global Market Research of Bloomfield Hills, Mich. According to the research, among consumers' top desires for safety features are collision warning and prevention, greater traction controls, entrapment prevention and vehicle-to-vehicle communications.
"Over the past several years we've seen drivers' attitudes change regarding safety technology," said Jim Thomas, senior vice president, RDA. "It used to be that they didn't want to release control of the vehicle at all, but now they're looking for the vehicle to be more proactive."
Engineers at Nissan's Motor Co.'s Advance Technology Center created a new crash-avoidance system that was inspired by the bumblebee.
The Biomimetic Car Robot Drive, or BR23C, was created by Nissan with assistance from the Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology at Japan's University of Tokyo. This robotic micro-car recreates bee characteristics with the goal of producing a system that prevents collisions altogether.
The car resembles the bee's oval-shaped personal space when in flight, and the vehicle's Laser Range Finder (LRF) resembles the bee's compound eyes. The LRF detects obstacles up to two meters away within a 180-degree radius in front of the BR23C, calculates the distance to them and sends a signal to an on-board microprocessor, which is instantly translated into collision avoidance. Researchers at Nissan would eventually like to further develop this technology to take over the vehicle the moment before a crash.
Toyota Technical Center celebrated the grand opening of its new engineering and safety testing facilities in York Township, Mich. This site is part of Toyota's investment of $187 million to advance research and development and will add 400 new jobs and will boost its employment to 1,100 by 2010.
"Continued commitment and investments by Toyota are important as we maintain our efforts to diversify our economy and create jobs here in Michigan," said Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm. "The Toyota Technical Center is a huge win for Michigan and our workers – our reputation as the automotive capital of the world brought Toyota here, and we will continue to attract R&D and advanced manufacturing jobs because of our global leadership in automotive research and development."
The 2009 Dodge Charger police has a new-generation 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine which will give more horse power under the hood and better fuel economy. It's being called the most powerful production police vehicle on the road, producing 368 horsepower and 395 lb.-ft. of torque.
With a fuel economy rating of 16 city/25 highway, the new HEMI engine also gets up to 20 percent better fuel economy with the addition of fuel-saving Multi-Displacement System (MDS) technology, which deactivates four of the eight cylinders when less power is needed while cruising.
"Our fuel-saving MDS technology functions so smoothly officers won't notice when four of the eight cylinders are deactivated, but they'll always have the power of the V8 when they need it," said Roxie Thomas, Senior Manager -- Government Sales.
The 2009 Dodge Charger police car comes standard with a five-speed automatic transmission with AutoStick mated to a powerful, 3.5-liter High-Output V-6 engine that provides 250 horsepower and 250 lb.-ft. of torque, offering an outstanding blend of performance and fuel economy (16 city/25 highway).
Transport Canada Reminds Canadians About Tire Safety
As the winter months draw nearer, Transport Canada is once again reminding Canadians about the importance of proper tire maintenance. In its publication, Riding on Air, critical safety and environmental information are outlined to protect Canadians and their tires.
There are several benefits highlighted with proper tire maintenance. Not only is it vital to the safe operation of a vehicle, but it will also improve fuel economy, extend tire life, provide better vehicle handling, assist in the prevention of avoidable breakdowns and accidents and reduce exhaust emissions.
Riding on Air includes information on inflating tires, rotating tires, replacing tires, how to inspect tires for damage and wear and more. Also included is a tire safety checklist, outlining several tips when it comes to properly maintaining your tires. Among the key tips, it is strongly suggested that tires are inspected once a month for uneven tread wear, cuts, or cracks and that tires are rotated on a regular basis.
All new tires sold in Canada must conform to the safety standards set under the Motor Vehicle Tire Safety Regulations. These regulations are overseen by Transport Canada, who also tests tires to ensure they meet the safety standards.
Congress Provides Funding for Auto Industry
As part of a stop-gap spending measure that funds the federal government through March 31, Congress included up to $25 billion in low-cost government loans for automakers to retool plants to build fuel efficient vehicles. President Bush did sign the measure into law.
Tax Credits for APUs
The financial rescue bill passed by Congress and signed by President Bush includes an exemption from the heavy vehicle excise tax for the cost of idling reduction units, such as auxiliary power units (APUs), which are designed to eliminate the need for truck engine idling at vehicle rest stops or other temporary parking locations.
