WorldSweeper.com

December Editorial: Our Year's End Wish: A Continued Increase in the 'Profile' of Power Sweeping

Tue, 15 Dec 2015 12:25:36 -0800

WorldSweeper's Editor discusses his hoped-for changes in the industry in 2016.

Noteworthy in Sweeping: Norwegian Town Honors Beloved Street Sweeper with a Statue

Fri, 11 Dec 2015 12:23:22 -0800

For more than 20 years, Kjetil Paulsen has been cleaning the streets of Sortland. Now the citizens of Sortland would like to honor him and his relentless dedication for the city by erecting a life-sized statue in honor of his retirement.

New York Contractor Helps Others in Holiday Season

Fri, 11 Dec 2015 12:22:42 -0800

We're proud to report that NY-based WSA Member, East Coast Industrial Services, Inc., provided an early Christmas present to an area veteran of WWII, Ellsworth "Sparky" Wayman. One of East Coast's employees read about the indigent man having wrecked his car and that a fund had been set up to assist him in buying a new one.

Jay Presutti, VP of East Coast, said their organization decided to donate $500 to the fund as one of their company's 'giving events' this Christmas Season. In addition, East Coast is donating $500 to Toys for Tots, an amount that will be matched by Toys-R-Us. Link is to a local newspaper article with the story.

Chinese Sweeper Causes 'Cars to Fly'

Thu, 10 Dec 2015 12:21:26 -0800

This story from China is a good illustration of the venerable mantra "If something can go wrong, it will." On the other hand, this makes China one of the first countries to invent levitating cars!

A Chinese phone company crew was installing a telephone pole which, when set, would have a wire that crossed a major street. During the installation process, the crew left the wire on the ground on the side of the street where the pole was being installed. The other end was already attached to a pole on the other side of the road. The installation crew figured cars would simply drive over the flat cable. That's when the street sweeper went by...

Is LA's Sweeping Day Car Removal Program a 'Racket' as Some Claim?

Tue, 08 Dec 2015 12:20:38 -0800

The City of Los Angeles has come under fire over the last several years over its parking ticket program. Tickets in the city, which today average about $63, have been called a "regressive tax" by the Parking Freedom Initiative.

More recently, LA's practice of ticketing cars that are on the street during hours posted for street sweeping – but after the sweeper has gone by – are renewing the furor over the City of LA's ticket procedure.

Carefully Consider Chassis' Feature Set When Choosing a Sweeper

Fri, 04 Dec 2015 12:18:08 -0800

When a sweeper is purchased, more than likely it will be on some type of standard production chassis that is in widespread use by other industries. Many times, the primary market for the chassis will be for 'short hop applications' such as deliveries, where the drivers have a reason to exit the cab on a periodic basis.

In this article written in conjunction with WorldSweeper's editor, Eric Fullan, Safety Officer for the City of Hillsboro, Oregon, weighs in with considerations he feels would improve the comfort and safety of sweeper operators. His suggestion is that at least as much consideration should be given to the chassis a sweeper is mounted onto as to the sweeper itself.

December Featured Contractor: Scott's Clean Sweep and Snow Removal

Tue, 01 Dec 2015 12:17:30 -0800

In 1978, Scott Perasso was a carefree 22-year-old mechanic. Then, his fiance's father secured the parking lot sweeping contract for the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in Sparks, Nevada. At the time, this was the largest such enterprise in the world. He moved from California to South Lake Tahoe, bought a used FMC sweeper and was suddenly making big money for 1978: $100/night.

Then, just five months later, Scott was struck by a drunk driver, which required an above-the-knee amputation of his right leg. Although friends stepped in to try and keep his MGM account, after five weeks in the hospital and further recovery time before he could work, the couple had lost the contract. Our feature story is one of battling back to regain and maintain their business, which Scott and Sherry Perasso continue to operate today, 37 years later. Article includes a 32-minute podcast interview between the company owner and WorldSweeper's editor.

November Editorial: Fighting the Stormwater Runoff Pollution Battle

Fri, 20 Nov 2015 16:54:15 -0800

What's to do, when water quality is already one of the most central issues facing the world? One input that needs to change, we believe, is to expend more resources on 'preventive stormwater sweeping.' In the last few years, many municipal agencies have learned how cost-effective sweeping is, compared to end-of-the-pipe solutions, and have acted accordingly. However, we believe it is clear that more attention should be paid to runoff coming from non-retail commercial and industrial parking areas where there is currently little incentive to sweep.

New Hampshire Watershed Organization Targets Parking Lot Sweeping to Improve Water Quality

Fri, 20 Nov 2015 16:53:21 -0800

Street sweeping and catch basin cleaning, along with regular maintenance of stormwater practices, has been found to effectively remove phosphorus and sediment from watersheds. Although the watershed communities sweep the roadways and streets, private parking lots and commercial driveways are likely not swept as frequently or thoroughly as they could be, at least not on a widespread basis.

The linked study investigated the pricing differential between having sweeping (and catch basin) companies perform twice-a-year sweeping in an effort to reduce the pollutants, rather than have the Water Works do the tasks in-house. (Spoiler alert: It's less expensive to use contractors.)

Getting to Zero Safety Incidents

Thu, 19 Nov 2015 16:52:04 -0800

Although setting a zero-incident goal may be appropriate for your organization, it is important that management teams seriously consider how best to proceed for sustainable, long-term success. Take the time today to understand what is truly involved in setting a zero-incident goal: the establishment and management of process indicators – including training, behavior observation, and inspections – that can help catapult your organization to superior safety performance.

City of Moscow, Russia, Holds Yearly Street Sweeper Operator Competition

Tue, 10 Nov 2015 16:49:23 -0800

The City of Moscow, Russia, each year holds what is called the Moscow Masters Professional Skills Competition. One of the competitive categories is that of street sweeper operator.

The competition is seen as a way for sweeper drivers to showcase their skills. Plus, the first, second and third place winners each receive awards from the Mayor of Moscow.

Elgin Sweepers Featured in Kansas City Royals' World Series Celebration Parade

Thu, 05 Nov 2015 16:50:50 -0800

The City's 2015 Royals World Series Celebration brought approximately 800,000 fans to Kansas City's downtown – even though only 200,000 people were expected. The event featured cleanup with a fleet of nine Elgin sweepers.

Jeff Miles, GM for Elgin's Kansas City dealership, said their machines picked up an estimated five tons of debris, about 30 dump cycles worth of material. His organization made a 1:32 minute video of the parade route cleanup, which is definitely recommended watching. You're also bound to enjoy the logo wraps of Kansas City's Elgin sweeper fleet.

Noteworthy in Sweeping: Syracuse DPW Worker Has Been Sweeping Syracuse by Hand Over 30 Years

Thu, 05 Nov 2015 16:48:12 -0800

Syracuse DPW worker, Mike Vinette, has been keeping the downtown area of Syracuse, New York, clean with a broom and a dust pan for over 30 years. Recently, the Syracuse Post Standard did a brief video of the city's venerable sweeping personality

Featured Contractor: Moore Clean, LLC

Sun, 01 Nov 2015 16:47:18 -0800

Laura and Jose Moore started into the sweeping business in May of 2001 with a lone parking lot sweeping account, on which they did all the cleaning themselves. "We had no lines of credit, no credit cards and didn't get a loan from family members," recalled Moore. "We did it the old-fashioned way by strapping it on and getting after it."

Since they did have a total of $3500 to their names the couple decided they should buy a sweeper. This turned out to be, as Jose called it, "an old Sanford and Sons TYMCO 600." They soon learned this venerable street sweeper was one of the most inefficient ways to sweep a parking lot. "We learned a number of hard lessons early on," said Moore, "and this was one of them.

October Editorial: Is Your Sweeping Program As Safe As Can Be?

Tue, 27 Oct 2015 17:45:50 -0700

Yes, I know there are a lot of sweepers in operation, just here in the United States. Still, even as a sweeping contractor or public works director you may not realize that almost every week there are multiple reports of sweeper-related injuries and fatalities. Most of these involve other vehicles striking a sweeper, usually from the rear. However – to my mind, anyway – a surprising number are in the category of single-vehicle accidents. These usually appear to stem from tiredness and/or inattention. Sweepers also strike pedestrians on a frequent basis.

Seattle Study Finds Road Runoff Extremely Toxic to Salmon

Mon, 26 Oct 2015 17:44:25 -0700

A new study shows that stormwater runoff from urban roadways is so toxic to coho salmon that it can kill adult fish in as little as 2-1/2 hours. Scientists have long suspected that the mixture of oil, heavy metals and grime that washes off highways and roads can be poisonous to coho, but the study is the first to prove it.
Seattle's analysis on the cost of pollutant removal via sweeping has been shown to be about $5.60/lb., well under the cost of stormwater pollutant removal via traditional, end-of-the-pipe methods. If you sweep for stormwater pollution reduction – or wonder if you ought to be – you should read this article!

Tips for Fall Sweeping

Wed, 18 Nov 2015 16:43:03 -0800

In case you missed it, PAVEMENT's Jessica Stoikes interviewed representatives of Elgin, Schwarze Industries, Stewart-Amos and TYMCO to amass ideas on ways to have better results when sweeping leaves.

If your organization will be sweeping leaves this fall, you'll want to take a look at the many good ideas put forth by these experienced sweeper manufacturer representatives.

Beach Sweeping in Pensacola a Never-ending Process

Mon, 16 Nov 2015 16:42:17 -0800

Beach cleaning is an area of the sweeping industry that is often overlooked. However, in municipalities with public beaches the process can be laborious and never-ending. Here is an overview of how one such entity, the Santa Rosa Island Authority, has been handling its beach cleaning process

New Calgary Stampede 'Sweeper Critters' Now on the Job

Mon, 23 Nov 2015 16:41:49 -0800

n 2001 Calgary, Alberta – which is located in the western portion of Canada – started a tradition of affixing giant 'street sweeper critters' onto the city's sweepers for cleaning up after the City's celebrated Calgary Stampede festivity events. In 2014 the previous critters were retired. However, new ones were designed and debuted to assist with sweeper cleanup at this year's Calgary Stampede parade.

New Calgary Stampede 'Sweeper Critters' Now on the Job

Tue, 13 Oct 2015 17:41:24 -0700

Sweeper Operator Saves Seven-Year-Old's Chalk Art Painting

Tue, 06 Oct 2015 17:40:28 -0700

It was a small gesture, one of the kind of thoughtful actions that we'd like to believe take place every day, everywhere. However, this particular effort by Wendel Lamb, street sweeper operator in Courtney, British Columbia, Canada, meant much happiness to Brielle Pronick, a local seven-year-old girl who lived on his route.

Featured Contractor: Hamel Parking Lot Service

Thu, 01 Oct 2015 17:39:32 -0700

Learn more about how sweeping is handled in the heartland of America, Iowa, and how empowerment of employees can play a role in having a smooth-running operation – even when the company is sold to a 'newbie owner.' Article includes a 32-minute podcast interview between the company owner and WorldSweeper's editor.

September Editorial: Implementing Sweeping Best Practices: Are We Leading Thirsty Horses to Water or Still Herding Cats?

Mon, 23 Nov 2015 16:38:22 -0800

It's past time that American public works officials act on the data that have been collected, and capitalize on the firsthand experience of locales like Seattle. Stormwater and sweeping departments need to be combined so there aren't turf wars about budget, equipment and other considerations. The bottom line: Air sweeping needs to be performed at what – for most municipalities faced with water quality issues – would be a much higher level than what they are currently doing.

September Editorial: Implementing Sweeping Best Practices: Are We Leading Thirsty Horses to Water or Still Herding Cats?

Thu, 24 Sep 2015 08:51:17 -0700

APWA Rebrands its Annual Congress & Exposition

Wed, 16 Sep 2015 08:50:13 -0700

The American Public Works Association (APWA) announced that major changes are in store for its annual conference and equipment show, which will be known as PWX beginning in 2016. The APWA's new PWX brand stands for "Public Works Expo," which will replace the previous lengthy title, "International Public Works Congress & Exposition." The launch of PWX is part of APWA's response to what APWA leaders term "significant trends occurring in the workforce."

WSA Scholarship Voting Ends in Three-Way Tie

Tue, 15 Sep 2015 08:49:33 -0700

This year's voting ended in a three-way tie between three applicants. Rather than arbitrarily breaking the tie, it was decided to split the $4,000 total scholarship grants between the three. As a result, this year's winners include three students.

Sweeper Market and Paver Market Converge

Fri, 11 Sep 2015 08:48:38 -0700

The monthly Sweeper Market and Paver Market publications have been combined in order to maximize the reach of both, according to Mark Boyer, the editor of both of the magazines. Also, both are owned by the same parent company, Davidson-Macri, one of the largest road maintenance contractors in the Seattle area.

Elgin's Broom Bear Wins Contractors' Choice Award

Fri, 04 Sep 2015 08:48:01 -0700

Sponsored by Roads & Bridges since 2006, the annual Contractor's Choice Awards invite the contractor audience to vote and pick the best equipment available on the jobsite. Nominations are routed through an independent group of judges and then contractors are given the chance to vote for what they view as the best product. The top three winners in each category receive either a gold, silver or bronze award.

Featured Contractor: Sweep Masters, Inc.

Tue, 01 Sep 2015 08:47:20 -0700

Sweep Masters' market area extends from Waveland, Mississippi to Mobile, Alabama. Hurricane Katrina hit that area of Mississippi in August of 2005, changing the landscape – and the business landscape – ever since. Overnight, the company lost 75% of its customers.

With no work for their employees, the ownership duo took over all tasks in the company, a situation that continued for the next two years. Although faced with an uphill struggle, the Sweep Masters organization shows that even after a disaster like Katrina competent members of the business community can persevere and come out the other side in growth mode. Sweep Masters is once again a force 10 years after Katrina.

August Editorial: It's Time to Include Parking Lot Sweeping in EPA Mandates

Wed, 30 Sep 2015 08:51:47 -0700

Read what WorldSweeper's editor has to say on the topic.

Sexy Brazilian Street Sweeper Using New Fame to Change Stereotypes

Fri, 14 Aug 2015 08:44:53 -0700

Rita Mattos is a street sweeping employee in Brazil who has been getting a lot of online buzz for being "too sexy" for the job. And while she relishes in the attention, she has instead decided to use it as a platform to change the stereotypes of people in her job.

Frisco, Texas, Now Sweeping for Stormwater Pollution Abatement

Mon, 10 Aug 2015 08:44:01 -0700

Public works officials in Frisco, Texas, are revamping the city's street sweeping program to emphasize the removal of stormwater pollutants. In addition, the city is providing an impervious areas stormwater fee credit to some members of its business community as a reward for the companies meeting requirements for sweeping their parking lots.

Remembering Katrina a Decade Later

Wed, 30 Sep 2015 08:43:30 -0700

As a 10-year look back at what happened in New Orleans during the Katrina and Rita hurricanes, we are re-linking our story for our WorldSweeper readers. You'll find it to be a chilling reminder of how the tragedy unfolded and the impact it had on so many people; it's an impact that continues even today.

Featured Contractor: Painless Efforts Makes Life Easy for Customers

Wed, 30 Sep 2015 08:46:26 -0700

Initially, Painless Efforts, LLC, revolved around snow removal, which is a significant need in their Colorado location. At the same time, they also purchased a low profile Schwarze 343 in order to continue utilizing the five years of knowledge Bruce had gained from working previously for a sweeping company.

July Editorial: Air Sweeping: The Low Hanging Fruit of Stormwater Runoff Abatement

Mon, 27 Jul 2015 13:31:43 -0700

Increasingly, those tasked with meeting EPA stormwater removal targets are realizing that power sweeping – with the 'right' type of sweepers at the 'right' frequency being operated at the 'right' speed – are the least cost method of pollutant removal. That's right: The latest findings show that power sweeping removes pollutants at a lower cost per pound than any other method. Although this may not be breaking news to those involved in the sweeping industry, it appears that stormwater managers around the U.S. and elsewhere are finally figuring it out.

Not Exactly Sweeping: WSA Presents Top Ten Tips to Prevent Road Rage

Thu, 23 Jul 2015 13:30:37 -0700

We offer this as a reminder to all of the sweeping managers we reach to remind your operators — and yourselves — to eliminate road rage. One good way to start is by using this 'Top Ten Ways to Prevent Road Rage' list, provided in the interest of safety in the power sweeping industry by the World Sweeping Association, as part of your next safety meeting.

Elgin Announces Chevron Belt Now is Standard for its Mechanical Broom Line

Tue, 21 Jul 2015 13:29:09 -0700

Elgin Sweeper has expanded the availability of the Chevron conveyor belt by offering it as a standard feature for its family of truck-mounted mechanical street sweepers. The Chevron belt provides improved hopper loading, better tracking, superior debris pickup, stronger belt cleats, reduced sticking and quieter operation.

City of Seattle Doubling its Sweeping Program to Address Stormwater Pollution

Fri, 17 Jul 2015 13:28:24 -0700

Because of Seattle, Washington's location on Puget Sound, the city is planning to increase its street sweeping program significantly in 2016 in an effort to reduce stormwater runoff pollution. Brake dust, remnants of auto exhaust and the zinc from vehicle tires are just a few of the substances commonly found in the toxin-laden residue on streets in the City of Seattle. All are among the major pollutants being targeted by an initiative that is being spearheaded by Seattle Public Utilities (SPU).

Town of Jun, Spain's Street Sweeper Operator Known for His Twitter Posts

Wed, 15 Jul 2015 13:27:45 -0700

Many who use Twitter would call it an interesting but often frivolous social network. However, when managed correctly, the administration of Jun, Spain, is showing that Twitter can be used to run their small town. In Jun, Twitter is the main way the government communicates with the people who live there, and vice versa.

Link is to city's Twitter feed.

'Machines For All' Wants to Take Hassle Out of Equipment Selling

Wed, 10 Jun 2015 13:26:37 -0700

George Lundberg, CEO of Machines For All Corporation, said he developed his company to "take the hassle and large expense" out of listing all types of construction equipment. Recently, the company has taken steps to include sweepers and forklifts as part of the 11,000+ listings on the site.

Air Sweeping for Stormwater Runoff a Requirement of Court Settlement

Mon, 06 Jul 2015 13:25:58 -0700

A recycling facility in Framingham, MA, is being required to sweep with an air sweeper, strengthen its protocols to monitor stormwater runoff and pay $50,000 to a group that promotes the health of the Sudbury River after being named in a legal complaint by environmental group Clean Water Action.

Featured Contractor: Mister Sweeper, One of America's Oldest and Largest Sweeping Companies

Wed, 01 Jul 2015 13:25:05 -0700

Mister Sweeper is one of the oldest and largest power sweeping companies in the United States. The company was founded in 1965 by David Franklin, prior to when most property managers had even heard of the concept of sweeping commercial properties. Franklin became a quadriplegic when he hit a rock while diving into a lake in an attempt to save a drowning child in about 1975. Nonetheless, with a fervent group of employees he built the business into a U.S. powerhouse.

Noteworthy Sweepers: Individuals Who are Making a Difference in Their Communities

Thu, 18 Jun 2015 13:23:42 -0700

As many of you reading this would agree, the sweeping industry is one that's little known or thought of by the general populace. This new occasional feature in the WorldSweeper e-Newsletter is designed to showcase people involved in sweeping somewhere in the world who have made a positive impact in their local, regional or national arena.

Clean Streets, Clean Cities: The Water Quality Benefits of Street Sweeping

Tue, 16 Jun 2015 13:22:56 -0700

In its June issue,Stormwater magazine published an article that provides a snapshot of what several cities in the U.S. are doing in terms of sweeping programs that have the goal of helping to abate stormwater runoff pollution. Cities included in the review include San Diego; Kings Mountain, NC; Longview, TX; and, Bethlehem, PA.

NiteHawk Sweepers' Open House Celebrates New Location and Promotes DAV

Fri, 12 Jun 2015 13:22:06 -0700

On June 11th, NiteHawk Sweepers celebrated its new, expanded location with an open house that included vendors and promoted giving to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) organization. In line with the company's support of the DAV, the event also featured an appearance by Rear Admiral Bill Center, who retired after 35 years of active duty service. Rear Admiral Center spoke about the importance of supporting disabled American veterans and the involvement of NiteHawk with doing so.

WorldSweeper, World Sweeping Association, Win National Awards

Tue, 09 Jun 2015 13:21:23 -0700

We're pleased to announce that WorldSweeper.com's editor, Ranger Kidwell-Ross, has won an APEX Award for Publication Excellence for one or more of his projects for an unprecedented 22 years in a row. In the history of this national competition no other individual or organization in the U.S. has ever won an APEX that many consecutive years.

How to Create a 'Culture of Safety' in Your Organization

Wed, 03 Jun 2015 13:19:54 -0700

June in the U.S. is National Safety Month. Please use this as the reason to emphasize safety in your organization even more than you do today. Check out the 'Safety' category at this WorldSweeper website, as well as other resources including the article by John Meola we discuss and link below.

Featured Contractor: APEX Maintenance has Found its Niche

Mon, 01 Jun 2015 13:18:44 -0700

After selling a successful national business, Dan Earl retired at age 35. However, within a couple of years he found himself bored. So, in 2008 Earl bought a landscaping and sweeping company because that fit his criteria as a local business where he wouldn't have to travel and could be available during the day for his young children.

Congress Continues Playing 'Kick the Can' for Financing Highway Trust Fund

Fri, 22 May 2015 09:38:43 -0700

WorldSweeper's Editorial and newsletter for May

Celebrating APWA's National Public Works Week; Top Officials for 2015

Sun, 17 May 2015 09:37:30 -0700

The American Public Works Association (APWA) kicked off National Public Works Week, May 17 – 23, with the "Low and Slow Across America's Infrastructure Tour" Launch at the Washington D.C. Public Works Fleet Campus.

Boston Street Sweeper Operator Caught Drunk on the Job

Fri, 15 May 2015 09:36:42 -0700

A Boston news channel, FOX25, obtained the video that caught the entire wild ride on camera. It turns out the sweeper was being operated under contract to the City of Boston by a local-area contractor, American Sweeping. Our story includes a series of comments on this situation by WorldSweeper.com's Editor, Ranger Kidwell-Ross.

Town of Canmore Offers Sweeper Location Notification via GPS

Tue, 14 Apr 2015 09:35:16 -0700

The following story about the Town of Canmore, Alberta, Canada, offers information about how GPS may be utilized to assist outreach to citizens on the topic of sweeper-caused parking restrictions. Includes 13.5-minute audio podcast interview with Canmore's sweeping manager.

Memphis City Workers Caught Using Illegal Dump Site

Tue, 05 May 2015 09:34:40 -0700

As a result of a local Memphis television station's findings, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation is now investigating the City of Memphis illegal dumping, while the city has started an internal investigation of its own.

Featured Contractor: Allstate Sweeping – Heavy Duty Sweeping With a Women's Touch

Fri, 01 May 2015 09:33:56 -0700

Since founding Allstate Sweeping, LLC in 2002, Krueger and her partner, Beth Hollis, have garnered a fleet of 15 Elgin broom sweepers and a customer list that would be the envy of most any sweeping company, and includes CDOT and RTD. You'll definitely want to read how these two powerhouse women are changing the face of power sweeping in the Greater Denver market area.

Earth Day 2015 Editorial: Water Pollution and Availability Issues Will Increasingly Affect Power Sweeping Industry

Fri, 24 Apr 2015 09:32:51 -0700

Read WorldSweeper's Editorial on the topic.

Solid Links to Neonicotinoid Pesticides in Stormwater Runoff and Bee Deaths Now Seen

Wed, 22 Apr 2015 09:31:33 -0700

After years of testing for pesticides in urban runoff, and having spot detections of various compounds here and there, the City of Santa Barbara Creeks Division is now seeing neonicotinoids in every storm sample they collect. At the same time, there is more research coming out almost weekly about their potential impact on ecosystems, leading some scientists to say they are the "new DDT" (without the direct human-harm component).

World Sweeping Association Solicits Scholarship Applications and Donations

Wed, 15 Apr 2015 09:28:12 -0700

Now in its third year of operation, the World Sweeping Association's Member companies now number over 150. Although many of WSA's programs are available only to WSA Members, including its twice-a-month members-only email updates and ever-expanding roster of membership benefits, one of WSA's efforts, the Carl J. Austin and Dale McCaskill, Sr. Memorial Scholarship program, is designed to enhance the entire power sweeping industry and is available to both WSA Members and non-members alike.

Each year since its inception, WSA has offered a $1,000 scholarship in the name of each of these late sweeping industry icons. Students who are pursuing any type of higher education and who are also 'connected' to a sweeping company in some manner are eligible. These may be children of employees (but not principals) – or even current employees themselves. Also, if a winning recipient is connected to a WSA Member company the scholarship amount is doubled, to $2,000.

WSA is actively soliciting donations to fund the ongoing effort, as well as applications for this year's two scholarships. Use the links below to get info about the availability of the scholarships as well as to view past winners, as well as to download a printable notice you can put onto your bulletin board or elsewhere in your sweeping company office. If you'd like to learn more about donating toward future scholarships, use the other link to access the details and/or make a donation online via credit card.

Victory Sweepers Introduces 'CXG Pro' Parking Area Sweeper

Thu, 09 Apr 2015 09:27:21 -0700

Victory Sweepers has announced its new 2015, CXG PRO. "We are now mounting our tried-and-true CXG sweeper onto the all new Dodge RAM 2500 Promaster chassis," said Mark Schwarze, President of Victory Sweepers, Inc. "In addition, we have replaced the air-cooled, 27 horsepower auxiliary engine with the high performance and fuel efficiency of Kohler's 30 horsepower, liquid-cooled engine."

The new CXG Pro offers a 20-inch, long life HardOX armor fan as standard. Although this is one of the smallest fans in this size sweeper, the company reports that the overall performance is far and above similar size sweepers with 24-, 26- and even 28-inch fans due to use of a straight flow-though fan housing and computer-modeled hopper air flow. Victory's CXG Pro also has a full-width, hydraulically-opening dump door and full-width hopper screen that, coupled with the 2.7 yard hopper, testing has shown reduces screen blockage.

Joanne Sullivan: Boston's 'Hokey Extraordinaire'

Mon, 06 Apr 2015 09:26:16 -0700

Our editor has been involved with the power sweeping industry for almost three decades and only recently learned that a 'hokey' is the term used by Boston's Department of Public Works to describe someone who uses a broom and dustpan to rid Boston's streets of the mess left behind by that city's sanitation trucks and street sweepers.

One of Boston's hokey's, Joanne Sullivan, was recently highlighted by Boston.com. Sullivan was even featured in a video the city shot to highlight the relatively unknown role. Sullivan is â€œone of a few full-time hokeys who work the entire year,â€ according to Bonnie McGilpin, a spokesperson for the mayorâ€™s office.

From the three-minute video, it's easy to see what an impact employing hokeys can have in the overall cleanliness of a city's streets. Due to the recent winter storms, Mayor Marty Walsh recently approved "20 additional seasonal hokeys who will assist with the removal of "trash left over from the storm," McGilpin said. They will be employed for 16 weeks and will focus their efforts on "clearing major arteries and intersections where snow has melted and trash has been left behind." If you want to see how it works, use the link below.

Schwarze Industries Offers April Fool's Day 'New Product Announcement'

Wed, 01 Apr 2015 09:30:37 -0700

On April 1st, Schwarze Industries unveiled its new Human-Powered SuperVac BreezeTM parking lot sweeper. Although the new SuperVac Breeze has only a 1.0 cubic yard hopper, the machine does sport Swivelogic Chassis Technology and Tractionmaster 2-Wheel Drive Differential to go along with its unique, human-powered power source. If you're in the market for a low-cost sweeper at impossible-to-match pricing, this is the machine for you!

WorldSweeper Offers April Fool's Day 'New Product Announcements'

Wed, 01 Apr 2015 09:29:35 -0700

On April 1st, WorldSweeper wrote about the new collaboration between Google and Dyson to build the first-ever self-driving street sweeper, the AutoSweep 4115. We reported that the Google/Dyson self-driving sweeper project was spearheaded by the Google Advanced Technology Division, while the Dyson Vacuum Consortium developed the associated sweeping system. The integrated sweeper design is the first entry by noted air technology leader Dyson into the field of large scale vacuum systems.

Featured Contractor: Father and Son Team Blanketing Kentucky With Service

Wed, 01 Apr 2015 09:25:31 -0700

For the first time ever, the WorldSweeper/World Sweeping Association Featured Contractor for this month is not one company, but two. Lexington Pavement Sweep was founded in the late 1980s by Jim Blackerby, Jr., to serve the Greater Lexington, Kentucky, market area.

By contrast, Louisville Pavement Sweep was founded by his son, Jim Blackerby III, only about a year-and-a-half ago. You will find that our feature is, in large part, the story about how a sweeping contractor of high ideals has inspired his son to follow in his footsteps.

Chinese Street Sweepers Work Hard for Little Money and Lack Protection

Fri, 22 May 2015 09:24:23 -0700

Being a street sweeper in China is not much fun. Their salaries are usually poor, and places for them to shelter from the elements are thin on the ground. Pictures of sanitation workers in northeast China eating snow to quench their thirst surfaced on the Internet in January of 2015, provoking a widespread 'dewy-eyed' online response.

Then, in March, when street sweeper Ding Quan, 58, paused to warm himself at a roadside fire after putting in a hard shift in driving snow, little did he suspect that it would cost him job – or that the power of the widespread internet response would gain it back for him.

New York Post Uncovers Hypocrisy With NY Street Sweeper Parking Situation

Wed, 25 Mar 2015 09:22:35 -0700

An opinion piece in the New York Post discussed the topic of, and difficulties surrounding, New Yorkers having to move their cars when a sweeper is due to sweep their streets. Post opinion piece writer, Karol Markowicz, calls the regulations surrounding the system "the scourge of most ordinary working people, who can't afford the astronomical cost of garage parking (more than the price of housing in other cities), is the alternate-side-parking rules."

