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Winter 2012 Safer Roads Save Lives In This Issue 28 Member Company Spotlight: POLY-CARB 21 Get to know Rep. Richard Hanna of New York 6 Latest News from the Local Chapters ATSSA Heads to Tampa for 42 nd Annual Convention and Traffic Expo page 4
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Page 1: Signal Winter 2012

Winter 2012

Safer Roads Save Lives

In This Issue 28 Member Company Spotlight: POLY-CARB21 Get to know Rep. Richard Hanna

of New York6 Latest News

from the Local Chapters

ATSSA Heads to Tampa for 42nd Annual Convention and Traffic Expopage 4

Page 2: Signal Winter 2012

Find out how SwiFtGate and SwiFtSiGn can beneFit you iF... …�you�are�a�contractor�and�want�more�time�to�work�at�night.

…�you�are�a�State�DOT/Transportation�official�and�want�to�make�your�roads�safer.

…�you�are�a�design�engineer�and�want�to�bring�innovative�solution�to�reduce�costs.

SyStem FeatuReS:�•��Solar�powered�pivoting�signage�and�gates�•�Remote�Control�•�Quick�install/relocation�•��SwiftGate�crash�tested�to�meet�NCHRP�350��•��SwiftGate�accepted�by�the�FHWA�•��Innovation�Award�Winner�2010�&�2011

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SeeinG iS believinG! Interact�with�a�SwiftSign™�module�at�the�42nd�Annual�ATSSA�Convention�and�Traffic�Expo�–�February�12-16,�2012,�Tampa,�FL�and�experience�the�systems�speed�and�ease�of�use�for�yourself.�Booth�831.

Visit�us�at�versilis.com,�call�1-450-978-1818�or�email�[email protected]�for�more�information.

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Since 1969, the American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA), an international trade association, has represented companies and individuals in the traffic control and roadway safety industries. ATSSA members provide the majority of roadway safety features, services and materials used on America’s roadways.

ATSSA’s 1,600 members make our nation’s roadways safer. ATSSA is committed to an environment where roadway safety is always improving. ATSSA is the leader in roadway safety issues, with a heavy emphasis on roadway work zone safety, pavement markings, guardrail, signage, traffic control safety devices and roadway worker training.

ChairmanDoug Danko

Chairman-ElectScott Seely

Board of DirectorsJuan ArvizuMichael ConoscentiChad EnglandMichael GrangerMark HoudamannBrook Jerzyk

Immediate Past ChairpersonJoe Jeffrey

Past ChairpersonHenry Ross

ATSSA15 Riverside Parkway, Suite 100Fredericksburg, Va. 22406-1022

Phone: 540-368-1701Toll Free: 800-272-8772Fax: 540-368-1717Training Dept. Toll Free: 877-642-4637

www.ATSSA.com • www.Flagger.com

The Signal is published quarterly for ATSSA’s 1,600 members and member companies. ATSSA is not responsible for the text or visual content of paid advertisements.

Winter 2012

4

6

15

13

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28

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Will PeekDebra RickerCraig SliterJohn TobinSteve Vetter

Congressional ProfileRepresentative Richard Hanna

Chapter News

Foundation News

Government Relations

ATSSA’s Roadway Safety Training Institute National Course Schedule & Grant Course Schedule

Member Company SpotlightPOLY-CARB

Board Member SpotlightWill Peek

ATSSA’s 42nd Annual Convention & Traffic ExpoTampa, Fla. – February 12-16

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4 AmericanTrafficSafetyServicesAssociation

For 42 years, ATSSA’s Annual Convention and Traffic Expo has

been the premier meeting place for roadway safety professionals

from around the world. The program and exhibits are dedicated

to issues and products related to all aspects of temporary traffic

control and roadway safety.

Don’t sit this one out.

Education, Ideas, and Leadership Join us for two great days of education sessions and workshops led by industry experts. Great sessions such as ADA Guidance and Right-of-Way and more.

Power Talk Sessions Tuesday, February 148:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Real ideas from real people. A favorite feature of the convention, these roundtable sessions are designed to facilitate a peer-to-peer exchange. Meet other traffic safety professionals to discuss topics including:

• Generating Truly Useful and Usable Work Zone Guidelines and Training

• Reducing Your Risk and Injuries with Loss Prevention Programs

• Vehicle to Infrastructure Technology: Where Do you Fit? Business Opportunity of Future VTI-Don’t Be Left Out

• Warning Lights in Work Zones: Are They Beneficial?

AnnuAlCOnVEnTIOn &TRAFFIC EXPO

AnnuAlCOnVEnTIOn &TRAFFIC EXPO

TAmPA COnVEnTIOn CEnTERTAmPA COnVEnTIOn CEnTERConvention: February 12–16Traffic Expo: February 14–16Tampa, Florida

Have You Registered Yet?It’s not too late. Visit the Meetings and events tab at atssa.com

for complete registration and hotel information.

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On-Site Registration Hours:Monday, February 13 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Tuesday, February 148:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Wednesday, February 157:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Thursday, February 168:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Traffic Expo 2012 Exhibit Hours: Tuesday, February 15Noon – 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday, February 1511:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Thursday, February 1610:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Make sure you don’t miss these educational opportunitiesWednesday, February 158:15 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.1. Field Traffic Signs Handbook for Local Highway Agencies

Low Cost Safety Improvement on Rural Roads, Part 2

2. Pavement Markings Material Shortage and Market Volatility Update

3. Real World Maintenance, Repair, and Inspection Issues on Roadside Safety Hardware

4. Roadway System Analysis and System-wide Countermeasure Implementation

5. Toward Zero Deaths: National Strategy to Reduce Fatalities

6. Work Zone Roadway Safety Audits

Wednesday, February 1510 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. 1. ADA Guidance and Right-of-Way Guidelines

2. Local Roads: Where to Get Dollar Resources and Tools for Safety

3. Part 1-A Traffic and Safety Professionals’ Peer-to-Peer Exchange-Roadway Departure Safety Countermeasures

4. Safety on Gravel Roads

5. Work Zone Crash Data Analysis

Thursday, February 168:30 a.m. – 10 a.m.1. Emerging Business Opportunities in Pedestrian Safety

(Members Only)

2. High Friction Surfacing: A Tool to Move Toward Zero Deaths

3. Innovative Products & Practices in Pavement Marking

4. Part 2-A Traffic and Safety Professionals’ Peer-to-Peer Exchange-Cost Effective Safety Countermeasures

5. Understanding AASHTO and ASTM Sign Standards

6. Work Zone Contractor Litigation Pitfalls and How To Avoid Them

Keynote Address Featuring Merril HogeFormer NFL Star, ESPN Analyst, and Cancer Survivor

Merril Hoge, is no stranger to overcoming challenges. A victim of child abuse, Hoge was also considered “too small and too slow” to play professional football. He ultimately proved his critics wrong and played in the NFL for eight seasons.

Hoge also has overcome non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and shares with audiences the personal battles he has faced in life and the importance of having courage, resilience and an undying spirit when faced with challenges.

His book, Find A Way – Three Words that Changed My Life, was published in summer 2010.

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6 AmericanTrafficSafetyServicesAssociation

Chapter

Georgia ChapterThe Georgia ATSSA Chapter held its fall meeting and Jim Shirley Memorial Golf Tournament at the Stone Mountain Inn on Sept. 22, 2011. Chapter President Steve Hayes called the meeting to order, and welcomed Chapter members and guests. The Chapter’s May 2011 meeting summary and the treasurer’s report were approved as submitted.

Jeannie Powell gave a review of the Chapter’s successful work on last year’s poster contest and provided plans for the up-coming year’s poster contest participation, including listing the generous member who donated to the prize fund. Powell then provided information on plans for the Chapter to host the Work Zone Memorial. She will look into hosting it at a lo-cal mall to coincide with a large highway project in October, including a presentation on the history and past memorial events. Chapter members voted unanimously to fund and support the upcoming event and formed a task force to make the arrangements. A signup sheet was passed around the room for volunteers to staff the Memorial Wall exhibit, with numerous members volunteering for shifts.

ATSSA Director of Membership and Technical Assistance Dan Williams Dan Williams gave an update from ATSSA National titled “ATSSA Working For You,” followed by Chapter Past President John Craig announcing the results of the chapter officer elections. Just before Craig announced the results, he presented to outgoing Chapter President Steve Hayes a plaque,

thanking him for his leadership, dedication and countless hours of service to the chapter. Hayes then introduced and welcomed the new chapter officers, President Dave Evans, President-Elect Tim Bradley, Secretary Pam Kellett and Treasurer Charles Clendenen. The new officers spoke briefly. President Evans then adjourned the meeting.

The Jim Shirley Memorial Golf Tournament was played at the Stone Mountain Golf Course on Setp. 22, 2011. Players were able to complete 14 holes before inclement weather halted the tournament. A few golfers finished their rounds when the rain became a drizzle.

Dinner and awards were on the veranda of the Stone Mountain Inn. The family of Jim Shirley was presented a large trophy honoring his years of dedication, service and commitment to the road-way safety industry.

John Craig (right) presents Steve Hayes with a plaque in honor of his service as the chapter president of the Georgia Chapter.

Jim Shirley’s family was presented a trophy on Sept. 22, 2011 in honorof his years of dedication and service to the roadway safety industry.

Pennsylvania Chapter Glenn Ganassi (USA-Sign), the Pennsylvania Chapter President, called the meeting to order and welcomed a full room to the Magnolia Room of the Hershey Lodge in Hershey, Pa., on Nov. 16, 2011. After it was determined that a quorum was present, the chapter got down to business.

The chapter’s current treasurer, John Risley, (TrafFix Devices Inc), updated the members on the current status of the chap-ter’s finances. Once the treasurer’s report was completed, the chapter moved forward with the election and installation of new officers.

In addition to Ron Foose, (Protection Services Inc,) moving from the President-Elect position to the office of Chapter President, the nominating committee presented a full slate of nominations. After the ballots were tabulated, the following members were recognized as being unanimously elected to the following positions:

President-Elect: Douglas Dolinar, Guidemark

Secretary: Brenda Jaworskyj, Rae-Lyn

Treasurer: Rick Sesny, Work Zone Traffic Control Consultant

Congratulations were extended to all the newly elected officers.

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Ganassi presented the Chapter’s gavel to Foose. Foose said that as chapter president, he wanted to keep all the momen-tum that had been generated going and specifically wanted to see the creation of new committees, like guardrail and signage.