Financial Rescue Bill Includes Energy Credits
The financial rescue bill includes several energy tax items. The Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 establishes a new credit for plug-in electric drive vehicles; extends the $1 per gallon production tax credit for biodiesel through 2009; extends the alternative fuel excise tax credit through December 31, 2009; and extends the 30 percent credit for alternative refueling property, such as natural gas or E85 pumps, through 2010, and adds electric vehicle recharging property to the types of property eligible for the credit.
Climate Change Draft Legislation Released
On October 7, House Energy and Commerce Chairman John Dingell (D-MI) and Energy and Air Quality Subcommittee Chairman Rick Boucher (D-VA) released a discussion draft for proposed legislation to address climate change. The draft legislation, a version of which could be introduced in the next Congress, would establish a program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent by 2050. The draft includes authority for the Environmental Protection Agency to require large vehicle fleets to annually report greenhouse gas emissions.
Legislation to Provide Tax Credits on Fuels and Vehicles
Background: Included in the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, are several energy tax provisions of interest to professional fleet managers:
- The bill establishes a new credit for plug-in electric drive vehicles. The credit for passenger vehicles and light trucks ranging from $2500 to $7500.
- The bill extends the $1 per gallon production tax credit for biodiesel and the 10 cents per gallon credit for small biodiesel producers through 2009.
- The bill extends the alternative fuel excise tax credit under Section 6426 through December 31, 2009 for all fuels except hydrogen (which maintains its current-law expiration date of September 30, 2014).
- The bill extends the 30 percent credit for alternative refueling property, such as natural gas or E85 pumps, through 2010. The bill also adds electric vehicle recharging property to the types of property eligible for the credit.
Status: The legislation has been signed into law by the President.
Incentives for Incentives for Idling Reduction Units
Background: The Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 includes an exemption from the heavy vehicle excise tax for the cost of idling reduction units, such as auxiliary power units (APUs), which are designed to eliminate the need for truck engine idling (e.g., to provide heating, air conditioning, or electricity) at vehicle rest stops or other temporary parking locations.
Status: The President has signed the legislation into law.
Economic Stabilization Act Includes Biofuels Incentives, Disaster Relief
When Congress passed and President Bush signed the $700 billion economic stabilization bill, a number of other legislative initiatives were included in the process, such as the extension of several tax incentives for the renewable fuels industry to help promote energy independence, the National Corn Growers Association noted.
Among the tax incentives extended are:
Alternative Fuels Credit. The bill extends the alternative fuel excise tax credit through 2009 for all fuels except hydrogen (which maintains its current-law expiration date of September 30, 2014).
Alternative Refueling Stations Credit. The bill extends the 30 percent credit for alternative refueling property, such as natural gas or E85 pumps, through 2010.
Biodiesel Production Tax Credit and Renewable Diesel Tax Credit. The bill extends the $1 per gallon production tax credit for biodiesel and the 10 cents per gallon credit for small biodiesel producers through 2009. The bill also extends the $1 per gallon production tax credit for diesel fuel created from biomass.
Renewable Energy Production Tax Credit. Renewed for wind through 2009 and through 2010 for all other sources.
United States Senator Mary Landrieu announced the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has agreed to give the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA) $44 million to replace 204 buses and 31 vans that were destroyed by flooding during Hurricane Katrina.
"I am so glad that FEMA has agreed to replace the RTA fleet with the type of buses that are needed," Sen. Landrieu said. "The existing FEMA policy was not designed to handle the loss of an entire transit fleet, and putting forward millions of taxpayer dollars to find and purchase 10-year-old buses that would have required combined maintenance and replacement within a couple of years would not have been an effective use of government funds."
The standing FEMA policy would have resulted in RTA receiving 204 buses that were 12 years old, to match the age of the vehicles they were replacing. Instead, FEMA has agreed to obligate the money for as many as 115 new biodiesel buses, which cost about $380,000 each. The funds may also be used to diversify the fleet with the purchase of shuttles, small buses and vans to better serve the city.
It was recently announced that the Township of Langley had achieved BC's first Green Rated Fleet, and had reached the Silver level under the E3 Green Fleet Program. The national E3 Fleet program was established in 2006 by the non-profit Fraser Basin Council, in partnership with Western Economic Diversification Canada and the BC Ministry of Environment. The program provides fleet managers with the framework and support they need to reduce their impact on the environment while saving money. The Township is only the third municipality in Canada to earn the E3 Green Fleet Rating.