World Sweeping Association Adds Three New Benefits

Tue, 24 Mar 2015 09:21:44 -0700

The World Sweeping Association has announced three new Member Benefits to its already extensive list. VBeltSupply.com is America's largest internet supplier of ISO 9001-certified V-belts, plus other specialized metal parts including bearings. WSA Members now receive a 10% discount off VBeltSupply's already low prices.

Liquitube WSA Members now also receive a 15% discount on tire sealant from LiquiTube, which is an environmentally-friendly, non-corrosive sealant that goes into tires prior to inflation. Reviewers cite enormous benefits in keeping tires inflated properly and for tires not going flat even after multiple punctures.

Contractor Power Logo Finally, WSA now offers a free initial consultation and discounted SEO and local search services from Contractor Power Marketing (CPM), a full service internet marketing company that specializes in contractors. CPM allows WSA Members to obtain expert service and just the right amount of it for their business, same as they would do with their accountant.

Schwarze Industries Welcomes New Regional Sales Manager

Fri, 20 Mar 2015 09:21:04 -0700

Schwarze Industries is pleased to announce the hire of Martin Murrietta, as Regional Sales Manager. Murrietta began with Schwarze on March 2, 2015. Murrietta will serve the West Coast Territory for the Schwarze Contractor SuperVac Series products.

Martin comes to Schwarze from Rexel Electrical and Datacom where he held the position of Outside Solar Sales. Martin brings to Schwarze over 19 years of sales experience and 10 years of service in the United States Air Force.

Elgin Sweeper Enters Second Year of Partnership with NASCAR Green® to Support Track Drying Initiative

Thu, 12 Mar 2015 09:18:53 -0700

Elgin Sweeper provides unique solutions for racetrack sweeping, conditioning and maintenance throughout the racing season. This year, Elgin Sweeper will continue to be present at each NASCAR race event weekend to support NASCAR's Air TitanTM equipment to dry rain-soaked racetracks, saving jet fuel and reducing NASCAR's overall carbon footprint.

Schwarze Industries 'Adopts' Solar Panel for Veterans

Mon, 09 Mar 2015 09:17:26 -0700

By joining SolarCure's "Adopt-a-Solar Panel" Marketing Program, Schwarze sponsors a solar panel that will be installed as part of a complete solar array on the roof of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6061 thus truly making a lasting difference in the lives of Veterans. This solar panel installation will provide extra income through SRECs and generate free and clean energy for at least 25 years. With reduced or eliminated electricity bills, it will allow the VFW to allocate more funds toward their organization's mission and re-invested back to Veterans!

Fast Track to Safety: Elgin Sweepers' NASCAR Sweeping Program

Fri, 22 May 2015 09:16:51 -0700

Jeff Miles, the branch manager for the Kansas City office of Key Equipment and Supply Company, has long been involved with NASCAR. Currently, for example, Miles drives for the Richard Petty Driving Experience on the weekends and has driven on pretty much every significant racetrack in the United States. "In terms of our Elgin Sweeper NASCAR safety program," said Miles, "I tied together to my passion of racing with the one for bringing sweeping solutions to municipal agencies cleaning turnpikes."

Featured Contractor: What Stays in Vegas... Gets Removed by Bailey's Sweeping Service

Sun, 01 Mar 2015 09:20:20 -0800

In 1988, John Bailey was the manager of a shoe store in Las Vegas. His inspiration to get into the power sweeping business came during a conversation with an old man who cleaned windows. "I asked him what kind of business he thought I should get in," said Bailey. "He then asked me if I had thought about cleaning up parking lots. I'd never thought about that or seen it done before but I went out and watched a sweeping company at work for a couple nights here in Las Vegas. Now here we are, 25 years later."

After asking around, Bailey procured a contract for a grand total of $200 a month to sweep a parking lot. That was enough for him to go get his first sweeper, which was called a 'Trailer Vac.' Bailey's Sweeping Service still has its Trailer-Vac, as well as about a dozen other units and 25 employees that run sweepers and much more – including cleaning garbage and recycling receptacles through its Bailey's Classy Cans offshoot – throughout the company's Greater Las Vegas/Henderson market area.

AccuSweep and Landscape Inc. Discusses Add-on Value of Powerwashing

Mon, 23 Feb 2015 11:13:06 -0800

Like many first efforts, AccuSweep's initial foray into power washing was a learning experience, but an experience that has since served them well. "Power washing is a nice add-on, an easy add-on for most contractors," says owner, David McCaskill.

McCaskill owns three Mystic Washer 30-in. model pressure washers, and he says the size is ideal for parking lot and shopping center power washing. The unit produces 4 gpm of water at pressures adjustable up to 4,000 psi. "Sidewalks are generally 3-feet wide so a 30-in. unit works well for those," McCaskill says. "If you have a 24-in. wide washer you’re doing extra work because it doesn’t cover as much area and you end up going back and forth too much." On the other hand he says using units larger than 30-in. diameter covers too much area "and it's going to make a big mess. You’re going to have water and worse all over the place."

Elgin Sweeper Hosts Visit by Illinois Congressman Peter Roskam

Fri, 20 Feb 2015 10:28:34 -0800

Elgin Sweeper, a division of Federal Signal Corporation, recently hosted a visit by Congressman Peter Roskam (R-IL), who represents the 6th District of Illinois. During his visit to Elgin Sweeper, Roskam toured the manufacturing plant, viewed the assembly of the company's street sweepers and met with employees.

Sweeper Operator Finds 'Military Grade' Trash in Parking Lot

Thu, 19 Feb 2015 10:27:45 -0800

When Jacksonville, Florida sweeper operator Brandon Bullard saw a bag of trash in the parking lot of the mall he was sweeping, he got out to toss it into the back. That's when he saw the bullets on the ground next to the container that had held the trash bag. He was stunned when he looked inside and saw that it contained "a bunch of bombs, grenades, M-18s and mortars."

Middle Village NY Street Named After Late Sweeper Operator

Tue, 17 Feb 2015 10:25:10 -0800

In our July newsletter we reported on the tragic accident that ended the life of Steven Frosch in a sweeper backing accident that occurred in the shop of the New York public works facility where he worked.

New York Mayor, Bill de Blasio, recently signed a law naming a street in Middle Village after Frosch. The bill, known as Intro No. 620, co-names 67th Drive between 78th and 79th streets in Middle Village after Frosch.

Liberty Brush Welcomes Back David Svoboda

Mon, 16 Feb 2015 10:23:12 -0800

After a six-year absence from the company, Liberty Brush Manufacturing welcomes back one of its co-founders, David Svoboda.

Elgin Sweeper Offers Peterbilt Cabover Chassis Option for Air and Mechanical Sweepers

Wed, 11 Feb 2015 10:22:32 -0800

Elgin Sweeper has introduced a medium-duty Peterbilt Model 220 cabover chassis option for its line of air and mechanical street sweepers. The cabover Class 6 and 7 chassis feature numerous enhancements to performance and operator comfort.

Inventor of Sweep-Rite Sweeper Wins 21st Annual Award of Excellence in Power Sweeping

Thu, 08 Jan 2015 11:29:56 -0800

The recipient, 78-year-old Les Hulicsko, who is the recently retired inventor of the Sweep-Rite line of power sweepers, offers an amazing success story. He escaped from Cold War Hungary in 1956 with the grand total of $2 in his pocket and then went on to revolutionize how at least three different industries, including sweeping. You'll definitely want to hear this amazing story.

The Hearthstone Group Wins NPE's Sweeping Contractor of the Year

Mon, 23 Feb 2015 11:30:41 -0800

At this year's National Pavement Exposition, The Hearthstone Group was chosen by show organizers, AC Media, as the NPE's first-ever Sweeping Contractor of the Year. The Hearthstone Group is headquartered in the Nashville, Tennessee, area.

The powerhouse company has developed from the house cleaning service started by Sandra Graby in 1983. A sideline hobby for her and her husband, Scott, was investing in real estate. As commercial properties were added to their portfolio, about 15 years ago it simply made sense to expand the company into a full-service property management firm.

February Featured Contractor: Best Parking Lot Cleaning Earns Its Name Every Day

Tue, 24 Feb 2015 10:27:05 -0800

Best Parking Lot Cleaning, Inc. was founded in 1977 by the parents of Richard Hamilton and Rebecca Craig. In 1990, with the death of their parents, the company was inherited by the couple's four children. About 15 years ago, Rebecca and Richard bought out their two other siblings and have been running the organization ever since.

January Editorial: When Operating a Sweeper Anything Can Happen

Mon, 19 Jan 2015 10:29:26 -0800

See our editor's report on three sweeping industry newsmakers that was unveiled on the anniversary/holiday for Martin Luther King, Jr.

The Trust Edge Trainer Certification Announcement for Schwarze's Greg Heyer

Fri, 16 Jan 2015 10:36:03 -0800

Horsager Leadership Incorporated announced that Greg Heyer, Vice President of Sales, Marketing, Customer Service, and Product Management at Schwarze Industries, successfully completed the company's elite certification process to deliver The Trust Edge Experience, the education suite based on the research and best-selling book "The Trust Edge," written by David Horsager.

Jack Davenport Sweeping Featured in PAVEMENT Magazine

Thu, 15 Jan 2015 10:35:25 -0800

Jack and Shirlyn Davenport started the company in 1979 with one parking lot sweeper. They now oversee 25 employees and 20 units that provide street sweeping, parking lot sweeping, pressure washing, day porter and junk hauling services throughout California.

Schwarze Industries Adds HP Fairfield as Street Sweeper Dealer in New England

Mon, 12 Jan 2015 10:34:20 -0800

HP Fairfield, one of New England's largest municipal equipment and truck upfitting companies, announces the addition of the Schwarze street sweepers to their product lines. The new expanded line of Schwarze streets sweepers makes HP Fairfield the largest source for sweepers in New England.

Nite-Hawk Promotion Effort Done to Benefit DAV.org

Wed, 07 Jan 2015 10:32:24 -0800

NiteHawk Sweepers has again produced a sweeper-oriented calendar it is giving away to customers. However, according to Jake Hoerman, the company's marketing director, the calendar giveaway is part of a much larger promotion the NiteHawk organization is doing to raise funds for a favorite nonprofit, Disabled American Veterans (DAV).

Sweeper Operator Heroism an Example of When Safety Meetings Pay Off

Mon, 05 Jan 2015 10:31:32 -0800

The City of Kirkland, Washington, and the Kirkland Fire Department presented the Citizen Hero Award to Washington State Patrol Trooper Anna Gasser and Kris Hardie, from Best Parking Lot Cleaning, for their quick actions at an incident on the I-405 freeway in Kirkland.

The award and recognition given to sweeper operator, Kris Hardie, is an example of what kind of outcome can occur when sweeper operators have correct safety training and company support. Includes a link to a 10-minute audio interview with Hardie

Emerging Best Management Practices in Stormwater: Street & Surface Sweeping to Reduce Stormwater Pollution

Wed, 21 Jan 2015 10:30:50 -0800

"Stormwater is a leading contributor to water quality pollution in Washington state." So begins an excellent overview by the Pacific Northwest Pollution Prevention Resource Center (PPRC) on how the sweeping of paved surfaces can reduce stormwater pollution runoff.

Featured Contractor: New York's Hi-Lite Airfield Services Becoming an International Powerhouse

Wed, 21 Jan 2015 10:33:45 -0800

When Calvin McNeely began Upstate Sweeping Service in 1979, he could only have dreamed it would become the colossal airport services company that his once-fledgling firm now represents. Initially, the company mandate was to provide parking lot sweeping services. However, it was only a year later when McNeely added striping and seal coating services.

Today Hi-Lite offers a complete line of airfield maintenance services, including power sweeping. Their clients span the globe. Hi-Lite has on-site business units in the U.S., Canada, Latin America, Middle East, and the Caribbean. Whether they send a crew across town or across the world, Hi-Lite's main objective is to enhance airfield safety, and minimize runway incursions and excursions, making it safer to fly for every man, woman and child that boards a plane.

December Editorial: Fuel Price Declines Should Bode Well for Power Sweeping Industry

Thu, 18 Dec 2014 16:35:53 -0800

See our editor's take on what lower fuel prices will do for the power sweeping industry.

Street Cleaners in New York Have Help From Insect Garbage-Munchers

Thu, 18 Dec 2014 16:34:52 -0800

Think street sweepers are alone in their task of cleaning up the streets of New York? If so, think again. How's this for statistics: According to new research, urban-dwelling bugs – millipedes, ants, spiders and cockroaches – roaming a 150-block stretch of the Broadway/West Street corridor consume the equivalent of 60,000 hotdogs each year.

Unique 'Double Main Broom' Concept Designed in Germany, Licensed to China

Thu, 18 Dec 2014 16:33:45 -0800

In our ongoing series showcasing sweeper technology from around the world we bring you information about the 'double main broom' sweepers now in use in Asia.

New Macedonian-Built Air Sweeper Produced for Export Via Brako/BioStrada Partnership

Wed, 17 Dec 2014 16:32:52 -0800

The Veles, Macedonia-based company "Brako" has started manufacturing trucks for vacuum street sweeping as a result of a joint partnership with Italy's "BioStrada" company. The mechanical street sweeper is an environmentally-friendly vehicle, entirely manufactured in Brako's plants.

Ways to Eliminate Drag Shoe Scraping

Mon, 15 Dec 2014 16:32:08 -0800

Most of the time, drag shoes will not leave marks on pavement. However, especially when a parking lot has just been re-sealed, a sweeper's drag shoes can leave marks wherever the sweeper has traveled. Although these quickly fade in most all instances, the marks can raise the ire of property managers proud of their newly sealcoated lot. The information in this article is designed to help you decide what to do in those instances where the lot needs to be left mark-free.

Key West Donates Old Street Sweeper to the Bahamas

Wed, 10 Dec 2014 16:31:13 -0800

When a street sweeper is replaced by an organization, the question often arises about what to do with the old one. Many municipalities dispose of their old equipment, including sweepers, via public auction or, more recently, via listing at one of the internet auction sites that have sprung up in recent years.

However, when city officials in Key West, Florida, bought a 2014 Johnston VT 651, they decided gifting it to the Bahamas Harbour Island, an island with 2,000 residents.

Les Hulicsko, Inventor of Sweeprite Sweepers and More, Retires

Mon, 08 Dec 2014 16:30:07 -0800

In the late 1970s Hungarian-born Les Hulicsko was cleaning parking lots in conjunction with his window cleaning business. The problem was, the machine he was using kept breaking down. So, as someone who had already invented a number of other types of commercial equipment, Hulicsko set about building a tow-behind machine he thought would do a better job. The sweepers, which could be towed behind even a tractor, utilized hydraulics to reduce moving parts. A total of 75 of the tow-behind sweepers were built, some of which, Hulicsko says, are still in use today.

Featured Contractor: California's CAM Services has Developed a Client Base of 'Raving Fans'

Mon, 01 Dec 2014 16:29:11 -0800

When asked, most sweeping program managers will identify safety CAM Services is a California-based company that was started in 1987 by Jim Swindle, now the company's CEO. He began with six employees, two trucks and a vision of providing honest, professional property maintenance services to Southern California's commercial real estate market.

November Editorial: How Does Your Organization Prioritize Safety?

Fri, 28 Nov 2014 16:27:55 -0800

When asked, most sweeping program managers will identify safety issues as their number one concern. Yet not a week goes by without news of a fatality or near-fatality involving a sweeper in the daily sweeping-related bulletins I receive.

See the entire editorial at the link below.

Not Exactly Sweeping: Top Ten Flashlight Apps for Smartphones/Tablets Contain Malware

Thu, 27 Nov 2014 16:26:46 -0800

A recent breaking report claims that 500 million smartphones and tablets have been infected with malware and/or trojan files, which are reportedly present in all of the top ten most downloaded flashlight apps. The linked Special Report video provides information on how to remove these apps from your phone, including that removing the apps and doing a factory reset will take care of the problem.

"I Drive A Street Sweeper" Children's Book Added to Website

Mon, 05 Jan 2015 16:25:59 -0800

You will find the book in our 'Toys' section of the website. On the same page as this book are a number of other sweeper-related items that might be exactly the gift you'd like to give to the kids and/or kids at heart who like the sweeping industry.

World Sweeping Association Update

Wed, 19 Nov 2014 16:23:50 -0800

The World Sweeping Association has announced several additions to the organization. First, Vermont-based Sweeper Parts Sales has agreed to provide a 15% discount to WSA Members on parts it sells for Johnston, Allianz, Madvac, Global and Bucher sweepers. This new discount was added to the many already in place.

Portland, Oregon, Gets Leaves Off the Streets Via Resident-Financed 'Leaf Day'

Fri, 14 Nov 2014 16:22:14 -0800

City officials in Oregon's so-called 'Rose City,' Portland, give some residents the option of cleaning up their own leaves or, alternatively, putting them out onto the street in front of their houses for pickup on the city's annual 'Leaf Day.' However, here's the catch: In 2010, budget cuts led Portland officials to require residents to start paying for leaf pickup throughout the many tree-lined neighborhoods in the city. Throughout those neighborhoods in metro Portland, residents have been given the option of paying a $15 or $30 fee to pay for having a street sweeper remove leaves from the street in front of their homes.

Urban Sediment Removal: The Science, Policy, and Management of Street Sweeping

Wed, 12 Nov 2014 16:21:06 -0800

From what is available to preview, the authors have done a thorough job of recognizing the rising problem of storm water runoff pollution and have endeavored to show how power sweeping best practices could be used to address the issue.

Which Came First, Self-propelled Street Sweepers or Tow Behinds?

Thu, 06 Nov 2014 16:20:02 -0800

Starting in the mid-nineteenth century, inventors started coming up with mechanized ways of dealing with road debris. If you'd like to see the very first patent for a street cleaning machine in the U.S., take a look at the link below to the article in WorldSweeper's History section.

Tips on Purchasing Sweeper Parts

Tue, 04 Nov 2014 16:18:54 -0800

Gabriel Charky, who for over two decades was a principal with sweeper manufacturer Johnston/Allianz/Madvac, and then founded Vermont-based Sweeper Parts Sales, provides his valuable opinion when it comes to the topic of choosing a parts supplier.

Featured Contractor: Bloomfield Provides Service Dependability to Long Island

Sat, 01 Nov 2014 16:24:44 -0700

Kirk Bloomfield spent a number of years working for others in the business of sweeping, snowplowing and landscaping. When he wanted to get married he knew he'd want to have more income, so he decided to strike out on his own in the field of parking area cleanup. That the couple had no sweeper and no clients were simply seen as obstacles to be overcome, which they did.

October Editorial: Toronto Sweeper Fiasco Underscores Importance of Regular Sweeper Maintenance

Mon, 27 Oct 2014 16:31:14 -0700

WorldSweeper's Editor weighs in on the importance of correct maintenance in keeping sweepers operating correctly.

TYMCO Announces Full Availability of Natural Gas-Powered Model 500x

Mon, 27 Oct 2014 16:29:54 -0700

TYMCO has announced full availability of the company's 100% Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) powered Model 500x. The sweeper is a high side dump, regenerative air street machine. Since its introduction, the Model 500x has only been available in a configuration powered by a diesel auxiliary engine. However, the sweeper has proven its performance and reliability in the government, contractor, construction and industrial markets.

Repurpose Marketplace Offers Value to Buyers and Sellers

Thu, 16 Oct 2014 16:25:22 -0700

In this interview with the president of one of America's largest repurposing organizations, you can learn about the types of materials – besides the sweeper main brooms you see in the photo in the article – that there is a market for in the repurpose, second-usage marketplace. Not only can you save landfill expenses; in addition, you'll get the positive press and bragging rights that come with keeping no longer used waste products and wear items out of the waste stream.

Ravo Offers Rebuttal to Using Sweepers for Curbline Plant Removal

Mon, 13 Oct 2014 16:18:58 -0700

Learn about the front curb broom that cleans up weeds and more.

Toronto, Canada's, 'Clean Roads to Clean Air Program' Under Fire

Wed, 08 Oct 2014 16:17:52 -0700

The 50 TYMCO sweepers sold to the City of Toronto in 2007 were supposed to increase debris pickup. Initially, they did. Now, read about the controversy surrounding the lack of maintenance and what that has done to reduce pickup performance.

Raw Material Increases Likely Indicate Higher Prices for Poly Brooms

Fri, 03 Oct 2014 16:27:19 -0700

Jack Moran, of U.S. broom supplier Keystone Plastics, sent us a link to The Plastics Exchange's weekly information about polypropylene pricing. The bad news is that poly prices will be going up at least $.05/lb and perhaps as much as $.10/lb just in the near term.

Featured Contractor: Mallary Maintenance

Wed, 01 Oct 2014 16:28:43 -0700

Scott Mallary is a man with both a maintenance company and a mission. Scott founded his company, Mallary Maintenance, in 1986 in the outskirts of Annapolis, Maryland.
The feature article on the company discusses Mallary's insight into why he operates two employees per sweeper, how his employees notify his customers about vandalism, maintenance and security issues, and more. However, we also provide information on the all-volunteer nonprofit organization, Truckin4Troops.org, that Mallary founded in 2010.

Teaching the Value of Debris Removal

Wed, 24 Sep 2014 14:57:31 -0700

WorldSweeper's Editor's September editorial is on the topic of teaching the importance of debris removal as a part of life. Read the editorial at the link shown.

Protecting Workers During a Pandemic

Wed, 24 Sep 2014 14:55:36 -0700

A pandemic is a global disease outbreak and can be caused by a variety of agents, including influenza and coronaviruses. During a pandemic, transmission can be anticipated in the workplace not only from patients to workers in healthcare settings, but also among co-workers and between members of the general public and workers in other types of workplaces. With that comes concern for what steps would make sense should Ebola, influenza or another widespread disease become a localized problem.

Python Manufacturing Changes Name to SuperiorRoads Solutions

Fri, 19 Sep 2014 14:53:43 -0700

The manufacturer has announced that the company producing the (former) Python line of street maintenance equipment has a new name, SuperiorRoads Solutions. SuperiorRoads' sweepers include the S2, formerly known as the Python S2000, and the S3, formerly the Python S3000. Both sweepers have been designed for tough sweeping conditions and for ease of operation – even by inexperienced operators.

Property Manager Tips to Ensure 'Sweeping Success'

Thu, 18 Sep 2014 14:52:53 -0700

Wearing his hat as Executive Director of the World Sweeping Association, Ranger Kidwell-Ross penned this article about how to choose a sweeping contractor for parking area cleaning. Covered in the article, which was published in the magazine Retail Facility Business, are items like how to assess a sweeping contractor's capabilities.

Using Sweepers as 'Curbline Plant Removal Machines'

Mon, 15 Sep 2014 14:52:00 -0700

WorldSweeper's editor was recently asked to provide his professional opinion on the advisability of requiring that a street sweeper be used to remove growing plant material from a curbline. This means plants in the cracks of the curbline, not plants sprouting in dirt that has been lying in the curb for an extended period of time.

The opinion was requested to solve a dispute between a municipal authority – which sought to have the language in its contract – and the contractor tasked with the job. If you have questions or comments after reading the information, be sure to let us know and, if applicable, we'll provide them to the bottom of the article.

Italy's Comac CS140 Sweeper Offers Waterless Air and Broom Sweeping

Fri, 12 Sep 2014 14:50:52 -0700

The Comac CS140 sweeper was developed to clean urban and industrial areas in a unique fashion from most all other types of sweepers. Not only does it sweep without the use of water for dust suppression; in addition, the CS140's 'twin action' system combines the performance of both mechanical broom and air sweeping into one single sweeper.

Cygnus Business Media Sells Heavy Construction and Logistics Groups to AC Business Media Inc.

Mon, 08 Sep 2014 14:49:43 -0700

Cygnus Business Media announced in August that it sold its Heavy Construction and Logistics Groups to AC Business Media Inc. for an undisclosed amount. The transaction was handled by Corporate Solutions, Inc. All employees related to these businesses were retained by AC Business Media Inc.

How Well is Your Organization Prepared for a Sweeper-Related Accident?

Wed, 24 Sep 2014 14:47:52 -0700

Read about what can happen in a fatal accident even when you do everything correctly. Preparation is the key.

Featured Contractor: Ross Industries Has Found Its Market Niche

Mon, 01 Sep 2014 14:48:51 -0700

Bradley Ross grew up in the parking lot line painting business his father owned, working weekends and after-hours. After high school he went off to college and after graduation got drafted and served during the Vietnam conflict. When he came home in 1972, Ross decided to start a business doing what he already knew how to do: parking lot line painting. As a result, his business plan included no intention of performing power sweeping.

See how that all changed and what the result is.

August Editorial: Street Sweepers: Stormwater Management Tools or Only Street Beautification Machines?

Thu, 21 Aug 2014 12:54:28 -0700

I recently received an email from the long-time street division supervisor of a Pacific Northwest city of about 100,000 population. The city is located on a portion of Puget Sound. The question was, put succinctly "Do sweepers have a stormwater function, or just a Street Division function? I've always thought that sweepers are there to keep rocks and debris off the streets and to keep the material out of catchbasins. They are also used to keep the grass from encroaching onto the shoulder. My belief has been that catchbasin cleaners are then used to clean the catchbasins and that is where the stormwater function comes in."

Read the editor's answer.

Isuzu Responds to Reported Fuel System Issues

Thu, 21 Aug 2014 12:50:45 -0700

In recent months of 2014 the World Sweeper office has received a number of reports, primarily from parking lot sweeping contractors, concerning trouble they were having with the fuel systems on their Isuzu chassis. These seemed to especially concern the 2006 and 2007 model years. Initial speculation centered around the idea that the reported issues could be the result of the 2008 model year changes, by Isuzu and other manufacturers, that were mandated by the federal government.

Victory Sweepers Brings Back Dustin Beaver

Fri, 22 Aug 2014 12:47:31 -0700

Dustin Beaver first started working for Victory Sweepers Inc. in July of 2007, as the demonstrator for Victory's new line of air sweepers. In that position, he traveled all over the country meeting with contractors. In 2009, Dustin started selling sweepers and also became Victory's used sweeper manager. During this time he also learned how to do field repairs as well as write the owners manuals for the new products Victory was launching.

Two Sweeper Kids' Books Added to WorldSweeper's Toys Section

Mon, 11 Aug 2014 12:46:13 -0700

One of the two sweeper books is called "Street Sweepers (Mighty Machines)" and is part of the Capstone Press 'Mighty Machines Series,' which includes overviews on a number of different types of heavy equipment. The intent of the series is to provide children with factual information, with many large illustrations, of how the various machines operate. The images support early readers in understanding the text.
The other book, titled "The Mighty Street Sweeper," offers information about the different parts of a sweeper. Because it's a kid's book, several pages discuss what a sweeper isn't by contrasting it with other work vehicles. The book receives high ratings by purchasers and is designed for ages 3-5.

United Rotary Buys Assets of West Coast Equipment

Wed, 06 Aug 2014 12:44:55 -0700

United Rotary Brush (URB) is pleased to announce the acquisition of the operating assets from West Coast Equipment (WCE), a family-owned business headquartered in Glendale, AZ. WCE is a leading manufacturer of after-market street sweeping brooms in the southwest.

Calgary Stampede 'Sweeper Critters' Retired After 13 Years

Tue, 05 Aug 2014 12:44:02 -0700

In 2001, the City introduced parade watchers to Dixie, Samson, Rocky and Alfalfa, four critters created by a local puppeteer that were fitted onto street sweepers used to clean up the parade route. The four traveled the City's parade circuit for the last time on August 4th of 2014. Reportedly, the four critters will be transferred to 'greener pastures.' To see photos of the critters and read more of the story, use the link below.

Featured Contractor: Nevada's HR Sweeping

Fri, 01 Aug 2014 12:49:08 -0700

HR Sweeping was originally founded in the 1970s by, Vincent Hacker, a former airplane designer. The business was started with a Bel-Aire sweeper and the somewhat unheard of business model was to get parking lots clear of debris. The company's use of technology has changed somewhat since its inception, as has their service area, and the firm's legacy is now carried on by the founder's daughter, Sharon. What hasn't changed is HR Sweeping's commitment to keeping their customers satisfied no matter what – even if it comes to using a broom, dustpan and wheelbarrow.

Current owner/operator, Sharon Bausch, has been involved with the company in a full-time role since 1999, which was the year HR Sweeping's founder and Bausch's father, Vincent Hacker (shown in the photo to the right), passed away.

July Editorial: Are You and Your Organization Prepared for Catastrophe?

Tue, 29 Jul 2014 12:40:49 -0700

The fact that complete catastrophe can come at any time was brought home to me recently in less than a second's time: The insight occurred when the 8' ladder – on which I was standing on the next-to-the-top step – collapsed and I found myself falling with a running chain saw in my hand.

The 5 Gyres Need to be Swept From the Worlds Oceans

Mon, 28 Jul 2014 12:39:28 -0700

The 5 gyres located in the world's oceans are swirls of mostly plastic that are enormous in scope. For example, the one located between the west coast of the U.S. and Hawaii is larger than the state of Texas. Here's the crux of the problem: Most of what we eat, drink, or use in any way comes packaged in petroleum plastic, a material designed to last forever yet used for products that we then throw away.

Featured Contractor: Arizona's Swept Away LLC

Fri, 25 Jul 2014 12:38:35 -0700

Now thirty-one years old, Justin Paluszcyk actually has been involved in the sweeping industry for half of his life, since he started driving a sweeper for his dad's company when he first got his license at age 16. After working for his father for several years, Justin and his wife, Elissa, branched off in 2007 by starting their own company in the nearby Prescott, Arizona, area.

Johnston North America Promotes Todd Parsons to GM Position

Wed, 23 Jul 2014 12:37:43 -0700

Johnston North America is pleased to announce the promotion of Todd Parsons to the role of General Manager. In his new post, Todd will have full profit and loss responsibility of Johnston North America along with the day to day management of the North Carolina facility, lead sales and marketing, and overseeing and supporting the Johnston dealer network.

