2021 program guide · 2020. 12. 14. · badalamenti, plc 1:30-2:15 p.m. cultivating civility in the...

HIGHWAY CONFERENCE AND ROAD SHOW

2021

2021Program Guide

March 9-11, 2021 The Lansing Center Lansing, MI

COVID details, p. 11

Richard Timmer CRA President & Chair Chippewa County Road Commission

Denise Donohue, APR, CAE Executive Director County Road Association of Michigan

2 | Program Guide CRA 2021 Highway Conference and Road Show

Welcome!Welcome to the County Road Association (CRA) of Michigan’s 2021 Highway Conference and Road Show. Our one-of-a-kind annual event allows you to connect with county road agency commissioners and staff, MDOT and state administrative officials, vendors and contractors, legislators, and other important road stakeholders.

This past year has been a whirlwind, and this year’s theme – Lane Shift Ahead – reflects that. As we enter 2021, we’re constantly “shifting lanes” as we adapt to new changes the pandemic has brought.

Moving forward requires flexibility and new ways of thinking, and this also holds true in the transportation world. At this year’s Highway Conference, we’re facilitating innovation and giving you the resources to take your road agency to the next level in a changing landscape.

We’re happy to be back with an in-person event! We’re pulling out all the stops to make this a safe, enjoyable educational experience.

We hope to see you in Lansing this March 9-11, as we come back together to share and learn.

President, Richard Timmer, Chippewa

Vice President, Fred Peivandi, PE, Genesee

Sec./Treasurer, Burt Thompson, PE, Antrim

Mark Christensen, Montcalm

Eric Dimoff, Macomb

Ken Harris, Washtenaw

John Hunt, Huron

James Iwanicki, PE, Marquette

Joanna Johnson, PWE, Kalamazoo

Dennis Kolar, PE, Oakland

Bradley Lamberg, PE, Barry

Michael Maloney, PE, Ontonagon

Dave Pettersch, Gladwin

Douglas Mills, PE, Baraga

Douglas Robidoux, Mason

Steven Warren, Kent

2020-2021 Board of Directors

“A credible, unified and effective voice for a safe and

efficient county transportation infrastructure system in

Michigan, which includes stewardship of the public’s

right-of-way.”

– Vision Statement, County Road Association of Michigan

CRA 2021 Highway Conference and Road Show Program Guide | 3

HOTEL INFORMATION SHUTTLE SCHEDULE

Tuesday, March 9

7 a.m.-10:30 p.m. rotation from Eastwood to downtown Lansing.

Wednesday, March 10

6 a.m.-10:30 p.m. rotation from Eastwood to downtown Lansing.

Thursday, March 11

6 a.m.-1 p.m. rotation from Eastwood to downtown Lansing, last drop-off after Annual Business Meeting.

Radisson Hotel Lansing at the Capitol111 N. Grand Ave., Lansing, MI 48933 517.482.0188 Three rooms per county road agency reserved. Visit micountyroads.org/HighwayConference to make reservations.

Hyatt Place Lansing – East2401 Showtime Drive, Lansing, MI 48912517.679.7615CODE: G-HC21

The new Marriott Courtyard Lansing Downtown should be open March 2021.

Location

P = Primary Parking P = Secondary Parking

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Lansing Center Parking$7/entry

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Hyatt Place Lansing – East

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ROADS+™ SILENT AUCTIONThe 6th Annual Roads+™ Silent Auction will be held in the Lansing Center Exhibit Halls Tuesday and Wednesday.

Items are now being accepted for the Silent Auction. To donate, complete the form at micountyroads.org/Roads-Plus.

For more information, contact Shelby Eva at [email protected] or 517.482.1189.

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! GRANT AVENUE Back for 2021, finding information on grants has never been easier!

Take a stroll down Grant Avenue where representatives from federal, state and local agencies will distribute materials and answer questions on grants available to county road agencies!

10 a.m.-12 p.m. Wednesday, at the Road Show

IMPRESS AWARDSDuring CRA’s Annual Awards Breakfast, county road agencies will receive IMPRESS Awards for best practices in Operations, Communications and Collaboration.

Get your next great idea at the Gallery of Entries Showcase at the Road Show. And vote for the “People’s Choice Award,” for your favorite idea.

TUESDAY, MARCH 9SILENT AUCTION & GALLERY OF ENTRIES

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10

2021 ROAD SHOW EXHIBITOR & SPONSOR INFORMATIONShelby Eva | [email protected] | 517.482.1189micountyroads.org/HighwayConference


ROAD SHOW HOURSTuesday 2:30-6:30 p.m. | Wednesday 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

SILENT AUCTION HOURS Tuesday 2:30-6:30 p.m. | Wednesday 9-11 a.m.