To achieve the Silver Rating, Township of Langley Equipment Maintenance Manager John McQueen and his staff came up with a fleet action plan, provided training and raised awareness for employees, and made changes to vehicle purchasing, operations and maintenance programs. The eco-friendly fuel biodiesel was introduced to the fleet, an anti-idling campaign was rolled out to staff and larger vehicles were replaced with smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles, such as smart cars and hybrids.
"Continuing on with the same old same old would have been easier, but it certainly was not going to help the environment or show fiscal responsibility," said Ryan Schmidt, environmental coordinator for the Township of Langley . "It is wonderful to be recognized as the province's first Green Rated Fleet, but what is really important here is that we are succeeding in improving the efficiency of our fleet, economically and environmentally."
The Township became a charter organization in the E3 Green Fleet Program in November of 2006. Committing to E3 complemented the municipality's partnership in the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Partners for Climate Protection Program, and its commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 10 percent below year 2000 levels, by the year 2010. The Township has set a goal to become carbon neutral by 2012, and has signed on to the provincial Climate Action Charter.
Becoming a Green Rated Fleet also supports the aim of the Township's Sustainability Charter, which was adopted by Council this summer. As part of the E3 program, the Township recently implemented a GPS tracking system in dump trucks and other select vehicles, which helps with trip and route planning, fuel management and idling reduction.
Bently Biofuels, a biodiesel producer and member of the National Biodiesel Board, opened a new retail pump outside its plant gates in Minden, Nevada.
The Bently Biofuels Outpost offers B99, B20 and B5 and blends of 10 percent and 85 percent ethanol (for gasoline customers). Bently Biofuels has a capacity to make one million gallons of biodiesel per year. The company makes most of its fuel from inedible plant oils or second-use oils, such as recycled restaurant grease.
"We believe that this is the model for biofuels stations as we move into a greener, more sustainable future," said Don Bently, owner of Bently Biofuels. "As the makers of an eco-conscious fuel, we're big proponents of being sustainable from planting the first seed to filling the tank, and our station is a part of that process."
The fueling station is unique in that it has applied for LEED silver certification, a prestigious green building designation. If the station achieves the LEED certification, company officials said that it would be the first retail convenience store to do so.
Ford Motor Company has been awarded a $10 million grant by the U.S. Department of Energy for research, development and demonstration of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.
Ford received the grant for the continued development of a demonstration fleet of 20 PHEVs. The total project cost is $20 million, and the government will fund 50 percent of the program.
In June, Ford delivered the first flexible fuel capable plug-in hybrid electric SUV to the Department of Energy. The Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid, capable of running on gasoline or E85, is part of a demonstration fleet Ford is developing in a partnership with Southern California Edison, the Electric Power Research Institute, DTE and Johnson Controls/Saft.
Advanced vehicle testing is underway on vehicles in California, Michigan and Washington, D.C. The company delivered the first gasoline-only Escape PHEV to Southern California Edison in December 2007.
Missouri drivers can expect to see additional alternatives at the gas pump as state officials initiate a pilot program allowing the sale of ethanol blends ranging from 10 to 85 percent.
The Missouri Corn Growers Association (MCGA), Missouri Renewable Partners (MRP), Ethanol Promotion and Information Council (EPIC) and the Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA) Weights and Measures Division are working together to implement this new program. The program has been awarded a one-year permit and will then be reviewed by MDA for statewide implementation. All pilot locations must be approved through the MDA Weights and Measures Division and MCGA.
If the ethanol is priced correctly by petroleum marketers and gas stations, blender pumps can offer substantial savings to consumers. Studies conducted by the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) and the state of Minnesota have concluded that mid-range blends of 20 to 30 percent ethanol may optimize gas mileage in today's Flexible Fuel Vehicles (FFV). Several states, including South Dakota and Kansas, have already implemented blender pump programs.
When Congress passed and President Bush signed the $700 billion economic stabilization bill, a number of other legislative initiatives were included in the process, such as the extension of several tax incentives for the renewable fuels industry to help promote energy independence, the National Corn Growers Association noted.