Survey Results: Street Sweeping Vehicle Posting Criteria

Mon, 21 Jul 2014 12:36:34 -0700

As a result of a request by an official at the City of Richmond, Virginia, we sponsored a survey on how cities handle parking restrictions on the days a sweeper will be going down a residential (or other) street. Since we could not find any data that existed on the topic, we designed a survey to document what other cities do in that regard.

Queens Sweeper Operator Killed in Tragic Safety Incident

Thu, 17 Jul 2014 12:35:27 -0700

Because he cared for his family so much, Steven Frosch left his more dangerous job as an NYPD police officer in 1999 to take a job with the Sanitation Department. Frosch was killed in an accident June 21 while he was performing maintenance on a street sweeper when a second sweeper driven by a colleague accidentally pinned him between the two vehicles.

Schwarze Industries' New SuperVac Updraft Now for Sale

Mon, 14 Jul 2014 12:34:30 -0700

"The new SuperVac Updraft," said Greg Heyer, Vice President of Sales, Marketing, Product Management & Customer Service at Schwarze, "comes in response to customer feedback and ideas to better meet the needs of all sweeping contractors. We've spent time researching similar products in the marketplace and have worked closely with our customers to understand the design features and desired benefits that are important to them in this type of product.

WSA Scholarship Winners Announced

Wed, 09 Jul 2014 12:33:35 -0700

The World Sweeping Association has announced the winners of its 2014 Carl J. Austin and Dale McCaskill Sr. Memorial Scholarships.

Elgin 100 Years Celebration Event

Wed, 02 Jul 2014 12:32:42 -0700

Driven by a desire to address the health hazards caused by streets and roads filled with filth and debris, pioneering automobile enthusiast John Murphy, who was a resident and alderman of Elgin, IL, brought his design for the first mechanized sweeper to American Tower and Tank Company of Elgin.

June Editorial: June Brings Good, Bad – and Potentially Ugly – Industry News

Tue, 26 Aug 2014 12:31:17 -0700

Editor discusses the month's top sweeping info.

Concrete Buffer Gone Wild...

Wed, 25 Jun 2014 12:30:07 -0700

Okay, we want to make clear that this 2:27 video of a concrete buffer on the loose would not be funny except nobody got hurt. However, since that's the case you may want to even offer it to your employee team as an example of the unexpected things that can go wrong at work. This is especially true if your organization performs more types of work than just power sweeping.

Featured Contractor: Spezio Property Services

Tue, 24 Jun 2014 12:29:21 -0700

For an interesting overview on how to become very successful in your marketplace, be sure to read this interview with Frank Spezio, as well as listen to the audio podcast. Both are provided to non-members for a limited time at our affiliated World Sweeping Association website.

Affiliated Grounds Maintenance President Wins National Award

Wed, 18 Jun 2014 12:28:28 -0700

Third party vendor Affiliated Grounds Maintenance Group (AGMG), of Lake City, PA, has been honored with one of three 2014 NWBOC Eclipse Triumph Awards. The award was announced by Janet Harris-Lange, President, National Women Business Owners Corporation (NWBOC), which is a national WBE certifying organization.

Profile of an Armenian Street Sweeper

Mon, 16 Jun 2014 12:26:40 -0700

Laura Atoyan works as a street sweeper in Artashat, Armenia, a town some 30 km southeast of Yerevan. She is just one of the many women in Armenia who keep the streets cleaned and, as a direct result, the towns looking tidy.

Unique 'Water Sweeper' in Baltimore, MD, Effectively Cleans River

Wed, 11 Jun 2014 12:25:46 -0700

Thanks to Virginia contractor, Karl Stauty, for alerting us about this very unique sweeper operating in Baltimore, Maryland. The sweeper is actually a water wheel system that operates as a component of Baltimore's 'Healthy Harbor Baltimore' initiative. The machine took on its first major flow of trash on the morning of May 16th this year.

WSA Wins APEX for Website's Educational Content

Fri, 06 Jun 2014 12:24:57 -0700

The World Sweeping Association won a national APEX Award of Excellence in the category of 'Websites – Site Content.' The WSA website, located at www.WorldSweepingPros.org, was one of only eight U.S. entries chosen in this category for 2014.

PAVEMENT Maintenance & Reconstruction Magazine Designates Top 25 Sweeping Contractors

Thu, 21 Aug 2014 12:24:16 -0700

Allan Heydorn, Editor of PAVEMENT Maintenance & Reconstruction Magazine, has announced a Top 25 list of sweeping contractors in the U.S. Although other parts of the pavement maintenance industries have as many as 100 top contractors, the sweeping industry typically does not generate enough entries to have more than 25 companies so designated.

May Editorial: Recent Industry Fatalities Underscore Importance of Safety Training

Wed, 21 May 2014 09:32:40 -0700

Editor writes about how to reduce accidents in sweeping.

Why a Lot of Safety Programs Fail to Deliver – And How to Make Sure YOURS WORKS!

Tue, 20 May 2014 09:31:07 -0700

John Meola has had a lot of years in the business of building safety programs. In this article Meola shares some of the lessons that have been learned through the years. These lessons, he says, have often been painful, not to mention costly.

"The truth is," says Meola, "there are a lot of moving parts to a well-designed safety program. Unquestionably, the components all need to mesh. Otherwise, you'll find yourself grinding the gears. In this article I offer 10 tips that are central to building a safety program that is both effective and cost-effective.

Swedish Town Boasts Waterless/Dustless Sweeping

Mon, 19 May 2014 09:29:21 -0700

The increasing problems with maintaining water quality in the midst of burgeoning population growth and urbanization is a problem for most industrialized countries. Sweden is no exception. Here is an overview of the new sweeping technology to combat runoff pollution chosen by the City of Uppsala, Sweden's 4th largest city.

Since 2010 Uppsala and Stockholm have been doing serious tests in an attempt to come up with different solutions for sweeping and cleaning the street environment. One method that was initiated during 2010 was to utilize a sweeper made by Sweden's Disab Vacuum Technology, called a DISA-CLEAN sweeper. This is a model of road sweeper made in Sweden that boasts the ability to both brush and vacuum the street surface without the addition of water or chemicals for dust suppression or to aid in cleaning. You may be astonished at the results.

WorldSweeper Survey Seeks Info About Street Sweeping Vehicle Posting Criteria

Thu, 15 May 2014 09:28:33 -0700

We recently received a request for information from Steven A. Taylor, Council Policy Analyst for the City of Richmond, Virginia. Taylor was looking for a variety of information about how other cities handle parking restrictions on the days a sweeper will be going down a residential (or other) street.

The upshot of our conversation – since we were unaware that any data existed on the topic – is that we collaborated to design a survey that YOU could take to document what your city does in that regard. Whether you are a municipal street sweeping professional or a street sweeping contractor, please take the approximately 3 minutes needed to complete the survey, which is linked below.

Startup NewGen Sweepers Targets Market for Smaller Sweepers

Mon, 12 May 2014 09:27:33 -0700

The idea for NEWGEN Sweepers belonged to industry veteran, Dale Claxton. He has been involved with the sweeping industry since August of 1984, first as a sweeping contractor and then as the designer / manufacturer of the now discontinued Scorpion parking area sweepers. For the linked article, I spoke to Claxton to get background information on the sweeper he designed and that is now being marketed as the NewGen Sweeper.

Claxton believes the NEWGEN is a viable replacement for a standard, truck-mounted sweeper although it does need to be trailered from job-to-job. As advantages, he cites that the NewGen can do 90% of everything a truck-mounted sweeper can do. Plus, it can maneuver in tight places, drive on sidewalks, and it's more simple to operate. However, he believes it will be best received for theme parks, universities, hospitals, state parks, stadiums. Raceways, truck stops, rest areas and home owner's associations are also on the company's 'low hanging fruit' list.

MetroMile Now Offers Street Sweeping 'No Parking Alerts' in Chicago and San Francisco

Thu, 08 May 2014 09:26:38 -0700

About a month ago, automated street sweeping alerts went live in San Francisco, and they were such a hit that the company is now rolling the service out in Chicago, as well. Chicago was chosen because, in 2013 alone, the city gave out a whopping 250,000 tickets during street cleaning season – equal to $15 million in fines.

The service is operated via a small, free, plug-in device called a 'Metronome,' which plugs into the diagnostic port of any vehicle 1996 and newer. With the Metronome in place, the free MetroMile app also functions as a personal driving dashboard. It may be used to track and optimize gas usage, compare trips for a smarter commute, monitor the health of your engine – it will even locate your car when you've forgotten where you left your ride.

APWA Announces National Public Works Week May 18 – 24

Thu, 22 May 2014 09:24:37 -0700

The American Public Works Association (APWA), a nonprofit organization with more than 28,500-members, announced today the declaration of National Public Works Week, May 18-24, 2014, to honor public works professionals in the U.S. and Canada. The celebration of the week draws attention to the important contributions of public works professionals to citizens' daily lives, including the planning, building, managing and operating the heart of our local communities – its infrastructure.

Featured Contractor: Spezio Property Services

Thu, 22 May 2014 09:25:42 -0700

By the time he founded Spezio Property Services in 1985, Frank Spezio had been involved in doing all sorts of property maintenance on his own real estate property. It was at that point he decided to do the same for the owner of a nearby strip mall. His first foray into sweeping the property was done soon after. To handle the task, he initially employed someone who did the work with a broom and a dustpan.

April Editorial: Celebrating WorldSweeper's 9th Anniversary on Earth Day

Tue, 22 Apr 2014 10:40:24 -0700

Editorial catalogs progress of WorldSweeper.com over its 9 years of operation.

Troubles Abound Regarding Isuzu Chassis' DPF Systems

Tue, 22 Apr 2014 10:39:15 -0700

In recent weeks the World Sweeper office received a number of reports from parking lot sweeping contractors concerning trouble they were having with the DPF systems on their Isuzu chassis. As a result, we distributed a query to members of the World Sweeping Association. This informal survey resulted in more contractors coming forward with their experiences on the topic.

We have contacted Isuzu and provided company representatives with the information. As of press time Isuzu's investigation was still ongoing so we decided to make this a two-part story. In this first part, we have detailed the experiences of several of the contractors. Included mid-way are some informal comments by one of Isuzu's regional managers who has long worked with sweeper manufacturers, Victory Sweepers, Inc. and Schwarze Industries, Inc.

HR Quiz Helps Determine Compliance Knowledge

Tue, 22 Apr 2014 10:37:51 -0700

The HR Quiz by XpertHR tests all aspect of employment law, highlighting areas where you might not be compliant, and offering guidance to help you reduce the risk of fines and costly lawsuits. Participants receive a rating, from zero to three stars depending on your score, so you can challenge your co-workers and compare your results.

HR compliance is increasingly complex, as most all would agree. Here is an opportunity to let your HR personnel test their knowledge about the latest do's and don'ts in the world of employee management.

Elgin Sweeper Joins NASCAR Green to Support New Track Drying Initiative

Fri, 18 Apr 2014 10:36:50 -0700

Elgin Sweeper has signed a multi-year sponsorship agreement allowing the company to become an official partner with NASCAR Green, the sustainability arm of the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc. (NASCAR). The new alliance makes Elgin Sweeper an Official NASCAR Green Partner, with the designation "Official Sweeper of NASCAR Green."

"The entire team at Elgin Sweeper is extremely proud of our new partnership with NASCAR, and proud to join a growing roster of companies using the NASCAR Green platform to validate technologies – like our green, energy-efficient, low-emissions EcoInfusedTM Technology solutions for street sweepers – that positively impact the environment," said Mike Higgins, vice president and general manager of Elgin Sweeper Company.

Municipality Learns Power of Online Bidding for Selling its Used Sweeper

Thu, 17 Apr 2014 10:34:04 -0700

The Village of McFarland, Wisconsin, wanted to dispose of its 2004 Elgin Crosswind. Instead of doing so via a local ad, the city chose to sell the machine online via a state website called 'Wisconsin Surplus.' Still, the staff didn't expect the sweeper to sell for much, if anything, over the base bid of $25,000 they put onto the machine.

However, the top bid using Wisconsin Surplus ended up at a whopping $80,000. "Going in, if we would have received half (of the final bid) we would have been very pleased," said Village Administrator Don Peterson.

Many states have similar auction programs for surplus equipment, so if you represent a municipality with equipment to sell, be sure to check into what's available in your state. There are bargains to be had at these websites for buyers, as well.

April 30th Last Day to Apply to be a PAVEMENT Maintenance & Reconstruction Magazine Top 100 Contractor

Fri, 11 Apr 2014 10:33:07 -0700

Entries for PAVEMENT Maintenance & Reconstruction magazine's Top 100 Contractor listings ends April 30th. Bragging rights will be available in each of five industry segments: Paving, Sealcoating, Striping, Sweeping and Pavement Repair.

This year, no sales figures will be reported or published. Rather, sales figures will be used only internally by their organization for determining each list. Last year there were not enough respondents in the power sweeping category to fill out the Top 100 listing, so if you enter your chances are good.

Italian Municipality Restores Mobil 2TE3 for Museum

Wed, 09 Apr 2014 10:32:03 -0700

About two years ago the WorldSweeper office was contacted from Italy by Giovanni Fossa'. He was representing the projected 'garage museum' his municipality of Montecchio Maggiore was creating. One of the items they were restoring for the project was a Mobil 2TE3. However, they needed help finding out info on the sweeper, including an owner's manual and restoration details.

We put Fossa' in contact with David Dubbioso, proprietor of Tri-State Industrial Maintenance. Dubbioso is one of America's top refurbishers of Mobil sweepers. Here's an update from Giovanni Fossa' on how well the project turned out for the municipality with a little help from the city's new U.S.-based friends.

April Emphasizes Work Zone Safety

Tue, 22 Apr 2014 10:29:37 -0700

How about this for an astonishing – and sobering – statistic compiled by the Association of General Contractors: A whopping 45% of highway contractors had vehicles crash into their construction work zones in 2013.

We encourage you to check out the reminder article by our editor about steps you should take to make sure your company is doing all it can to maximize worker safety.

Dateline April 1, 2014: Combo Machine Replaces Three Municipal Vehicles

Tue, 22 Apr 2014 10:31:49 -0700

In our long-standing tradition at WorldSweeper, we unveiled an article on the first of April that seemed almost too good to be true. Well, okay, it was too good to be true!

With this year's spoof, we had a disgruntled individual post on our Facebook page; the writer was upset the 3-in-1 machine wasn't real because he was ready to order one. And, the editor of a major pavement industry magazine called to get a high resolution photo and a more complete press release. Does that mean the product may soon be built?!

Power Vac Services, LLC Emphasizes Strong Company Expertise and Core Values

Tue, 22 Apr 2014 10:35:33 -0700

Readers may remember one of the three partners in Power Vac Services, Claudia Passero. She first became involved in the sweeping business in 1984 when she went to work for sweeper manufacturer, Schwarze Industries, which is located in her home town of Huntsville, Alabama. Claudia was also one of the leads for Schwarze’s memorable three Sweeper Roundups.

When she and her husband, Anthony, decided to go into business for themselves in 2000, it was only natural for them to become power sweeping contractors. Plus, a review of the local business community showed that the market for sweeping was under-served. So, with a third partner, Tony Panino, they purchased a Schwarze sweeper and took the plunge.

For an interesting overview on top shelf customer service, as well as ways to interact and work with sub-contractors in other areas of the country, be sure to read this interview with Claudia Passero, as well as listen to the audio podcast. Both are provided to non-members for a limited time at our affiliated World Sweeping Association.

March Newsletter Editorial: Fleet Managers Cite Increased Usage of Alternative Fuels and Telematics

Thu, 27 Mar 2014 15:28:40 -0700

Check it out at the newsletter link.

Quantifying Nutrient Removal by Enhanced Street Sweeping

Thu, 27 Mar 2014 15:27:53 -0700

Stormwater Magazine recently offered an article that tackled the difficult subject of quantifying the effects of enhanced street sweeping. For over a decade, the US EPA's Stormwater and NPDES programs have encouraged cities of over 10,000 to clean up polluted stormwater runoff. The widespread problem, however, is that even with significant resources being spent to address the pollution issues over the past decade, many have not achieved nutrient reduction goals.

Model Builder's Miniature Austin Western Sweeper Astonishingly Detailed

Thu, 27 Mar 2014 15:24:27 -0700

Danny Downs, model builder extraordinaire, has made a number of extremely small models in the last four decades. His latest, of a vintage Austin Western Model 40 sweeper, is exquisitely done and offers an exceptional level of detail.
Downs' first sweeper model was of an Austin Western Model 50, which we featured several years ago (see link at story). This one, of an Austin Western Model 40 is, if anything, even more detailed. At the link shown below you can learn more about Downs, as well as his model-building process. From the story we also include links to some of the other metallic models that have been crafted by Downs. These include a 1951 Galion road roller; a 1937 White tanker truck; and, a 1939 Diamond T PAK-AGE-CAR delivery van, among others.

Elgin Sweeper Celebrates 100 Years of Innovation and Industry Leadership

Mon, 24 Mar 2014 15:22:28 -0700

This year, Elgin Sweeper celebrates its 100th year of being in business. In doing so, Elgin Sweeper joins an elite list of companies that have reached the century mark.
From that beginning so long ago, the Elgin Sweeper brand has become one of the most recognizable industrial brands in the U.S. To see photos of two of Elgin's 1914 sweepers owned by Boise, as well as to read more about the company's progression through the years, you'll want to use the link below.

World Sweeping Association Adds Monthly Safety Meeting Benefit

Fri, 21 Mar 2014 15:21:17 -0700

The World Sweeping Association has announced the addition of a monthly safety meeting agenda and other related information for WSA Members. The material will be produced by John Meola, who has long been known as one of America's leading advocates of workplace safety.
However, this new series will be available on a monthly basis, but only to WSA Member companies. The idea is to provide a new topic each month for sweeping company managers to discuss with employees, as an adjunct to other information they might provide on their own. Use the link below to find out more about this and other benefits of the World Sweeping Association.

The Passing of David Crews

Tue, 18 Mar 2014 15:19:57 -0700

We mourn the passing of long-time sweeping industry professional, David Crews, who died of heart failure this past March 15th. David was well known to many segments of the power sweeping industry, where he sold sweepers for over 30 years starting with Schwarze Industries, Inc. in the early 1980s.

Along the course of his career, David Crews represented both the parking area and street sweeper lines for Schwarze Industries, as well as founded and managed that company's California Regional office. In addition, he had stints working with Elgin Sweeper Company, a Chicago-based Schwarze dealer and, most recently, Victory Sweepers, Inc. We offer photos and a look back at David's career with the link below. You will also find a link where you can sign his obituary 'guest book.'

WSA Scholarship Info: Distribute Info to Employees Now!

Mon, 17 Mar 2014 15:17:37 -0700

The World Sweeping Association is once again offering two scholarships to advancing students whose parents work for a power sweeping contractor. The scholarships, which were begun last year, are named for two late luminaries of the sweeping industry, Carl J. Austin and Dale McCaskill, Sr. Applying is easy and all the information you need to inform your employees – including a poster you can post on your company bulletin board – is available at the World Sweeping Association website.
We encourage all sweeping contractors to visit the link and download the PDF bulletin board notice to give your employees an opportunity to offset their children's tuition cost for higher education. Students are eligible to apply who are attending any type of accredited, post-high school educational institution.

New Study May Spell Demise of Coal-Tar Sealcoat

Fri, 14 Mar 2014 15:16:24 -0700

According to a new study by the U.S. Geological Survey, concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in runoff from pavement with coal-tar-based sealcoat remain elevated for months following sealcoat application. PAHs are an environmental health concern because they are toxic to fish and other aquatic life. A 2012 human health-risk analysis found that people living near pavement sealed with coal-tar-based products have an elevated risk of cancer.

Coal tar-based sealcoat products are widely used in the United States. If you are in the sealcoating business as a component of your power sweeping business, you will definitely want to read this article.

Elgin Sweeper Now Offers Eagle on a 'Best Features' Platform

Tue, 11 Mar 2014 15:18:59 -0700

Elgin Sweeper has introduced a consolidated platform on the Eagle® mechanical broom sweeper. This platform incorporates the best features, systems and components of the Eagle, Broom Bear® and Road Wizard® sweepers that make up the company's four-wheel mechanical sweeper line.

The new configuration also includes a low-emission, 74-hp (55 kW @ 2600 RPM) Cummins diesel engine – one of the most powerful standard auxiliary engines available on a mechanical sweeper – without compromising the performance of the sweeper system.

February Newsletter Editorial: Allure and Reach of Power Sweeping Covers a Wide Path

Wed, 26 Feb 2014 07:04:42 -0800

Check it out at the newsletter link.

Power Sweeping Pros Give Failing Marks to Sochi Olympics' Preparations

Wed, 26 Feb 2014 07:03:27 -0800

You may have noticed that a sidenote to the 2014 Olympics has been the number of athletes that have cited respiratory and related illnesses as a problem during their participation in Sochi. Retired Norwegian sweeping professional and WorldSweeper correspondent, Arild Moen, has reason to believe much of this may be due to small particle inhalation.

"The real problem in Sochi is not loose doorknobs or lack of hot water in the shower as reported by journalists," reports Moen, "but it is the lack of fine particle removal via power sweeping."

Italian Correspondent Offers Worldwide Array of Sweeper Types

Mon, 24 Feb 2014 07:02:43 -0800

Think you know about all the types of sweepers out there on the job. Think again! This story offers insight into, and photos of, some machines that most readers will never have seen before.

Thanks to the World Sweeping Association's ongoing correspondence with Villiam Abbondanza, a sweeper consultant located in Italy, we have the ability to bring our readers a cross-section of sweeping vehicles now in use in Europe, with even the inclusion of a solar-powered street sweeper patented in China. You may be surprised at the different ways the manufacturers in countries around the world have come up with to deal with urban waste.

Beach Cleaning: Cherrington a Leader in a Little-Known Sweeping Application

Mon, 17 Feb 2014 07:00:34 -0800

Screening via a mechanical beach cleaner will remove cigarette filters, broken glass, seaweed, bottle caps, coral, shells, stones – everything bigger than the chosen screen-hole size. The fact is, most of the dangerous or unwanted debris on a beach is hidden under a layer of beach sand. Where beaches are simply raked many dangerous items can be left to be stepped on by users, creating injuries and the potential for liability.

If you are a contractor located in an area with beaches that are not being well maintained, these machines may offer an opportunity for expansion into a new, allied sweeping field. For our public works readers charged with maintaining beachfront property, this type of machine merits your consideration as you promote safety in your city and vie for the customers that your tourism industry thrives upon.

Modified Curb Brooms Mowing Around Guardrail Posts: Feasible or Not?

Fri, 14 Feb 2014 06:59:48 -0800

As his senior project South Dakota State student, Brady Jones, is investigating the feasibility of how a sweeper might be utilized to mow the grass around guardrail posts. "Having a person out next to the highway with a weed-trimmer is definitely a known safety issue," said Jones.

"Sweepers have a curb broom attachment on the side and are a machine that's on the highway doing another function. The question we are investigating is whether it might be possible to modify a curb broom apparatus and the type of broom material on it such that it could be utilized to trim mechanically."

You are invited to listen to the approximately 11-minute discussion Jones had with WorldSweeper.com's editor, Ranger Kidwell-Ross, on the topic and then weigh in with your thoughts and ideas on the subject.

Schwarze Industries Marks 40th Anniversary

Tue, 11 Feb 2014 06:59:01 -0800

This year marks Schwarze Industries' 40th anniversary in the sweeper manufacturing business. The company was founded in 1974 by Huntsville, Alabama-based sweeping contractor, Ernest "Bob" Schwarze, who wanted to provide contractors with a type of customer experience that was innovative in the sweeping industry.

PAVEMENT Maintenance & Reconstruction Magazine Unveils 2014 Top 100 Contractors Survey

Thu, 06 Feb 2014 06:58:22 -0800

PAVEMENT Maintenance & Reconstruction is once again conducting a survey to develop verifiable Top Contractor listings in each of five industry segments: Paving, Sealcoating, Striping, Sweeping and Pavement Repair.

Stewart-Amos Sweeper Company Introduces its New Starfire S-4XL

Mon, 03 Feb 2014 06:57:34 -0800

"We built the S-4XL to handle the toughest cleaning needs," said Frank Chulich, company president. "Like our other Starfire models, which range from 4-to-6-cubic yards, the XL has the same proven design and time-tested operating components. It's also equipped with our exclusive three-shaft elevator system which has been shown to extend useful chain life, reduce routine maintenance and extend productivity."

Featured Contractor: Algonquin Sweeping & Striping, LLC

Sat, 01 Feb 2014 07:01:45 -0800

For an interesting spin through the history of the growth of the parking lot sweeping industry, be sure to read this interview with Ron Lichtenstein, as well as listen to the audio podcast. Both are provided to non-members for a limited time at our affiliated World Sweeping Association.

Creating The Orbital Equivalent of a Street Sweeper

Mon, 27 Jan 2014 06:56:03 -0800

Texas A&M University engineers Danielle Mortari and Jonathan Missel have come up with a satellite design that cleans up orbiting space debris by capturing pieces and then slinging them into Earth's atmosphere, where they burn up upon reentry. The TAMU Space Sweeper with Sling-Sat (4S) would be propelled by the momentum generated by both these actions, lowering fuel use and extending its operational life. The team says they plan to spend the coming year optimizing their design.

NiteHawk Sweepers Wins Award of Excellence in Power Sweeping for 2014

Thu, 16 Jan 2014 06:54:34 -0800

NiteHawk Sweepers was announced as the winner of the 2014 Award of Excellence in Power Sweeping during the recent National Pavement Exposition, held January 8-11 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. The Award was presented in a ceremony during the Sweepers Roundtable, where approximately 75 sweeping professionals were in attendance.

Brian Giles Moves From Elgin to Become Schwarze's Product Manager

Thu, 09 Jan 2014 06:53:44 -0800

Elgin Sweeper's long-time Product Manager, Brian Giles, has taken the same job description at industry competitor, Schwarze Industries, Inc. Giles, who has long been one of the most recognized employees at tradeshows, as well as a primary media contact for Elgin, said he took the position because it offered new challenges in his professional career, as well as offered a move from a cold climate to the warmer Alabama location of the Schwarze factory.

Advance SC1500TM REVTM Stand-On Floor Scrubber Wins Prestigious ISSA Innovation Award

Thu, 27 Feb 2014 06:52:18 -0800

The Advance SC1500TM REVTM stand-on scrubber has been named the equipment category winner of the 2013 ISSA Innovation Awards. ISSA, the Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association, announced the award during the ISSA / INTERCLEAN North America conference in Las Vegas, NV

2014 NPE Combines Florida Warmth With Sweeper Demonstrations

Fri, 10 Jan 2014 06:52:53 -0800

The first-time venue for this year, which was hosted at the Florida Convention Center, offered room for outdoor demonstrations as well as the usual indoor seminars and tradeshow floor of vendors. The sweeper companies taking advantage of the opportunity were Schwarze Industries, which demo'ed its M6000 broom sweeper, and Elgin which demonstrated its Broom Badger machine.

In addition to short videos of both machines in action on milling-type material we offer several still photos of each sweeper.

World Sweeping Association's Inaugural Presence at NPE a Success

Sat, 11 Jan 2014 06:51:45 -0800

The 2014 National Pavement Expo marked the World Sweeping Association's first-ever tradeshow. The results were gratifying and the conversations insightful.

Victory Sweepers Offers an 'Alternative to NPE' Special

Tue, 14 Jan 2014 06:49:37 -0800

"We made a strategic decision not to attend NPE again this year," said Mark Schwarze, president of Victory Sweepers, Inc. "We understand that when we attend the show we are showcasing our sweepers to fewer than 100 sweeping industry contractors, the vast majority of whom are long-time friends and customers. So instead, we decided to invest the same amount of money providing discounts to actual customers of our sweeper models."

Schwarze Industries Unveils New Customer-Focused SuperVac Parking Lot Sweepers at NPE

Sat, 11 Jan 2014 06:47:58 -0800

Schwarze Industries unveiled its new SuperVac UpdraftTM and SuperVac Aero HyDumpTM parking lot sweepers at the 2014 National Pavement Expo in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Davidson Macri Sweeping Wins World Sweeping Association Blower Giveaway at NPE

Thu, 27 Feb 2014 06:48:42 -0800

Bob Anderson, owner of Davidson Macri Sweeping in Seattle, Washington, was the lucky winner of an Echo blower at the National Pavement Show. The blower was given away in a prize drawing at the World Sweeping Association's booth at NPE.

A big thank you goes out to Michael Nawa, owner of Custom Maintenance Services, Inc. and an Advisory Board Member of WSA, who procured the blower for the raffle. To ensure fairness, Elaine Seth, National Coordinator for Atlantic Southern Paving, who was exhibiting in an adjacent booth, picked out the winning business card.

Article only in WorldSweeper.com's Newsletter

Mystic Washer® Now Offering Indoor/Outdoor and Water Reclamation Models

Thu, 12 Dec 2013 09:30:48 -0800

Mystic Washer has announced several additions to its line of all-in-one pressure washers designed for more efficient and cost-effective flat surface cleaning.
In addition to its standard 24" and 30" all-in-one flat surface cleaners and 24" recapture model, the company is now offering a 16" model in both gas- and electric-powered configurations. Two electric 15" wastewater recapture models have also been introduced. The electric models operate on 115-volt, single-phase power and the latter are designed for both indoor and outdoor cleaning.

All Mystic Washer units are 'standalone' cleaners, meaning they are self-contained cleaners that need no external power module. In addition to their rated psi, all offer standard psi reduction systems to allow for cleaning of softer surfaces like wood, bricks and pavers.