After the election results, the chapter turned its attention to committee reports. The first report was Rick Sesny, the Chapter’s government relations committee chair. Sesny had no official report, but suggested that as successful as the chap-ter had been with the PennDOT relationship, it was time to schedule a meeting with the Pennsylvania Secretary of Transportation and introduce Pennsylvania ATSSA to that of-fice. He noted that he hoped someone from ATSSA’s National Headquarters could attend that meeting.

Following Sesny was Risley, the chair of the fundraising com-mittee. He thanked the companies that contributed to the chapter’s poster contest. He also added that he had started some preliminary planning to a Chapter golf outing, but that there was very little interest in golf in Pennsylvania in November, and that the research into a golf fundraiser was put on hold. Risley pointed out that this chapter of ATSSA has been in existence since 1993 and he thanked all the members for the opportunity to serve the chapter as treasurer.

Newly installed president Ron Foose recognized David Nury as the new chair of the chapter’s Temporary Traffic Control Committee. Nury presented several issues that the committee had been working on. In fact, the committee had met with PennDOT that morning to discuss several issues. These issues included topics like generated a standard pricing index that can be used for force account issues, providing more specific traffic control plans for design/build construction jobs, ensur-ing that shadow vehicles (TMA) are present more often in work zones and generating more specific pricing for non-PennDOT signs in construction zones. Foose stated how important it is to get input from all companies regarding the force account pricing issue, which will benefit the industry as a whole. Nury noted that Matthew Briggs, the PennDOT traffic control manager, was very positive in his feedback, and Pennsylvania ATSSA will submit a guide for force account product values

for PennDOT’s consideration. Ganassi pointed out this will be a great example of the indus-try working together and he was very en-couraged to see the PA-ATSSA/PennDOT rela-tionship con-tinuing to grow. Craig Noll, PSI, reminded the chapter that

PennDOT had commented that such a pricing guide will also benefit PennDOT in their project cost estimating, so it is a win-win situation. David concluded his report be stating that the next committee meeting will be held on March 13.

Foose reported on the chapter’s invitation to the Pennsylvania Safety Summit which included all the major highway safety stakeholders in the state. The main goal of the Safety Summit was to prioritize how the money from the Highway Safety Bill will be allocated once the bill is passed. Ganassi said that the invitation to this event was a direct result of the chapter’s work with PennDOT.

Doug Dolinar gave a report from the Pavement Striping Committee. He stated that he was also encouraged by PennDOT’s receptiveness and agreed that Pennsylvania ATSSA needs to make the next step and contact the Pennsylvania Secretary of Transportation. Dolinar reported that the com-mittee had discussed retroreflectivity of lead free thermoplas-tic paint with PennDOT, along with the issues of guarantee-ing work that was subsequently destroyed by rain or snow plows, and the detail of locating existing lines in construction drawings. Dolinar hopes that these issues will continue the movement towards a resolution in the near future.

Noll reported that the APC Task Force had been successful in generated a Pennsylvania-specific work zone training class. He specifically mentioned Tammy Loving in the ATSSA head-quarters as being especially helpful.

Next to report was Mary Campbell, Camsco Service Inc., on the chapter’s poster contest. So far nine schools have partici-pated with over 40 posters received. State Sen. Jane Earl will be the judge for this year’s contest, and the deadline for posters to be submitted was February 15. Participation in the poster contest was down slightly, and Campbell felt this was due to the school schedule and the fact that there are a lot of poster contests out there. She encouraged members to feel free to contact their local schools and encourage participation.

Glenn Ganassi, right, hands the gavel to new Pennsylvania Chapter President Ron Foose.

Members of the Pennsylvania Chapter hold a discussion during their Nov. 16, 2011 meeting.

Chapter News continued ➞

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8 AmericanTrafficSafetyServicesAssociation

Chapter Liaison Matthew Bolick gave a presentation on the activities of the ATSSA national headquarters.

Unfortunately, the guest speaker, Matthew Briggs, the PennDOT manager for work zones and pavement marking was unable to attend the meeting.

The meeting was adjourned with the next meeting date to be determined.

Arkansas Chapter Meeting and Golf OutingThe Country Club of Arkansas, located in Maumelle, Ark., was the site of the Arkansas-ATSSA Chapter’s Fall Meeting. Chapter President Danny Moore called the meeting to order on the veranda of the clubhouse overlooking the beautifully landscaped golf course, welcoming chapter members and guests. The Chapter’s February 2011 meeting summary was approved as written, followed by approval of the treasurer’s report. Moore presented the President’s Report, touching on the changes with sign reflectivity and urging members to review and comment on the Federal docket regarding the standards for minimum levels of retroreflectivity as well as 44 other compliance dates in the MUTCD. He also reported that the amount of training across the U.S. is down this past year.

ATSSA’s Director of Membership and Technical Asisstance Dan Williams present-ed “ATSSA Working For You,” focusing on the value of an ATSSA membership and advocacy for the industry.

The meeting was adjourned and the attendees enjoyed lunch and perfect weather for their round of golf, followed by an awards ceremony on the clubhouse veranda.

Iowa ChapterIowa-ATSSA Chapter Chapter President Jamie Jirak opened the meeting at 9:30 a.m. in the meeting room at the Fairfield Inn and Suites located in Ankeny, Iowa. Introductions followed Jirak’s welcome to the full room. The previous meeting’s summary and the treasurer’s report were approved.

Under old business, a ‘Paint Supply Update’ discussion resulted in a prediction that the prices will continue to rise, particularly for anything white. A member stated that the CMS boards are at times being supplied by Iowa DOT instead of the contractors, and the CMS boards need to be a separate bid item by the contractors. A Chinese delegation visit to Iowa is still tentatively planned to take place to meet with Iowa DOT and Iowa’s ATSSA roadway safety industry leaders to look at options for developing an MUTCD for China.

The committee working on the next National Work Zone Memorial display in Iowa reported that the memorial has been reserved for display at Jordan Creek Mall on Aug. 10, the weekend before the Iowa State Fair opens. It will be placed near the the-aters to help target the 16-24-year-old drivers.

The Chapter elec-tion results were veri-fied and approved. The new Chapter President is Junior DeLaPaz, the Vice

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Page 9: Signal Winter 2012

TheSignal–Winter2012 9

Chapter News continued ➞

President is Marianne Wainwright and the Secretary/Treasurer is Charley Cole.

ATSSA’s Director of Membership and Technical Assistance Dan Willams presented “ATSSA Working For You,” focusing on the value of an ATSSA membership, the behind the scenes efforts of ATSSA staff members, evolving business opportuni-ties in bicycle safety, motorcycle safety, ADA compliance is-sues, Chapters’ membership recruiting participation and ad-vocacy for the industry.

Pavement marking removals, specifically the issue of paint removals on grooving jobs, were discussed by several mem-bers, including the DOT officials that were present. Mark Bortle, Traffic Safety/Automation Engineer from IDOT Office of Construction, presented pictures and discussion on the Quality of Traffic Control Devices on projects and in-depth discussions on Specifications and QPL of Temporary Raised Pavement Markers.

An open discussion provided the opportunity to bring up AGC pushing with IDOT about rewording traffic control require-ments, specifically touching on the prime contractors not being accountable for traffic control non-compliance issues.

After a meeting date was set for late January, the meeting was adjourned.

Texas ChapterThe Texas ATSSA Chapter Board of Directors met at Falconhead Golf Club in Austin, Texas, on Oct. 5, 2011, to review the Chapter’s Strategic Plan and to discuss a plan of action. Following the meeting, chapter members and guests began arriving for the annual Texas ATSSA Golf Day. The per-fect weather and manicured course provided a setting for a great day of fun and challenges.

Immediately following the golf match, members gathered for a meeting, where plans for the chapter’s upcoming year were discussed. ATSSA’s Director of Membership and Technical Assistance Dan Williams presented “ATSSA Working For You,” focusing on evolving business opportunities, the value of an ATSSA membership and advocacy for the industry. The meeting was adjourned and the day was concluded with a brief awards ceremony.

Wisconsin Chapter The ATSSA Wisconsin Chapter held its meeting on Oct. 13, 2011, at the Country Springs Hotel in Waukesha, Wis. Chapter president Bess Crowley started the meeting at 9 a.m. The meeting began with introductions. At that point, ATSSA’s Associate Director of Government Relations Nate Smith gave an update about what ATSSA is doing in 2011 and an outlook for 2012 as well as an in-depth look at Capitol Hill activities. His government relations-focused presentation discussed the prospects for a new transportation authorization in 2012 as well as updates on ATSSA-endorsed safety legislation in the House of Representatives.

After the Capitol Hill presentation, the previous meeting’s minutes were approved. Ed Hatch then gave the chapter’s financial update. The chapter members then had a lively discussion on issues related to the Traffic Control Technical Committee (TC2 Committee). This committee is focused on statewide issues pertaining to traffic control. Issues brought up included pavement marking shortages, sign coverings, new state specifications, among others.

The TC2 Committee discussion was followed by a conversa-tion, led by Tim Lampham, about hosting a golf fundraiser in 2012. The chapter is going to look into availability and loca-tions for this event.

Bess Crowley finished her term as president of the chapter and Lance Mauel assumed the presidency. Crowley has vol-unteered to stay on as treasurer for the Chapter, replacing the current treasurer Ed Hatch when his term is up this spring. Finally, Greg Dornfeld volunteered to be put on the ballot for the position of Secretary.

All in all, there was a great discussion throughout the whole morning among the approximately 20 members who attended.

Ohio State Highway Patrol Reconstruction Supervisor Sgt. John Thorne Presenting to the Ohio ATSSA Chapter

Ohio Chapter Ohio ATSSA Chapter President-Elect Leslie Elmore opened the meeting at 9 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 16, 2011 in the con-ference room at ODOT Central Office in Columbus, Ohio. Elmore welcomed the group, and introductions were com-pleted. The previous meeting’s summary and the treasurer’s report were approved.

ODOT State Highway Patrol Traffic Crash Reconstruction Supervisor Sgt. John Thorne gave a presentation titled, “Roadway Safety: Case Study and Suggestions,” which included his years of experience in reconstructing accident scenes to determine cause and effect issues. The group enjoyed his Rule of Lug Nuts: “In a multivehicle accident, whoever has the most lug nuts wins.” In a group discussion regarding law en-forcement in work zones, he suggested including an ‘enforce-ment area’ in the roadway design plan that would provide a

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10 AmericanTrafficSafetyServicesAssociation

place for a law enforcement vehicle to park within the work zone. He then requested assistance with collecting of info and data on energy dissipation/loss in guard rail bends, post breaks, attenuator collapses, etc., to help provide a scientific foundation for the calculations needed to determine critical information when documenting and formally presenting the details of an accident scene reconstruction in legal settings.

