SC&RA NEWS
54
INTERNATIONAL AND SPECIALIZED TRANSPORT
■
JULY 2013
fortune often provides a mere bandage
to problems that will soon require a
comprehensive remedy – particularly since
the types of commodities exclusive to their
promising growth are decidedly sensitive to
transportation costs.
Emerging South American economies
s er ve as both an example and a
reminder that growth and development
is ultimately beholden to investments
at home. Especially in our industry,
transportation infrastructure is the
backbone of a progressive profit margin,
as well as fiscal sustainability, and SC&RA’s
increased dedication to the sustainable
progress of its Latin American member
companies serves as a symbol of the
Association’s commitment to each and
every member relationship, and the true
value that members receive as a result of
this connection.
SC&RA’s four-way commitment
1. ADVOCACY.
By working closely with
members and other industry associations
around the world, SC&RA exchanges ideas,
promotes best practices and encourages
uniform industry standards, when practical.
The Association works to keep the industry
up to date on a wide range of issues and
topics. It works to assure that member
companies in any nation receive the general
guidance they need to help them operate
safely, efficiently and profitably. The
Association also works to open networks
whereby members can exchange ideas on
how to address common challenges.
The Association was influential in
getting NCCCO and Sindipesa to reach
an agreement of understanding to work
together to begin a certification programme
for crane operators in Brazil.
2. EDUCATION.
The weekly SC&RA
newsletter, official international and
domestic publications and SC&RA’s website
are accessible avenues that keep member
companies current on relevant information
and Association programmes.
SC&RA’s meetings give members
outstanding opportunities to share
experiences with hundreds of other folks in
the industry who consistently face similar
challenges in the workplace, including
many of the industry’s pre-eminent
decision makers. Product fairs or exhibit
centres at major meetings allow members
to discover products and services that could
provide them with an edge. Members enjoy
discounts on registration at select meetings.
Opportunities to network, reconnect
and attend speaking engagements and
educational sessions are provided for
members through the year:
■
January Board & Committee Meeting
Here the Association and Foundation’s
committee members and both Boards of
Directors meet to approve the annual budgets
and plans for the coming year. Attendees are
owners, top management and officers of the
Association and Foundation.
■
Specialized Transportation Symposium
Held in March, this meeting focuses on
promoting permit uniformity and fair
regulatory policy. In addition to safety sessions
and updates, an exhibit centre is co-ordinated
for viewing new equipment and products.
Attendees are top managers in operations,
safety directors, pilot car professionals,
permitting officials and federal officials
.
■
Annual Conference
This event is held in April and attracts owners,
CEOs, top managers and leaders in the
industry. Highlights include education sessions,
committee meetings, receptions, social
events, a fundraising gala, the Jobs of the Year
competition, safety awards and a products fair.
■
Crane & Rigging Workshop
Held in September, this meeting places a
strong emphasis on safety issues, regulatory
and legislative updates, as well as networking.
In addition, there is an exhibit centre displaying
new equipment and products. Attendees
include top managers, crane operators, safety
directors and operations managers.
■
Financial & Risk Management Forum
Held in late summer or fall (often October), this
forum is provided on an annual or biennial
basis. The forum provides an opportunity for
participants to learn key financial management
practices. Attendees are owners, CEOs,
controllers and top managers.
■
Webinars
SC&RA offers webinars every month on
a range of topics. Subjects have included
standards, certification, marketing, insurance,
labour law. Held at noon Eastern Standard
Time, the webinars are free to members.
Information is on the SC&RA web site.
3. NETWORKING AND PARTNERING.
One of the greatest benefits for international
members is the network that SC&RA
provides to more than 1,300 member
companiesfrom46nationsaroundtheworld.
Many SC&RA members have established
key business partnerships at SC&RA events,
which allows them to maintain relationships
and vital communication that could have
enormous benefits towards future projects
and idea exchange.
At this year’s annual conference in
April, just over 70 of the 710 attendees
were from outside the USA – with ten
countries represented in total.
An example of SC&RA’s ongoing efforts
to build international relationships, and
continuously strengthen the industry as
a result, was its 2009 establishment of an
international agreement to foster open
dialogue for harmonised standards and
improved business practices – resulting
in the formation of the World Crane and
Transport Alliance. Members from three
continents include: SC&RA; European
Association of Abnormal Road Transport
and Mobile Cranes (ESTA); Crane Industry
Council of Australia (CICA); New Zealand
Heavy Haulage Association (NZHHA);
the Crane Association of Canada (CRAC)
and Sindipesa.
4. AWARDS PROGRAMMES
SC&RA’s
Awards Program, widely regarded to be the
best in the world by crane, rigging and heavy
haul companies, honours organisations
and individuals for outstanding safety
performance, excellent service to the
industry, and truly exceptional jobs. The
coveted Job of the Year awards are given
to companies displaying superior work on
extraordinary jobs and give the winning
companies the opportunity to showcase
their achievements and demonstrate their
capabilities. These accomplishments are
also advertised via articles in publications,
such as
International
Cranes
and
Specialized Transport
and
American Cranes
& Transport
, as well as a host of other trade
magazines and journals.
At the 2013 Annual Conference, eight
of the 27 entries were from member
companies outside the United States,
including: United Kingdom, Italy, Mexico
and South Africa. And two of the six
Job of the Year awards were presented to
international companies – a testament
to the continued growth of SC&RA
international membership.
■
Joel Dandrea, SC&RA executive vice president,
addresses the audience in São Paulo