NiteHawk Sweepers Raising Money for Disabled Veterans

Thu, 12 Dec 2013 05:33:03 -0800

For the 2014 year, NiteHawk Sweepers has decided to 'step outside the box' with a host of promotional projects designed to raise money for disabled veterans.

NiteHawk Sweepers has created a wide variety of "Military Special Ops" gear as part of its 2014 program designed to benefit disabled U.S. veterans. These include calendars, tshirts – even sweeper trucks and more – to help raise money for the Disabled American Veterans group.

Donation collection will take place at the upcoming National Pavement Expo and throughout the year via the company's website.

What I Discovered in New York City Trash

Mon, 09 Dec 2013 13:31:38 -0800

At about 10 years old Robin Nagle went camping in the Adirondacks of New York with her dad. That's the age when she discovered a mound of 'camper trash' that had been dumped over the edge of the hill where her otherwise pristine campsite was located. Now, later in life, that made her wonder about trash in a larger sense: What was it; who cleaned it up; how was it disposed of?

In the course of her investigation, reporter Nagle went on to perform many of the trash collection-oriented jobs with the City of New York, including garbage truck operation, sweeper operation and snow plowing. Her TED talk on this topic is thought-provoking while, at the same time, puts the job of trash removal into a unique perspective. "I learned about the relentlessness of trash... Sanitation work is one of the ten top most dangerous jobs. Trash is like a form of nature unto itself; it never stops coming..."

World Sweeping Association Announces Renewed Scholarship Funding + FREE 60-Day Trial Memberships

Wed, 11 Dec 2013 09:29:06 -0800

"Every sweeping contractor should belong to the World Sweeping Association, given the kind of support, benefits and member interaction we're receiving," echoes Michael Nawa, WSA Advisory Board Member and owner of Pennsylvania-based Custom Maintenance. As a result of this type of input from current Members, the World Sweeping Association is now offering a FREE 60-day WSA Trial Membership to sweeping contractors everywhere.

In addition, the Association will be donating $25 from each new Membership between now and next February 1st to the WSA's Memorial Scholarship Fund. Use the link below for more information.

In Time For Christmas: NiteHawk Sweepers' Offers Activity Book Designed for Kids 5-12 and Sweeper Drivers

Tue, 10 Dec 2013 09:27:43 -0800

NiteHawk Sweepers has unveiled a new sweeper-based activity book for kids called 'Road Trip!' The 12-page book offers a variety of activities to keep kids occupied on long drives or anytime. As it says on the cover, the activity book is designed for "ages 5-12 and sweeper drivers."

To request copies of the NiteHawk Sweeper Activity Book, call NiteHawk Sweepers at 1-800-448-9364. You will find a long-term link to the Activity Book at WorldSweeper's home page for sweeper toys.

1920 Waycleanse Sweeper in History

Thu, 12 Dec 2013 09:27:08 -0800

The 1920 description of the 'WayCleanse Sweeper,' as taken from the linked article, entitled "The Gas-Electric Suction Street Sweeper." The story appeared in the magazine, The Sanitary City. Some great photos of the Waycleanse Gas-Electric Street Sweeper are included in the entertaining and instructive article discussing how the problems plaguing the stormwater runoff community today have been solved! Article includes excerpts plus a link to a PDF file of the complete Sanitary City article.

TYMCO Announces Full Availability of Interim Tier 4 Model 500x

Wed, 04 Dec 2013 09:11:13 -0800

TYMCO has announced the full availability of Interim Tier 4 (iT4) auxiliary engines for the Model 500x High Side Dump Regenerative Air Street Sweeper. For the past several years, the Model 500x has been powered by a John Deere Tier 3 auxiliary engine. John Deere iT4 engines in the horsepower class required by the Model 500x have recently become available and TYMCO is now offering full availability of the 115 hp Interim Tier 4 engine.

Is Characterizing 'Street Dirt' a Key to Better Stormwater Pollution Reduction?

Mon, 02 Dec 2013 09:09:58 -0800

International stormwater quality expert, Roger Sutherland, recently recorded a webinar that explores a radically different and more effective means to measure BMP effect and progress. He calls it 'street dirt.'

In his webcast, Sutherland discusses how studying the change in street dirt chemistry is more effective in measuring BMP effectiveness than is outfall monitoring. Beginning his discussion with the material itself – including its physical and chemical characteristics, its sources, and its source controls – Sutherland then discusses the traditional challenges and shortcomings of discharge outfall monitoring. He also compares the study of the change in street dirt chemistry in terms of effectiveness, limitations, cost and complexity.

Common Cents: 75 Tips to Minimize Fuel Costs

Mon, 09 Dec 2013 09:05:43 -0800

Fleet managers – including IT professionals, safety directors and operations managers – all can put pencil to paper and contribute to lowering fuel consumption by employing any number of strategies and technologies. See which items in this pdf white paper you can utilize to keep your mileage up and your costs down.

TYMCO Announces Full Availability of Interim Tier 4 Model 500x

Wed, 06 Nov 2013 09:42:16 -0800

WorldSweeper's Editor's Overview: The Promise – and Shortcomings – of Technology

Tue, 29 Oct 2013 09:48:29 -0700

Our Editor discusses possible uses of technology in street sweeping notifications.

A Handy Compendium of Average U.S. Salaries – Including Street Sweeper Operators

Mon, 28 Oct 2013 09:46:55 -0700

Have interest in the average salaries currently being earned by a variety of different job types, including that of street sweeper operators? If so, here's the place to look. You can even enter your city, state or zip code and get salary answers based on your geographical location.

Victory Sweepers' 'Scrubber Vac' Built to Handle Lead Abatement

Thu, 24 Oct 2013 09:45:50 -0700

Victory Sweepers built the 'Scrubber Vac'SM as a result of a customer request. Now, the question is whether or not there is a further demand for the units.

"After 35 years of building power sweepers," said Mark Schwarze, president of Victory Sweepers, Inc., I've been requested to build sweepers to handle a variety of specific sweeping situations. However, this was the first time anyone has told me they needed to 'float' lead so it could then be picked up.

The Puerto Rican-based clients specified they needed an astonishing 80 gallons per minute of water put down ahead of the sweeper. Further, the surface of the pavement needed to be scrubbed prior to the water being added in order to float the lead particles out of the cracks and crevices. Finally, at least 10 minutes of run-time was needed. Check out the link to see how this was accomplished.

Fall Seasonal Safety Advisory

Mon, 21 Oct 2013 09:44:48 -0700

The World Sweeping Association is sharing, from safety expert John Meola, safety tips in three topic areas. These are targeted items to assist vehicle operators in coping with changes going into the fall season. Be sure to share them with your employees (and all of your and their family members!).

The topics include:

Early morning and late afternoon glare blindness
Tips for avoiding deer collisions
Proper hydration reminders – for the fall and year 'round!

Isuzu Offers Extended Warranty for Limited Time

Mon, 14 Oct 2013 09:43:25 -0700

Isuzu Commercial Truck of America will cover scheduled maintenance for two years or 60,000 miles on new Isuzu N-Series diesel trucks sold from October 1st through December 31st of this year. The company is providing the coverage through its 24/60 Covered Maintenance Program that includes an initial inspection at 4,000 miles followed by six services starting at 10,000 miles.

Advance SW4000TM Rider Sweeper Increases Productivity for Diverse Indoor and Outdoor Sweeping Applications

Fri, 11 Oct 2013 09:42:45 -0700

Advance's newest rider sweeper is designed to tackle demanding sweeping challenges. With a wide, highly maneuverable 49-inch cleaning path and long machine run-time of up to 4.5 hours on a single battery charge, the SW4000 provides high cleaning productivity and superior dust control for indoor and outdoor sweeping applications.

If you'd like to know more about Advance's new ride-on sweeper, use the link shown below.

CNG and LPG Fuel and Fueling Station Considerations

Tue, 08 Oct 2013 09:42:02 -0700

As part of our ongoing coverage designed to assist users of power sweepers with decisions concerning the use of alternate fuels, we offer this article from the fleet leasing component of the Ryder® organization. Ryder offered the following article outlining the company's experience with fleet filling utilizing both CNG (compressed natural gas) and LNG (liquified natural gas).

The article includes several comparisons of the use of CNG vs. LPG that provide important information derived from Ryder's pioneering usage of both in its fleets.

Schwarze Industries unveils state-of-the art Schwarze Training Academy

Thu, 31 Oct 2013 09:39:59 -0700

Schwarze Industries unveiled its new Schwarze® Training Academy this week in Huntsville, AL in response to increased demand for more hands-on training and as part of their ongoing initiative to further strengthen customer satisfaction. The new facility will provide advanced, maintenance and hands-on training for all Schwarze products.

Included is a 4-minute audio interview with Schwarze's VP of Marketing and Customer Service, Greg Heyer.

Featured Contractor: Elite Maintenance Lives Up to Its Name

Tue, 01 Oct 2013 12:04:24 -0700

After 21 years of working for Anheuser Busch in the Atlanta, Georgia, area, Greg Coffelt felt ready to fulfill his dream of owning and operating his own small business. With a background of experience that included both marketing and finance, he felt equipped to do so. The question remained: What type of business made sense? Plus, he decided the best road to success would be to purchase an existing business of some type.

Working through a business broker to assess various types of businesses currently available in his general area, Coffelt settled on an established parking area and general maintenance company called Elite Maintenance, LLC. The firm was located in nearby Charlotte, North Carolina. With only a modicum of training from the previous owner and a fleet of Nite-Hawk parking lot sweepers, Coffelt embarked on a new career centered around the commercial lot sweeping business.

September Editorial: The Dream of Excellence in Life – and Street Sweeping

Wed, 25 Sep 2013 12:02:26 -0700

This past August 28th marked the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech. Although a very good speech, it is not my favorite speech by that great leader. My favorite, which he gave at Chicago's New Covenant Baptist Church on April 9, 1967, is little known and even less remembered – at least outside our industry.

It is a speech no leader in America on a stage such as Dr. King commanded would ever think to give. Entitled "The Three Dimensions of a Complete Life," it is a speech that encourages individuals to be the best they can be as a way of life. And, it uses the lowly street sweeper as a parable of how a life should be lived. That portion of the speech goes like this:

Not Exactly Sweeping — 2013: Summer of Storm Drain Art?

Wed, 25 Sep 2013 12:01:23 -0700

Although not, strictly speaking, sweeping-related, finding ways to reduce stormwater pollution runoff has become the most emergent requirement for street sweeping.

The links at these articles show what cities are doing to help that activity from the perspective of keeping storm drains from becoming garbage cans.

How Street Sweepers Work

Mon, 23 Sep 2013 12:00:14 -0700

You operate them. You fix them. You train others to do the same. However, did you know that mechanical street sweepers actually predate the automobile?

The editors at How Stuff Works have written an accurate, comprehensive overview of the development of street sweeping and the machines that perform the activity today, which they say involves "drivers steering boxlike vehicles that look like a cross between a Zamboni machine and a dump truck." You'll find it an interesting saga, no matter your level of sweeping industry involvement.

Implementing a Street Sweeping Best Practice

Fri, 20 Sep 2013 11:59:17 -0700

Through the years, the state of Minnesota has been one of America's leaders in developing best practices for street sweeping. When one looks at a map of the state and sees all the waterways it contains, it's easy to see why that might be the case.

This particular study is one we somehow missed when it was first published back in 2008. However, there have been few, if any, significant changes since then that would modify the results. The information collected for the study cover four different topic areas: Best Practices Overview, Types of Sweepers, Reasons for Sweeping, and Sweeping and Roadway Function.

In our opinion, if you're in charge of a sweeping program anywhere and want to develop best practices for it, this document is a 'must read.' Better late than never, we offer the study in its entirety as a PDF file.

Going DEF: Everything you need to know about buying and dispensing Diesel Exhaust Fluid

Wed, 18 Sep 2013 11:58:29 -0700

In the near future you will get to know – and have to manage – a relatively new fluid for your diesel engines. It's called diesel exhaust fluid, or DEF, as well as by a few brand names.

Although purchasing, storing and handling of DEF adds another layer of complexity to your fleet management practices, the fluid itself is a minor miracle when it comes to reducing exhaust emissions from diesel trucks.

All new heavy highway and diesel pickup truck engines have switched to SCR systems using DEF. It is expected that within the next few years the majority of heavy equipment engines above 74 horsepower will also use it. If you want all the details, take a look at the linked article by our friends at Equipment World.

APWA Announces 2013-2014 Board of Directors

Thu, 12 Sep 2013 11:57:33 -0700

The American Public Works Association (APWA) announced the new and reelected 2013-2014 Board of Directors at the 2013 International Public Works Congress and Exposition in Chicago, IL.

Serving as President for a one-year term, Ed Gottko, PWLF, of Westfield, NJ, will lead the organization, which provides professional development and credentialing services, and promotes increased investment in public works infrastructure and sustainable systems. Gottko is currently Adjunct Professor at colleges in New York and New Jersey.

To take a look at the remaining APWA board member selections, use the link shown below.

Facilities Modification for Natural Gas Vehicles

Mon, 09 Sep 2013 11:56:42 -0700

Sweeper fleet managers, vehicle dealers and distributors, and other service providers are ramping up to begin more widespread maintenance and repair of natural gas vehicles. If you are among them, your first priority must be to ensure the health and safety of employees and customers alike.

This is accomplished by making certain your vehicle facilities meet the code and safety requirements for maintaining and repairing NGVs. This is especially important because natural gas is a lighter-than-air fuel – which is totally opposite of the properties for gasoline or diesel. This article, which was written for WorldSweeper by the Executive Director of the Natural Gas Vehicle Institute (NGVi), covers all the bases.

Street Sweepers: Compliance Tools on Wheels

Thu, 05 Sep 2013 11:55:47 -0700

This story about the environmental capabilities of sweepers, published recently in Stormwater magazine, misses the mark in terms of technical information. Specifically, the author appears unaware – or didn't take the time to articulate for his readers – the difference in pollution removal capabilities between air-based sweepers and mechanical broom machines.

This was even more disappointing given that Stormwater is the magazine of choice for so many in the U.S. and elsewhere who are tasked with storm water pollution removal. For those who primarily get their information from that source, the readers will have no way of knowing that air sweepers offer a much higher removal rate for small-micron debris, which is where the majority of storm water pollution is located.

As a result of the article's lack of clarity and completeness of information we have chosen not to archive the link at WorldSweeper.com. However, if you want to read a general overview of the current product availability within the power sweeping industry, the direct link is shown below.

Featured Contractor: East Coast Industrial Services, Inc.

Sun, 01 Sep 2013 11:52:29 -0700

In 1995, Jay Presutti took a job in the janitorial field. Several years later, Jay and his wife, Laurie, purchased the exterior maintenance portion of the business, including sweeping. This started Jay and his wife, Laurie, on the road toward the sweeping and full service maintenance business they operate today.

They added a partner, Anthony, forming a corporation with him and Laurie as the two principals. That worked out very well. However, when another partner was allowed to buy into the company later that year it ultimately became a big mistake – one big enough to force a company break-up.

East Coast Industrial's story is a cautionary tale about taking on partners and making sure to generate, in writing, exactly what will occur when and if a separation is required. It's also a positive story about how, when people are committed to honesty and integrity, a new company can rise from the ashes of the old. The article includes a 40-minute podcast with Jay Presutti.

September Editorial – Alternate Fueled Sweepers: Future Growth Seems Assured

Mon, 26 Aug 2013 11:50:42 -0700

The increase of buzz surrounding alternative fuels has been tremendous as of late. In the first half of 2013 I've heard more questions about alternate fuel sweeper availability and demand than in all the other years combined. Funny thing is, questions are coming in from contractors, municipalities and manufacturers alike. The former two want to know what's available and if it's dependable; the manufacturer inquiries have been to assess where I predict the sweeping industry is heading in that regard.

Not Exactly Sweeping: The Path to a Super Truck

Mon, 26 Aug 2013 11:49:36 -0700

The government has tasked the truck manufacturing industry to develop high-efficiency vehicles of the future, but some of the technological improvements accomplished through the "SuperTruck" program are here now.

When the U.S. Dept. of Energy handed out $187 million in grants to several key truck, trailer, engine and other component suppliers to create what it's calling the "SuperTruck," the goals it set were lofty. The SuperTruck program charges the truck manufacturing industry to significantly improve fuel efficiency for heavy trucks, all while maintaining current exhaust emissions levels while also demonstrating a 50% improvement in overall freight efficiency on a heavy-duty Class 8 tractor-trailer measured in ton-miles per gallon.

Current List of Alternative Fuel-Powered Sweeper Makes and Models

Thu, 22 Aug 2013 11:48:26 -0700

We have received a number of requests about what makes and models of U.S. power sweepers are able to operate on an alternative to gasoline or diesel. As you will discover, most major sweeper manufacturers now offer some type of alternative-fuel sweeper models that may be powered via CNG, LPG or LNG. For the smaller units, primarily used indoors and in parking areas, several electric models are available to choose from, as well.

After polling the different U.S. sweeper manufacturers, members of the WorldSweeper Team have developed an exclusive chart showing all the makes and models of alternative-powered sweepers.

What Contractors Need to Know About CNG and LNG

Tue, 20 Aug 2013 11:47:38 -0700

When people refer to compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquefied natural gas (LNG), they are really describing the state in which the natural gas is stored. A natural gas engine is not specific to a particular gas type. It doesn't care whether fuel is being supplied by a CNG or LNG tank.

There are benefits and drawbacks to both storage solutions, particularly when discussing mobile equipment. CNG is stored as a gas at 2,900 to 3,600 psi, while LNG is stored as a liquid at a very low cryogenic temperature. With CNG, the compressed gas travels through a series of highly pressurized stainless steel lines until it reaches the regulator, where the pressure is reduced to around 115 psi to match the amount needed by the fuel injection system. If you want all the details, take a look at the linked article by our friends at Cygnus' Equipment Today.

World Sweeping Association Awards Carl J. Austin and Dale McCaskill, Sr. Memorial Scholarships

Mon, 19 Aug 2013 11:46:39 -0700

The World Sweeping Association has awarded the first-ever sweeping industry scholarships. The two scholarships are named for the late Dale McCaskill, Sr. and for the late Carl J. Austin.

To be eligible, applicants must have had a parent or legal guardian who was employed by a power sweeping company. Each scholarship was for a minimum amount of $1,000; however, if the sweeping company that the parent works for is a member of WSA the scholarship amount was to be increased to $2,000. In the inaugural year, both students were employed by WSA Member companies.

Winner of the Carl J. Austin Memorial Scholarship is Austin Moore, son of C&J Parking Lot Sweeping's general manager, Rod Moore. Winner of the Dale McCaskill, Sr. Memorial Scholarship is Seth Rhoden. Seth's mother, Mary, is the office manager for South Carolina-based, Accusweep.

The World Sweeping Association's Executive Director, Ranger Kidwell-Ross, has announced that WSA will continue its Scholarship Program in the 2014-2015 academic year. For more information, use the link shown below.

Debating the Potential for Natural Gas in Trucking

Fri, 16 Aug 2013 11:45:41 -0700

While the price of natural gas relative to diesel may be low – and drastically so – the cost to acquire and maintain trucks configured to operate on natural gas is high; creating a significant fiscal hurdle for fleets to surmount before their bottom lines can benefit from the cheaper gaseous fuel.

During the second annual Fleet Forum hosted at the 2013 Mid America Trucking Show (MATS), the Editor-in-Chief of Fleet Owner magazine, Jim Mele, hosted a panel entitled "The Blue Fleet." The discussion explored both the drawbacks and opportunities natural gas presents for trucking companies large and small.

WorldSweeper.com and World Sweeping Association Win National APEX Awards for Publication Excellence

Wed, 14 Aug 2013 11:43:01 -0700

The WorldSweeper.com Team won its 6th consecutive APEX Award for Publication Excellence for the 'quality, design and content' of this WorldSweeper.com website.
In addition, WorldSweeper.com's editor, Ranger Kidwell-Ross, also won an APEX Award for a feature news story written for our sister company, the World Sweeping Association, where he serves as Executive Director.
This marks the 19th year that one or more projects headed by Kidwell-Ross have won an APEX Award, going back to 1994 when he won for the first-ever magazine produced for the general power sweeping industry, American Sweeper. No other person or organization in the history of the contest matches that unbroken record of accomplishment. Other APEX Award winners this year included The Walt Disney Company,
Wall Street Journal, AARP and Lockheed Martin.

Why CNG Station Performance Specifications Are Critical for Maintenance Technicians

Fri, 09 Aug 2013 11:41:25 -0700

It is essential that CNG fueling station maintenance technicians understand what performance levels are required of the equipment. These performance specifications should have been established when the station was designed.

While stations vary widely and not all of the following may apply, the linked article offers seven areas of specifications to which the O&M technician must have access to effectively perform his or her job:

Schwarze® Industries introduces cutting-edge enhancements on the Schwarze M6 Avalanche

Tue, 06 Aug 2013 11:39:43 -0700

Schwarze Industries has re-designed its M6 AvalancheTM sweeper in a variety of ways. According to the company, attention was not only given to performance and ease of operation, but also the ease of general maintenance has been vastly improved. "Service tasks that may have taken hours before," said Greg Heyer, the company's VP of Marketing, "now can be done in mere minutes. The M6 now offers the versatility of a belt conveyer, or squeegee conveyer, that can be changed out in approximately 2 hours.

Featured Contractor: Great Western Sweeping, Inc.

Thu, 01 Aug 2013 11:38:16 -0700

In 1977 Daniel Dodson started helping out from time-to-time in his parents sweeping company, Mid-State Industrial, Inc. Daniel recalls that, at the time, he was certain that being in the sweeping industry wasn't something he wanted to pursue as a career. However, the part-time work got him familiar with both the operation and the maintenance of the equipment.

Industry Heating Up Along With the Weather

Thu, 25 Jul 2013 10:51:11 -0700

Read the Editorial from our July e-newsletter edition, as well as see all of the articles.

The Effectiveness of Sweepers as an Urban Stormwater BMP in Maryland

Wed, 24 Jul 2013 10:49:56 -0700

The Maryland-based Center for Watershed Protection recently released a study that evaluated which urban stormwater practices provide the greatest nutrient and sediment reductions for the lowest investment. Although designed to help localities in the James River watershed more cost-effectively achieve the pollutant load reductions required by the Chesapeake Bay TMDL, the article offers valuable insight to any stormwater manager trying to minimize TMDL issues.

Our interview with the head of the sweeping information portion of the study, Dr. Neely Law, offers an insight into the issue of "pickup efficiency"– over 90% for new generation air sweepers – vs. the much lower values typically assigned as "pollutant removal efficiency" for sweeping as a BMP.

Article links include a 20-minute audio interview with Dr. Law, as well as two sweeper efficiency studies in addition to the overall James River Basin study that provides BMP assessment information derived for a variety of runoff reduction practices.

English Sweeping Company Gleaning Precious Metals From Street Sweepings

Mon, 22 Jul 2013 10:48:33 -0700

Veolia Environmental – which currently has contracts to sweep streets in about 40 towns and cities around the U.K. and collects up to 165,000 tons of sweepings a year – believes it can find at least 1 million sterling (US $1.3 million) worth of materials including gold, platinum, palladium and rhodium from the rubbish it sweeps from Britain's streets each year.

These metals are commonly used in catalytic converters and tiny amounts can be thrown out by car exhaust. The materials then go on to settle on street surfaces. The company believes it may even find traces of gold and silver in the sweepings, as tiny fragments can rub off clothes, shoes and jewelry.

Reminder: WSA Scholarship Applications Due August 1st

Fri, 19 Jul 2013 10:47:26 -0700

There are only a few more days for students of sweeping company employees to apply for the first ever scholarships offered in the power sweeping industry. The World Sweeping Association is offering two scholarships – one each named for the late Dale McCaskill, Sr. and for the late Carl J. Austin.

Use the link shown below to get complete information about the WSA Scholarship Program. The page on the WSA website includes full eligibility requirement details, application forms and an informational poster you can print out to place onto your company bulletin board. But hurry: Applications must be postmarked by August 1, 2013!

New Green Sweep Tow-Behind Offers All-Electric Operation

Tue, 16 Jul 2013 10:46:25 -0700
The Green Sweep is a tow-behind sweeper that its designers believe can fill the void between push broom and diesel- or gas-powered street sweeping trucks and parking lot sweepers. The machine is a battery-powered, all-electric street sweeper that can be used during school or business hours without disrupting students, staff, visitors or shoppers.

The sweeper has been designed so it can be towed by almost any vehicle, including maintenance carts, small cars or light trucks. Green Sweep also has a built-in inverter so you can also plug in electric leaf blowers, hedge trimmers, weed trimmers, battery packs for hand tools, lighting – or anything else that runs on AC.

How to Legally Handle a Violent Employee

Fri, 12 Jul 2013 10:45:14 -0700
Workplace violence is any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or other threatening disruptive behavior that occurs at the work site. It ranges from threats and verbal abuse to physical assaults and even homicide. It can affect and involve employees, clients, customers and visitors. Homicide is currently the fourth-leading cause of fatal occupational injuries in the United States.

This article offers guidelines about dealing with violent employees, starting with a discussion of the policies and practices a company should have in place in its Employee Handbook. As with many workplace situations, prevention is by far the best way to deal with workplace violence. However, you also want to have solid guidelines in place in the event that workplace violence does occur.

Practice Safe Offloading of Rake-Out Hoppers

Thu, 25 Jul 2013 10:44:18 -0700
It is vitally important to practice BSP – Best Safety Practices – in all aspects of your power sweeping business. One area that might be easy to overlook is how to be safe during the unloading of any type of rake-out or low-dump sweeper.

This can and usually is a dusty procedure, and it is important to remember that what you're unloading is not ordinary, house-type dust. Rather, it is material that has been on the ground and which potentially has any number of toxic additives that might have gotten into it. Kris Drake, of Drake's Services in Burlington, Washington, knows first-hand what can happen.

Featured Contractor: Quality 800 Asphalt

Thu, 04 Jul 2013 10:42:44 -0700
This article on Quality 800 Asphalt was posted on July 4, 2013 because the owner, Ted "Cousin Vinnie" Albanese, is a highly patriotic American. He was also about three blocks from the twin towers on 9/11, and was one of the first responders on the scene. He and two workers immediately took the rubber tire loader he had on the company's nearby paving job down to the twin towers location. Later, his late wife also designed the logo you see to the right, which would commemorate what occurred that fateful day.

In 1970, Albanese had been out of the service for a few years and was looking for opportunity. He saw it in the construction field and, after buying a dump truck and a bulldozer, he founded the Staten Island, NY, company known today as Quality 800 Asphalt in April of that year.

WorldSweeper's Editor Reminisces About First 8 Years in Operation

Fri, 21 Jun 2013 16:20:26 -0700
June 21st marked the 8th year of operation for WorldSweeper.com. Our editor discusses the changes the industry has seen during that time.

Mon, 24 Jun 2013 16:10:31 -0700
The World Sweeping Association's recent Third Party Vendor Survey provided a host of insights into the pitfalls that can occur when sweeping contractors sub-contract to a third party vendor. These companies are sometimes also called 'national service providers.'
WorldSweeper's editor, who is also executive director of the World Sweeping Association, provides an in-depth analysis based upon the WSA survey results, as well as his conversations with sweeping contractors and representatives of the third party vendor firms themselves. The resulting article catalogs a litany of the troubles that can occur when dealing with some, though not all, of these national service provider companies.

The article is being made available to the sweeping contractor community for a limited time; then, it will be modified with any comments provided by readers and its content will be restricted to WSA Member companies. However, a PDF 'white paper' of the article has been linked at the story; this will remain available for distribution to any interested parties.

Information about the white paper's contents, as well as a link to download the PDF file is also now linked at the property managers link at WorldSweepingPros.org and has additionally been posted to three LinkedIn Forums that serve approximately 11,600 property management professionals. The intent of that was to help educate the property management industry to the potential pitfalls in working with third party vendors.

Safety Tips and Risk Management for Power Sweeping

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 16:09:40 -0700
If there is someone in America who knows safety and risk management in the construction fields, it's John Meola. Currently the Safety & Risk Management Consultant with Invincia Insurance and The Louis Berger Group, Meola has been the safety manager for a variety of organizations. In addition, John was President of the American Society of Safety Engineers from 1993 to 2011. Through the years, John Meola has provided a number of general safety-related articles for WorldSweeper.com.

Because our industry requires a somewhat unique set of safety controls, most of which do not appear in OSHA or state safety codes, John consented to writing an article tailored specifically to the safety needs of power sweeping contractors. We present these safety tips along with a recommendation that they be adopted into the daily work activities of all in power sweeping, both municipal and contractors. These are practical tips and techniques, and represent Best Safety Practices for sweeping professionals.

Auction of Victory Sweepers' Donated T-600 Nets $7,000 for WSA

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 16:08:56 -0700
The auction for the model T600 sweeper donated by Victory Sweepers, Inc. to benefit the World Sweeping Association's Scholarship Fund ended on June 16th. The purchaser was Lee Hughes, of Alabama-based, The Hughes Company, who placed a winning bid of $7000.

In its initial year, WSA is offering two scholarships, one each in the name of Dale McCaskill, Sr. and Carl J. Austin. To be eligible, applicants must have a parent or legal guardian that is employed by a power sweeping company. Each scholarship is for the amount of $1,000; however, if the sweeping company that the parent works for is a member of WSA the scholarship amount will be increased to $2,000.

Use the link shown below to get complete information about the WSA Scholarship Program. The page on the WSA website includes full eligibility requirement details, application forms and an informational poster you can print out to place onto your company bulletin board.

North Sydney Resident Has Voluntarily Cleaned Streets for 30 Years

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 16:06:54 -0700
Richie Penny is known as 'the Street Sweeper' around his hometown of North Sydney, Australia. "I've been doing it all my life," says Penny. "Ever since I was a kid, everywhere I go, Ontario, Sydney, Frenchvale." Penny takes care of the roads in his area all year round.