The scheduled Chapter elections were completed, with the following results:

President Elect: Kenny Kolberg, Plastic Safety Systems

President: Leslie Elmore, Site-Safe LLC

Secretary: Bill Luttmer, A&A Safety

Treasurer: Cecil Brown, Hill & Smith Inc.

ATSSA Director of Membership and Technical Services Dan Williams gave an ATSSA update that included the 2012 train-ing schedule for Ohio; tools available to ATSSA members; the ‘Webinar Wednesday’ schedule, topics and presenters; Evolving Business Opportunities in Bicycle, Motorcycle and Pedestrian Safety; an FHWA update on use of proprietary and patented products; chapter strategic planning process; and discussion on formation at next meeting of Chapter Membership, TTC, PM and Guardrail Committees.

The 2013 “How To” Committee was formed and will meet next month to begin the planning of the Chapter’s 2013 “How To” event.

After discussing moving future meetings around the state to encourage additional participation of members and ODOT staff from areas outside the Columbus area, it was decided that the June 2012 meeting will be held in a location in north-east Ohio. The next meeting, however, will be held again at ODOT on March 9, from 9 a.m.-noon.

Heart of America ChapterHOA Chapter President Jay Bruemmer opened the meeting at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2011, at the Alvamar Country Club in Lawrence, Kan. Introductions followed Breummer’s welcome to members. The previous meeting’s summary and treasurer’s report were approved.

Bruemmer provided his president’s report, which included an announcement that the HOA Chapter has approved a $500 donation to the Foundation. The annual golf outing sched-uled to be held in July 2012 will change from a single day event to a two day event, with the meeting and a “meet and greet” on day one and the golf tee times in the morning of day two. The change will provide a better opportunity for attend-ees to mingle, and the early morning tee times will provide an earlier departure opportunity for those traveling long distanc-es. The July meeting will focus on ADA Compliance issues.

The 2012 Chapter Meeting schedule has also been modi-fied to allow for KDOT-only and MoDOT-only meetings for

State-specific issues. There will tentatively be two meetings next year with KDOT, one in the spring and one in the fall, with full staff participation.

ATSSA Director of Membership and Technical Assistance Dan Williams presented “ATSSA Working For You,” which focused on the value of an ATSSA Membership, the behind the scenes efforts of ATSSA staff members and evolving business oppor-tunities in Bicycle Safety, Motorcycle Safety and Pedestrian Safety. The group then discussed chapters’ membership re-cruiting participation and advocacy for the industry. Brad Henry, KDOT, volunteered to work to develop additional membership activity within the Chapter.

Brian Gower, KDOT, provided a KDOT Update, and Brad Henry, KDOT, opened discussions on pavement marking updates. David LaRoche, FHWA, presented a FHWA update, and advised the group that all future FHWA Public Interest Findings will be posted on the FHWA website for full trans-parency. The continued support and participation by so many KDOT staff members and FHWA is greatly appreciated and provides a tremendous opportunity for in-depth discussions on many topics and issues.

Congratulations were given from Pat Donnelly for the im-provements over the past six to eight months with ATSSA’s Training Department Staff in professionalism and respon-siveness in helping with his company’s training scheduling.

Indiana ChapterIndiana ATSSA Chapter President Douglas Nagel opened the meeting at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2011, in the meeting room at the INDOT Traffic Management Center in Indianapolis. Nagel welcomed everyone to the meeting. The previous meeting’s amended summary and the Treasurer’s re-port were approved.

The INDOT Safety Committee Report was provided by INDOT Staff members, Pat McCarty and Scott MacArthur. After advising the chapter members that the Indiana MUTCD is now available online, they led discussions of fatalities in Indiana work zones in 2011, and Pat reported that INDOT

Members of the Heart of America Chapter listen to a presentation during the Dec. 15, 2011 meeting.

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Chapter news spills over here

is working on increasing flagger training and certification re-quirements for Indiana’s roadways. Barrier delineations were also discussed, with INDOT’s advice that too many reflectors on barricades along the highways are as much of a problem as not enough reflectors. While not enough/missing reflectors may seem to indicate an opening in the barricades, ‘too many reflectors’ is a significant distraction.

Chapter Work Zone Awareness Week Committee members Kirk Thrasher and Rick Smith introduced some innovative ideas for the chapter to support the work zone awareness campaign. The chapter unanimously supported the ideas and voted to move forward on planning.

Following a speech by outgoing President Nagel, the Chapter election results were approved. Kurt Schleter, Gridlock Traffic Systems, is the new chapter president; the president-elect is Mike Green, MGI Traffic Control Products; the secretary is Thomas Safford, Plasticade; and the treasurer is Will Woodfin, 3M, who volunteered to serve another term.

ATSSA Director of Membership and Technical Assistance Dan Williams presented “ATSSA Working For You,” focusing on the value of an ATSSA membership, the ‘behind the scenes’ efforts of ATSSA staff members, evolving business opportu-nities in Bicycle Safety, Motorcycle Safety, ADA Compliance issues, chapters’ membership recruiting participation and

advocacy for the industry. Williams then presented and dis-cussed ATSSA’s Chapter Strategic Planning Program, a pro-cess designed to help each Chapter develop its own, unique identity, purpose and goals. Formation of Chapter TTC, PM and Membership Committees was discussed and will be ad-dressed further at the March meeting when the new leader-ship team has had an opportunity to establish the chapter’s priorities for 2012.

The next Chapter meeting is scheduled for March 8, 2012, at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind. Additional meetings for 2012 are scheduled for June 6, and Sept. 5, both back in the Traffic Management Center in Indianapolis.

Immediately following the Chapter meeting’s adjournment, Tom Brennan, Purdue University, gave a presentation on his research project on ‘Painted Centerline Rumble Strips.’

Florida ChapterThe Florida chapter had its Annual Golf Outing and Meeting in Orlando, Fla., on Nov. 19, 2011, at Red Tail Golf Club. The annual chapter meeting was held on the next day, and after opening remarks from chapter President Phil Fausnight, the meeting attendees introduced themselves and the previous meeting summary was approved.

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Chapter News continued ➞

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12 AmericanTrafficSafetyServicesAssociation

It was noted that FDOT is looking at other durable pave-ment marking materials due to recent shortage issues. One product being looked at is high-durable paint. FDOT is still collecting data and it has not been approved. It can be used instead of thermoplastic in certain situations. The life expectancy is around 18 months versus thermoplastic’s five year life.

Fausnight and ATSSA staff advised the group about ATSSA training concerns in Florida and new training programs that will debut in Tampa at ATSSA’s Annual Convention and Traffic Expo. ATSSA was concerned about the attendance drop off in Traffic Control Technicians and Supervisors courses de-signed specifically for Florida. The group’s opinion was that the previous grant courses had fulfilled the training needs for many members.

It was also noted that ATSSA is updating its inspector train-ing program in 2012. It was announced that ATSSA will debut two new courses in Tampa – an updated Pavement Marking Technician (PMT) course and a Certified Pedestrian Safety Professional (CPSP) course. Both are one-day training courses.

Cindy Randazzo, Dow Coating Material, began her presen-tation with a history of the evolution of modern pavement marking paint. From Dow’s perspective the improvements from this evolution culminates with their new high efficiency binder. The new binder requires less titanium dioxide (TiO2).

The chapter’s Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) Committee reported that a new specification for moving operations is in development. It was also reported that the Pavement Marking Committee (PMC) will be looking at skid resistance with a focus on crosswalks – in-tersections and mid-block. This issue will be addressed at the next PMC meeting. It was reported that the retroreflectivity values for the 701 spec (Audible and Vibratory Pavement Markings) will be raised to the same as the 711 spec (Thermoplastic).

Fausnight talked about the Florida chapter’s plans for 2012. A chapter membership committee is being established and will have a committee chairman appointed by the April meeting. This committee will work with ATSSA staff to identify new member prospects. Phil noted that the next chapter meeting will be in April 2012 in Tallahassee. Phil also solicited feedback from members on how the chapter is doing.

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Board MemberSpotlight

His father Donnie Peek founded Peek Pavement Marking in 1962. He began painting parking lots in the Columbus, Ga., area. Peek Pavement Marking was incorpo-rated in 1970 and began to grow throughout the 1980s. The com-pany had completed projects from Texas to Florida and Virginia. In 1992, Will joined the business which began to focus on Georgia and the Carolinas. Today, it operates mainly in Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina. The Airfield Division works throughout the Southeast.

Peek Pavement Marking offers paint, thermoplas-tic, tape and epoxy markings. The company also of-fers grinding and hydroblast removal.

That is only part of the story. In 1994, Donnie Peek joined with Louis McCosh to form Crown Technology in Columbus, Ga. Crown Technology manufactures thermoplastic pavement marking material. In 1996, Crown moved its manufactur-ing facilities to Woodbury, Ga. Crown automated its production line in the spring of 2002 and be-gan producing only lead free material in 2008.

Will PeekPeek Pavement Marking and Crown Technology

Will Peek is the second generation in his family to work at Peek

Pavement Marking and Crown Technology in Georgia. Will is

keeping the businesses going.

Will was active in the Georgia chap-ter and served as its president. He became involved in the Chapter Presidents Council and was elected President in 2007. That position afforded him an ex-officio seat on the Board of Directors as the Chapter Presidents Council repre-sentative. He was also elected to the Board of Directors in 2010 rep-resenting the Pavement Marking

Division. Will has also been an active member of the Pavement Marking Committee since 2006.

“ATSSA has made me more aware of trends or changes coming to our industry,” Will said. “The networking within ATSSA is very beneficial. ATSSA offers a voice and a platform to keep DOT leader-ship and legislators aware of the importance of al-locating resources for roadway safety.”

When he isn’t running his businesses or working with ATSSA, Will enjoys golfing, hunting and fishing.

“I spend most of my free time playing golf,” he said. “I love the game.”

Will married his wife, Rachael, in 1994 and they have three children aged nine, 12 and 15.

“�ATSSA has made me more aware of trends or changes coming to our industry.”