Among the tax incentives extended are:
Alternative Fuels Credit. The bill extends the alternative fuel excise tax credit through 2009 for all fuels except hydrogen (which maintains its current-law expiration date of September 30, 2014).
Alternative Refueling Stations Credit. The bill extends the 30 percent credit for alternative refueling property, such as natural gas or E85 pumps, through 2010.
Biodiesel Production Tax Credit and Renewable Diesel Tax Credit. The bill extends the $1 per gallon production tax credit for biodiesel and the 10 cents per gallon credit for small biodiesel producers through 2009. The bill also extends the $1 per gallon production tax credit for diesel fuel created from biomass.
Renewable Energy Production Tax Credit. Renewed for wind through 2009 and through 2010 for all other sources.
Biodiesel producer Innovation Fuels Inc. planted the first oilseed crop pennycress in an attempt to convert the plant into biodiesel.
Field pennycress is also called Stinkweed, and it's a winter annual weed that grows widely across the Midwest. Pennycress is a member of the mustard family — carrying heart-shaped, flat seed packets that yield 36 percent oil when crushed. The event on October 7, at Golf Course Lane in Hampton, NY, was the first effort ever in U.S. history where non-edible pennycress has been planted to produce an alternative energy fuel such as sustainable biodiesel.
Innovation Fuels and Morrisville State College in Morrisville, N.Y., will spend the next year analyzing and researching the pennycress after planting it in 10 acres in five locations in upstate New York. The plant will be harvested in May and June.
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) will receive $295,320 from the Environmental Protection Agency to help reduce diesel emissions.
EPA Region 6 in Dallas announced a total of $1,378,160 in grants today for clean diesel projects in Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico and Oklahoma under the State Clean Diesel Program. Grants from the State Clean Diesel Program are direct, non-competitive assistance awards designed to allow states to build programs that reduce diesel emissions from existing fleets. TCEQ will use its grant to fund projects that reduce diesel emissions from school buses as part of the Texas Clean School Bus program.
Get the most from your NAFA membership, by taking advantage of substantial discounts on all products in our online store. These discounts are available to members and ffiliates only. To download a catalog of current products, click here.
Discount! Order now and SAVE!
Save up to 25% on NAFA's FADG:
Fleet Acquisition and Disposal Guide
A NAFA collaboration with NTEA & IARA, this guide investigates the acquisition and disposal process, illustrating how both functions are equally important and mutually dependent. Save time and effort by using this comprehensive source, as 360 pages cover topics ranging from methods of reducing lifecycle vehicle costs by minimizing net acquisition costs, to maximizing net disposal revenue and selecting vehicles. ORDER TODAY!
Space is provided in each issue of FleetFOCUS for companies and organizations to advertise career opportunities in the fleet industry. This space also allows members to market themselves to potential employers. Listings must be 200 words or fewer. Links to complete job descriptions on the company's own Web site are suggested. Please note all of the materials a candidate must supply in order 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 Patrick McCarren at pmccarren@nafa.org.
New Job Postings This Issue
Fleet Service Coordinator – Village of Palatine, IL
Dominion Resources Services, Inc. - Associate Fleet Sourcing Specialist (10164BR) – Richmond, VA
Dominion Resources Services, Inc. - Vehicle Administrator (10166BR) – Richmond, VA
Director Fleet & Maintenance – Chicago, IL
SCT Performance, LLC - Fleet Sales Representative - Anywhere, USA
Job Wanted Listings Provide New Networking Opportunities!
Are you looking for a new job or a motivated, hard-working employee? NAFA's Job Wanted Listings is a new and exclusive benefit for members and affiliates who are looking to make a career change. At the most recent Board meeting, the Trustees approved this new opportunity to assist both NAFA members and NAFA affiliates with career changes. PLEASE NOTE: This new and exclusive benefit is FREE! To take advantage of this service, e-mail your Job Wanted posting to Patrick McCarren at pmccarren@nafa.org.
Resume Bank
NAFA maintains a file of fleet managers' resumes that are provided to employers who don't choose to publicly announce job openings. If you would like NAFA to have your resume on file, mail it to Maureen Smith, NAFA, Inc., 125 Village Blvd., Suite 200, Princeton, NJ 08540, or fax it to 609-452-8004. Resumes can also be e-mailed to Maureen Smith at msmith@nafa.org.