According to CTV Atlantic, Penny says that he takes pride in keeping his community clean. "I've been doing it all my life, ever since I was a kid," said Penny. "I sweep all the doorways, walkways, parking lots, I sweep all the garbage from church parking lots. All around the sidewalks, all over the parks." And, if you ask him, there is no doubt it makes a difference.

WalMart Receives Second Largest Environmental Fine in U.S. History

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 16:04:59 -0700
On May 28, 2013, Wal-Mart pled guilty to Clean Water Act violations that involved years of illegally and improperly handling hazardous liquids and pesticides in California and Missouri. The company is on the hook for $81.6 million in criminal environmental fines for violating federal laws and another $30 million to resolve state environmental law violations.

The speculation about implications for power sweeping include the possibility that the company will amend its extreme low-bid policy for contracted services, since those tend, as a result, to go to contractors who have more incentive to cut corners as a result of the low pay. It may also impact the water reclamation pressure washing policy where Wal-Mart requires reclamation in its contracts but reportedly provides little-to-no oversight to confirm its pressure washing contractors actually perform reclamation cleaning.

If you'd like to read the news about the fines faced by the mega-retailer, as reported in the NY Times, use the link below.

Not Exactly Sweeping: Compactor Crushes Car Video

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 16:04:14 -0700
Garbage truck manufacturer New Way was looking for a way to show how strong the compaction system is on its Cobra MagnumTM Rear Loader model. The idea they came up with: crush a full-sized car in front of an audience of guys who would appreciate the results.

The result is a not-to-miss video that's only two minutes in length. Though it's not exactly sweeping, you're sure to find it enjoyable.

Featured Contractor: Cabo Pebble Pools (aka 'Larry the Pool Guy')

Sat, 01 Jun 2013 16:03:14 -0700
This month's Featured Contractor offers one element shared by none of the more than 60 that have come before: It's not the story of a sweeping company. However, the information about how this now-retired contractor was able to become super successful – becoming a legend in his market area, in fact – holds a vital message for today's American sweeping contractor community.

Beset by high equipment costs and the downward price per sweep pressure being exerted by third party vendors, a growing number of sweeping contractors are being tempted to cut corners in how they do business. They're sacrificing their reputation and ethics in order to get contracts that are barely sustainable, with little-to-no profit margin and even less margin for error.

Bill's Sweeping Does the Harlem Shake

Fri, 17 May 2013 15:16:27 -0700
California-based, Bill's Sweeping, staged a brief video that involved sweepers, dancing and more. We suggest you click on the link to take a look at their 36-second final YouTube video where, as the company writes in the explanation, "we decided to let our hair down a little bit and make a fun Harlem Shake video."

Schwarze Industries, Inc. Offers Latest WSA Member Benefit

Wed, 22 May 2013 15:16:09 -0700
Greg Heyer, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Schwarze Industries, Inc., announced that Schwarze will offer members of the World Sweeping Association a 15% discount on Supervac (formerly S-series) parts.

"Schwarze Industries has a long history of supporting sweeping industry trade associations," said Heyer. "We believe that, through education about all aspects of the sweeping industry, contractors will make better decisions. This will allow them to be more successful which, in turn, helps promote our own success as one of America's top sweeper manufacturers.

WSA Posts Results of National Service Provider Survey

Thu, 16 May 2013 15:14:19 -0700
Thanks to all who participated in the survey of third party vendors conducted by the World Sweeping Association. The results have been collected and an individual page for each vendor company – from "Advanced Service Solutions" to "USI Services Group" – has been set up on the WSA Member website.

"Because of the importance of this survey throughout the industry," said Ranger Kidwell-Ross, Executive Director of WSA (who is also Editor of WorldSweeper), "I made the decision to provide the initial results to anyone who wants to see them. However, the true value in what we have set up will be that updated information will be added on an ongoing basis. Starting on June 10th, all of that information will become only available to WSA Members as another benefit of membership."

To view the WSA survey results, use the link shown below and follow the instructions on the page. From there, you will be able to access the individual results from all 23 of the third party vendor companies included in the survey. WSA membership is not required for access until June 10, 2013.

10 Ways to Get Honest Feedback From Your Employees

Wed, 15 May 2013 15:13:30 -0700
The Young Entrepreneur Council is an invitation-only organization composed of the world's most promising young entrepreneurs. Ten of these members were asked to provide their top method for working with their employees to gain honest feedback.

Because these entrepreneurs each approach working with their employees in a different fashion, you will find the ideas offered by them to cover a wide spectrum. We thought that made the concept more interesting and valuable, since different approaches cater to differing management styles. However, all are touted by their promoters as being helpful to bring out the best when it comes to eliciting honest employee feedback.

TYMCO Introduces New Model 210h on Ford Super Duty F-450/F-350

Mon, 13 May 2013 15:12:37 -0700
TYMCO® has introduced its new Model 210h® mounted on a Ford Super Duty F-450 or Ford F-350. The Model 210h is a Model 210® parking lot sweeper powered by the TYMCO hDrive® Power System. hDrive is an optimized hydraulic power system that gives Model 210h owners all the simplicity and low maintenance of sweeping without an auxiliary engine.

Ford Super Duty trucks offer the class-exclusive live-drive power takeoff (PTO) provision. Because it is integrated into the transmission's design, integrating the TYMCO hDrive Power System with this PTO is a simpler, more robust design and requires fewer truck modifications than a belt-driven hydraulic system design.

"Since its introduction, the Model 210h has been a very capable parking lot sweeper. With the hDrive Power System now taking advantage of the Ford live-drive PTO, we are able to deliver blower performance improvements of about 10% and gutter broom improvements of about 30% on the new 210h," said Bobby Johnson, TYMCO's Vice President, Marketing.

Victory Sweepers' Provides T600 Sweeper to Auction for WSA Scholarship Fund

Thu, 20 Jun 2013 16:10:56 -0700
Mark Schwarze, the president of Victory Sweepers, Inc., has donated one of his company's T600 tow-behind sweepers to benefit the World Sweeping Association's Scholarship Fund. The sweeper normally has a sales price of $14,500 and is being auctioned off at EquipmentAuction.com with only $1,000 as a minimum bid. Further, the winner will have the choice of either taking the T600 or getting 150% of the bid amount (up to $10,000) off on any new chassis-mounted Victory Sweepers' sweeper model!

City of Norfolk Sweeping Program Targets Chesapeake Bay Protection

Fri, 03 May 2013 15:10:45 -0700
The City of Norfolk, Virginia, is the urban center of Hampton Roads with a total population of approximately 247,000 residents. The City managers are responsible for sweeping 1,900 curb miles per month via an extensive program that includes daily sweeping to monthly sweeping.

Street sweeping techniques and best practices are have come under greater scrutiny in recent times since the area is under the oversight of the 2012 Chesapeake Bay Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) requirements, as well as the standard USEPA Stormwater Phase I and II guidelines.

As a result, Norfolk city managers have been moved toward the leading edge of investigation toward the best management practices when it comes to utilizing sweepers as the first line of defense in minimizing stormwater runoff pollution.

Featured Contractor: Nationwide Environmental Services

Wed, 01 May 2013 15:09:50 -0700
It was in 1968 that Joe Samuelian first got into the sweeping business, as an adjunct to his daytime lunch truck and nighttime janitorial and maintenance service. He named his new venture, appropriately enough, Joe's Sweeping, and bought a Wilshire ride-on sweeper to do the work.

Joe Samuelian's Mission Statement was "To provide quality sweeping services utilizing the latest state-of-the-art equipment and creating the highest level of customer service available." Because he truly lived his mission statement, Samuelian was loved by his clients and his company became a success. In fact, the company may well be the largest street sweeping company in America.

Post Boston Marathon Era Calls for Increased Sweeping Industry Integration at American Events

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 15:08:05 -0700
WorldSweeper's editor discusses changes in industry portended by Boston Marathon bombing.

Sweeper Toy: The Trash Pack Trashies Sweeper

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 15:06:39 -0700
Clean up the streets of Trash Town with The Trash Pack Street Sweeper, which features a bin to catch the trash and includes two exclusive Trashies. Watch the Street Sweeper scoop up then spit them out when it crashes!

Includes a container to catch trash
Scoop up your Trashies
Release the trash when you crash (crash?!)

Featured Contractor: Sooner Sweeping

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 15:05:50 -0700
When Gene Terronez sold out his half of several automobile sales locations to his partner in 2007, his intent was to build another company that he would own in its entirety. The next question: What type of business should it be?"

"I remembered an article I'd read in Entrepreneur Magazine about someone in Louisiana who'd become successful in the sweeping industry," recalls Terronez, "and I liked what I'd read. I'd never worked nights before and thought it was worth looking into." Five years later, Terronez is at the helm of a growing sweeping and maintenance company that has found success in his Tulsa, Oklahoma, marketplace.

Street Sweeping Employee Hits Homeless Man in Effort to Chase Him Away

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 15:05:02 -0700
A YouTube video uploaded earlier this month shows two street sweeping employees in Bangkok, Thailand, resorting to violence in their attempts to chase away a homeless man from a parking lot. The moment was captured in a YouTube video.

This new availability of photos and video covering most any occurrence underscores the value of employee training that covers all manner of situations. As you watch the video, we encourage you to consider how your own employee training covers any similar type of situation.

Giving Safety Feedback That Motivates

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 15:03:56 -0700
Thomas E. Boyce, Ph.D., offers advice based upon his many years of experience assisting companies in developing leaders and reducing injury rates – along with 120 years of behavioral science. These have taught him there is no need to "over justify" safety with promises of rewards and trinkets.

Rather, he has learned – and teaches – there is a much better way to visibly demonstrate that safety is a value in your organization: You walk the talk by giving safety feedback effectively. With this approach, Boyce teaches, you will see visible improvements in safety on a day-to-day basis and also in your key safety performance measures (e.g., recordable injury rate). You are also likely to see improved production, a better "bottom line" and a high likelihood of improved employee morale.

CEKSAN Sweepers is Turkey's Leading Sweeper Manufacturer

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 15:03:08 -0700
CEKSAN Sweepers is the biggest road sweeper vehicles' manufacturer in Turkey. The firm was established in 1989 in Izmir, Turkey. The company began by importing street cleaning machines from Europe.

After investigating the requirements and needs in a range of international environments, CEKSAN management decided the company should produce its own sweepers in order to be able to give the ultimate sweeping solutions to its customers. In this article about CEKSAN, the company's international agent, Serdar Durur, provides information about the company, along with links to various models on the CEKSAN Sweepers website.

Webinar: Clean Streets Means Clean Streams

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 15:01:52 -0700
Improve your street cleaning and stormwater quality program by joining internationally renowned sweeping expert, Roger Sutherland, as he explores the science behind the relationship between an effective street sweeping program and its ability to significantly reduce pollutants found in stormwater.

In the webinar Sutherland will also introduce and discuss the various types of street cleaners exploring both their advantages and disadvantages. And, attendees will learn how to test street sweeper pickup performance, how to evaluate the results – and why both matter.

Remembering Industry Leader Carl Austin

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 15:00:38 -0700
Carl (Julian) Austin, who passed away on Feb 22, 2013 at the age of 64, was involved in the power sweeping industry for half of his lifetime. Most will remember him from Schwarze Industries, Inc., where he was a 'fixture' for two decades.

What you may not know is that Carl Austin's first involvement in sweeping was as a banker for the Schwarze family's fledgling manufacturing company. Or, that he was a Founding Member and one of the initial organizers for the Contract Sweeping Institute, the power sweeping industry's first-ever membership organization for power sweeping contractors.

FleetOwner's 2013 Truck Tire Application Guide

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 14:53:47 -0700
Tires and treads have never been so important to a trucking fleet. With greenhouse gas regulations and new fuel-efficiency standards that must be met beginning with 2014 model-year vehicles, the focus on the role a tire plays in a vehicle's mpg has never been greater.

You cannot just put any tire on your vehicles, though. Tire and tread suppliers are working closely with OEMs and fleets alike to ensure vehicles are fitted with the proper tire to maximize mpg, retread-ability and lifecycle costs. Our link is to FleetOwner's annual Truck Tire Application Chart, where you will find tires and treads from the leading manufacturers, along with manufacturer recommendations for 13 specific wheel-position and service applications. Includes both new and retread information.

Horse-Drawn Studebaker Sweeper is an Old-Timer!

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 14:52:55 -0700
Springfield, Missouri-based reader, Wayne Warner, sent us a photo of a Studebaker sweeper that he took a photo of in about 1947. Along with the photo was a story to share with the industry about how the sweeper would have been used.

The details about the sweeper, which are related in a brief story in the History section of the WorldSweeper website, discuss how the sweeper was used during the first half of the 20th century in a Western Oregon lumber town where Warner grew up. As you will learn, the machine was used for sweeping up the mill's dock area, as well as on some of the surrounding 'plank' roads surrounding the Booth-Kelly Lumber Company mill.

Hy-Tech Property Maintenance Grew to Dominance Through Competence and Compassion

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 14:51:57 -0700
In 1985, Virginia's Marc Chimento launched himself into the sweeping business by making an unlikely choice for a first sweeper – a slide-in Tennant sweeper with no gutter broom or dump. "It was all I could afford," said Chimento. "To clean the curb I broke a pushbroom handle in half and taped it to my arm. I'd hold the chassis door open with my foot as I drove along with my arm hanging out cleaning the curb. Then, when it came time to dump, that meant shoveling out the hopper with a coal shovel."

Perseverance paid off, though, and it wasn't long before Chimento purchased what he calls his "first real sweeper," a Schwarze 343-D. From that modest beginning, though with many an up and down in between, Hy-Tech Property Maintenance has grown into a do-it-all contracting powerhouse with over 100 employees and a roster of inhouse expertise that spans over a dozen types of services.

Elgin Sweeper Introduces Pelican Sweeper With EcoInfusedTM Technology Configuration

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 14:51:09 -0700
Elgin Sweeper Company has introduced a Pelican three-wheel mechanical sweeper featuring a Tier 4 Interim EcoInfusedTM Technology configuration. The new Pelican configuration meets the latest emission levels, performance and engine simplicity expectations as current Pelican models – without the cost and complexity associated with current emission-level engines.

"The new Pelican sweeper configuration is part of Elgin Sweeper's initiative to develop and deploy green, energy-efficient and low-emissions technology solutions for our street sweepers," said Brian Giles, sweeper products manager at Elgin Sweeper. "Over the years, Elgin Sweeper has led the charge in advancing the use of cleaner, safer and more efficient technologies for sweeping roads and streets.

WSA's Third Party Vendor Survey Designed to Establish and Share Individual Company Reputations

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 14:50:22 -0700
The World Sweeping Association and WorldSweeper.com are inviting any contractors who have experience working with third party vendors to participate in a survey designed to rate their experience with those various companies.

The survey covers a total of 22 different third party vendor companies, asking for a numerical rating from a top score of "plus 5" to the lowest possible rating of "minus 5." Participants are also requested to indicate the average time it takes to get paid from each vendor, as well as to provide comments about each of the companies they have worked for.

WorldSweeper's NPE 2013 Coverage

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 14:49:22 -0800
WorldSweeper's coverage of NPE 2013 includes a total of 6 vendor videos, as well as one that shows the layout for next year's NPE in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

In addition, you will find three articles of importance for sweeping contractors, all gleaned from information presented in the Best Practices for Sweeping Contractors Seminar. To get a feel for what it was like being at this year's NPE event, use the link shown below.

Are You Being 'Snookered' by Any Third Party Vendors?

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 14:48:40 -0800
By now, all of our contractor readers should be aware of the Oxford Property Services default and subsequent bankruptcy. Most readers are also all-too-aware that the Oxford debacle is just one more in a long string of prior and ongoing negative situations that have to do with third party intermediaries. An increasing number of these types of businesses are contracting with large property owners to provide sweeping and other services... even though most of them own no sweepers or other maintenance equipment.

Writing in his alternate position as executive director of the World Sweeping Association, WorldSweeper's editor has written a stinging rebuke of the system as it stands now, along with a detailed outline of some newly surfacing details surrounding the Oxford default.

In the linked story, Ranger Kidwell-Ross calls on the sweeping industry to unite together and with other interested parties to change how the third party vendor system is allowed to operate. He also offers his own 25 years of insight into how a win/win scenario might be crafted to the benefit of all parties.

Advance Launches First-Of-Its-Kind Fuel Cell-Powered Industrial Floor Cleaning Machine

Wed, 22 May 2013 14:46:44 -0700
The Advance CS7000TM Combination Sweeper-Scrubber Fuel Cell unit was unveiled by Nilfisk-Advance's U.S. President & General Manager Jeff Barna at the ProMat 2013 Expo in Chicago.

This first-of-its-kind fuel cell-powered unit provides a sweeper-scrubber solution for customers who have already invested in fuel cell technology, allowing them to further leverage their fuel cell investment and infrastructure," said Barna.

Operating solely on hydrogen, Barna says the innovative fuel cell-powered Advance CS7000 provides enhanced efficiency, productivity and reliability, as well as simplified maintenance and 100% indoor emission-free operation.

Elgin Sweeper Introduces Crosswind Specialty Track Sweeper for Racetrack Sweeping and Maintenance Applications

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 14:45:47 -0700
Elgin Sweeper has introduced a modified Crosswind® Specialty Track Sweeper that is set to make its debut at NASCAR racetracks around the country this racing season, beginning with the Daytona 500 on February 24th. Elgin's Crosswind Track Sweeper plays a supporting role in a new racetrack drying initiative that features a combination of air power and vacuum suction to dry rain-soaked racetracks.

During track testing conducted in conjunction with NASCAR last November in Daytona, this same vacuum technology proved to efficiently vacuum water from the pores of the racetrack, and worked even better with the new track-drying technology designed by the NASCAR Research and Development Center. Developed as a more effective alternative to the current track-drying method the system, featuring the Crosswind Track Sweeper, is expected to expedite the process.

Wanted: Name for Schwarze Industries' Lake Oswego, Oregon, Sweeper

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 14:44:59 -0700
Lake Oswego's newest street sweeper needs a name. Currently, one is called 4411. Another goes by 4405. However, Lake Oswego's newest street sweeper will be known by a name rather than a number.

The city has launched a contest for citizens to help dub the new piece of heavy-duty equipment, purchased with money set aside in this year's budget. There's a coloring contest, too. Officials said the idea is to "give the sweepers a 'voice' and some personality." They also hope to "open a window into the public services the vehicles' giant brooms and vacuum action provides."

Victory Sweepers Donates T600 Sweeper to Dale McCaskill Memorial Scholarship Fund + Announces WSA Member Discount Program

Mon, 20 May 2013 14:44:10 -0700
Victory Sweepers' president, Mark Schwarze, has announced his company will be donating a Victory T600 sweeper to World Sweeping Association. The intent is for the sweeper to be auctioned off, with proceeds going to WSA's Dale McCaskill Memorial Scholarship Fund. Victory also unveiled a discount structure for WSA members on Victory Sweeper products.

"When we heard about the formation of World Sweeping Association's scholarship fund named after the late Dale McCaskill, we knew immediately we wanted to get involved," said Mark Schwarze, president of Victory Sweepers, Inc. In the event the winning bidder would prefer, if they are a WSA member Victory will allow 150% of the purchase price to be used to offset any new sweeper purchase from the Victory Sweepers' line. For non-WSA members, the percentage will be 125%, both limited to a maximum of $10,000.

The company also announced a discount structure for WSA members of between $500 and $1,000 off on new Victory sweepers, depending upon model, as well as a 20% discount on new Victory parts.

City of Tucson Creates Recognition Video for Sweeper Operator's Innovative Idea

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 13:43:18 -0800
City of Tucson sweeper operator, Michael Scott, had an innovative, money-saving idea. The city operates 14 sweepers, cleaning over 27,000 road miles yearly. As all readers can attest, the cost of replacing wear items on sweepers is a significant expense. If a way can be found to reduce the expense, it's definitely a plus.

Scott's idea had to do with the bracket that holds the skid plate onto the side of the main broom on the city's Broom Bear sweeper fleet. In the past, when the bolts on the bracket would wear out, the entire bracket would be replace, at an expense of $1200. What Michael Scott suggested was to braze new studs into place on the existing skid plates.

According to Paul Rosenboom, Tucson's Streets Maintenance Supervisor, Scott's idea will save the city $31,000 per year. This frees up additional budget, says Rosenboom for the city to allocate to other projects. For this employee spotlight, the City of Tucson partnered with a local television station, which shot the video and then aired it on local TV. This provided local citizens with more knowledge about the city's sweeping program, as well as cast a good light on the Tucson DOT.

Oxford Property Services in Apparent Default on DDR Accounts; Contractors Owed Big $$

Fri, 08 Feb 2013 13:42:17 -0800
Thanks to a tip from a WSA member, the World Sweeping Association was the first pavement- or snow-related organization to break the news about the apparent demise of Oxford Property Services, the third party vendor used by DDR real estate management group.

So far, the outlook is bleak for the affected sweeping contractors, some of whom are owed as much as $100,000+ by Oxford, which in recent months has been stretching its accounts payable timeframe to in excess of 90 days.

Because of the severity of the situation, the World Sweeping Association article is being made available to the entire industry, not just to WSA members. The article is being updated as new information comes in, so if you have additional info on the topic be sure to use the form at the bottom of the article to provide it. This may be done anonymously.

Winner of WorldSweeper's 2013 Award of Excellence in Power Sweeping Announced at NPE

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 13:41:23 -0800
One of the highlights of this year's National Pavement Expo was the awarding of WorldSweeper's 2013 Award of Excellence in Power Sweeping. Winner this year was Karl Stauty, President of Virginia-based Commercial Power Sweeping & Services.

Karl Stauty started into the power sweeping business in 1986. He had been a salesman for the Solo Company, a maker of backpack blowers. Over time, he got to know a man who came into the store to get blowers and parts on a regular basis. Eventually, he learned that the equipment was for the man's sweeping company.

Street Sweeping Song Laments Alternate Side Parking

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 14:38:54 -0700
Thanks to Albert Price for letting us know about this humorous YouTube video / song by New Yorker, Ken Ficara. In his explanation of the song, Ficara says "If you're a New York City car owner, this song needs no explanation.

"Otherwise, you need to know that we have 'alternate-side parking' rules, which forbid parking on one side or the street or the other on certain days, so the streets can be cleaned. The elaborate dance of moving the car, double-parking, and moving back, are deeply ingrained in NYC car culture."

Kansas City's Moonlight Sweeping Emphasizes Responsiveness, Thoroughness and Customer Communication

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 13:37:58 -0800
In the late 1990s, Ryan Bertholdi found himself learning about the sweeping industry as a result of a somewhat unlikely occurrence: His mother, an accountant with a large company called Brothers, suggested he would be a good fit to help with that company's sweeping program, among other duties.

After two years of learning experience via Brother's sweeping program, Bertholdi founded a company called Star Sweeping in 2000. Then, with partner, Anthony Bova, he transitioned to Moonlight Sweeping, LLC in 2008. Today, Bova handles night routing and working with sweeper operators, with Bertholdi taking on the rest. The interview, which includes a 40-minute audio podcast, provides a host of tips about GPC, dealing with third part vendors and more.

NY Contractor Provides 'Christmas' for Underprivileged Families

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 13:36:46 -0800
"In wake of the Newtown, Connecticut, shooting tragedy it pushed us from just thinking about a plan we had been discussing to give back to one or more families in our area to actually making it happen.

"On the Sunday before Christmas we decorated our sweepers and loaded them with Christmas gifts and Christmas dinner, then 'swept' our way with Santa to deliver over $2,000 worth of presents to families in our area. Looking back, there's no question that the recipients enjoyed a Christmas they otherwise would not have. In a sense, so did we."

The above words are those of Jay Presutti, Vice-President of Pine Bush, NY-based, East Coast Industrial Services Inc. Jay and his wife, Laurie, who own the company, covered the entire cost of the event. Their employees donated their time for preparation and delivery. The success in what the response was by all concerned – from employees to management to grateful recipients – was so positive that the Presutti say they plan to make this an annual event.

Update on WSA's Dale McCaskill Sr. Memorial Scholarship Fund

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 13:35:50 -0800
As was announced in the last newsletter, the new WorldSweeper affiliate, World Sweeping Association (WSA) has initiated a scholarship fund dedicated to the late president of Southco Sweeping, Dale McCaskill Sr.

As part of the Association's inauguration, through the end of this February $25 of each new enrollee's membership fee of $325 will be donated to the scholarship fund. We also challenged industry contractors and vendors to match our donation for each new WSA member.

We are pleased to report that the following contractors have all agreed to do so:

David Ross, President of Millennium Maintenance and Power Sweeping
Karl Stauty, President of Commercial Power Sweeping & Services
Gale Holsman, President of American Sweeping, Inc.
David McCaskill, President of AccuSweep Services, Inc.
Derek Grieco and the Team at Immaculate Power Sweeping, LLC
Tom and Lisa Kuhns, at Capitol Sweeping, LLC (are donating $500)

In addition, Keystone Plastics and Schwarze Industries, Inc. have joined in the program. At press time we were also working with Victory Sweepers, Inc. on the final details of a very special contribution.

How the Streets of New York are Cleaned – in 1877

Wed, 22 May 2013 14:34:44 -0700
We offer a verbatim transcript from the pages of Harper's Weekly, November 24, 1877. WorldSweeper purchased a montage page of the drawings done for the article by noted artist, W. P. Snyder.

We scanned the graphics page and segmented the one-piece montage into individual images to better adapt them for viewing online. For this project to be completed, the former owners were good enough to find the article information for us to include, as well.

Have a sweeper operator who's complaining about something – anything – about his or her job? How about a customer complaining about debris build-up or how clean the street is after the sweeper goes by? You may want to suggest they read this article...

World Sweeping Association: The Concept and Plans for the Future

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 11:25:04 -0800
As was announced in the last newsletter, a new WorldSweeper project is the founding of an alternate membership group for sweeping, World Sweeping Association (WSA). With a website located at WorldSweepingPros.org, the organization will begin operations on this upcoming January 1st.

A keystone to WSA, in terms of providing contractors with information they can use, will be exclusive access to over 250 informational articles written just for power sweeping professionals. This information, which has previously been available at WorldSweeper.com's Parking Contractors area, has been moved to the WSA website as a members-only resource.

Membership, which is pegged at $325/year for all contractors regardless of size, will also include a variety of other benefits, with additional ones in process and to follow. All contractors now in WorldSweeper.com's Contractor Locator will automatically become Founding Members of WSA, as will any other contractors who join by February 28, 2013.

Additionally, $25 of the membership fee for each new contractor that joins as a Founding Member will be put into the WSA Scholarship Fund, which will later be used to provide a scholarship(s) opportunity for student(s) whose parents are involved with power sweeping. We challenge our vendor readers and successful contractors to join us in matching this amount per Founding Member to get the scholarship fund rolling.

Editor's Perspective: Out With the Old... ...And Here's to an Even Better 2013!

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 11:27:30 -0800
Read what our editor has to say about the past year, and prospects for the one upcoming.

Sweeping Against Traffic – Is a Single Curb Broom a Viable Option?

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 11:24:00 -0800
We were recently contacted about a city in Iowa that – in order to save money – was specifying a sweeper with only a single curb broom. This was being done even though the city will be sweeping some one-way streets and islands.

This investigative report looks at the advisability of sweeping against traffic instead of specifying a sweeper with curb brooms on both sides. In it, the pros and cons are evaluated and potential alternative solutions are offered.

Not Exactly Sweeping: In Paraguayan Orchestra "Slum Children" Play Instruments Made From Landfill Debris

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 11:23:14 -0800
Though somewhat off-topic, we thought the following brief video was a heart-warming example of how out-of-the-box thinking can change children's lives. Perhaps the 3:43 video will help you think of a way to do so in your own local area. Thanks to reader, Janet Needler, for sending this our way!

Rich Arlington Named a Green Industry's Most Influential Person

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 11:22:14 -0800
Rich Arlington, founder and president of Rich Arlington & Associates, was recently named one of the Most Influential People in the Green Industry. Individuals are nominated by their peers.

Green Media then makes the selection based on those who have led by example, been industry innovators, worked for the betterment of the Green Industry, inspired change and whose impact has been felt by others in tree care, landscape, irrigation, outdoor power equipment, sports turf management, and other Green Industry fields.

Arlington is also Business Manager for Affiliated Grounds Maintenance Group, Inc. In that capacity, Arlington was featured in a WorldSweeper.com podcast presentation on ways for sweeping contractors to effectively deal with third party vendors.

Six New Year's Resolutions to Improve Leadership

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 11:21:33 -0800
The New Year brings promise, excitement and New Year's Resolutions. But this article isn't about losing weight, starting your exercise plan or one of the other common personal resolutions people make.

Rather, this is a practical and timeless list of resolutions you can make as a small business owner to create more confidence for yourself, more engaged and happier employees and a more successful business.

These small business tips are ones designed to positively impact profitability, sales, gross margin and other key factors for as long as you are in business.

The Facts of Business Life: Seven Steps to Breathe Life Into Your Business

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 11:20:02 -0800
Current statistics for new businesses aren't promising – only 30 percent make it more than 10 years. Here are some basic ideas for review, ones that will increase your probability to be one of that 30%.

Many business failures can be avoided by using a few easy principles, according to Bill McBean, author of the business book released in November of 2012 called The Facts Of Business Life.

U.S. Sweeper Noise Regs Explained... And More

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 11:18:29 -0800
Recently, we received an inquiry from an employee of the New York State Department of Transportation. He wrote in asking if we could provide the agency with current sweeper noise regulations for inside the cab, as well as outside at the sweeper itself.

We contacted several manufacturers about the question and offer thanks to Brian Giles, at Elgin, for providing us with the current OSHA/NIOSH baseline information used in the article.

In addition, we review how the logarithmic decibel actually works, show some examples of the volume of a number of everyday activities, and offer some suggestions for reducing the noise level on sweepers during operation.