The County Road Association’s award-winning trade show – “The Road Show” – takes place March 9 and 10, 2021. The show includes heavy equipment. The Roundabout Stage on Wednesday will feature educational product demonstrations.

MEET WITH VENDORS! The Road Show runs from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 9, and 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Wednesday, March 10. To achieve a healthy environment, for 2021 every county road agency will likely receive only three tickets to the Road Show. Send your decision makers!

Door prizes will be drawn throughout the Road Show on Tuesday and again Wednesday.

ROUNDABOUT EDUCATIONAL PRESENTATIONSHit the Roundabout during the Road Show on Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Speakers will give short educational presentations about new technologies, products and services.

MORE DIVERSE VENDORS! CRA is proud to continue the indoor heavy equipment show. More than 75 vendors are expected representing:

• Equipment, parts dealers

• Suppliers of snow and ice control systems

• Suppliers of traffic control devices, bridges, culverts and pipes

• Benefits, insurance providers

• Retirement, investment advisers

• Government software and IT programs

• Law firms

• Engineers, architects and planners

• Federal, state and nonprofit organizations and programs

• And many other transportation service providers


GENERAL SESSION7:30-8 a.m. Breakfast

8-9 a.m. Media Panel: Lansing lane shift – or not? Analyzing the 2020 electionThank heavens, 2020 is in the rear-view mirror! We lived nonstop pivoting, extreme virtuality and a General Election. Will Michigan get back to roads as the public’s #1 priority? Our 2021 media panel dissects election results, the new House Speaker and how the dialogue may shake out in Lansing.Kyle Melinn, MIRS News ServiceRick Pluta, Capitol Bureau Chief, Michigan Public Radio NetworkModerator: Zach Gorchow, Gongwer News Service

9-9:10 a.m. A word from Michigan’s FHWABrief overview of what’s new from Michigan’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) office, including the new Highway Bill, if finalized.Russell Jorgenson, State Director, FHWA-Michigan

9:10 a.m.-12 p.m.

2021 CRA “ROAD SHOW”

GALLERY OF ENTRIES SHOWCASE

SILENT AUCTION

9-11 a.m. Roundabout Educational Presentations 12 p.m.

LUNCH & KEYNOTE SPEAKER“Forget the Fear, Negativity and Self Doubt” Ohio resident, computer geek and “Who Wants to be a Millionaire” alum, motivational speaker Phil Barth will inspire us to rise above the “chickens” that keep us down!

CONCURRENT SESSION #1 (1:30-2:15 P.M.)COMMISSIONERS TRACK1:30-2:15 p.m. The Micromanagement Antidote County road commission board members govern by providing oversight, leadership and fiscal responsibility over county road rights-of-way. The managing director is hired by the board to manage staff and operate road programs via oversight, leadership and fiscal responsibility. A fine line separates governance and policy-making responsibilities. At a high level, learn how to distinguish roles and responsibilities of commissioners and managers from an experienced governance trainer, facilitator and coach.Deborah Macon, MBA, Governance Consultant

COMMUNICATION TRACK1:30-2:15 p.m. Lookin’ good! On Zoom (etc.) We made it through 2020, but the virtual meeting is here to stay! Do you look and sound your best in this venue? Learn some simple tips for the best lighting, focal point, background, sharing visuals and other ways to look good and be effective.Denise Donohue, APR, CAE, Executive Director, County Road Association

1:30-2:15 p.m. Introducing CRA’s new Seasonal Weight Restrictions Mobile App! Grizzly bears, groundhogs and equipment haulers can be ill-tempered when spring comes early! How counties message arrival of seasonal weight restrictions (SWR) can avoid hostilities. Come see CRA’s new SWR mobile app and the automatic notification features you can leverage. This app was underwritten by the Michigan Infrastructure & Transportation Association (MITA) and the Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association. Dustin Earley, Manager of Communications & Engagement, County Road Association

ENGINEERING & ENVIRONMENT TRACK1:30-2:15 p.m. Speeding up history (clearances) with outside help Getting projects through the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) is a serious hurdle in federal aid projects. Learn more about the exemptions list and using federally-certified historians/archaeologists to submit projects.