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14 AmericanTrafficSafetyServicesAssociation

The Protection Services Inc. (PSI) Grass Roots Team

The next step in developing a functional grass roots team is to provide the employees with training and education regarding the legislative process and the proper technique for contacting legislators. Workshops were provided regarding the various forms of contact and practical ap-plications were presented to include: personal contact, letter writing, telephone communications, e-mailing and follow up to each form of contact. This training is often via a visit to the legislators and some ac-tual face-to-face contacts. The key is to convince your employees that the legislators are just normal people who chose to follow this career path. Also included in the above education program was safety in the work zone, the meaning of highway signing and the economic implication of a good highway system. Following years of successful in-house grass roots training, PSI has reached out and made the program available to other companies in Pennsylvania.

PSI continues to develop activities to involve more employees and pro-mote the highway construction industry. These activities include:

• Visits to legislators in Washington, D.C., in cooperation with ATSSA, APC and ARTBA.

• Meet and Greet Program - Local PA legislators are invited to join the PSI Home Office and plant personnel for breakfast or lunch and an exchange of ideas.

• Fundraising Activities - All PSI Home Office and plant personnel, local legislators, customers, vendors and neighbors were invited to a picnic where donations to the APC political action team were solicited. A payroll deduction plan was developed to make contri-butions easier.

• Preparation of a “how to” video featuring the pros and cons of speaking to legislators.

• Preparation of a political action group featuring the PSI Grass Roots Team Christmas card. Cards are distributed to all Pennsylvania leg-islators and APC contractors.

• Publishing positive articles regarding highways and funding in na-tional trade publications.

• Working the election polls for politicians that support highway funding.

• Attending public meetings featuring highway topics.

Properly developed grass roots teams can form the backbone of a solid lobbying effort for the highway construction industry.

By Craig S. NollCo-Chair PSI Grass Roots Team

The Stabler Companies Inc. Grass Roots Political Team was founded in April of 1996 with a mission statement as follows:

“The goal of the Stabler Grass Roots Political Action Team is to increase the participation in and understanding of the political issues by Stabler employees which affect the prosperity of our industry and our company.”

By following the mission statement, the team became the statewide Pennsylvania leader in advocating issues which affect our industry, and oth-er organizations began to look at the Stabler group as a model for building a successful grass roots effort. The success can be attributed to the support and involvement of all of our employees. The team quickly showed its impact by lobbying hard for the 1997 Pennsylvania gas tax increase.

In 2000, PSI began to take the lead in the grass roots effort. PSI contin-ued to recruit and train new employees regarding grass roots efforts and reached out in cooperation with the Associated Pennsylvania Constructors (APC) to introduce other contractors to the grass roots process.

The first step in the process of building an effective grass roots team is to identify five or six employees within the organization who display the drive and passion to make the team successful. These employees could and should represent all of the disciplines in the company. Through the years, the PSI team has included individuals from manufacturing, purchasing, accounting, clerical, human resources, mid-level manage-ment and upper management. Equally important to the growth and de-velopment of a grass roots team is the support of upper management. Although the support of upper management is vital, the leadership of the team should be comprised of individuals from all departments in the company; thus, sharing the responsibility.

PSI truly fits this model as PSI President and ATSSA Chairman Doug Danko serves on the PSI team and Executive Vice President/COO Jamie Van Buren of PSI’s parent company New Enterprise Stone & Lime Co., Inc. chairs their grass roots efforts and is the current chair of the Associated Pennsylvania Constructors Political Action Committee. Success starts at the top.

The opportunity to vote is a privilege that should not be taken lightly, and voter registration is the toughest issue facing a grass roots team. Many people within any organization feel that their votes don’t mean anything, so why bother. Our team leaders distributed brochures about the importance of voting, answered employees questions, and finally se-cured voter registration forms and assisted our personnel in completing them. We were also able to increase voter registration from 40 to 80 percent companywide. There is power in participation.

If you plan to attend ATSSA’s 42nd Annual Convention and Traffic Expo, then join your colleagues for a day of networking.

This year’s 21st Annual Golf Classic Tournament will begin at 9 a.m. on Sunday, February 12, 2012, at the TPC Tampa Bay in Lutz, Fla. (www.tpctam-

pabay.com). Proceeds from the tournament will help support the Foundation’s educational programs.

Joseph Halvorson, a 2011-2012 Roadway Worker Memorial Scholarship

recipient, will attend the Foundation Golf Classic Tournament and will speak at the golf awards ceremony.

The Foundation Golf Classic Annual Fund There are several golf sponsorships available. While player spots are all sold out, we welcome all donations for this worthy cause.

If you would like to become a sponsor, please contact Lori Wilcox at 800-272-8772, ext. 150 or by email at [email protected]. You can also find sponsorship materials for the 21st Annual Golf Classic Tournament online by visiting “The Foundation” tab on ATSSA.com.

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TheSignal–Winter2012 15

state, please contact Lori Wilcox at 800-272-8772, ext. 150 or by email at [email protected]. Posters for the national contest will be accepted through March 16, 2012. Winners will be notified in writing by May 31, 2012.

Virginia Teen Driver Safety PSA Contest Sponsored by State Farm InsuranceThe American Traffic Safety Services Foundation (ATSS Foundation) is launching its first ever Virginia teen driver safe-ty video contest through a grant from State Farm Insurance - Virginia. Virginia high school students are invited to submit a 30-60 second video public service announcement (PSA) encouraging teens to respect other drivers and focus on safe driving behavior, which includes no distractions, no drinking and no speeding while they are behind the wheel. Cash prizes will be awarded for the top three PSA videos with a cash prize awarded to each winning team’s school.

The Foundation Is Accepting Applications for the Roadway Worker Memorial ScholarshipsScholarship applica-tions are being accept-ed for the “Roadway Worker Memorial Scholarship Program” through February 28, 2012. These scholarships provide educational assistance to children of workers killed or permanently disabled in work zone accidents. Each scholarship has a value up to $3,000. If you know someone who may qualify for this scholarship or would like to make a donation in support of this pro-gram, please contact Kathy Toney at 800-272-8772, ext. 116 or [email protected]. You may download a scholarship application by visiting “The Foundation” tab on ATSSA.com.

Foundation News continued ➞

National Work Zone Memorial “Respect and Remembrance: Reflections of Life on the Road” Is Available For Hosting In 2012

The Foundation is seeking organizations or individuals wish-ing to host the “National Work Zone Memorial – Respect and Remembrance: Reflections of Life on the Road” traveling ex-hibit. Help us honor those who have lost their lives in a work zone accident by hosting the Memorial at an event in your area. Don’t let another year go by without paying tribute to a fallen friend or colleague.

Take the opportunity today to show your respect for those whose lives have been lost in work zone accidents by hosting the National Work Zone Memorial, or by submitting a fallen colleague’s name to be added to the Memorial. Name sub-missions will be accepted through December 31, 2012. Please contact Kathy Toney at 800-272-8772, ext. 116 or by email at [email protected] for more information.

The “Life Behind the Cones and Barrels – How Roadway Workers Keep America Moving Poster Contest” Program is UnderwayThe “Life Behind the Cones and Barrels – How Roadway Workers Keep America Moving Poster Contest” Program is now underway. Help us edu-cate future drivers by spreading the message that “Safer Roads Save Lives.”

Contestants will be judged in three categories: grades K-1, 2-4, and 5-6. National level winners will receive cash prizes – 1st place wins $300 in each category, 2nd place wins $100 in each cat-egory and 3rd place wins $50 in each category with a matching prize awarded to each of the winning students’ schools. This contest encour-ages students to recognize the reasons roadway work is undertaken, the types of jobs performed by roadway workers, community responsibilities and other roles performed by the men and wom-en who have some of the most dangerous jobs in America.

If you would like more information about the “Life Behind the Cones and Barrels” poster con-test or to check if there is a local contest in your

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16 AmericanTrafficSafetyServicesAssociation

2011 Foundation Council Donors

Individual Donors

Inspire Level ($1,000 - $2,499)Rick A. BeckSteve Vetter (board member)

Individual Donors ($500 - $999)Dane Alsabrook (board member)Patrick (board member) and Angel Conway Mitzi Osterhout

Individual Donors ($1 - $499) James BabcockMujeeb and Maleeha BashaJohn R. BlinstrubJ. Stuart BourneGerald A. ConwayRandy DamronThomas ErvinChristopher HalbertJeff HansonSteve HayesThomas HicksJohnny IshibashiEdward KantJohn KissingerJeremy LefortMelanie McKeeDanny MooreSue Reiss (board member)George RodriguezLisa SneadBruce Torrey

Corporate Donors

Remembrance Level ($5,000 - $9,999)3M – Traffic Safety Systems (TSS)Brede Exposition ServicesRoadSafe Traffic Systems Inc.Trinity Highway Products

Respect Level ($2,500 - $4,999)ATSSA Illinois ChapterCrown Technology LLCEnnis Traffic Safety SolutionsFlint Trading Inc.Gregory Industries Inc.Midstate Traffic Control Inc.Pavement Marking Inc.Pexco, Davidson Traffic Control ProductsPlastic Safety Systems Inc.Reflexite AmericasSherwin-Williams Co.Work Area Protection Corp.

Inspire Level ($1,000 - $2,499)Alberta Traffic Supply Ltd.Allied Tube & Conduit Corp.

ATSSA Arizona ChapterATSSA California ChapterATSSA Northland ChapterATSSA Northwest ChapterATSSA Texas ChapterBarrier Systems Inc.Batterson LLPCurtis 1000Flasher Equipment Co.Highway Safety Corp.Highway TechnologiesImpact Recovery Systems Inc.Metro Traffic Control LLC MRL Equipment Co. Inc.Nucor Steel Marion Inc.PlasticadePOLY-CARB Inc.Protection Services Inc.RC Photographic ProductionsRoadmark Corp.Vulcan Inc.Washington State DOT

Corporate Donors ($500 - $999)3M CanadaATSSA Arkansas ChapterATSSA Carolinas ChapterC.P.D. Security & Investigations Ltd.Custom Products Corp.Dallas Lite & Barricade Inc.Dicke Safety ProductsEagle Traffic Signs & Safety LLCGarden State Highway Products Inc.Harry Asato Painting Inc.Marking Specialists Corp.L & D Safety Marking Corp.Professional Pavement Products Inc.Safety Striping Service Inc.Sterndahl Enterprises Inc.Traf-Tex Inc.Weissker Manufacturing LLC

Corporate Donors ($1 - $499)A & A SafetyA-1 Barricade and Sign Inc.A.C. Pavement Striping Co. Inc.Advance Traffic MarkingsAdvanced Striping Equipment Inc.Advanced Workzone Services LLCApache Barricade & SignArmorcast Products Co.Asphalt Paving & SupplyATSSA Ohio ChapterBo Phillips Co. Inc.Brifen USA Inc.C & D Safety Co. LLCC&W Construction Specialties Inc.C.W. Barricade Inc.Capitol Barricade Inc.