Holiday Parties: What Do They Mean For Employers and Employees?

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 11:17:29 -0800
Attorney-written holiday party guidelines; read them, enact them.

Carolina Sweepers' Steady Growth Built on Quality, Not Price

Sat, 01 Dec 2012 11:20:36 -0800
After 25 years working as an architect, Thom Dixon was ready for something new. He also knew he didn't want to go to work for someone else. Having a friend who was in the parking lot sweeping business in nearby South Carolina, Dixon went to check out his operation and liked what he saw.

One of his next steps was to do an internet search, Dixon says, which brought him to a number of articles written by me. Then, as Dixon reminded me during our interview, he contacted our editor, Ranger Kidwell-Ross, to get some advice. Ranger then referred him to seasoned sweeping veterans, Gale Holsman and Gabe Vitale.

Since then, Dixon says, "...we've lost less than a handful of customers in our years of operation and none due to some type of service issue. Since we started in 2000 we've gone from one to 13 sweepers. Currently, at the start of 2012, we have 34 full-time employees and over 100 customers."

Introducing World Sweeping Association

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 13:39:35 -0800
The World Sweeping Association will begin operations on January 1st.

The initial emphasis of World Sweeping Association, located online at www.WorldSweepingPros.org, will be to provide an organization that will help contractors become more efficient, productive and profitable. The WSA team will do its best to provide its contractor members with whatever information and benefits might be of use to those in the industry.

Elgin Air Sweeper Manager Interviewed on Company's New Eco-InfusedTM Technology Initiative

Fri, 23 Nov 2012 13:36:33 -0800
Last August, when Federal Signal Corporation's Environmental Solutions Group announced its EcoInfusedTM Technology Initiative, we wanted to know more about how that might affect future sweepers made by the company.

In this article, we offer a more detailed overview on the initiative, in combination with a 10-minute audio interview with James Crockett, the Air Sweeper Product Manager for Elgin.

Schwarze Industries Makes Branding and Personnel Changes

Tue, 20 Nov 2012 13:35:33 -0800
The Schwarze Industries organization has announced a number of significant changes. These include both the addition of engineering personnel and what might be called a 'comprehensive branding makeover.'

On the personnel side, the company has added a Design Engineering Manager with an emphasis on alternative fuel, as well as a new Human Resources Manager. The re-branding effort includes a newly redesigned logo and website. However, perhaps most significantly, the entire Schwarze product line has been renamed.

Contractor Offers Disaster Cleanup Advice

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 13:34:42 -0800
In the midst of the 2012 "Superstorm Sandy" cleanup, a New York contractor offers some observations and advice for others in the industry, especially those that offer property maintenance services in addition to power sweeping.

Seeing an influx of inexperienced people posing as contractors, Jay Presutti shares his ideas for educating businesses and homeowners alike of the pitfalls in choosing someone to do cleanup work who is not a legitimate contractor.

XPERT HR Offers Articles on Employer Requirements in Emergency Situations

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 13:33:08 -0800
At the XPERT HR website a free subscriber in the organization's system may download and read up to three articles per month. Just subscribe in XPERT HR's free service, confirm your request via an email link and you have instant access to up to three of the following articles, or different ones if you choose.

The website, which is a part of LexisNexis, offers a wide variety of targeted HR information for the business community, so you may well choose to become a subscriber. However, in keeping with this month's theme of disaster preparation, we are offering links to several articles specifically tailored to disaster preparation for your business.

Any contractor actually involved in the recent Hurricane Sandy cleanup effort is being offered ClickSafety's "Safety and Health During Disaster Recovery" course for free.

Is Your Company Ready for a 'Superstorm Event?'

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 13:31:02 -0800
In the aftermath of one of the most devastating "Tropical Storms" to hit the Eastern Seaboard there now begins the push to make contact with your insurance company so as to begin the recovery process.

For those folks whose inventory was swept away never to be recovered, your offsite records are now the only supports you have of proving you suffered a loss. Without such, how do you know what is gone, how much missing and, most importantly, how do you document to "prove" to your insurance company what you had...

Following are a host of helpful hints by independent insurance adjuster, Kevin McNamara, of Denali Adjusters. These include a number of proactive steps you should take to safeguard your business before you have the need.

Ground Zero Contractors at Hurricane Sandy

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 13:29:09 -0800
In the midst of cleanup and assessment of Hurricane Sandy, a Boston- and a New York-based contractor provided audio interviews with how they prepared for, prepared their customers for, and are now coping with cleanup assistance resulting from the disaster. These interviews were held on October 30, 2012.

Included are several of the email notices that one of the companies sent to its customers to assist them prior to the storm hitting.

Texas Contractor Perseveres Through Recession Via Extraordinary Service

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 13:37:35 -0700
This story isn't so much about an instant, overnight success; in fact, it's more about the many different trials and tribulations that a sweeping contracting company that was started in the last quarter of 2008 could face.

"I guess if you were to hire an artist to paint a picture of a 4-year-old sweeping business that has managed to survive some pretty tough times," said Steve Mercer, "he would simply hand you one of our business cards... and say 'Here ya go, thanks for your business!'"

Read for yourself this sweeping contractor's story of grit and determination to survive – and thrive.

Sweeping Industry Loses Two Icons

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 14:35:10 -0700
We are sad to report on the loss of two men who helped shape the power sweeping industry, Tony Libhart and Richard Grassey.

Tony Libhart, who passed away on the morning of October 23rd, made his mark in the sweeping world early on as the principal designer of one of the most successful air sweeper designs ever, the TYMCO model 210. Tony later founded AAPLEX Sweepers, before selling that company to Schwarze Industries in 1988. At that point Tony became Schwarze's Chief Engineer, a position he held at the time of his death. We will have a reminiscence about Tony Libhart and his impact on power sweeping in our November newsletter.

Richard Grassey Richard "Dick" Grassey passed away this past September 19th at the age of 81. He was President of NJ-based Grassey Equipment Co., which was one of the first dealers ever established by TYMCO. Grassey was also instrumental in helping to organize the first power sweeping organizations in America.

We invite you to read about the life of Dick Grassey, as provided by Kenneth and Gary Young, members of the founding family of TYMCO. Thank you to Doug and Rick Grassey for providing background information for the story.

Johnston North America Debuts VS650 CNG Sweeper

Tue, 23 Oct 2012 14:34:17 -0700
The management team of Johnston North America tout the company's new VS650 CNG as a high-performance, environmentally-friendly CNG sweeper they say is equally at home on municipal street cleaning or extreme, heavy duty work sites. "Users will find that the VS650 CNG consistently delivers high pick-up performance – even on contractor duties such as road planing and dirt pick-up around construction sites and access roads," said Frank Balogh, Marketing Director for the company. "Plus, everything is all packed into one powerful package."

The single-engined VS650 CNG utilizes Johnston's hydrodrive gearbox, which provides infinitely variable forward speed control and hydrodynamic braking. The sweeper body is mounted onto a heavy-duty, corrosion-resistant NIROSTA® stainless steel body. Available in dual- or single-sweep configuration, the maximum sweeping path is 11.8-feet. To find out all the details, including the ability to download two different spec sheets on the new VS650 CNG, check out the link below.

Preparing for and Conducting Difficult Conversations With Employees

Mon, 22 Oct 2012 14:33:27 -0700
In every organization there are times when difficult conversations must be held with those working for you. Whether it is a discussion about an employee's poor performance, job restructuring, or many other topics, it is important that you conduct each conversation professionally and with advanced thought about the best outcome.

Before you conduct difficult conversations with your management staff and/or employees, take time to prepare correctly in order to maximize the possibility that the outcome will be the one you want. This article by WorldSweeper's editor provides information designed to help you conduct difficult conversations with your management or employee team in a manner that maximizes the best possible outcome.

Best Practices for Dealing With Insurance Adjusters

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 14:32:32 -0700
In most sweeping organizations, sooner or later a sweeper accident will occur. You will then be dealing with one or more insurance representatives and/or adjusters. How you handle yourself and the information you provide can have an impact on the eventual outcome.

To bring our readers insight into the adjustment process followed by insurance companies and the adjustment personnel they hire to investigate and settle claims, we spoke to an industry professional. The linked story offers a number of tips gleaned from a conversation with an independent insurance claims adjuster, Kevin McNamara, owner of Chugiak, Alaska-based Denali Adjusters.

Navistar Announces Timeline for SCR Implementation

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 14:31:34 -0700
In our July newsletter we announced that Navistar would be switching to SCR technology in order to meet 2010 EPA emissions regulations of 0.2 grams of NOx. This aligns the company with the other major truck chassis manufacturers in that regard. After that, the only question left unanswered was when the changeover would occur.

A recent announcement in FleetOwner laid out the details, noting the company announced it would begin offering the Cummins ISX 15 in January 2013 in select models and would have a MaxxForce 13L engine with SCR available early next year. To read more on this topic, use the link below.

Keep Your Fleet on the Road to EFFICIENCY

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 14:12:13 -0700
This FREE event will be held November 6, 2012 from 2-3 pm EST

Verizon Graphic An estimated 90 percent of commercial drivers already use smartphones, tablets or notebooks in their day-to-day activities. Now you can harness advances in machine-to-machine (M2M) technology and mobile devices to empower your on-the-go workers to get more done, whether they're in the office or on the road.

Attend this webcast hosted by Verizon to learn how you can leverage technology to unite a mobile workforce, streamline business operations and offset rising fuel costs. You'll discover new ways to:

Effortlessly manage mandatory reporting and audit requirements
Save time and paperwork with automated processes
Track the real-time movement, location and state of your fleet, cargo and drivers
Simplify commercial trucking routes with turn-by-turn directions
Streamline vehicle inspection and weigh station pass-through
Optimize safety and performance with electronic driver scorecards and alerts

Although this webinar is free, you must use the link below to register prior to the event.

Stormwater Magazine Offers Sweeping Article as a Way to Keep Stormwater Cleaner

Tue, 09 Oct 2012 14:09:22 -0700
The role that street sweeping can play in reducing storm water runoff pollutants has long been a moving target for the sweeping industry. Although data show that sweeping is much more cost effective then pollutant removal from catch basins and other end of the pipe solutions, many city officials still do not recognize that fact by increasing their sweeping frequency accordingly.

In the article we link below, Keeping Stormwater CLEANER, which was featured in the latest edition of Stormwater Magazine, the author documents what forward-thinking officials are doing in several venues around the country. If you are involved with the street sweeping portion of this industry you will want to read the article.

Arizona's Agua Trucks Combines Sweeping With Water Flushing

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 14:30:49 -0700
Scott Duscher started in business as a construction contractor. In Maricopa County, Arizona, where the business was located, someone's name had to be on a sign out in front of each project so they could be contacted if there was a dust or trackout problem. Scott was that person.

As an investment, the company bought a water truck to handle the needs of a community they were building. When the building economy tanked, they started expanding into the water trucking business as an alternative. The only problem with the water trucks, though, is that when it rains they don't work. And, when there is mud trackout from a job site that is leaving muddy tracks, the best solution is a broom-type street sweeper.

That conclusion led him to the purchase of a Sweeprite sweeper, since the two business types dovetailed with each other. Today, Agua Trucks has 8 employees that operate the company's three sweepers and three water trucks. Our feature story with Scott Duscher includes a 40-minute audio interview with him that offers a number of tips on how integration between water trucks and sweepers is good for business.

Sweeper Buying and Selling Best Practices

Fri, 28 Sep 2012 11:29:45 -0700
When it comes to knowledge about buying and selling sweepers and other rolling stock, Mark Boyer is perhaps the top expert in America. The editor of both SweeperMarket and PaverMarket magazines, Boyer has been the conduit for many millions of dollars of equipment sales.

The intent of this article used to provide you with information that will assist you in both buying and selling a used sweeper or other vehicles. The coverage includes an approximately 17-minute audio podcast interview with Mark Boyer, which is separated into two parts. The first covers best practices when you sell your sweeper; the second discusses best practices to utilize when you buy a used sweeper.

Victory Sweepers' New Liberator Model Targets Shrinking Contractor Margins Situation

Fri, 21 Sep 2012 11:28:44 -0700
Victory Sweepers' has introduced a new pickup-mounted model called the "Liberator." The low cost machine is designed to primarily be an inexpensive 'paper chaser' sweeper to allow profitable sweeping on low margin parking lot sweeping accounts.
The Liberator, which can be mounted on any standard-sized, 1/2 or 3/4 ton pickup chassis, may be removed from the chassis in about an hour's time. The machine has a 1.7 cubic yard, high dumping hopper. Perhaps the most unique aspect of the center pickup machine is that all debris goes through the fan.

"The Liberator has center suction," said Mark Schwarze, Victory's president, in the 24-minute audio podcast with him that accompanies the article. "Everything that is sucked up goes through the fan, is ground-up and then blown into the hopper. This creates pressure in the hopper; two 8" tubes transfer the air back down to the sweeping head, which regenerates the air and re-creates the suction for pickup. We have found that to be a surprisingly effective, relatively dust-free sweeping method.

Safety: Keeping it at the Top of the List

Mon, 17 Sep 2012 11:26:58 -0700
This past September 14th was not a good day for the power sweeping industry. In two separate incidents, which took place in Florida and Louisiana, three power sweeping employees lost their lives.
These incidents would seem to have little similarity, other than they and involved sweeper operators and both resulted in death. However, at least on the face of it, both appear to have been potentially preventable if more attention had been paid to safety.

Elgin Sweepers Introduces Product Line With 'Eco-Infused'TM Technology

Mon, 10 Sep 2012 11:25:37 -0700
An array of new and ongoing product features announced by Federal Signal Group, dubbed "Eco-Infused"TM technology," will be designed to increase fuel efficiency, reduce CO2 emissions and reduce noise. The new term describes an initiative by the company to develop and deploy environmentally-sustainable products that will have the potential to increase energy efficiency and enhance air and water quality in communities around the world.

Custom Maintenance Services' Michael Nawa Helped Define America's Contract Sweeping Industry

Fri, 28 Sep 2012 11:23:03 -0700
Michael Nawa has been involved in the parking lot sweeping industry almost since its inception. In 1976, Nawa founded Industrial Grounds Maintenance (IGM) with his father, Andrew. He ran that operation until 2002, when he quit over differences of opinion with his dad on the directions the firm should take.

"When I started Industrial Grounds Maintenance back in 1976," said Nawa, "there was no power sweeping industry as we'd think of it today. Although debris was seen as a problem that stores didn't know what to do with, there wasn't an industry that had grown around doing that portion only.

TYMCO Introduces Conventional Truck Package for the Model 435

Fri, 28 Sep 2012 11:24:18 -0700
TYMCO® has introduced a conventional truck package for the TYMCO Model 435® based on the International® DuraStar®. The chassis provides all of the advantages of a conventional truck while maintaining features existing TYMCO owners with cabover trucks expect. The package delivers operator-friendly ergonomics and easy truck engine serviceability, as well as excellent maneuverability and visibility.

Dealing With Hot Weather on the Job

Thu, 19 Jul 2012 14:52:52 -0700
More than minor discomfort is at stake in times like these when temperatures are at or near all-time highs. Extra care, planning and – heat safety training – for your employees becomes an absolute must.

Navistar Switching to SCR Technology to Meet Emissions

Wed, 18 Jul 2012 14:51:43 -0700
Competitors have said since the start that Navistar could not meet the 2010 standards using EGR only, the emissions' reduction technique that Navistar alone had chosen. Daniel C. Ustian, Navistar's chairman, president and CEO, has announced that the company would be adding "urea-based aftertreatment" to its Advanced Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) technology to allow its engines to meet emissions standards of 0.20 grams of NOx. The new solution, to be available in early 2013, the company said, will be called ICT+ (in-cylinder technology plus).

NLRB Drastically Revises Employer/Employee Social Media Policy Regulations

Mon, 16 Jul 2012 14:50:42 -0700
Although perhaps not the problem it is in some other industries, having guidelines in place for employee usage of office computers has become standard fare for Employee Manuals. In many cases, employers have also sought to keep employees from disparaging the company on their own time when on social media sites like Facebook. as well.

Affiliated Grounds Maintenance: President Wins Legacy Award; Business Manager Husband Writes 'Rags to Riches' Book

Fri, 13 Jul 2012 14:48:34 -0700
Crystal Arlington was the first female in North America to hold both a certification in landscape and snow and ice management. Recently, she was selected among several nominations and reviewed by an independent panel of community judges from Gannon University's Leadership program including employees of Gannon University, the Gannon University Small Business Development Center and members of the W.I.L.D. Steering Committee.

Schwarze Industries Introduces New Design Engineering Manager

Thu, 12 Jul 2012 14:47:49 -0700
Schwarze Industries, Inc. recently announced the arrival of Lance Wolf as Design Engineering Manager.

The Katz Group's Transition From Property Management to Sweeping Continues Tradition of Professionalism

Sun, 01 Jul 2012 14:49:49 -0700
Rich Katz grew up in the construction and property management business. So, it wasn't much of a stretch for him to found – along with his brother, Daniel, and cousin, Brett – a firm to manage properties. However, when the crash of 2007 occurred, the trio found themselves scrambling for ways to continue their company's historical profitability.
"We decided one thing we could do was to provide sweeping on our own properties," said Rich. "So, we bought a sweeper truck, hired an operator and put him out sweeping on our six properties. That worked out well, so we put up a website and have continued to expand from there."

BidSync Provides Bidding Opportunities

Tue, 26 Jun 2012 18:45:50 -0700
Sweeping contractors, like any type of company, need to consistently find new sources of revenue so their businesses won't stagnate and decline. Finding new leads and new customers – especially in the current economy – can be a challenge. For those who may perform services for any level of government, from city/state/federal to colleges and universities, a service like BidSync can provide bidding opportunities not seen elsewhere.

New Advance SC350 Micro Scrubber Provides Efficient, Versatile Cleaning Performance with a Compact Design

Fri, 22 Jun 2012 13:07:23 -0700
The SC350 is an ideal solution for small area applications ranging from convenience stores to food service and restaurants. With its fully-adjustable rotating deck, the SC350 is the industry's first compact unit capable of delivering effective cleaning results in both forward and backward directions.

Engine Upkeep: Tips to Keep Power Sweeper Engines Operating Efficiently

Thu, 21 Jun 2012 13:21:32 -0700
Brad Murphy, COO and Executive Vice-President, Subaru Industrial Power Products, wrote this article for the WorldSweeper reading audience. It provides a number of basic engine maintenance tips and a few troubleshooting tricks that will help in creating a sufficient preventative maintenance program.

How to Correct an Employee Attendance Problem

Thu, 21 Jun 2012 13:20:29 -0700
Courtesy of Xpert HR, an organization that works with attorneys to provide information on a wide variety of topics dear to any manager's heart, we offer a PDF white paper on the topic of improving and documenting employee attendance.

Court Rules Navistar Out of Compliance With Engines

Sun, 17 Jun 2012 13:18:02 -0700
In 2001, the EPA enacted a rule requiring a 95 percent reduction in emissions of nitrogen oxide from heavy-duty diesel engines, delaying its effective date until 2010 to allow the industry to create the necessary technologies, according to the three-judge panel's decision written by Judge Janice Rogers Brown. Mack Trucks and Volvo Group North America brought the lawsuit that resulted in the decision.

Link goes to article at TruckingInfo.com

Court Case Illustrates Confidentiality and Non-Compete Issues; Offers Guidelines for Contractors

Fri, 15 Jun 2012 13:16:41 -0700
Many savvy sweeping companies choose to have employees sign a non-compete, non-solicitation and/or a confidentiality agreement upon employment. These are designed to preclude the employee from going to work for a competitor and/or disclosing any confidential information once they leave the company's employ.

Fleet Owner Webinar Entitled "How to Drive What Matters in Your Fleet Maintenance Decisions"

Tue, 12 Jun 2012 13:15:31 -0700
Good vehicle maintenance has never been more critical to fleets or more complex and expensive. As a result, many companies are once again weighing the benefits of outsourcing maintenance.

Attend this free, webcast presented by Fleet Owner and sponsored by Ryder at 2pm Eastern on June 28th to learn from maintenance experts and fleet executives about the key factors impacting fleet maintenance operations today.

EPA Webinar: Stormwater, Coal-Tar Sealcoat, and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons

Wed, 06 Jun 2012 11:06:20 -0700
The EPA's Office of Wastewater Management is kicking off a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Webinar Series to highlight efforts to reduce pollutants in stormwater through controlling these pollutants at their sources.

Elgin Sweeper To Represent Challenger Brand in North America Through Sales and Support of Mechanical Sweeper

Mon, 04 Jun 2012 11:05:43 -0700
Elgin Sweeper has announced it has entered into a marketing agreement with Challenger Manufacturing Ltd. to market and distribute a mechanical broom sweeper under the Elgin Sweeper brand name in North America. The Challenger-built dual-engine sweeper will be called the Elgin Broom Badger(tm).

Superior Property Maintenance Service, Inc.

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 13:19:23 -0700
Ethics; Perseverance; Honesty: These are all traits that describe Leon Nelson, owner of Superior Property Maintenance, Inc. A native Jamaican, Nelson's first job when he came to Florida in 1997 was as a sweeper operator.

After working for two different sweeping companies over the course of the next six years, Nelson then went into the sweeping business with a co-worker partner. However, as you will read, it wasn't an easy road after that, either.

Technology: Keep Up or Risk Losing Out

Thu, 24 May 2012 12:10:23 -0700
WorldSweeper's Editor writes about his experience with technology and the importance of keeping up with the technology available to run a business.

Contractor Captures Colorful Contract With 'Color Me Rad' Company

Thu, 24 May 2012 12:08:41 -0700
There is one thing that can be said for certain when it comes to being a sweeping contractor: When the phone rings, you never know what the person on the other end of the line might want you to clean up. The project that Virginia-based, Commercial Power Sweeping, Inc., took on last month was their most colorful ever.

APWA Names 2012 National Top Ten Public Works Leaders

Mon, 21 May 2012 12:11:40 -0700
The American Public Works Association (APWA) has announced the 2012 Top Ten Public Works Leaders of the Year. Marking the 52nd anniversary of the award, the honor is among the most coveted and prestigious presented by APWA.

Each Top Ten Public Works Leader is recognized at local, community-oriented events, as well as during the Awards Ceremony as part of the APWA 2012 International Public Works Congress – Exposition in Anaheim, California during August 26-29.

Schwarze Industries Announces Executive Appointments to Management Team

Fri, 18 May 2012 12:07:45 -0700
The Schwarze Industries organization has announced a number of noteworthy changes in its management team, most notably at the positions of President, VP of Sales and Marketing, and at Plant Manager.

The Chess Match that is the Business of Contracting

Fri, 18 May 2012 12:06:59 -0700
Reflecting on chess games made the author, Ron Roberts of The Contractor's Business Coach, realize how close chess resembles the contracting business. Although the analogies in this article best relate to construction sweeping, they provide valuable insight into a number of types of business activities.

Texting and Driving Smartphone App is Safety Breakthrough

Tue, 15 May 2012 12:06:08 -0700
App4Drivers is a revolutionary $4.99 App available for Android and iPhones. It helps improve driving behavior by tracking texting, excessive turns, excessive speeds, quick accelerations or sudden braking.

App4Drivers can document answered texts or phone calls during a drive. The program will even alarm and notify the user – or a car owner or fleet manager – some distance away, as long as the App is active.

Social Media Horror Stories

Wed, 23 May 2012 12:03:45 -0700
There is no question that social media is here to stay and that employers must learn to make the most of it. Does your company have a social media policy that is in compliance with state and federal laws, rules and regulations, including being compliant with the National Labor Relations Act?

Puerto Rico's Sweep and Vac Combines Contracting With Equipment Sales

Tue, 01 May 2012 12:04:41 -0700
In the 1970s, Carlos Nevares made decisions for the sanitation department of San Juan, Puerto Rico. In that position, he became familiar with a wide variety of equipment, including a number of types of sweepers.
His long term goal became to get into the sweeping business, but he wasn't motivated to do so until he saw a magazine ad for an entirely new type of sweeper.

In late 1989, Nevares bought his first Schwarze sweeper and started a contracting business based on the unit's capabilities in early 1990. He also started selling the Schwarze machines. "Today," says Nevares, "I believe I'm the Schwarze company's oldest dealership."

Pavement LIVE Conference & Trade Show to Take 'Hiatus'

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 08:56:06 -0700
Cygnus Business Media has announced that its Pavement Live conference and trade show will go on hiatus. Started in 2000 in Phoenix as National Pavement Expo West (NPE West), the annual event served the western U.S. paving & pavement maintenance market and helped thousands of contractors grow their business while helping equipment manufacturers and material producers reach the West Coast market.

New Smart Device Street Sweeper Game App for Kids

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 08:55:04 -0700
The new Street Sweeper app gets good reviews as a fun and cute interactive app for kids. No wonder, since the company making it is called 'Good Glue,' an apt name for anyone trying to keep a sweeper running in the real world, as well...

Affiliated Grounds Maintenance Group Wins 2012 National Business Award

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 08:54:18 -0700
Once again, DiversityBusiness.com has recognized Affiliated Ground Maintenance Group, Inc. ('AGMG') as a Top 100 woman-owned business in the State of Pennsylvania.

Small Business Tips for Maximizing LinkedIn

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 08:53:27 -0700
There are plenty of success stories of how social media is revolutionizing lead generation and sales. However, since most sweeping companies struggle to keep up with the latest ways to advertise and use social media -- let alone have the luxury of a dedicated social media team -- this article caught our eye because it discusses how can you make the most out of limited resources.

D.C. Adds Two Alternative-Fuel Pelican Sweepers to Public Works Fleet

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 08:52:23 -0700
The District of Columbia has added two new compressed natural gas- (CNG) fueled Pelican broom sweepers -- as well as two CNG-fueled refuse trucks and six ethanol-fueled heavy-duty trucks -- to the city's public works fleet. The new alternative-fueled vehicles will be used for street sweeping, trash collection, snow removal and other services.

Preventing Operator Slip-and-Fall Accidents When Dumping a Sweeper Hopper

Mon, 07 May 2012 08:49:09 -0700
The fleet supervisor for Oregon-based Cantel Sweeping discovered a disproportionate number of on-the-job accidents were as a result of operators opening exterior hopper doors prior to dumping.
Then, the question became "How can we do our job differently to avoid the risky activity?" The answer was a $400 electric actuator activated from inside the sweeper cab. Cantel has now installed in-cab operated actuators to address the problem.

Hydrogen-powered CityCat Sweeper in Testing in Switzerland

Sun, 01 Apr 2012 08:50:50 -0700
For the past couple of years, a street cleaning vehicle has been washing, brushing and vacuuming the streets of Basel in northwest Switzerland. While there's nothing unusual about that, what is noteworthy is that the vehicle, known as the CityCat H2, is powered completely by hydrogen.

Canada's Arrowhead Parking Services Sweeps the High Road, Gives Scofflaws the Boot and Much More

Sun, 01 Apr 2012 12:26:06 -0700
Paul Lemmon, the president of Arrowhead Parking Services, entered the sweeping industry via an unlikely background. Drawing on his background in law enforcement – which included stints with both Canadian Customs and with Immigration – he started as a consultant helping customers make sure their business signage conformed to legal guidelines.

However, after a few years of listening to customers' needs, he decided to expand his firm into more hands-on areas of actually installing any needed signage. Then, it wasn't much of a leap to start assisting in another pervasive area of need, construction and parking lot sweeping.

Tennant Drops Unverifiable ec-H2O Claims

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 12:23:01 -0700
Nilfisk-Advance today announced that ongoing efforts to expose Tennant's misleading advertising claims regarding the performance of its ec-H20 technology have resulted in Tennant's abandonment of those claims.

WorldSweeper's Editor writes an editorial about how NOT to provide excellent customer service.

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 16:49:04 -0700
Here's what not to do; you will easily be able to see how to do better... Reported in our March e-Newsletter.

Service Channel: The Survey Results

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 16:50:08 -0700
In February's e-Newsletter we invited readers who use ServiceChannel, which now hosts WalMart's required contractor reporting system. The survey results provide a snapshot of the satisfaction level of current sweeping contractors.

Reported in our March e-Newsletter.

NAPSA Webinar Entitled "On Road Truck & Bus Regulations – Don't get kicked to the curb!!

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 16:48:32 -0700
NAPSA Webinar will take place on April 25th. Reported in our March e-Newsletter.

Stewart-Amos Sweeper Company Unveils New Website

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 16:58:48 -0700
"We are proud to announce a newly designed and informative website," said Frank Chulick, Stewart-Amos Sweeper Company president. "There are many new product photos, as well as complete literature on all of our sweeper models. In addition, those not familiar with the Stewart-Amos organization can learn about our company's strong roots in the heavy equipment industry."

Nite-Hawk Unveils New CNG-Powered Raptor at 2012 NPE

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 16:45:44 -0700
The biggest news in parking area sweepers at the 2012 NPE was captured by Nite-Hawk Sweepers, which unveiled a new 'concept sweeper' powered by either gasoline or compressed natural gas (CNG).

John "Johnny D" Dubbioso Wins WorldSweeper's Annual Award of Excellence in Power Sweeping

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 16:58:52 -0800
At the recent National Pavement Expo, John "Johnny D" Dubbioso was honored with WorldSweeper's Award of Excellence in Power Sweeping for 2012.

Johnston Sweepers, Ltd. Establishes a Foothold in the USA

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 16:52:33 -0800
Worldwide, Johnston Sweepers, Ltd. is the largest manufacturer of road sweepers. With the 2011 bankruptcy and liquidation of Allianz Sweeper Co., which sold Johnston air sweepers as a licensee, there was a vacuum in the US marketplace. The Allianz broom sweeper and Madvac compact sweeper lines were sold off. However, in early 2011 the company established a subsidiary, Johnston North America, which is in a facility located in Mooresville, North Carolina.