CONFERENCE SCHEDULEWEDNESDAY, MARCH 10

CEU Credit

CEU Credit


Dr. Misty Jackson, Arbre Croche Cultural Resources, LLC Dr. Brandon Gabler, Regional Director & Vice President of Operations, Commonwealth Heritage GroupModerator: Ed Noyola, County Road Association

1:30-2:15 p.m. What’s next? Updates on Oxcart®The Oxcart® team has moved beyond transportation permits, recently introducing CRA’s Work in the Right-of-Way Permit. Soon, comes interface with Michigan’s Geographic Framework for real-time, interactive mapping. See what’s new with the Ox!Bryce Baker, Owner, Oxcart Permit Systems®Brett Laughlin, PE, Managing Director, Ottawa County Road Commission; chair of CRA’s Permit Subcommittee and member, CRA Oxcart Steering Committee

FINANCE & HUMAN RESOURCES TRACK1:30-2:15 p.m. Words matter: Proper-speak at the county road agency “The guys” still using locker-room talk in the road agency garage and commission boardroom? Update your social awareness – and understand the front office’s responsibility for ensuring a professional environment and sensitivity to gender, gender preference, race and religion. Craig Lange, Attorney, Kirk, Huth, Lange & Badalamenti, PLC

1:30-2:15 p.m. Cultivating civility in the workplace 2020 had plenty of disruption, and sometimes hostility, in every area of life from noisy voices on Facebook, social unrest in communities, too many people at home(!), and new ways of doing our work. This Lansing opinion leader will focus on the signs of divisiveness and how we can minimize it at the road agency.Tiffany Dowling, President & CEO, M3 Group

MANAGERS TRACK1:30-2:15 p.m.Preview: 2021 State Trunkline ContractThe lead CRA Negotiating Team will lay out progress on the 2021-2026 State Trunkline Maintenance Contract. Negotiations have been underway since September 2019. Some pilot concepts have been accepted but won’t be part of the Contract template. Get the “inside skinny” on changes from CRA’s lead negotiators.Darryl Heid, Maintenance Director, Road Commission for Oakland County, and Chair of CRA Negotiating CommitteeMark Christensen, Superintendent-Manager, Road Commission for Montcalm County, and Vice Chair of CRA Negotiating Committee

1:30-2:15 p.m. Options for Federal Aid Buy-out: Local-to-Local, Local-to-MDOT, Flex Funds for Urbanized Areas, Boundary Roads Every county road agency gets a federal aid target, and every road agency is challenged by the obstacles to spending it. Get an overview of the Local Federal Fund Exchange Program, ability to use federal aid on border roads, new options with the “flex funds” portion of federal aid and more.Dennis Kolar, PE, Managing Director, Road Commission for Oakland County, and CRA Board MemberSteven Warren, Managing Director, Kent County Road Commission, and CRA Board MemberDerek Wawsczyk, Manager, Newaygo County Road Commission

CONCURRENT SESSION #2 (2:30-3:15 P.M.)

COMMISSIONER TRACK2:30-3:15 p.m. Hello, commissioner? It’s an emergency! It rained 7” overnight and today is your county’s turn in the crisis barrel. The manager has staff hopping, placing barricades and securing public safety. The commissioners have important roles, too. Learn more from a county road commissioner and a managing director who have both faced recent natural disasters on their roads.Steve Cameron, Gladwin County Road Commissioner and member of CRA Commissioners CommitteeKevin Harju, PE, Engineer-Manager, Houghton County Road Commission

COMMUNICATION TRACK2:30-4:15 p.m. NEW!! DOUBLE SESSION: Show-and-telling your message on YouTubeVideo is as important as the written word today! At the same time, road agencies have very visual and interesting stories that the public would like to see. Build support locally through modern day show-and-tell: YouTube. Come take a hands-on approach to opening your own road agency YouTube channel, editing and uploading your first YouTube video. CRA will provide a device to use during the session! A double-session; advance registration required; $25 fee.Maura Lamoreaux, Communications Manager, Kent County Road Commission, and member of CRA Public Relations Committee

CEU Credit

CEU Credit

CEU Credit


COMMUNICATION TRACK2:30-4:15 p.m. NEW!! DOUBLE SESSION: Don’t panic! Preparing to be road agency spokespersonGetting your road agency’s stories in front of the media and outside audiences is pivotal to your success in the community. But where do you start? This session looks at taking control of the interview, focusing your message and how to deal with difficult situations. Limited on-camera time for interested participants. A double session; advance registration required; $25 fee.Craig Bryson, APR, Senior Communications Manager, Road Commission for Oakland County, and Chair of CRA Public Relations CommitteeBrian Town, Owner/CEO, Michigan Creative