CJ Miller LLCCollins and Hermann Inc.Contractors Specialty Service Co.D.I.J. Construction Inc.Dick Hawthorne LLCDobson AssociatesEmpco-LiteFlagship Sweeping Services Inc.Grimco Inc.Guide Services Inc.Interstate Accident Reconstruction

ConsultantsJCL Equipment Co. Inc.Korman Signs Inc.Kut-Rite Manufacturing Co.Lakeside Plastics Inc.Lovewell Fencing Inc.Maintenance Coatings Co.MAKCO Inc.McEahern Consulting Inc.Mercer Strategic Alliance Inc.Mid-Park Inc.North American Signal Co.North Florida Exports Inc.NorthStar Safety Inc.Pacific Highway Rentals LLCPathway Products Inc.Peek Pavement Marking LLCPotters BrazilQuality Traffic Control Inc.Road-Tech Safety ServicesRoadVistaSafety Coatings Inc.Safety Signs Inc.SafetyPro LLCSignCAD Systems Inc.Site-Safe Products of Texas LPSmith Manufacturing Co. Inc.South Camden Iron Works Inc.Street Smart Rental Inc.Summers & Taylor Inc.Swanston Equipment Co.Three D Traffic Works Inc.Traffic Control & Protection Inc.TrafFix Devices Inc.Trafic Services Inc.Trantex Inc.Tru-Mark Inc.US Standard SignUSA-SIGNWanco Inc.Western Traffic Supply LLC

Page 17: Signal Winter 2012

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18 AmericanTrafficSafetyServicesAssociation

Transportation Authorization UpdateAs of early January, Congress has recessed for the Christmas and New Year holidays without action on a transportation authorization. However, more time remains before the cur-rent extension expires. The current law runs out on March 31, at which point Congress will have to either extend SAFETEA-LU again or pass a new authorization. House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) and Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Committee Chairman John Mica (R-Fla.) wanted to pass a bill before the end of 2011; however, the House cal-endar and floor time was not sufficient to hold debate and amendments before the holidays. House Republican leaders have indicated that they hope that the transportation bill is one of the first pieces of legislation that is acted upon in 2012.

On the Senate side, the Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee has already unanimously passed their ver-sion of the highway bill, named Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21). MAP-21 looks to maintain fund-ing close to the current levels while strengthening the entire highway program. In fact, the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) has almost doubled for the two-year span of the bill. This increase is a huge win for ATSSA and roadway safety nationwide. It is a testament to the hard work and ad-vocacy that the Association and its members have undertaken over the last three years.

Although some of the Senate’s transportation bill has seen action, other portions of the bill must be hammered out. The full Senate must still take up the authorization, and Senate leaders have hinted that this could happen in early 2012.

For the most up-to-date information, look for the Government Relations department’s twice-monthly electronic newsletter, the Roadway Safety Advocate, which will be updating ATSSA members in a more timely fashion. For more information, please contact ATSSA’s Director of Government Relations Laura Perrotta at [email protected].

Safety Legislation UpdateATSSA has been working on several pieces of standalone roadway safety infrastructure legislation in Congress over the last couple of years. The point of these bills is to increase awareness of their issues and advocate for their inclusion in the larger transportation authorization.

High Risk Rural Roads Safety ActThe High Risk Rural Roads Safety Act, H.R. 2107, which was introduced by Rep. Mike Michaud (D-Maine) looks to shine a light on the need to invest in safety infrastructure for America’s rural roads. The legislation builds upon the cur-rent High Risk Rural Roads program, but would make it more streamlined and better able to assist the roads which need the most attention. A little known fact is that a person is ac-tually 2.5 times more likely to die on a rural road than on an urban one. Fourteen members of Congress have cospon-sored the bill, including: Reps. Michaud, Jason Altmire (D-Pa.), Tim Bishop (D-N.Y.), Earl Blumenauer (R-Ore.), Leonard Boswell (D-Iowa), G.K. Butterfield (D-N.C.), Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.), Sam Farr (D-Calif.), Bob Filner (D-Calif.), David Loebsack (D-Iowa), Mike McIntyre (D-N.C.), Chellie Pingree (D-Maine), Pete Stark (D-Calif.) and Peter Welch (D-Vt.). If your member of Congress is not included on the list, please consider reaching out to their office to ask for their cosponsor-ship and support of this vital legislation. For more informa-tion, please contact ATSSA’s Associate Director of Government Relations Nate Smith at [email protected].

Older Driver and Pedestrian Safety and Roadway Enhancement ActThe Older Driver and Pedestrian Safety and Roadway Enhancement Act, H.R. 1776, was introduced by Rep. Jason Altmire (D-Pa.) to help address the growing roadway safety infrastructure needs of older drivers and pedestrians. By 2030, 25 percent of American drivers will be 65 or older. Because of this, we need to start addressing their safety needs today to ensure that our roads are as safe as possible for our older citizens. The bipartisan bill currently enjoys the support of 23 members of Congress, including: Reps. Altmire, Tim Bishop (D-N.Y.), Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.), Jo Bonner (R-Ala.), Andre Carson (D-Ind.), Jerry Costello (D-Ill.), Donna Edwards (D-Md.), Bob Filner (D-Calif.), Al Green (D-Texas), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Holden (D-Pa.), Rush Holt (D-N.J.), Hank Johnson (D-Ga.), John Larson (D-Conn.), Steve LaTourette (R-Ohio), Mike Michaud (D-Maine), Chellie Pingree (D-Maine), David Price (D-N.C.), Charles Rangel (D-N.Y.), Allyson Schwartz (D-Pa.), Albio Sires (D-N.J.), Pete Stark (D-Calif.) and Melvin Watt (D-N.C.).

If your representative is not listed, please consider contact-ing that office to ask for their support. For more information, please contact ATSSA’s Director of Government Relations Laura Perrotta at [email protected].

GovernmentRelations

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TheSignal–Winter2012 19

Safe Roads for America ActThe Safe Roads for America Act, H.R. 3536, was introduced by Reps. Hank Johnson (D-Ga.) and Lou Barletta (R-Pa.) to help ensure state and locals meet their requirements for maintain-ing minimum levels of sign retroreflectivity. There is currently an effort to roll back deadlines for state and local govern-ments to meet minimum sign retroreflectivity standards. The most often cited reason for this deadline rollback is a lack of funding on the local level. However, because of the serious-ness of the safety aspect of brighter signs, ATSSA teamed up with Reps. Johnson and Barletta to introduce a bill to extend the deadlines by three years. More importantly, the bill opens up the Highway Safety Improvement Program to allow states to access these funds to make the initial sign upgrades. At the end of the day, state and local governments are always go-ing to have challenges finding the money to make roadway improvements. This legislation would greatly enhance their ability to access already available federal dollars to meet these deadline and standards and give local governments more time to comply.

H.R. 3536 currently has 14 bipartisan cosponsors, including Reps. Johnson, Barletta, Jason Altmire (D-Pa.), Tim Bishop (D-.N.Y.), Russ Carnahan (D-Mo.), Bob Filner (D-Calif.), Rush Holt (D-N.J.), John Lewis (D-Ga.), Chellie Pingree (D-Maine), Charles Rangel (D-N.Y.), Dutch Ruppersberger (D-Md.), Pete Stark (D-Calif.), Ed Towns (D-N.Y.) and Rob Wittman (R-Va.). For more information on the legislation, please contact ATSSA’s Director of Government Relations at [email protected].

Save the Date

ATSSA’s Annual Legislative Briefing and Fly-InATSSA is excited to announce that our annual Legislative Briefing and Fly-In has been scheduled for April 25–26, in Washington, D.C., at the Washington Court Hotel on Capitol Hill. This two-day conference is packed with legisla-tive updates from Washington insiders and elected officials in order to give attendees an up-to-the-minute snapshot of both Congress and U.S. DOT. In 2011, ATSSA hosted House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman John Mica (R-Fla.), Rep. Mike Michaud (D-Maine), Federal Highway Administrator Victor Mendez, a panel of congres-sional transportation staffers, and many more speakers. The 2012 agenda is still being crafted. Stay tuned to the Roadway Safety Advocate, ATSSA Government Relations department’s twice-monthly electronic newsletter for more updated infor-mation and registration forms.

On the second day, attendees meet with their representatives, senators, and their staff to discuss roadway safety infrastruc-ture and the transportation authorization. As an added mem-ber benefit, ATSSA Government Relations staff schedules all meetings on behalf of the attendees. ATSSA is well aware that we are asking a lot for you to set aside your business con-cerns for a couple of days to come to D.C. and push for a

new highway bill. This bill will help spur the roadway jobs our members need to help grow and maintain your business. Please add your voice to this vital effort. For more informa-tion, please contact ATSSA’s Director of Government Relations Laura Perrotta at [email protected].

Gas Tax? What Gas Tax?As ATSSA’s Government Relations team advocates for roadway safety infrastructure on Capitol Hill, one of the most preva-lent misconceptions and misunderstood aspects to highway funding is the federal motor fuel tax, or gas tax. People believe many different things about the gas tax. Some believe that the federal gas tax, or user fee, is a percentage which allows revenue to the Highway Trust Fund to increase and decrease with the price of gas (wrong). Others think that the gas tax is indexed to inflation to help maintain its purchasing power (wrong). Still others are certain that the amount of the federal gas tax must be at least a third of the price of gas – more than $1 per gallon (wrong). In fact, the federal gas tax is only 18.3 cents per gallon of gas and is not indexed to inflation at all. In addition, the last time that the gas tax was increased was nearly 20 years ago.

In order to better educate members of Congress, their staff and the general public, ATSSA created a document outlining the history of the federal gas tax and how it is used. This docu-ment can be found on the ATSSA website at ATSSA.com under the Bill on the Hill section and Highway Trust Fund. Under that section, you can find state-by-state information as well as possible funding alternatives to the gas tax.

Government Relations News continued ➞

Rep. Guthrie Visits ATSSA Member CompanyOn Sept. 29, 2011, Rep. Brett Guthrie (R-Ky.) visited H.Ray Company in Hodgenville, Ky., to discuss roadway safety is-sues and minimum levels of retroreflectivity for signs. Rep.