NAFA has a number of fleet-related job openings on the Jobs Wanted/Available page (click here).
Industry Calendar
Click here
October is a busy month for NAFA Chapters! Chapter meetings will take place, including:
October 15-17
NAFA Fleet Management Seminar (FMS)
Location: Hilton New Orleans Riverside, New Orleans, LA
Contact: Gladys Reyes, greyes@nafa.org
October 16-18
NAFA Board of Governors Meeting
Location: Hilton New Orleans Riverside, New Orleans, LA
Contact: Gladys Reyes, greyes@nafa.org
October 17-19
NAFA's Advanced Fleet Seminar (AFMS)
Location: Hilton New Orleans Riverside, New Orleans, LA
Contact: Gladys Reyes, greyes@nafa.org
October 17
NAFAs Fleet Management Seminar (FMS)
Location: Hilton New Orleans Riverside, New Orleans, LA
Contact: Gladys Reyes, greyes@nafa.org, P 609.986.1051
October 20
CAFM Exam Testing
Location: Hilton New Orleans Riverside, New Orleans, LA
Location: Local Testing
Contact: Kate Shelko, kshelko@nafa.org, P 609.986.1059
October 21
Mid-America Chapter: Ride-and-Drive
Location: the Ameristar Contact: Becky Hanna, bhanna1@hallmark.com
October 22
New England Chapter: Fuel Prices, Credit Crisis and Used Vehicle Market
Location: Holiday Inn, Mansfield, MA Contact: Karen Doyon, kdoyon@sperianprotection.com,
P 401.757.2214
October 22
St. Louis Gateway Chapter: Meeting and Lunch
Location: MO DOT Traffic Center, MO
Contact: Robert Hornsey, rhornsey@stlouisco.com, P 314.615.5333
October 23
Rocky Mountain Chapter: Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles and Xcel Energy's "Smart Grid"
Location: Xcel Building, Denver, CO
Contact: Charlene Hoover, choover@gates.com, P 303.744.5727
October 28
Ontario Chapter: Tour of the Toyota Assembly Plant
Location: Cambridge, Ontario
Contact: Helen Mizzi, helen.mizzi@opg.com
Pictures from the Ontario Chapter's Annual Ride and Drive on September 23
Members Benefit You:
Welcome New Members and Affiliates Who Joined in September!
Which new colleagues and suppliers might you benefit from? Welcome new NAFA Members and new NAFA Affiliates; click here to view.
We encourage current Members and Affiliates to share the benefits of NAFA with friends and colleagues, and invite them to join. Let them know the value of membership, how we're an organization of shared ideas all about fleet!
Those participating in the 2008 Membership Drive between now and Nov. 30, will earn a $10 coupon good toward any NAFA product – as long as your name is in the SPONSOR line on a new application. You will also have a chance to win a free registration to the 2009 Institute & Expo in New Orleans, April 25-28, 2009. Up to five lucky participants will win this prize!
For each new fleet manager, a NAFA Member recruits between June 1 and Nov. 30, 2008, one ticket will be entered in a drawing to win a free I&E registration. Be a promoter and spread the word! To get Membership Drive details, download applications and review ideas on how to get started, visit www.nafa.org/2008drive. Winners will be announced January 2009, and up to five free registrations will be awarded.
Easily access NAFA colleagues with our directory files. Same content information as found on the Networking Databases, just downloadable! Print these files for use when you are traveling or save to your computer for times when you'll be without Internet access.
Directory of NAFA Members - listed alphabetically by surname
Directory of NAFA Members - listed by industry code
Directory of NAFA Affiliates - listed alphabetically by surname
Directory of NAFA Affiliates - listed by business code
Information for these directory files was gathered from NAFA's membership database on August 31, 2008. New members or record changes after this date may not be reflected in the files found here. Alumni, as well as Distinguished Service Award recipients and Honorary Members, are found within the Directory of Members.
To view and search our online Networking Databases, click here. Networking Databases are updated throughout the year.
Have you been promoted? Is your company moving? Did you get a new job? Are you retiring? Remember to notify NAFA about these and other changes.
If you are retiring, please contact NAFA, as you may be eligible to become a NAFA alumnus and stay in touch with your NAFA colleagues and friends.
There are two easy ways to help your colleagues keep in touch and 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.