ENGINEERING & ENVIRONMENT TRACK2:30-3:15 p.m. How’s that bridge bundling workin’ out for ya?This past September Michigan launched its historic local bridge bundling pilot with a $26 million, 20-bridge package awarded to a single design-build firm (DBF). Other barriers broken included locals ceding control to MDOT/DBF for the project’s duration. Hear a report from MDOT and counties involved.Matt Chynoweth, PE, Director, Bureau of Bridges, Michigan Department of TransportationRoger Safford, PE, Senior Project Manager, HNTBKelly Jones, PE, Director of Engineering, Ingham County Road DepartmentJodie Tedesco, PE, Director of Engineering, Livingston County Road Commission

2:30-3:15 p.m. The big reveal: The 2021 MDOT Spec BookTwo years of writing/editing, #COVIDelay and an opportunity for CRA participation on division review committees have yielded MDOT’s 2021 Standard Specifications for Construction. The Spec was electronically released in draft format during summer 2020, with hardcopy to follow in spring 2021. Get an update on Division 1 (General Provision) and other key changes before mandatory implementation in August 2021.Jason Gutting, Administrator, Construction Field Services, Michigan Department of TransportationMatt Bellgowan, Construction Operations Engineer, Construction Field Services, Michigan Department of TransportationCharlie Stein, Engineering Manager, Transportation Division, AECOMModerator: Steve Puuri, PE, Engineering Specialist, County Road Association and Michigan Municipal League

FINANCE & HUMAN RESOURCES TRACK2:30-3:15 p.m. NEW!! DOUBLE SESSION: Team building – can we be a team, again? We spent the last year being distant. If it wasn’t the pandemic, it may have been management change! Well, now it’s time to bring the team back together! Lew Bender gives some pointers on the front office’s role in re-establishing strong relationships with stakeholders, staff and especially staff in remote garages. A double session; advance registration required; $25 fee.Lew Bender, PhD, Owner, Consulting & Training Services

2:30-3:15 p.m. Hiring: The +’s and –’s of using a professional search firm You may think anyone can hire your next rock star, but push PAUSE and consider using a search firm to fill that key spot. A recruiting firm describes the steps to hiring key talent that you may be overlooking. And a county road agency describes why they’ll never turn back from the hired hirer.Todd Surline, President, Hiring Solutions, LLCRichard Timmer, Chair of Chippewa County Road Commission and CRA President MANAGERS TRACK2:30-3:15 p.m. That bridge (and road) troubled by Great Lakes high water The Great Lakes waters are at an all-time high, impacting county roads and bridges along the shoreline. Inland lakes and rivers are also impacted by high water levels. See what some county road agencies are doing to protect roads from Great Lakes water damage, from shoreline armoring and rip-rap to relocating the road.Andrew Dixon, Weather Specialist, NOAA-MichiganBeverly Watts, Director, Wayne County Department of RoadsWayne Schoonover, PE, County Highway Engineer, Grand Traverse County Road CommissionModerator: Ed Noyola, Deputy Director, County Road Association

CEU Credit

CEU Credit

CEU Credit

Program Guide | 9

CONCURRENT SESSION #3 (3:30-4:15 P.M.)COMMUNICATION TRACK3:30-4:15 p.m. CONTINUATION of DOUBLE SESSION: Creating a YouTube channel, posting a video

3:30-4:15 p.m. CONTINUATION of DOUBLE SESSION: Don’t panic: Preparing to be road agency spokesperson

COMMISSIONERS TRACK3:30-4:15 p.m. Communication in a crisis – this will not wait While patience is a virtue, leaders step up to action when a crisis unfolds. They begin to plan their own message, identify audiences that need to hear it, which channels to use and best timing. No corner of Michigan is hidden from social media these days. Re-think the board’s role in crisis communications.Denise Donohue, APR, CAE, CRA Executive Director

ENGINEERING & ENVIRONMENT TRACK3:30-4:15 p.m. Pulling it all together: Best practices with chloride The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes & Energy (EGLE) lowered the acceptable chloride tolerance in surface water significantly in 2019, prompting CRA to poll county road agencies’ practices from South to North. See the highlights reel. Steve Puuri, PE, Engineering Specialist, CRA and MMLChriste Alwin, Program Manager, Water Resources Division, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy

FINANCE & HUMAN RESOURCES TRACK3:30-4:15 p.m. CONTINUATION of DOUBLE SESSION: Team Building

3:30-4:15 p.m. Words matter: Proper-speak at the county road agencyCraig Lange, Attorney, Kirk, Huth, Lange & Badalamenti, PLC