In addition to a historical overview on the company, we offer a recent audio interview with Bill Ackendorf, the acting general manager of the US affiliate, Johnston North America.

Getting Referrals: Are You Leveraging Your 'Unpaid Sales Force?'

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 16:50:29 -0800
You've honed your technical expertise, you've established your business and got your team in place, but why was it no one told you you'd also have to develop marketing and sales skills?

Referrals are often the most powerful way to expand your business requiring little marketing spend and providing you with immediate credibility through the reputation of the person referring you.

Madvac LR50 Cleans Up Amidst Pedestrians at Superbowl 2012

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 16:49:27 -0800
It's a big job getting a city ready for an event like the Superbowl. There's no question that Indianapolis was very presentable for this year's event. One of the lesser known stories about the sweeping before and after this year's event was the debris collected by a compact-class sweeper, the Madvac LR50.

Some 'Road Sweepers' Employ a Broom and a Barrow

Sat, 03 Mar 2012 16:47:55 -0800
We received an email from a gentleman named Steve who works for a street cleansing department in an inner borough of London, England. He included a link to a web page he'd put together about those individuals who are called 'Road Sweepers.' These are employees who still clean some of the areas in England with a broom and a wheelbarrow.

If the operator on your oldest, most beat-up sweeper won't stop complaining about how tough his or her job is, this is just the article to reference...

Specialists Providing the Best Sweeping – In a Rainbow of Colors

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:48:39 -0800
Although Tim Skinner has operated his sweeping company for over two decades, his first ride in the sweeper occurred almost twenty years previously. After dropping out of college and spending time at home, his stepmother gave him three choices: go back to school, get a job or join the Army during the Vietnam conflict.

How he got to where he is today – at the head of a successful sweeping company – involves a series of even better stories. These include the day Roger Parsons, then president of Elgin Sweeper Company, called to offer him a toy sweeper; how he managed to offload a hopper of horse poop at an Amish bake sale; and, why his sweeper fleet is known far and wide for its myriad of rainbow colors.

January E-Newsletter Sent Out

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:42:36 -0800
On January 24th we posted and emailed our January e-Newsletter. Take a look.

The Importance and Value of Developing 'Systems'

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:41:31 -0800
At the Sweeping Contractors' Roundtable held at San Diego's Pavement Live Expo this past December, a significant portion of the conversation was given to the importance of incorporating 'systems' into a power sweeping company's operation. Although the discussion centered around sweeping contracting companies, many of the same principles certainly apply to public works' organizations.

The article offers some of the major points that were brought out in the discussion.

Feature Rich Website for the Street Sweeping Industry Offers Resources for Brooms and Brushes

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 14:22:42 -0800
Keystone Plastics, a leading manufacturer of street sweeping brooms and brushes, has launched a new redesigned website. Here's their press release.

The Role Street Sweeping Must Play in Achieving Numeric Pollutant Limits

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 13:35:25 -0800
In the November/December 2011 issue of Stormwater magazine noted sweeper researcher, Roger Sutherland, offered a guest editorial on the relationship between sweeping and stormwater runoff pollutant removal. Link is to the online version of the Stormwater magazine article.

Austin-Western: Once the 'Gold Standard' of Sweeping and Road Equipment

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 13:34:23 -0800
What became of Austin-Western, eventual makers of the legendary street sweepers by the same name?

Our story is a historical overview of the Austin-Western company, along with information on how the design of the unique sweeper came about. You will also appreciate some of the other products designed by Alex Tremulus, the man responsible for the Austin-Western sweepers' sleek look.

The Value of Cross-Channel Marketing

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 13:33:04 -0800
If you're not communicating with your customers via social channels as well as through email, you're not reaching your audience where it lives, works and plays.

a 12-page PDF by solutions provider, Lyris. It provides a host of information in an easily understood writing style. For some, it's a great introduction to the concept of social media marketing. For others, it can be a blueprint for action.

BMPs for Cleaning Pervious Concrete

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 13:31:43 -0800
Alan Sparkman is Executive Director of the Tennessee Concrete Association. In the following article, he provides an overview of what his Association has learned about BMPs for keeping pervious concrete roadways and other expanses cleaned and, as a result, functionally operational.

NAPSA President, Kevin Kroeger, Resignation Irregularities, Part 2

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 13:30:56 -0800
WorldSweeper wraps up its investigation into the lack of answers provided to NAPSA's rank-and-file members when the Association's President, Kevin Kroeger, recently resigned. This second article reports on the investigation that builds upon what was published in our November issue of this newsletter.

Brad Humphrey, Cygnus, Start "The Contractors Best Friend" Weekly Newsletter

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 11:59:34 -0800
Brad Humphrey sat down with WorldSweeper.com's Editor, Ranger Kidwell-Ross, during Pavement LIVE Expo to discuss his new contractor newsletter concept. Humphrey is partnering with Cygnus on the endeavor to bring a weekly subscription e-newsletter to the pavement industry.

Sweeper Regulatory Update: How to Comply with California's Recently Amended On-Road Regs

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 12:00:33 -0800
Beth White, the California Air Resources Board's Manager for Truck and Bus Regulation, provided an informative seminar at Pavement LIVE. Her topic was an update on the regulations faced by the power sweeping industry in California.

November Newsletter Sent to Subscribers

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 11:41:19 -0800
Check out WorldSweeper.com's November e-Newsletter

Former NAPSA President Kevin Kroeger's Letter of Resignation Received

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 11:57:21 -0800
Check out Kroeger's Letter of Resignation for the first time revealed at this link.

NAPSA President, Kevin Kroeger, Resigns in Mid-Term

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 11:40:13 -0800
At the end of last year, eight members of the NAPSA Board were invited to become founding members of 1800SWEEPER.com. Six of them did so. This was not disclosed to Kevin Kroeger until the for-profit 1800SWEEPER website was launched just last month. The implications concerned Kroeger so much that he resigned his post as NAPSA's President.

The analysis of whether his decision had merit or not is ultimately up to the NAPSA membership to decide. However, what is perhaps of the most concern is that no disclosure on the situation was made by the NAPSA Board to its members until after WorldSweeper launched this investigation.

Dale McCaskill of Southco Sweeping Tragically Killed in Auto Accident 11.19.2011

Sun, 20 Nov 2011 11:38:58 -0800
On November 19th long-time sweeping contractor, Dale McCaskill, Sr. tragically lost his life in an automobile accident. Dale was a past president and founding member of the North American Power Sweeping Association (NAPSA). In addition, McCaskill was the recipient of WorldSweeper.com's Award of Excellence in Power Sweeping for 2009.

Are U.S. Stormwater Managers Aware of the Effectiveness and Cost Benefits of Street Sweeping?

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 11:38:15 -0800
The instigation for this article was a letter received from Brian Giles, Elgin Sweeper Company's Sweeping Products Manager. Giles wrote to encourage the position WorldSweeper has taken in encouraging sweeper manufacturers to conduct independent testing designed to show the pickup capability of their respective sweeper models. With today's increasing regulatory emphasis on removal of Total Suspended Solids (TSS) from stormwater runoff, the stormwater management industry needs to know what today's street sweeper models can and cannot accomplish.

An Introduction to QR Codes: What They are and How They can Improve Your Marketing Effort

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 11:37:26 -0800
QR Codes allow smart phone and tablet computer users to more easily access information. Embedding them in your promotional materials is just another way to make it easier for prospects to visit your website or download your contact information. Scanning codes from companies you want to know more about allows you to quickly get their information onto your own smart phone.

Provide Holiday and Weather-Related Safety Alerts for Your Operators

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 11:36:42 -0800
Dave Ross, president of Millennium Maintenance And Power Sweeping, generates safety notices which are prominently placed onto operators' route clipboards for holidays, in times of inclement weather and at any other time when the drivers' risk level increases. Ross says the feedback from their operators has been very positive and company management is unanimous in believing the program enhances driver safety.

Affiliated Grounds Maintenance Group, Inc. Awarded "Gold Performance Level Overall" Safety Award

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 11:35:27 -0800
The international Professional Landcare Network Association (known as PLANET) recently recognized Affiliated Grounds Maintenance Group, Inc., (AGMG), a national exterior maintenance service company, for their consistent demonstration and commitment to safety from January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010.

Cantel Sweeping Strives to be "The Most Professional Parking Lot Sweeping Company in the Industry"

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 11:34:42 -0700
After 15 years of working up the corporate ladders at US Bancorp and PacifiCorp Financial Services, the latter company scrapped the division Michael Wagoner was in. Along with 300 other people, he found himself out of work. Instead of just trying to land another job in his field of accounting and finance, Wagoner sought to find a business to run, one where he could "escape" from his suit-and-tie life of working for others.

October Newsletter Sent to Subscribers

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 11:35:17 -0700
Check out WorldSweeper.com's October e-Newsletter

1-800-SWEEPER: Nationwide Contract Sweeping Service Organization Launched to Compete with 'Outside Service Resellers'

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 11:34:29 -0700
Offering parking lot sweeping, street sweeping and a variety of construction-related sweeping services under a common brand, the 1-800-SWEEPER organizers claim it will benefit nationwide and regional facility management customers in a variety of ways. Primary among these will be the ability to contract self-performing local service providers through a single point of purchase.

Organization founder and current president, Mike Lucht of Progressive Sweeping, said that customers at all levels will be able to benefit from the strength, experience and leverage gained through the new group. Members will pay a fee per month per each area code they operate within. To qualify, sweeping companies are required to have at least five years in business, among other qualifications.

Employment Practices Liability Insurance: What is It and Do You Need It?

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 11:32:56 -0700
As a business owner, you can take all the prudent and well intended precautions to protect yourself and your partners against lawsuits, but you may still frequently wonder: "Do we have insurance for that?" This article on Employment Practices Liability insurance coverage discusses an area where some sweeping contractors may be at risk and not know it.

Can You Safely Fire an Employee for Job Complaints Posted on Facebook and Similar?

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 11:32:03 -0700
There's no sense in having a website if people can't find it when they do a search. In a collaboration with SubmitSite, WorldSweeper.com now offers a FREE way to submit your website to a wide variety of search engines.

Use the link shown below to easily submit your website to a variety of search engines, including Yahoo!, Bing, Google, AOL, Excite and more.

15 Tips for Small Business PPC Advertising

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 11:31:08 -0700
Almost every small business owner has to wear many hats: leader, accountant, admin, and caffeine fetcher. Whether you are doing it yourself or learning more to make better decisions with your agency. This article offers a variety of strategies to help.

These tips are focused solely for a small business like a sweeping contractor who needs to maintain a high Return on Investment (ROI) for their advertising campaigns – which typically feature a limited budget.

Sweep All, Inc. Offers Two Decades of Quality Experience

Sat, 01 Oct 2011 11:30:13 -0700
Doyle Caffee bought his first sweeper for $13,000 in 1991. His idea was to start a sweeping company, run it for five years and then sell it and start again with something else. Twenty years later, he has no regrets about having stayed in the industry for the long run.

WorldSweeper Editor's Editorial: Labor Dept. Working with IRS & States to Crack Down on Employee Wage Violations

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 15:48:38 -0700
A number of contractors around the U.S. have structured their operations such that their sweeper operators are classified as 'independent contractors.' That's why I thought the information about how the U.S. Labor Department is targeting these types of operations warranted this month's editorial space.

Any contractors doing so will want to make sure they have their ducks in a row: The Labor Department is signing agreements to share information with nine states and the Internal Revenue Service as it gets more aggressive in its program to crack down on businesses that cheat workers out of their wages.

FREE Webinar: Customer Retention in Tough Times Through Customer Service

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 15:47:15 -0700
This webinar will be held on Wednesday, September 28th from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM Eastern Time.

Drew A. Meyer is the recipient of the President's Citation "for outstanding leadership and service to the society in developing and organizing the Construction Materials and Aggregates Committee. In 2010 he received the AIME Hal Williams Hardinge Award for his contributions to the Industrial Minerals industry.

Tennant Sued in Europe by Kaercher Over 'Active Water' Ads

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 15:44:41 -0700
Tennant Co. (TNC), a Minneapolis-based cleaning solutions manufacturer, is being sued in three countries by German competitor Alfred Kaercher GmbH over advertising claims for floor scrubbers.

Complaints were filed in Belgium, Germany and the U.K., over claims in Tennant’s advertising that its machines convert tap water into "active water," giving it the same power as a cleaning agent, Kaercher said in a statement.

NLRB Issues Final Rule Regarding Employee Rights Notification

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 15:43:45 -0700
The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has issued a Final Rule requiring most private-sector employers to notify employees of their rights under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA).

The rule mandates, among other things, that employers post an 11 x 17 inch notice in conspicuous places where they are readily seen by employees. The rule will take effect on November 14, 2011. The story includes a link to a poster you can print out, as well as more complete information provided by attorneys and a link to frequently asked questions.

Kuwaiti Power Sweeping Bid Extensions Creating Costly Snafu

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 15:42:49 -0700
There is nothing easy or ordinary about sweeping in Kuwait, a country where strong winds in June and July can blanket everything in quite deep sand drifts. This article details an entirely other issue, however: the perils of being a power sweeping contractor in Kuwait.

Eagle Eye Software: Much More Than a GPS System

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 15:41:33 -0700
Mike Lucht has been a sweeping contractor for a long time; 33 years, to be exact. During that time he has invested untold hours in finding ways to become a better, more profitable sweeping contractor. He has also been passionate about developing client and employee time tracking to a science while, at the same time, has assisted other contractors in better understanding their sweeping businesses.

That's why, when Lucht brings to market an internal GPS system he has perfected for his own company – one that provides tracking, routing and more – you know it must be worth taking a closer look.

Eagle Eye is not just for contractors, either. The Eagle Eye package was recently chosen over six other providers by a city in Texas that operates five municipal sweepers. They chose Eagle Eye because they were so impressed by the simplicity and ease of obtaining such a diverse stream of data. They were astonished, says Lucht, at how easy the Eagle Eye system makes it to get the kind of relevant reports they wanted and needed.

Jacketta Sweeping Service "Does Sweeping Right"

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 15:46:03 -0700
Debbie Jaketta grew up in the power sweeping business founded in 1968 by her parents, Neil and Bonnie. Although at first she determined not to work in the company when she became an adult, eventually she started working there part time doing the books and, as is said, the rest is history.

"When I was growing up," recalls Jacketta, "it was easy to provide my friends with directions on how to get to our house. I would just tell them to drive down our street until they saw sweepers sitting outside a house."

There is plenty to learn from someone who grew up in the sweeping industry.

Autocar Announces Partnership with Elgin Sweeper Company

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 16:59:16 -0700
Elgin now has a partnership Autocar to develop industry's first Class 7 cabover chassis specifically designed for the street sweeper application.

Global Environmental Products Awarded Sale of Allianz 3000 and 4000 Mechanical Sweeper Line

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 09:38:52 -0700
Global Environmental Products announced today that it has purchased the inventory and the rights to the Mechanical 3000 and 4000 Allianz Sweeper Product Lines.

Richard Arlington Awarded Snow Industry Commitment Award

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 09:37:52 -0700
Businessperson and national speaker, Richard Arlington, Certified Landscape Professional 'CLP' and Certified Snow Professional 'CSP,' and PLANET Trailblazer was recently honored with the Snow Industry Commitment Award by the international Snow and Ice Management Association known as 'SIMA' during their 14th Annual Symposium in Schaumburg, IL.

Sweeper Pickup Efficiency Testing Conducted for Glendale and Burbank California Officials

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 09:36:45 -0700
The push for an industry-wide street sweeper testing protocol received a boost via a recent round of testing financed by the cities of Glendale and Burbank, California.

The regulatory driver for this testing is a Total Daily Maximum Load (TMDL) for the Los Angeles River that requires the Cities to reduce metals' concentrations in storm water. In addition to those two jurisdictions, many others in California will be examining the test results in order to determine if sweeping enhancements also make sense for them.

An odd twist is that the testing is being performed on existing sweepers in the respective cities' fleets, not on new machines. Although ideally testing will also take place on new sweepers from all the manufacturers, as well, at the moment no other manufacturers have committed to test their machines.

When Bidding on Aggregator Work, Read Contract and Carefully Consider Bid Pricing

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 09:35:13 -0700
In the past month the WorldSweeper office has fielded calls and emails from contractors on two distinct, yet related, topics. Perhaps not coincidentally, both regard the company that used to be known as "US Maintenance" and which now goes by simply the letters "USM."

One topic is the difficulty in getting paid by USM for work previously done under USM's WalMart contract. This we addressed in our lead newsletter story. The other input we have received that concerns USM is that company's latest round of contract solicitations to sweeping contractors, this time representing the drugstore chain, Rite Aid.

Misrepresentation in Writing Prohibits Receipt of Workers' Compensation Benefits

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 09:31:53 -0700
Although the issue came out of the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals, the following court case may have implications for contractors and other businesses throughout the U.S.

WalMart Now Requires Exterior Maintenance
Contractors to Use Service Channel

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 09:33:07 -0700
On August 4th, we received an email from a sweeping contractor located in the southern part of the U.S. about WalMart's new requirement to use Service Channel for reporting each sweep done for that company.

we provide a copy of the notice he received. In addition, WorldSweeper's Editor conducted an approximately 18-minute audio interview with a long-time sweeping contractor who has gone through the ServiceChannel videos.

Valley Power Sweep Provides Quality Services in British Columbia, Canada

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 09:30:51 -0700
Jeff Lindhout purchased Valley Power Sweep in 1998 during an economic downturn. Plus, his purchase only included a single sweeper and a 1-ton truck.

Since then, he has slowly built the company through doing a good job for customers and responding to their requests and a growing clientele. Today, he operates three Schwarze sweepers, an S-348 and two A4000 machines, as well as an assortment of smaller, trailer-mounted sweepers and scrubbers.

Global Environmental Products, Inc. Now Represents Johnston North America in New York City

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 16:19:45 -0700
Johnston North America and Global Environmental Products, Inc. announced today an exciting partnership to continue offering Johnston's reputable products to the Borroughs of New York City.

Freeing Up Your Time – A Staffing Solution

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 11:24:21 -0700
Do you know what every small business owner struggles with? Time.

Time to work on the business. Time to spend on tasks that make money. Time to meet with valued customers. Here's how to free up more of it.

Safety Relies on Reading, Reviewing and Utilizing Safe Practices Every Time

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 14:45:14 -0700
Ongoing safety relies on involvement by everyone in your organization, from the top manager to the newest employee. The impetus for this article is a fatal accident that occurred in New Hampshire on July 5, 2011.

It is dedicated to the memory of Patrick J. MacDonald, who was killed after getting trapped in an Elgin Pelican while performing maintenance on the machine. Mr. MacDonald apparently became somehow entangled in the Pelican's hopper while working on it.

Highway Large Debris Removal Machine Introduced by Gator Industries, Inc.

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 15:17:53 -0700
The Gator Getter product will pick up a wide variety of large items from a highway, and do so at what amounts to normal highway speed. Plus, because the items are being picked up by someone operating a vehicle, with no need to slow down significantly or get out of there vehicle, there are enormous positive safety implications.

In this article, Walt 'Gator' Hopkins, President of Gator Industries, Inc., discusses the machine he designed with the intent of providing a more safe method for removing large items of debris from highways.

Exprolink Acquires All Madvac and Certain Allianz Product Line Assets

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 15:51:31 -0700
Madvac Products has become Exprolink Inc., a Viconnex company and its partners. The company that it has acquired the rights to produce all of the former Madvac product line, as well as certain of the Allianz models. They are also selling OEM parts and providing support for all of those models.

has announced

Owner of Supervac of Pensacola Provides a Veteran Perspective

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 11:26:53 -0700
Larry Morton got into the sweeping business because he had a mobile home park that had lots of trees. The leaves were a perpetual problem and he needed a way to keep it looking nice.

When he saw an ad for a Schwarze sweeper, he got the idea that if he bought a sweeper – and then got another customer or two to help pay for it – he could justify the expense.

At the time, total cost for a sweeper was about $15,000. His initial goal was to get enough business to operate the machine three nights a week, since he had a full-time job. In time, Morton grew his fleet to a 16-sweeper operation.

2011 NPE West to Add Live Demonstrations with Move to San Diego

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 11:25:28 -0700
National Pavement Expo West, which has been held in Las Vegas for the last 10 years, will undergo a major overhaul for the 2011 show, according to Amy Schwandt, publisher of Pavement Maintenance & Reconstruction. In addition to a move to San Diego's Town & Country Resort, NPE West also will be extended one day and will include an opportunity for exhibitors to conduct live demonstrations of their equipment. The 2011 event will be held Wednesday, Nov. 30 – Saturday, Dec. 3.

Industry's First Hybrid Drive Combination Sweeper-Scrubbers Announced by Advance

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 11:20:59 -0700
Advance claims the energy-efficient Advance CS7000 doubles operating run time while virtually eliminating 98-percent of high-maintenance hydraulic systems.

Employee Exit Procedures and Guidelines

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 11:19:58 -0700
A wide array of value can be obtained during the exit interview process. This article, also written for WorldSweeper readers by our editor, catalogs why a solid, professional exit program is important both for your company and for your departing employees.

Why Employees Leave and How to Keep Them

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 11:17:06 -0700
Although money is a factor, getting a raise in pay is rarely the only reason for an employee to leave. The fact is, there are a variety of other reasons that often have a larger influence on a worker seeking new horizons. In order to keep the best of your workforce from heading to the door, you need to understand some of the causes of employee turnover that are not related to money.

Wells Sweeping Installs First-ever DPF System on Mobil Sweeper

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 11:15:57 -0700
The conversion pioneered by Wells Sweeping is a feasible solution to continued Mobil operation where C.A.R.B. rules must be followed.

Street Cleaning Simulator 2011

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 11:08:13 -0700
Street Cleaning Simulator, which is due out July 1st, 2011, is the first entrant into the PC realm of sweeper operation simulation. Current pricing for the program is about $40 U.S.

Millennium Maintenance and Power Sweeping: Proactive and Professional – 24/7/365

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 11:22:43 -0700
David Ross, owner of Millennium Maintenance & Power Sweeping, Inc. (MMPS) has become a sweeping and maintenance leader in the New England area. Beginning at the bottom and working his way to the top, he has established one of the New England area's largest power sweeping and exterior facility maintenance companies.

US Maintenance/WalMart and Allianz Sweeper Company Dominated March (and April) Madness This Year

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 17:00:18 -0700
Editor's viewpoint about USM/Walmart and Allianz Sweeper Company's dissolution.

Ravo Sweeping Company Offers 'Sweeping Mania' Game

Fri, 22 Apr 2011 16:59:08 -0700
Ravo Sweepers, which is owned by the Fayat Group, is a well known producer of sweepers in the European marketplace. The company came up with the promotional idea of developing a computer action game that is a combination of sweeper driving and the usual rock-em/sock-em action of a video arcade game.
In this computer video game, which is available for both Mac and PC platforms, your goal is to clear the city of trash and earn as many points as possible by doing so.

Nilfisk, Tennant, Square Off on Viability of Tennant's ec-H20TM Technology

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 16:57:57 -0700
The third set of independent tests measured the cleaning performance of ec-H2O relative to plain tap water using Hucker's soil, an industry-recognized soil containing no petroleum products and used to test the performance of surface cleaners. The Hucker's soil testing showed no performance difference between a Tennant scrubber using ec-H2O and the same scrubber using only plain tap water.

6 Steps to Analyze Street Sweeper Lifecycle Costs

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 16:57:08 -0700
A lifecycle cost analysis will help fleet managers present a solid case for sweeper purchases. The task includes gathering the right data, researching the equipment application, and consulting the experts.

This article is from the pages of Government Fleet. Although it was written in conjunction with Allianz Sweeper Company, an organization no longer in the marketplace, the vast majority of the information remains valid.

Ways to Build Your Email List: The Gold is in the List

Mon, 11 Apr 2011 16:56:04 -0700
Building lists of subscribers, prospects, and customers is one of the most important activities your business can undertake. Once built, permission-based email lists can create sales for your company for years to come.

Payroll Funding Can Solve Short Term Cash Flow Problems

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 16:55:17 -0700
In short, securing adequate capital may be the prime goal of a sweeping contractor in today's economy, an economy that is turning around but in which the supply of capital is at historic lows. However, being able to expand in this market when others cannot can provide a substantial payoff: By moving quickly to take business now a sweeper will have a strong competitive position when capital becomes available to his competitors.

Accusweep Services has Gained Long Term Success by Being a Team Operation

Sat, 02 Apr 2011 16:54:09 -0700
After asking some of his other customers if he could sweep their lots, and getting positive answers, McCaskill got a sweeper and got to work. Today, going on 25 years later, the Accusweep Services Team sweeps parking lots and much more.

USM Loses WalMart Contract; Apparently Nationwide

Fri, 01 Apr 2011 12:09:47 -0700
The title says it all. Check out the story.

Annual April 1st Press Release: Chinese Manufacturer Announces First Solar-Powered Street Sweeper

Fri, 01 Apr 2011 18:23:41 -0700
In a move that could solidify the company's place in the worldwide sweeping industry, the president of the Chung Wah Sweeper Company, Xiao Peng, today announced the world's first air sweeper to have its auxiliary engine offset by solar power.

Regenerative air sweeper can operate entirely on solar during July, August; significant energy savings are offered the rest of the year.

Allianz Sweeper Company in Bankruptcy-Type Situation

Tue, 29 Mar 2011 17:21:00 -0700
Our editor's inside information about how Allianz Sweeper Company has gone out of business. Johnston North America will be in North Carolina by April 29th.

Free Webinar: "Workarounds That Work: Getting Things Done With Whatever It Takes"
April 6th; 12pm to 1pm, Eastern

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 17:17:41 -0700
Are you ready to be the one who gets things done, no matter what?

Join Russell Bishop as he explains the art of the "workaround" ... a method for accomplishing a task or goal when the normal process isn't producing the desired results.

For 60 minutes you'll hear proven tips and practical ways to increase your own level of productivity while helping your group, team, department or business build a culture of high performance.

Managing the Global (Sweeping Employee) Workforce

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 17:16:22 -0700
Increasingly, U.S. sweeping companies are hiring workers from abroad. Sometimes, the company "sponsors" the employee for a work visa. Sometimes the employee already has legal authorization to work in the United States. Either situation raises legal and practical challenges.

By arrangement with the presenter, Keith A. Pabian, an immigration attorney with Hirsch Roberts Weinstein, LLP, we are able to offer free access to the webinar archive on this topic. The webinar was co-hosted by employee benefits consulting firm Longfellow Benefits and Pabian's affiliated labor law firm, Hirsch Roberts Weinstein, LLP.

Coal Tar-Based Pavement Sealcoat, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), and Environmental Health

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 17:14:49 -0700
This latest research makes the strongest case yet for moving away from coal tar-based sealer coat and, to substitute in its place, asphalt-based sealant products. Information includes a nine page PDF with scholarly references.

National Pavement Expo 2011 Coverage Started March 15th

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 23:25:37 -0700
Our coverage of National Pavement Expo 2011 has begun! We'll be unveiling new topics about every other day. Have you checked today to see what new information has been added?

Ratings Area Available for National Service Providers

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 19:11:40 -0800
In conjunction with the online rating and reviewing bureau, Consupo.com, WorldSweeper.com is proud to be the first pavement industry resource to offer a rating and input system contractors can use for providing information about their experience with the national service provider companies currently aggregating power sweeping services.

Centroplex Sweeping is Featured Contractor for March 2011

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 19:16:05 -0800
Alfred Lopez grew up around his father's sweeping and pavement maintenance company. He clearly recalls that the part that fascinated him as a boy was watching the sweepers. There was even the night when he was about 12 that he snuck out to watch the sweeper go around in the parking lot nearby.

Today, as owner of Centroplex Sweeping, he runs a high profile company in which he combines business savvy with an emphasis on safety training and community involvement. Our feature article on the company discusses the service-oriented and 'safety first' manner in which the company operates.

Ray Confer is Sweeping's Award of Excellence Winner for 2011

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 19:12:51 -0800
Confer's C&J Parking Lot Sweeping is chosen as WorldSweeper.com's Award of Excellence in Power Sweeping winner for 2011.

Finding the Wunderland Sweeper

Fri, 25 Mar 2011 19:07:53 -0700
The Wunderland is the largest model railway system in the world, and one of the largest tourist attractions in Germany. However, this is no typical model railway. Located in Hamburg, it spans over 1100 square meters of space and took over 500,000 hours to build.

Can you find it in the 4-minute video on the attraction's website homepage?

Understanding Google Places

Mon, 21 Feb 2011 19:06:30 -0800
Google is the center of online business activity. Ideally, your company should be listed on the first page of any search for your particular services. Right now there is an opportunity to grow your business with a FREE, first page Google Places listing. This article and training is designed to assist you in gaining that FREE first page advertising.

Selecting and Sourcing Carbide for Drag Skids

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 19:05:34 -0700
Want good wear from your drag shoes? Trying to weld 'carbide inserts' into current drag shoes that have lost their carbide? The fact is, all carbide is not created equal.

What Does Your 'First Impression Packaging' Reflect?

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 19:04:21 -0800
WorldSweeper's Editor challenges you to think about the impression you and your company are making on your customers and others.

TYMCO has Introduced the Single-engine Model 210h

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 11:57:04 -0800
TYMCO® has introduced the Model 210h,TM a single-engine Model 210® parking lot sweeper powered by the TYMCO hDriveTM Power System.

C&J Parking Lot Sweeping One of America's Finest

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 22:02:49 -0800
Ray Confer already owned a landscaping business in 1978 when he started into sweeping as the result of a request from a property manager who his landscaping company did work for. When he was at a Rotary meeting one day, the mall manager customer asked him if he knew anything about sweeping parking lots.

Ray confessed that he didn't know anything about sweeping – especially how to bid it. The mall manager responded that his current sweeping contractor had come into his office yelling and screaming at him. "If you go out and get a sweeper," the manager told him, "I have a contract waiting for you."