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20 AmericanTrafficSafetyServicesAssociation

Guthrie was treated to a 45 minute walk-though of the facil-ity. H.Ray Company is a recent startup, having been founded by Henry Ray in 2009. The company focuses on sign manu-facturing, installation, inventory and total sign management.

“We were honored to have Congressman Brett Guthrie and Mr. Greg Burkot visit us,” Ray said. “We also appreciate his time and efforts working with H.Ray Company and ATSSA to help make our roads a safer place to drive, which in “TURN” will save lives. That is our No. 1 goal.”

Site visits like this one are critical to the enactment of a new transportation authorization. Members of Congress are able to see firsthand how ATSSA member companies are employ-ing workers, rebuilding America and saving lives on a daily basis. For more information on how you can invite your rep-resentative or senators to your facility, please contact ATSSA’s Director of Government Relations Laura Perrotta at [email protected].

ATSSA’s Roadway Safety Advancement Fund (RSAF)ATSSA’s Roadway Safety Advancement Fund (RSAF) is a criti-cal element to help ATSSA voice our message on Capitol Hill. ATSSA truly thanks all of the contributors to the RSAF – which can be done through a check on your membership dues re-newal notice. Below are the RSAF contributors who have con-tributed $100 or more from July 1 through Sept. 30, 2011.

AAA Striping Service Co.

A-Annandale Inc.

Allmand Bros. Inc.

B.C. Cannon Co., Inc.

Contractors Specialty Service Co.

Cosco Inc.

Dow Coating Materials

Elderlee Inc. - Highway Signs Division

FlexStake Inc.

Florida Transcor Inc.

Frank Gurney Inc.

Green Acres Contracting Co. Inc.

Harry Asato Painting Inc.

Horizon Signal Technologies

Impact Recovery Systems Inc.

Indiana Sign & Barricade Inc.

Lovewell Fencing Inc.

Lumi Trak Inc.

Maintenance Coatings Co.

N-LINE Traffic Maintenance

Northern Colorado Traffic Control Inc.

P. K. Contracting Inc.

Pavement Marking Inc.

Pexco/Davidson Traffic Control Products

Rayolite

Reflexite Americas

RoadVista

Safety Signs Inc.

Safety Striping Service Inc.

Safeway Sign Co.

Spivey Rentals Inc.

Street Smart Rental Inc.

Swanston Equipment Co.

Traffic Control Safety Services Inc.

Trafficade Service Inc.

TrafFix Devices Inc.

Trinity Highway Products

Tru-Mark Inc.Vulcan Inc.

ATSSA PAC at the Annual

Convention and Traffic ExpoATSSA’s Political Action Committee (ATSSA PAC) is another tool that the Government Relations department has in its ar-senal to ensure that the voice of roadway safety infrastruc-ture is being heard in Washington, D.C. ATSSA PAC enables ATSSA members to pool their political contributions into larger ones so that the entire industry can have a greater im-pact on Capitol Hill. At the 2012 Annual Convention and Traffic Expo in Tampa, Fla., the ATSSA PAC Host Committee will be hosting a reception for members to learn more about ATSSA PAC and its work. As of Jan. 3, the Host Committee has raised $8,250.

In addition, ATSSA PAC is unveiling its new PAC Pin program where ATSSA members who contribute $150 or more in 2012 will receive an ATSSA PAC lapel pin to proudly wear and highlight their support for the industry and the association. For more information on this program, stop by the ATSSA booth at the Annual Convention and Traffic Expo or email ATSSA’s Director of Government Relations Laura Perrotta at [email protected].

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TheSignal–Winter2012 21

Congressional ProfileCongressional Profile

Rep. Richard Hanna (R-N.Y.)“Any good contractor knows you don’t get paid for a job you don’t finish, and you’re a man of your word.”

– Rep. Richard Hanna

Rep. Richard Hanna (R-N.Y.) was elected to the House of Representatives in November 2010 to represent the 24th Congressional District of New York. Rep. Hanna currently sits on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and is Vice Chair of the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit. A lifelong busi-nessman, the Congressman founded Hanna Construction which grew to employ over 450 people.

Hanna came to Congress with a strong understanding of the infrastructure needs both in New York and throughout the country. Having worked in the construc-tion industry his entire professional career, Rep. Hanna is uniquely suited to help craft the next surface transportation authorization. In addition, he is very concerned about roadway safety and ensuring that there is a focus on safety in the next highway bill.

“The next transportation bill is going to focus our limited resources only on those projects in the clear national interest, and it is beyond argument that roadway safety falls within that category,” Hanna said. “I am hopeful that we will have a robust safety title with reforms built on empirical data and the innovative technologies that continue to be developed.”

Moreover, the Congressman’s district encompasses 11 rural counties resulting in his commitment to make America’s rural roads as safe as possible.

“I think much of [rural roadway safety] can be addressed through education and cost-effective investments in the latest tech-nology,” Hanna said. “Unlike the high price tag associated with replacing an entire bridge, significant safety

improvements can be made through smaller investments such as pavement markings and improved sig-nage. The lives that would be saved pay for these investments and more.”

As for the full transportation authorization, Rep. Hanna is optimistic that the House can pass a bill before the current extension expires on March 31.

“I am confident that the House will take up the transportation bill shortly after the New Year,” he said. “We have a limited number of legislative days, but Chairman [John] Mica [R-Fla.] is commit-

ted to moving our bill through committee, and Speaker [John] Boehner has indicated that this bill will be a priority as part of our jobs agenda.”

At the end of the day, Rep. Hanna is committed to using the principles that he learned during his years in construction to help push his priorities in Congress.

“Any good contractor knows you don’t get paid for a job you don’t finish, and you’re a man of your word,” Hanna said. “As a businessman, I find the Beltway game of skins vs. shirts downright obnoxious. I went to Congress to get things done.”

To that end, the Congressman’s optimism shines through with the transporta-tion authorization. ATSSA is ready to work with Rep. Hanna to help pass

a safety-focused transportation authorization bill as soon as possible to rebuild America, create jobs, and most importantly, save lives. ATSSA

applauds the Congressman on his efforts to address the trans-portation needs of rural America as well as en-hance the entire U.S. roadway network.

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TheSignal–Winter2012 23

Roadway Safety Training InstituteNational Course Schedule

March – December 2012

State City Course # Course Course Starts Course Ends Register By:

Ariz. Phoenix 29244 Traffic Control Technician 10/15/12 10/15/12 10/01/12

Ariz. Phoenix 29245 Traffic Control Supervisor 10/16/12 10/17/12 10/01/12

Ariz. Phoenix 29246 Flagger Instructor Training 10/18/12 10/19/12 10/01/12

Colo. Englewood 29593 Flagger Instructor Training 03/15/12 03/16/12 02/27/12

Fla. Clearwater 29848 Florida Advanced Training* 06/19/12 06/21/12 06/04/12

Fla. Clearwater 29849 Florida Advanced Refresher** 06/21/12 06/21/12 06/04/12

Fla. Clearwater 29850 Florida Advanced Training* 12/04/12 12/06/12 11/19/12

Fla. Clearwater 29851 Florida Advanced Refresher** 12/06/12 12/06/12 11/19/12

Fla. Fort Lauderdale 29956 Florida Advanced Training* 04/03/12 04/05/12 03/20/12

Fla. Fort Lauderdale 29957 Florida Advanced Refresher** 04/05/12 04/05/12 03/20/12

Fla. Fort Lauderdale 28068 Florida Advanced Training* 07/23/12 07/25/12 07/09/12

Fla. Fort Lauderdale 28076 Florida Advanced Refresher** 07/25/12 07/25/12 07/11/12

Fla. Fort Lauderdale 29962 Florida Advanced Training* 09/25/12 09/27/12 09/11/12

Fla. Fort Lauderdale 29963 Florida Advanced Refresher** 09/27/12 09/27/12 09/11/12

Fla. Fort Lauderdale 29958 Florida Advanced Training* 11/13/12 11/15/12 10/30/12

Fla. Fort Lauderdale 29959 Florida Advanced Refresher** 11/15/12 11/15/12 10/30/12

Fla. Fort Lauderdale 28067 Florida Advanced Refresher** 12/03/12 12/03/12 11/19/12

Fla. Fort Myers 30178 Florida Advanced Training* 10/23/12 10/25/12 09/23/12

Fla. Fort Myers 30179 Florida Advanced Refresher 10/25/12 10/25/12 09/23/12

Fla. Jacksonville 29964 Florida Advanced Training* 05/15/12 05/17/12 05/01/12

Fla. Jacksonville 29965 Florida Advanced Refresher** 05/17/12 05/17/12 05/01/12

Fla. Jacksonville 29966 Florida Advanced Training* 10/23/12 10/25/12 10/09/12

Fla. Jacksonville 29967 Florida Advanced Refresher** 10/25/12 10/25/12 10/09/12

Fla. Kissimmee 29673 Florida Advanced Training* 03/20/12 03/22/12 02/20/12

Fla. Kissimmee 29674 Florida Advanced Refresher** 03/22/12 03/22/12 02/20/12

Fla. Kissimmee 29675 Florida Advanced Training* 05/08/12 05/10/12 04/06/12

Fla. Kissimmee 29676 Florida Advanced Refresher** 05/10/12 05/10/12 04/06/12

National Course Schedule continued ➞

Page 24: Signal Winter 2012

24 AmericanTrafficSafetyServicesAssociation

State City Course # Course Course Starts Course Ends Register By:

Fla. Kissimmee 29677 Florida Advanced Training* 07/17/12 07/19/12 06/15/12

Fla. Kissimmee 29678 Florida Advanced Refresher** 07/19/12 07/19/12 06/15/12

Fla. Kissimmee 29679 Florida Advanced Training* 09/11/12 09/13/12 08/10/12

Fla. Kissimmee 29680 Florida Advanced Refresher** 09/13/12 09/13/12 08/10/12

Fla. Kissimmee 29681 Florida Advanced Training* 11/27/12 11/29/12 10/26/12

Fla. Kissimmee 29682 Florida Advanced Refresher** 11/29/12 11/29/12 10/26/12

Fla. West Palm Beach 29686 Florida Advanced Training* 06/12/12 06/14/12 05/11/12

Fla. West Palm Beach 29687 Florida Advanced Refresher** 06/14/12 06/14/12 05/11/12