MANAGERS TRACK3:30-4:15 p.m. Introducing CRA’s new Seasonal Weight Restrictions Mobile App!Grizzly bears, groundhogs and equipment haulers can be ill-tempered when spring comes early! How counties message arrival of seasonal weight restrictions (SWR) can avoid hostilities. Come see CRA’s new SWR mobile app and the automatic notification features you can leverage. This app was underwritten by the Michigan Infrastructure & Transportation Association (MITA) and the Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association. Dustin Earley, Manager of Communications & Engagement, County Road Association

GENERAL SESSION4:30-5:30 p.m. Under the Dome: The “Point People” for Local Roads Sen. Tom Barrett, Chair, Senate Transportation CommitteeTBD, Chair, House Transportation CommitteeSen. Wayne Schmidt, Chair, Senate Transportation Appropriations SubcommitteeTBD, Chair, House Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee

LEGISLATIVE RECEPTION 5:30-6:30 p.m. Ballroom BlitzMingle with your local Representatives and Senators in the Lansing Center Ballroom.

CEU Credit

CEU Credit

BUSINESS MEETING & AWARD BREAKFAST

7:30-8:45 a.m.Post-COVID: What’s new at MDOTPaul Ajegba, PE, Director, Michigan Department of Transportation

9-11 a.m.

IMPRESS AWARDS

MEMBER AWARDS

ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING

THURSDAY, MARCH 11

CRA 2021 Highway Conference and Road Show


Thank you Sponsors

MARQUEE SPONSOR

SIGNATURE SPONSORS

GOLD SPONSORS

PLATINUM SPONSORS

DIAMOND SPONSORS


Registration

REGISTER EARLY AND SAVE $$$Conference Registration

CRA Member/ Associate Member

Non-Member

Wednesday Meals

Road Show Only(pre-registration recommended)

Early Rate

$220

$285

$60

FREE

After Feb. 22

$265

$335

$60

FREE

TO REGISTER, VISIT:

QUESTIONS?Contact Shelby [email protected]

REFUND POLICYCancellations received by March 2 will be 100% refunded.No refunds after March 2.

ONLINE REGISTRATION CLOSES MARCH 2

CRA is using online registration. If you require assistance registering, please call Shelby Eva at 517.482.1189.

Association committees and sectional organizations will meet throughout the day Tuesday, March 9, at the Radisson. Complete schedule on CRA's website.

CommitteesThe County Road Association offers a big THANK YOU to our committees who have worked diligently over the past year to advance the goals of the Association. Please thank our 2020-2021 committee chairs:

Executive – Richard Timmer, Chippewa

General Policy – Ken Hulka, Muskegon

Canvassing – Mary Sholander, Marquette

Commissioners – Ray Roberts, Marquette

Education – Fred Peivandi, PE, Genesee

Engineering – Robert Lindbeck, PE, Alger

Finance & Human Resources – Melissa Williams, Oakland

Legislative Review – Dennis Kolar, PE, Oakland

Negotiating – Darryl Heid, PE, Oakland

Nominating – Walter Schell, PE, Macomb

Public Relations – Craig Bryson, APR, Oakland

Superintendent Assoc. of Michigan – Jason Schnaidt, Lenawee

micountyroads.org/HighwayConference

March 9-11, 2021 The Lansing Center, Lansing, MI

COVID-19 DETAILS

2021 HIGHWAY CONFERENCE AND ROAD SHOW

Assuming the limit on indoor gatherings returns to 500 in January, we can all pull this off safely.

Here’s how:

1. Guaranteed health safety protocol. We’ve reduced the number of booths and spaced them out. We’ll follow all local and statewide regs. Call us at 517.482.1189 for the COVID-19 preparedness plan.

2. Reduced attendance – leadership. Highway Conference and Exhibit Hall/Road Show passes will be distributed 3 per county due to COVID-19, so bring your key decision makers.

3. Refunds. Full refund if we can’t hold the show. Final decision in January.

HIGHWAY CONFERENCE AND ROAD SHOW

2021

March 9-11, 2021 | Lansing Center | Lansing, MI

101 S. Washington Square, Ste. 200Lansing, MI 48933517.482.1189

[email protected]

micountyroads.org/HighwayConference

FOLLOW CRA ON SOCIAL!

facebook.com/micountyroads

@micountyroads

micountyroads

#2021HighwayConference

2021 program guide · 2020. 12. 14. · badalamenti, plc 1:30-2:15 p.m. cultivating civility in the...

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