Fla. West Palm Beach 29688 Florida Advanced Training* 08/07/12 08/09/11 07/06/12

Fla. West Palm Beach 29689 Florida Advanced Refresher** 08/09/12 08/09/12 07/06/12

Fla. West Palm Beach 29690 Florida Advanced Training* 12/11/12 12/12/12 11/09/12

Fla. West Palm Beach 29691 Florida Advanced Refresher** 12/13/12 12/13/12 11/09/12

Ind. Indianapolis 29431 Flagger Instructor Training* 03/29/12 03/30/12 02/24/12

Kan. Olathe 29449 Traffic Control Technician 03/27/12 03/27/12 03/13/12

Kan. Olathe 29450 Traffic Control Supervisor 03/28/12 03/29/12 03/13/12

Mass. Worcester 29434 Flagger Instructor Training 04/19/12 04/20/12 03/15/12

Md. Westminster 29438 Traffic Control Technician 05/14/12 05/14/12 04/13/12

Md. Westminster 29439 Traffic Control Supervisor 05/15/12 05/16/12 04/13/12

Md. Westminster 29440 Flagger Instructor Training 05/17/12 05/18/12 04/13/12

Md. Westminster 29443 Flagger Instructor Training 09/13/12 09/14/12 08/10/12

Md. Westminster 29444 Traffic Control Technician 11/26/12 11/26/12 10/26/12

Md. Westminster 29445 Traffic Control Supervisor 11/27/12 11/28/12 10/26/12

Md. Westminster 29446 Flagger Instructor Training 11/29/12 11/30/12 10/26/12

Mo. Kansas City 29910 Traffic Control Technician 04/09/12 04/09/12 03/26/12

Mo. Kansas City 29911 Traffic Control Supervisor 04/10/12 04/11/12 03/26/12

Mo. Kansas City 29912 Flagger Instructor Training 04/12/12 04/13/12 03/26/12

N.C. Charlotte 29905 Flagger Instructor Training 04/19/12 04/20/12 04/02/12

N.C. Charlotte 29906 Traffic Control Technician 12/04/12 12/04/12 11/19/12

N.C. Charlotte 29907 Traffic Control Supervisor 12/05/12 12/06/12 11/19/12

N.H. Concord 29605 Traffic Control Technician 04/16/12 04/16/12 03/16/12

N.H. Concord 29606 Traffic Control Supervisor 04/17/12 04/18/12 03/16/12

N.H. Concord 29608 Flagger Instructor Training 04/19/12 04/20/12 03/16/12

Page 25: Signal Winter 2012

TheSignal–Winter2012 25

State City Course # Course Course Starts Course Ends Register By:

Additional courses may have been added since this printing. Please visit www.atssa.com for up-to-date course listings, descriptions, locations and registration instructions.

N.M. Albuquerque 30286 Traffic Control Technician 08/13/12 08/13/12 07/14/12

N.M. Albuquerque 30288 Flagger Instructor Training 08/16/12 08/17/12 07/14/12

Nev. Las Vegas 30599 Traffic Control Supervisor 06/13/12 06/14/12 05/13/12

Ohio Cincinnati 29789 Traffic Control Supervisor 06/05/12 06/06/12 05/21/12

Ohio Cincinnati 29790 Flagger Instructor Training 06/07/12 06/08/12 05/21/12

Ohio Columbus 30059 Traffic Control Technician 03/26/12 03/26/12 02/24/12

Ohio Columbus 30060 Traffic Control Supervisor 03/27/12 03/28/12 02/24/12

Ohio Columbus 30061 Flagger Instructor Training 03/29/12 03/30/12 02/24/12

Okla. Oklahoma City 30036 Traffic Control Technician 04/16/12 04/16/12 03/15/12

Okla. Oklahoma City 30037 Traffic Control Supervisor 04/17/12 04/18/12 03/15/12

Okla. Oklahoma City 30038 Flagger Instructor Training 04/19/12 04/20/12 03/15/12

Pa. Moon Township 29424 Traffic Control Technician 04/10/12 04/10/12 03/09/12

Pa. Moon Township 29425 Traffic Control Supervisor 04/11/12 04/12/12 03/09/12

S.C. Columbia 29793 Flagger Instructor Training 03/22/12 03/23/12 03/05/12

Tenn. Knoxville 29947 Traffic Control Technician 05/01/12 05/01/12 04/16/12

Tenn. Knoxville 29948 Traffic Control Supervisor 05/02/12 05/03/12 04/16/12

Tenn. Nashville 29596 Traffic Control Technician 07/09/12 07/09/12 06/25/12

Tenn. Nashville 29597 Traffic Control Supervisor 07/10/12 07/11/12 06/25/12

Tenn. Nashville 29598 Flagger Instructor Training 07/12/12 07/13/12 06/25/12

Texas Houston 30303 Flagger Instructor Training 09/20/12 09/21/12 08/02/12

Va. Fredericksburg 29610 Virginia Intermediate/TCS-Grant 08/28/12 08/29/12 08/13/12

Va. Fredericksburg 29611 Virginia Advanced/TCDS 08/30/12 08/31/12 08/13/12

VA Richmond 29595 Virginia Advanced/TCDS 04/11/12 04/12/12 03/08/12

Va. Richmond 29696 Virginia Intermediate/TCS 10/23/12 10/24/12 09/21/12

Va. Richmond 29697 Virginia Advanced/TCDS 10/25/12 10/26/12 09/21/12

Va. Roanoke 29469 Virginia Intermediate/TCS 12/04/12 12/05/12 11/02/12

Va. Roanoke 29470 Virginia Advanced/TCDS 12/06/12 12/07/12 11/02/12

Va. Virginia Beach 30180 Virginia Intermediate/TCS 06/12/12 06/13/12 05/29/12

Va. Virginia Beach 30181 Virginia Advanced/TCDS 06/14/12 06/15/12 05/29/12

W.Va. Charleston 29847 Flagger Instructor Training 03/29/12 03/30/12 03/09/12

Page 26: Signal Winter 2012

26 AmericanTrafficSafetyServicesAssociation

The American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA), a national roadway safety association, was recently awarded a three-year, $4.4 million work zone safety grant to train men and women nationally who work on America’s roadways. Part-ners in the new grant include J.M. Morales and Associates and Science Applications International Corporation.

The new grant, which follows the successful completion of a previous grant awarded to ATSSA in 2006, will cover three areas – work zone safety worker training, work zone safety guidelines development, and work zone safety guidelines training.

“In addition to exceptional classroom training for workers from coast-to-coast, the new grant will give ATSSA the opportu-nity to develop many other unique products and services, such as podcasts, smart phone applications, on-line training, and much more,” said ATSSA’s Director of Training and Business Development Donna Clark.

Under the previous grant, ATSSA trained over 30,000 people and distributed over 150,000 guidelines products to work zone workers and transportation organizations and agencies.

“We expect to do even more with the new grant and are excited about the numerous opportunities contained within this new grant,” Clark said. “But more importantly, ATSSA quality training will continue to contribute significantly to reducing the number of accidents and injuries on our nation’s roadways – particularly in roadway work zones – by effectively training those men and women who make roadwork their livelihood.”

ATSSA is nationally recognized as the leader in work zone safety training. Since 1969, the Fredericksburg, Va.-based roadway safety association has represented companies and individuals in the traffic control and roadway safety industry. Over 1,600 ATSSA members provide the majority of features, services and devices used to make America’s roadways safer. These include pavement markings, road signs, work zone traffic control devices, guardrail and other roadside safety features.

On the web: ATSSA.com

Calif. Sacramento 30581 Traffic Control Technician-Grant 10/11/12 10/11/12 09/24/12

Colo. Denver 30224 Traffic Control Technician-Grant 05/21/12 05/21/12 05/07/12

Colo. Denver 30225 Traffic Control Supervisor-Grant 05/22/12 05/23/12 05/07/12

Conn. New Britain 30391 Traffic Control Technician-Grant 05/01/12 05/01/12 04/17/12

Conn. New Britain 30392 Traffic Control Supervisor-Grant 05/02/12 05/03/12 04/17/12

Conn. Windsor 29447 Traffic Control Technician-Grant 04/03/12 04/03/12 02/16/12

Conn. Windsor 29448 Traffic Control Supervisor-Grant 04/04/12 04/05/12 02/16/12

Ga. Atlanta 29599 Traffic Control Technician-Grant 03/19/12 03/19/12 02/17/12

Ga. Atlanta 29600 Traffic Control Supervisor-Grant 03/20/12 03/21/12 02/17/12

Iowa Ankeny 30528 Traffic Control Technician-Grant 03/27/12 03/27/12 03/13/12

Iowa Ankeny 30529 Traffic Control Supervisor-Grant 03/28/12 03/29/12 03/13/12

ATSSA Roadway Safety Training Institute

FWHA Grant Sponsored Course ScheduleMarch – December 2012Under Grant Agreement No. DTFH61-11-H-00030

State City Course # Course Course Starts Course Ends Register By:

Page 27: Signal Winter 2012

TheSignal–Winter2012 27

Additional courses may have been added since this printing. Please visit ATSSA’s website at www.atssa.com for up-to- date course listings, descriptions, locations and registration instructions.

Ind. Indianapolis 29429 Traffic Control Technician-Grant 03/26/12 03/26/12 02/24/12

Ind. Indianapolis 29430 Traffic Control Supervisor-Grant 03/27/12 03/28/12 02/24/12

Mass. Worcester 29432 Traffic Control Technician-Grant 04/16/12 04/16/12 03/15/12

Mass. Worcester 29433 Traffic Control Supervisor-Grant 04/17/12 04/18/12 03/15/12

Md. Westminster 29441 Traffic Control Technician-Grant 09/10/12 09/10/12 08/10/12

Md. Westminster 29442 Traffic Control Supervisor-Grant 09/11/12 09/12/12 08/10/12

N.C. Charlotte 29903 Traffic Control Technician-Grant 04/16/12 04/16/12 04/02/12

N.C. Charlotte 29904 Traffic Control Supervisor-Grant 04/17/12 04/18/12 04/02/12

Neb. Lincoln 29835 Traffic Control Technician-Grant 06/19/12 06/19/12 05/18/12

Neb. Lincoln 29836 Traffic Control Supervisor-Grant 06/20/12 06/21/12 05/18/12

Nev. Reno 30543 Traffic Control Technician-Grant 04/03/12 04/03/12 03/19/12

Nev. Reno 30544 Traffic Control Supervisor-Grant 04/04/12 04/05/12 03/19/12

R.I. Warwick 29669 Traffic Control Technician-Grant 06/12/12 06/12/12 05/11/12

R.I. Warwick 29670 Traffic Control Supervisor-Grant 06/13/12 06/14/12 05/11/12

S.C. Columbia 29791 Traffic Control Technician-Grant 03/19/12 03/19/12 03/05/12

S.C. Columbia 29792 Traffic Control Supervisor-Grant 03/20/12 03/21/12 03/05/12

Texas Houston 30301 Traffic Control Technician-Grant 09/17/12 09/17/12 08/02/12

Texas Houston 30302 Traffic Control Supervisor-Grant 09/18/12 09/19/12 8/2/2012

Va. Fredericksburg 30470 Virginia Basic/TCT-Grant 08/27/12 08/27/12 08/13/12

Va. Richmond 29594 Virginia Intermediate/TCS-Grant 04/09/12 04/10/12 03/08/12

Wash. Seattle 30279 Traffic Control Supervisor-WA State Spec-Grant

06/12/12 06/14/12 05/11/12

Wash. Spokane 29787 Traffic Control Supervisor-WA State Spec-Grant

03/27/12 03/29/12 03/09/12

W.Va. Charleston 29845 Traffic Control Technician-Grant 03/26/12 03/26/12 03/09/12

W.Va. Charleston 29846 Traffic Control Supervisor-Grant 03/27/12 03/28/12 03/09/12

Wyo. Casper 29667 Traffic Control Technician-Grant 04/17/12 04/17/12 04/02/12

Wyo. Casper 29668 Traffic Control Supervisor-Grant 04/18/12 04/19/12 04/02/12

State City Course # Course Course Starts Course Ends Register By:

Page 28: Signal Winter 2012

28 AmericanTrafficSafetyServicesAssociation

MEMBER COMPANY

“I started in a customer service role and have done just about everything through the years from technical support, sales and production clean-up, to being a guy in the field picking up cones, chest down on the highway looking at lines and running alongside the truck,” Somich said. “It has been fun to personally grow up in this industry and rewarding to see Dow POLY-CARB grow.” Somich is now the Vice President and Commercial Leader of the company’s Road Division.

Since 1973, POLY-CARB’s Road Division has been mak-ing long-life pavement marking solutions that can be used on asphalt and concrete. The company produces epoxies, hybridized epoxy-urethanes, multi-polymers and polyureas that provide day and nighttime visibility and can stand up to heavy traffic and even snow plows.

The company has a series of products that are specified by DOTs and heavily used by contractors. According to Somich, the POLY-CARB™ MARK-55 Series of Long-Life Pavement Markings has been available since the late 1970s and remains the company’s best-selling series of roadway safety materials. POLY-CARBTM MARK-29 and POLY-CARBTM MARK-29.9 ep-oxy adhesives are also big sellers for the company.

“Our newest safety product is the POLY-CARB SAFE-T-GRID™,” Somich said. “It is a high friction surface system that enhances motor vehicle to pavement surface friction. Based on proven technology from the company’s 35 year FLEXOGRIDTM Bridge Deck Overlay System, it offers skid re-sistance and helps to shorten braking distance. “We believe that SAFE-T-GRIDTM is going to be a product that many Traffic and Maintenance Engineers are going to want to use.”

Dow POLY-CARB works to make sure it delivers quality prod-ucts for a reasonable price.

“We are usually not the low-price supplier,” Somich said. “We are the best value and lowest cost when you factor in our quick service times, consistency and product quality.”

“It is no secret that DOT budgets have felt the impact of the economic recession,” Somich said. “Dow POLY-CARB is here as a partner, and we have focused our efforts to work within the industry to offer technologies that deliver the best value while working within their budget.”

POLY-CARB was founded by Ratanjit Sondhe and his wife. Sondhe is nominated to receive ATSSA’s highest honor, the Industry Achievement Award. He is also nominated for the Mark of Excellence Award, which is given by the Pavement Marking and Manufacturers and Suppliers Committee.

“Mr. Sondhe founded the company to add value and created materials that make our roads safer,” Somich said. “He print-ed ‘Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching’ on the back of POLY-CARB’s t-shirts. We continue this mindset of adding value and Integrity today as part of The Dow Chemical Company, which has Integrity as one of its core values.

In late 2007, POLY-CARB became a wholly owned subsidiary of the Dow Chemical Company.

Throughout his 11 year career with the company, Ray Somich has served in many capacities at Dow

POLY-CARB, a company which focuses on infrastructure preservation and safety solutions.

Autoroute 40 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

Page 29: Signal Winter 2012

TheSignal–Winter2012 29

SPOTLIGHT

“We sincerely ask that our cus-tomers reach out to us to help solve their infrastructure related needs,” Bob Rogowski, General Manager for the business said. “I feel strongly that as part of the 114-year Dow Chemical Company, Dow POLY-CARB has untapped potential that can deliver unparalleled pres-ervation and safety solutions for bridges, roads and parking infrastructure.”

Dow POLY-CARB has taken steps to be greener, safer while working diligently to innovate with the introduction of new technologies. The company offers products that are 100 percent lead free and is moving away from solvent-based materials.

“Safety is number one for us,” Somich said. “Our R&D team is first-class, and we are excited about what’s planned for the future with systems that cure faster, are more ultra violet sta-ble and offer greater durability.”

Additionally, the company now offers performance-based contracting Asset Preservation for Pavement Markings as a way for DOTs to receive high-performing technology tailored to need and budget. In 2008, the company worked with the state of Missouri on a performance-based warranty striping program in metropolitan Kansas City and St. Louis. They have also worked with Kansas, Utah, Nevada, Texas and others.

“We learned a lot from our initial project in New Mexico in the early 2000s, and Missouri took it to the next level with annual retroreflectivity tied to performance payments,” Somich said.

“An important key to Dow POLY-CARB’s success is what hap-pens behind the scenes,” Somich said. “Our entire team, in-cluding batch makers, production specialists, quality control technicians, research & development, customer service, man-agement and sales, care about the work we do. We want to make sure our customers receive material that is consistent from batch to batch and performs above expectations.”

The company is headquartered in Solon, Ohio and has man-ufacturing facilities and offices across the U.S.

Interstate 44 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

US-61 in Hannibal, Missouri

Interstate 70 in Kansas City, Missouri

Want your company highlighted in an upcoming issue of The Signal? Contact Todd Usher at [email protected] or 540-368-1701, ext. 122.

Page 30: Signal Winter 2012

30 AmericanTrafficSafetyServicesAssociation

Increase your visibility.* One sample per customer. Qualified distributors only.

plasticade.com

Use Plasticade®.

Become a traffic safetyhero.

Econocade® II Traffic Drum

• New! Tire Locking Ring™ - textured to inhibit rotating• New! Stack more – 36.77” height increases

stacking capacity• New! Comfort grip handle for secure, easy pick-up• Thick walls for durability• New! Innovative “light ledge” keeps light upright• Available in low or high density polyethylene• Customize drum with molded-in name or logo• NCHRP-350 Accepted,

Meets MUTCD Standards

Plasticade traffic control devices help make your operation more efficient.Easy handling, stacking, and set up. The right cost to start and the durabilityto last. All while offering the visibility to increase safety. If your company isnot using Plasticade, this is your chance to shine. Try us out and everyonewill see the difference. Call to request a free sample*. 1-800-772-0355.

Get noticed. Get Plasticade.

ATSSA Webinar’s provide you with up-to-the-minute information on topics that directly impact you and your business.

Webinars provide an excellent opportunity to listen, share and participate with other roadway safety professionals on concepts, challenges and solutions relevant to your day-to-day operations and job responsibilities.

Reserve your exclusive sponsorship for the 2012 webinar of your choice. Sponsorship entitles your company to provide complimentary webinar registrations to your preferred customers. Receive special recognition before, during and for 12 months following the webinar through prominent features highlighting your company’s products and services, including photos, logo and links directly to your website.

Sponsorship Opportunities

www.atssa.com

Upcoming 2012 Webinars

February 29 Ensuring Worker Protection in Work Zones

March 28 MOT in Florida Construction Zones

April 25 Safety Strategies for Law Enforcement in Work Zones

May 23 Utilizing Shadow Vehicles and TMA in Work Zones

June 20 Conducting Road Safety Audits

August 15 Low Cost Improvements for Horizontal Curve Safety

September 19 Ensuring Pedestrian Safety in Work Zones

Certificate of Completion/CEUs

Webinar registrants can print off a certificate of completion after the webinar, and recevie.10 continuing education units (CEUs) for their participation.

Registration Fees$99 - ATSSA members$119 – All others

Want More Information?For more information on ATSSA’s Webinar Wednesdays, visit atssa.com or call ATSSA’s Training and Business Development department at 877-642-4637.

Webinar registrants can print off a certificate of completion after the webinar, and receive.10 continuing education units (CEUs) for their participation.

ATSSA webinars provide you with up-to-the-minute information on topics that directly impact you and your business.

Page 31: Signal Winter 2012

Increase your visibility.* One sample per customer. Qualified distributors only.

plasticade.com

Use Plasticade®.

Become a traffic safetyhero.

Econocade® II Traffic Drum

• New! Tire Locking Ring™ - textured to inhibit rotating• New! Stack more – 36.77” height increases

stacking capacity• New! Comfort grip handle for secure, easy pick-up• Thick walls for durability• New! Innovative “light ledge” keeps light upright• Available in low or high density polyethylene• Customize drum with molded-in name or logo• NCHRP-350 Accepted,

Meets MUTCD Standards

Plasticade traffic control devices help make your operation more efficient.Easy handling, stacking, and set up. The right cost to start and the durabilityto last. All while offering the visibility to increase safety. If your company isnot using Plasticade, this is your chance to shine. Try us out and everyonewill see the difference. Call to request a free sample*. 1-800-772-0355.

Get noticed. Get Plasticade.

Page 32: Signal Winter 2012

800-662-6338 www.plasticsafety.comPlastic Safety Systems, Inc.

Temporary Portable Rumble Strip2 RoadQuake™Introducing...

Alerts Drivers to Changing Road Conditions....

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Visit us at ATSSA ExpoBooth 1111!

American Traffic Safety Services Association15 Riverside Parkway, Suite 100Fredericksburg, VA 22406-1022

Safer Roads Save Lives

Save the Date

ATSSA’s Annual Legislative Briefing

and Fly-InApril 25–26

Washington, D.C.

page 19