WorldSweeper Tele-Seminar Scheduled with Richard Arlington, An Expert on Service Aggregators and Contractor BMPs

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 22:01:13 -0800
On February 24th, WorldSweeper will host its first of a planned series of tele-seminars for 2011. Our first guest will be Richard Arlington. Mr. Arlington is the Business Manager for 3rd party service provider, Affiliated Grounds Maintenance Group, Inc., which was featured in WorldSweeper's December 2010 newsletter.

Negotiating and Minimizing Your Workers' Comp Coverage Costs

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 21:59:57 -0800
What would you do if your insurance agent sent you a letter explaining that your Workers' Compensation premiums would be rising by $10,000/year even though you hadn't had adverse claims? This particular contractor emailed their letter to WorldSweeper. As a result, you can read why this occurred, as well as be the beneficiary of our investigative report on the topic.

Prices of Polypropylene, Steel and Carbide on the Rise

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 21:59:18 -0800
The price of main brooms and curb brooms is being impacted on two fronts. First is the price of polypropylene, which has just been impacted by the largest single price increase in memory, a whopping $.17 per pound. The second is the price of steel, which has also increased significantly since just last November. Drag shoe prices will be going up, as well.

Real World Street Cleaner Pickup Performance Testing

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 21:57:57 -0800
Roger Sutherland, one of America's leading sweeper pickup performance researchers – whose company merged with international powerhouse, AMEC Earth & Environmental, Inc. on January 1st – has provided our readers with an exhaustive article on the topic of street cleaner performance.

WorldSweeper.com's Editor Provides Industry Insights and Predictions

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 21:56:52 -0800
Read predictions by Ranger Kidwell-Ross

Stewart-Amos Sweeper Company Welcomes New VP of Sales & Marketing

Mon, 24 Jan 2011 21:54:51 -0800
John Paraschak has been named Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Stewart-Amos Sweeper Company. John brings 30 years of sales, marketing and management experience obtained in the industrial and municipal sweeper markets. He started his career as a factory-direct sales representative for Tennant Company in southeastern Pennsylvania.

Schwarze Industries Unveiling New S-series Line at NPE 2011 on February 3rd

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 21:53:23 -0800
Schwarze Industries announced it will show its updated S-series line at NPE 2011.

Schwarze Industries Appoints Chris Crews New S-Series National Sales Manager

Mon, 17 Jan 2011 15:11:11 -0800
Schwarze Industries announced today the promotion of Chris Crews to National Sales Manager for the company's S-Series sales team.

NAPSA Announces Move to New Association Management Company

Fri, 07 Jan 2011 15:11:57 -0800
NAPSA's Board of Directors has decided to move from its previous management company, Association Headquarters, and as of January 1st transferred management to Dayton, Ohio-based Advanced Management Concepts, Inc.

Pacific Water Resources Merges With AMEC

Wed, 12 Jan 2011 15:39:14 -0800
Pacific Water Resources, Inc. (PWR) of Beaverton, Oregon, which was established in December of 1998, has merged with international powerhouse, AMEC Earth and Environmental, Inc. as of January 1, 2011.

PWR is nationally-recognized in the power sweeping industry due to the efforts of former PWR President, Roger Sutherland, who is one of the leading experts on sweeper testing and mitigation of storm water runoff pollution by power sweepers.

Happy New Year from WorldSweeper.com

Sat, 01 Jan 2011 12:53:04 -0800
In case you didn't receive our Happy New Year's message, you can see it here.

Our Featured Contractor for January is New Mexico's Commercial Property Maintenance

Sat, 01 Jan 2011 12:51:44 -0800
CPM's founder, Windell Brent, started into this field because of a property manager friend's lament that he couldn't "locate a company to provide maintenance that will show up two times in a row or call me back."

In the 23 years since then, Brent's Commercial Property Maintenance company has built a reputation for doing that and much more. CPM has grown from three employees, two lawn mowers and one old sweeper to thirty employees, eleven industrial sweepers and numerous other pieces of landscape and power washing equipment, trucks and trailers.

National Service Provider Profile on:Affiliated Grounds Maintenance Group, Inc.

Wed, 22 Dec 2010 15:31:22 -0800
National Service Providers (NSPs) are a hot topic these days, especially since Wal-Mart has contracted with what most in the industry know as U.S. Maintenance (renamed "USM, a Transfield Services Company") for its exterior maintenance services. In most areas this includes power sweeping and in many snowplowing.

Affiliated's initial forays into the field took place in Arlington's surrounding market area, including Erie, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Cleveland, Ohio. Gradually Affiliated moved out to other states and have kept expanding to where they are today, which is overseeing sweeping and other exterior maintenance operations in more than 150 different cities in 31 states. The enlightening article showcases how at least one NSP is purporting to make a difference in how the companies in its industry are perceived.

In This Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World,
How Does Your Business Reflect?

Wed, 22 Dec 2010 15:35:26 -0800
By tradition, this is the time of year when we reflect on the 12 months behind us while, at the same time, we plan for the 12 months ahead. While you're engaging in that process regarding your own company and those you do business with, your customers and suppliers will be doing the same for themselves as well as pondering their relationship with you and your firm.

Are you comfortable with how you will be perceived by those who do business with you, as well as by your friends and family?

As I write this month's editorial I am reflecting on the outlandish array of tales I've heard from a wide variety of sources this past year. Whether business dealings I've seen for myself or stories related by friends and associates, it appears to me that a 'madness convergence zone' is coalescing in America, especially in the world of business.

Exclusive Preview Edition of SweeperMarket Now Online

Tue, 21 Dec 2010 15:40:32 -0800
Our exclusive advance preview of SweeperMarket for December has been posted. You now have the option of viewing the magazine right here on the WorldSweeper.com site. When posted on December 21st, our online preview provided our readers with at least a full week's headstart on those who didn't see the ads until the magazine arrived by mail!

NAPSA Announces Board Members for 2011

Tue, 21 Dec 2010 15:18:19 -0800
The current Board of the North American Power Sweeping Association has announced that, at the last Board Meeting on December 15, 2010, it approved a slate of nominees for member review.

Fact Trumps Fiction: Russia Looks to Build 'Pod Sweeper' for Space Debris

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 15:27:59 -0800
Last April Fool's Day, WorldSweeper's editor offered what became a national award-winning spoof story about NASA sending a sweeper into space to clean it up (to see it go to: ). Turns out that wasn't such a joke after all.

Alert WorldSweeper.com reader, Albert Price, recently sent an email that provided the link to an article about Russia's planned effort to "build a $2 billion orbital 'pod' that would sweep up satellite debris from space around the Earth. According to a post on the Russian Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos, Facebook site, the cleaning satellite would work on nuclear power and be operational for about 15 years.

The Russian rocket company, Energia proposes that they would complete the cleaning satellite assembly by 2020 and test the device no later than in 2023.

Avoiding a Holly Jolly Lawsuit at Your Holiday Party

Fri, 10 Dec 2010 15:37:57 -0800
The most common complaints stemming from holiday business parties include excessive drinking, sexual advances, off-color or inappropriate jokes—even arguments and fistfights.

Thanks to David B. Wilson, Attorney at Law, for his reminder about ways to your holiday party incident-free. We're reprinting his advice from last year – which is the same as what he reprinted in his blog this year – since it was so well received then by our readers.

Price of Diesel Hits Two-Year High

Wed, 08 Dec 2010 15:18:01 -0800
According to a recent report compiled by the staff of eTrucker.com, the national average price jumped 3.5 cents to $3.197, after falling 2.2 cents the previous two weeks. The current price is a two-year high.

To keep a link of current state-by-state diesel prices on your web browser, bookmark this website page. The site updates diesel prices on a daily basis.

Ten Steps To Building Credibility With Your Website

Mon, 06 Dec 2010 15:29:50 -0800
What is credibility? According to the dictionary it means; "The quality, capability, or power to elicit belief." In short, it means my ability to convey to my followers that I am a truthful and honest guy. Convey messages so that readers know they can trust and believe what is being said.

How do you get your website viewers to believe in your company? The article provides ten things to make sure your website is or is not doing in order to better ensure you build credibility with your followers.

Sweeping a Big Part of Alaska Snow Removal's Business

Wed, 01 Dec 2010 19:00:19 -0800
With a name like Alaska Snow Removal Services — known throughout its service area as simply 'ASR' — someone might think they know all the company does. However, in this instance that's not the case.

Because of the large amount of snow abatement material the ASR team puts down during snow season, picking it back up again for clients takes a sizable sweeper fleet.

In addition to more snow removal, stacking, hauling and other snow-related services than most people in the lower 48 states can think of that has to do with snow and ice, ASR provides most any other pavement-related service around — even to designing the parking lots themselves.

November Newsletter Now Online

Wed, 24 Nov 2010 12:41:00 -0800
We invite you to take a look at our November online newsletter.

WorldSweeper.com Becomes Master Distributor for Mystic Washer®

Wed, 24 Nov 2010 12:40:12 -0800
If you're looking for an additional profit center for your business, we suggest you consider the idea of pressure cleaning sidewalks, driveways, warehouse floors and other flat surface areas. You can read all about the machine, see videos of the machine in action, and listen to audio interviews from a number of sweeping contractors who have already purchased one or more Mystic Washers, at www.MysticWasher.com.

Using WorldSweeper.com's Vintage Sweeper Postcard Site

Wed, 24 Nov 2010 12:42:20 -0800
WorldSweeper.com contains over 4,000 photos and files. Here's an article that is designed to help you use one of our exclusive areas better, our email postcard sending module.
In the WorldSweeper.com postcard module you will find dozens of vintage sweepers you can use for the 'front' of your postcard. Once you have chosen the photo or drawing of your choice, the easy-to-use software makes it a snap to write your message and then email the combination. One of the ways the site is being used successfully by contractors is as an 'electronic thank you note' sent by contractor sales personnel after meeting with prospects for sweeping services.

I suggest that users write a brief thank you for the prospects time, tell them that they look forward to working with the company for many years, and then, as though an afterthought, "And, you'll be glad to know our sweepers are even newer than the one in the photo!" Reports back confirm that sending the cards allows the contractor to stand out from the other bidders, and that the prospects like seeing the vintage sweeper unit. Use the link to so to our postcard site.

The first time, I suggest you email a postcard to yourself so you can see how the system works.

Schwarze Industries and Enova Systems Set to Develop Fully Electric Green Sweeper for U.S. Air Force

Wed, 24 Nov 2010 12:24:51 -0800
Schwarze Industries has partnered with Enova Systems, a leading innovator of electric vehicle and hybrid electric vehicle solutions for medium and heavy-duty trucks and buses, to develop a fully electric green sweeper for the United States Air Force (USAF).

Taking Leads, Tracking Sales

Wed, 24 Nov 2010 12:24:08 -0800
Many contractors are reporting that business is picking up. Virtually all of these are using a strong advertising campaign to help them busy. This article, written by Michael Stone, publisher of Construction Programs & Results, discusses how many sales you should be getting per how many leads you receive.

The Cleanup of Black Rock City: It's All About the "MOOP"

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 12:22:35 -0800
Perhaps the most astounding cleanup effort we've covered to date is the total restoration that takes place at Nevada's Black Rock City, site of the annual 'Burning Man' event.

The challenge for Black Rock City DPW's Playa Restoration Team is to remove all Matter Out Of Place – widely known as "MOOP"– so as to restore a large expanse of Nevada desert to 'Leave No Trace' standards.

This is accomplished after 50,000+ people 'move in' for a week and build an astonishing array of structures onto a dry lakebed – a number of which are artistically burned to the ground. Then, attendees theoretically take away all their garbage, including gray water, when they leave again. Oh, and did I mention that although there are porta-potties onsite, there are no garbage cans, or available water, food, or purchases of supplies available?

Brothers Cleaning Services Emphasizes the Personal Touch

Mon, 01 Nov 2010 13:36:11 -0700
In its 38th year, Oregon-based Brothers Cleaning Services, Inc. has garnered a positive reputation in a variety of service areas in addition to parking area sweeping. In part because the company's president handles much of outside sales, the company has successfully kept in touch with its customer base through the years.

October Newsletter Now Online

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 13:27:09 -0700
Here's our October newsletter.

10 Tips for Ensuring a More Environmental and Cost-Effective Street Sweeping Program

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 13:26:10 -0700
Our editor asked Roger Sutherland, arguably the world's top expert on street sweeper testing and deployment, to provide five ideas for what a sweeping program might do to increase its effectiveness. Sutherland took it one step further: He offered five ideas that could be immediately implemented into a sweeping program, then added another five that should be strongly considered.

Kidwell-Ross then expanded upon Sutherland's 10 items and they went back and forth from there. The result is a "must read" article for everyone involved in sweeping streets. Whether you are a street sweeping contractor, or a municipal manager or similar, you'll want to take a look at all 10. Then, consider implementing the offered suggestions as soon as possible.

Elgin Sweeper Introduces Crosswind Glycol Recovery Sweeper

Fri, 22 Oct 2010 13:24:02 -0700
Elgin Sweeper recently introduced a glycol recovery sweeper (GRS) option for the Crosswind® high-performance regenerative air sweeper. The optional model includes all the sweeping performance, maintenance and design features of the Crosswind sweeper, but offers a glycol recovery system.

Independent Contractor vs. Employee: Government Cracking Down on Misclassification

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 13:23:03 -0700
If you are classifying workers as independent contractors, be sure you meet all the criteria required for legal independent contractors, as opposed to employees. An attorney who specializes in employee-related law provides the latest.

TANGUAY Machinery Offers Preview of Front-offload Broom Sweeper

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 13:22:14 -0700
TANGUAY Machinery is introducing a new high performance broom sweeper by second quarter of 2011. The company claims unique operation will save users between 50% and 75% in operating costs on highway sweeping projects. TANGUAY management offered WorldSweeper.com readers an exclusive sneak preview of the machine.

Asking Questions to Ensure Ongoing Customer Satisfaction

Tue, 19 Oct 2010 13:25:00 -0700
One of the best ways to make sure your current customers want to stay with your company is to provide excellent follow-up whenever they have a problem or a perceived problem. In business management books and elsewhere one of the common phrases used is that it you should have a goal of "WOW"ing the customer.

Tri-State Industrial Maintenance Employs Hands-On Techniques and Advanced Education to Enhance Professionalism

Fri, 01 Oct 2010 08:54:08 -0700
John Dubbioso, known as "Johnny D" throughout the power sweeping industry, has been involved with sweeping for many decades. Among other credits, he was one of the people behind the original Broom Bear sweeper now owned by Elgin.

Dubbioso's Connecticut-based Tri State Industrial Maintenance offers a variety of municipal-oriented maintenance services, including sweeping, throughout that state.

New Street Sweeper Offered by Wayne Sweepers at IFAT Trade Show

Tue, 28 Sep 2010 08:52:16 -0700
Wayne Sweepers, LLC has unveiled a new street sweeper targeted toward milling and construction applications in the European market. Named the Walter Power Sweeper, the machine was unveiled at the recent IFAT trade show in Munich, Germany.

Collection From the Internet of Videos Involving Sweepers and Sweeping

Thu, 23 Sep 2010 08:50:58 -0700
When we were sent a video of someone singing about sweepers and using a TYMCO 435 as a backdrop, we decided to see what else was out there on YouTube. The resulting 'starter collection' of sweeper-related videos is now part of WorldSweeper's 'It's a Funny Business' area.

SBA's Web Chat Archives a Gold Mine of Info

Tue, 21 Sep 2010 08:50:11 -0700
The Small Business Administration's website is a treasure trove of information for anyone running a business. The problem the SBA website faces is that the site's enormous scope sometimes makes it difficult to find exactly what one is looking for.

One such 'tucked away archive' are all the expert web chats that have occurred since the SBA started it's web chat program in 2005. The good news is that each program is archived in a written format that includes all the answers given to the questions asked by those who took part in the initial web chat. That makes it quick and easy to skim through to check out the content of each. the entire archive, which dates back to 2005

IRS Releases 'Small Business Audit Guide'

Mon, 20 Sep 2010 08:48:16 -0700
Put out by the IRS itself, "Your Guide to an IRS Audit" is a sort of slideshow/video series that starts with a welcome and then moves on to ten different lessons. These cover everything from "What is an IRS audit?" to "What happens when you disagree with the audit findings?"

Ways You Can Generate LOCAL Web Traffic For Free!

Fri, 17 Sep 2010 08:47:16 -0700
Do you have a Local Search listing on major search engines like Google? It has long been important to create a local listing to go along with your website. Now, with increased search being done for local companies like power sweeping contrators, this has become a necessity!

Developing and Documenting Your Sweeping Company's Philosophy

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 08:46:29 -0700
There is much value in developing and documenting the 'philosophy' of your company. In addition to providing a goal to attain, doing so can empower employees and provide guidelines for their behavior.

Growth at City Wide Property Maintenance Has Been Due to Customer Request

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 08:45:14 -0700
Ten years ago Albert and Janee Rodriguez started City Wide Pressure Washers. The goal: Operate with such impeccable ethics and customer service that their clients would have no clue the couple operated the company out of their garage. They were so successful at it that today the company offers an exhaustive list of services, and has operational offices in Sacramento, San Jose, Fresno, Modesto and Los Angeles.

Elgin Sweeper Introduces Crosswind Specialty Sweeper For Racetrack Sweeping And Maintenance Applications

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 10:19:53 -0700
Elgin has introduced is new Crosswind Specialty Track Sweeper, which will be making its debut at NASCAR racetracks around the country this racing season. Elgin's Brian Giles says the new sweeper is ideal for vacuuming water off track surfaces and picking up debris and oil-dry.

Work Zone Safety Practice Information Every Sweeping Organization Should Implement

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 15:27:05 -0700
Most would agree that nothing on a jobsite should receive a higher priority than safety. However, a lot of effort is required to keep the information and emphasis on this topic current and foremost on the minds of your employees.

The following is an overview on the most pressing issues and current safety best management practices. Read about what safety expert, John Meola, has to say on this topic; listen to the 34-minute audio he provided to WorldSweeper's editor and, most importantly, implement the best practice ideas Meola provides!

Suburban Chicago Conservation Group Gets Tips on Keeping Surface Water Clean

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 16:54:33 -0700
. That's the message Brian Giles, sweeper product manager for Elgin Sweeper, shared with Chicago-area municipal officials and consulting engineers.

Schwarze Industries Appoints New Product Manager

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 10:22:23 -0700
Schwarze Industries announced that Joe Hendrickson will now take on the role of Product Manager for the A & M and S-Series sales team.

Distracted Driving: Risk with a Capital R: On-Demand Webcast

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 10:20:54 -0700
Truckload Carriers Association and Fleet Owner produced "Distracted Driving," a two-part Webcast series designed to help improve fleet safety and manage risk while still taking full advantage of all the benefits in-cab communications. While designed for over-the-road drivers, much of the information is helpful to anyone operating a fleet.

Explore Hiring Online for Lower Costs, Better Results

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 10:17:55 -0700
Sweeping contractors and municipalities need to realize that many younger workers frequent the Internet. Advertising for employees online offers a number of benefits in addition to lower costs.

Street Cleaning Practice in Berkeley, California 1941

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 10:17:07 -0700
The routine? Hand sweeping, a collection truck and dealing with deep gutters... This article was originally published in The American City, April, 1941, and was written by Hary Goodridge, then Berkeley's City Engineer and Superintendent of Streets.

One.7, Inc. Donating Elgin Crosswind to Promote Breast Cancer Cure

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 10:16:21 -0700
The management of One.7, Inc., one of America's largest sellers of pre-owned sweeping and catchbasin cleaning equipment, is donating 50% of an Elgin Crosswind's selling price to benefit breast cancer awareness. If you could use a fine pre-owned street sweeper, this is the one you should buy!

WorldSweeper's Editor Provides Case Study on Customer Service and Support

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 10:15:17 -0700
In these trying times a greater emphasis than ever needs to be placed on providing outstanding sales and service support to customers. My following true story shows that everyone doesn't get this message, including even a large national firm like Best Buy.

Schwarze Announces Load Leveler Option on M6000

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 16:59:10 -0700
Schwarze Industries has announced a load-leveler option for all of its M6000 model mechanical street sweepers.

Jacketta Sweeping Featured in PAVEMENT

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 16:58:01 -0700
Debbie Jacketta, president of Utah-based Jacketta Sweeping Service, was featured in the latest PAVEMENT magazine.

West Michigan Sweeper Featured for July

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 16:56:24 -0700
WorldSweeper.com's Featured Contractor for July is Grand Rapids, Michigan area-based West Michigan Sweeper, Inc. Although a small company only five years old, you'll find the owner has some good advice that any in the industry can take to heart.

WorldSweeper.com Wins 2010 APEX Award of Publication Excellence

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 16:54:40 -0700
The WorldSweeper.com website garnered a 2010 APEX Award of Excellence, making it a winner for the fourth year in a row!

In addition, we won for our April Fool's Day spoof news alert announcing that NASA was sending a street sweeper into space. These awards mark an unprecedented 15 years in a row that one or more of our editor's projects have received recognition via a national APEX Award.

Diversification: Developing Multiple Baskets for Your Eggs

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 11:48:34 -0700
The last 12 – 18 months have marked the last for some sweeping contractors. Even the most experienced are being tried to the limit of their creativity and endurance. However, because of their willingness to make creative and substantial changes in their business models, some contractors are carving a new pathway through the recession.

If there is one overall key word to describe this phenomenon, it's 'diversification.' Although many times one thinks first of new products and services, there can be more elements to becoming increasingly diversified. In addition to an expansion of products and services, you might also expand your thinking to include your company's business approach and partnerships.

This article challenges every contractor to investigate how they might change their current operations to become more competitive, even if your profit margin is currently still good. These are changing times we find ourselves in and they're not likely to change anytime soon.

Questions to Ask When Looking for a Credit Card Processing Company

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 11:47:35 -0700
We cover the questions that are most important to find out prior to signing up for a credit card processing account, from types of cards accepted to discount rate to how web processing and transactions are handled. The information is also of value to use in rating your current card processing account.

Basic Website Site Finding and Search Engine Optimization Techniques

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 11:46:58 -0700
In this article, our editor provides an overview of the basic Search Engine Optimization (SEO; think "promotion") tips that anyone with a website should be employing.

Keeping Abu Dhabi's Pavement Clean

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 11:46:08 -0700
Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates, has an image of being extremely clean, a reputation that includes its roadway system. This is somewhat surprising, given that most countries and their cities in that part of the world have massive sweeping difficulties since they are sited on sand and are surrounded by sand. Add to that scorching temperatures, high winds and the dust they create, and the result is all the right ingredients to make a sweeping program into a difficult task. In Abu Dhabi, as you will read, the sweeping program is up to the monumental effort it requires.

Maximizing Your Company's Value to Customers

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 11:45:17 -0700
Your customers' perceptions of how important your services are to them are based upon a variety of factors. Although these vary from customer-to-customer, there are some factors that tend to remain the same throughout most customer interactions.

Schwarze Sweeps into Mexico City

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 11:44:30 -0700
Schwarze Industries, one of the world's largest street sweeper manufacturers, announced today that they have secured a sizeable sweeper purchase order from Mexico City.

Stewart-Amos Sweeper Co. and Victory Sweepers, Inc. Announce Strategic Partnership

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 11:43:48 -0700
Frank Chulick and Mark Schwarze, presidents of Stewart-Amos Sweeper Co. and Victory Sweepers, Inc., respectively, have entered into a strategic partnership agreement. Under the joint agreement, Victory Sweepers will produce regenerative air street sweepers that will be marketed by Stewart-Amos and its growing dealer network.

McDonough and Sons Stress Environmentalism in Full Slate of Services

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 11:50:26 -0700
Thirty some years ago, when Pat McDonough started his own sweeping company, he was already a somewhat experienced hand at the job. That's because as a newly-married nineteen-year-old he'd joined the father he'd never really known in a sweeping company in Minnesota.

Even though that didn't last long, when McDonough started a business of his own over 10 years later, it was to found a parking lot sweeping company. Now, almost three decades later, McDonough and Sons has become one of the largest sweeping contractors in the Pacific NW, serving what he terms 'The Puget Sound Corridor.'

Although his two sons grew up in the business, they have now spun off companies of their own, both in related fields. Cory, his eldest, is known to many in the sweeping industry as the owner, with wife Tina, of used equipment dealer, 1Point7 Inc. This feature article includes a 23-minute audio interview with Pat McDonough.

Compact Schwarze A4000 Sweeper Gets Some Big Upgrades

Fri, 21 May 2010 11:43:13 -0700
Schwarze Industries, one of the world's largest street sweeper manufacturers, introduced updates to its model A4000 street sweeper.

New Schwarze GS6 Sweeper Designed to Reduce Cost, Increase Profit for End User

Fri, 21 May 2010 11:42:36 -0700
Schwarze Industries, one of the world's largest street sweeper manufacturers, today introduced the new GS6 regenerative air street sweeper to the North and South American markets.

New Health Insurance Incentives Designed to Help Small Businesses

Sat, 15 May 2010 11:41:54 -0700
The Internal Revenue Service has mailed postcards to more than four million small businesses and tax-exempt organizations to make them aware of the benefits of the recently-enacted small business health care tax credit.

Victory Sweepers' R4 Road Sweeper Prototype Spotted at Darlington Raceways

Thu, 13 May 2010 11:41:14 -0700
An alert contractor spotted a never-before-seen sweeper model from Victory Sweepers, Inc. at the Showtime Southern 500 at Darlington last weekend. Our investigation reveals it was a prototype for Victory's first road sweeper model, called the 'R4.'

Redesigned Road Wizard From Elgin Sweeper Offers Many New Features

Mon, 10 May 2010 11:40:37 -0700
Intent of Elgin Sweeper's makeover of the original Wittke-designed Road Wizard it to position the machine as leader among heavy-duty construction cleanup broom sweepers.

Elgin engineers have come up with a re-design that addresses a few issues with the original Wittke design. After 6 months in the testing process, Elgin is now ready to offer the newly updated Road Wizard as a standard production unit. Link includes more details and an audio interview on the topic with Elgin's sweeper products manager, Brian Giles.

Tax Reduction Incentives Key Around New Employees, Equipment Purchases

Mon, 03 May 2010 11:39:38 -0700
The President signed into law HR 2847, the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment (HIRE) Act on March 18, 2010. The primary focus of this new law is to provide a tax incentive to employers hiring certain new employees.

Melbourne, Australia, Contractor, Geelong Power Sweep, Contractor of the Month for May

Sat, 01 May 2010 10:30:01 -0700
Fourteen years ago, fed up with his work as a long distance truck driver, Australian contractor Glenn Laybourne bought a couple of PowerBoss sweeper scrubbers and used them to clean factories and warehouses.

Today, using a combination of innovation, GPS and personalized service, Laybourne's Geelong Power Sweep provides roadway and construction sweeping throughout his Greater Melbourne market area.

Tax Reduction Incentives Key Around New Employees, Equipment Purchases

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 15:19:51 -0700
The President signed into law HR 2847, the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment (HIRE) Act on March 18, 2010. The primary focus of this new law is to provide a tax incentive to employers hiring certain new employees.

The legislation signed into law also includes depreciation incentives for small businesses purchasing equipment and puts an additional $20 billion into highway spending.

Are Your Employee Performance Reviews Up to the Mark?

Mon, 19 Apr 2010 12:08:55 -0700
Too often, businesses waste much of the effort they put into conducting performance reviews. Performance reviews can be a lot of effort, because they take time away from other business activities, which are often seen as more important.

So, many business owners conduct the reviews, evaluate the results, maybe give out raises which may or may not be tied to the reviews, and file everything away never to be looked at again.

Maintenance and Restoration of Porous Pavement Surfaces: An Overview on Current Sweeping Best Practices

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 11:45:40 -0700
Porous surfaces have been growing at a double digit rate the last several years as they have increasingly become recognized as a BMP to deal with stormwater runoff. They have been proven to be an effective tool to reduce the quantity of water and accompanying pollutants that are directed untreated to our waterways.

Industry Update on Raw Materials Pricing for Brooms and Brushes

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 11:42:56 -0700
In April of 2010 the raw material for sweeper brooms and brushes was exceeding its all-time wholesale pricing high.

Profile on Mohawk's 'Labor Saver Dirt Shoe'

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 11:34:10 -0700
If you've owned even one mechanical broom sweeper, chances are you or your operator has run over some type of raised object and bent one of the skids on which the main broom rides. Second generation sweeping contractor, Charlie Ostuni, has developed a product that he says totally eliminates that costly problem.

City of Pensacola Sweeping Program Evaluation An Ongoing Process

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 10:32:14 -0700
Known for its pristine waterways and sunshine, the City of Pensacola's sweeping program is working hard to combine effectiveness and the realities of the Florida climate, propensity of sand and difficulty of vegetation removal.

As increasing pressure is brought to bear in terms of mandated pollution removal, Pensacola's Public Works Director, Al Garza, is faced with difficult decisions on how best to operate his entire department.

Word of Mouth and Referrals Have Made West Virginia Contractor a Regional Leader

Mon, 19 Apr 2010 10:31:48 -0700
Like many contractors, especially in the early days, Mike Conley got into sweeping as a part-time job to make extra money. That's the course he pursued for three years before establishing his company, K & M Service, Inc., as a full-time sweeping, lawn care and snowplowing firm.

Since his start in 1985, Conley has solidified his company's control within his West Virginia market area. Today, K & M Service is known as a full-service, quality-oriented sweeping company that offers a number of other maintenance services, as well.

NASA Announces Power Sweeper for Spaceflight Mission

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 12:01:25 -0700
In an announcement made on April 1, 2010, NASA's administrator, Charles F. Bolden, Jr., announced a program that will send a suction-based power sweeper to the space station.

The Editor's Overview, by Ranger Kidwell-Ross

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 16:54:58 -0700
WorldSweeper.com's editor discusses the latest news in sweeping and provides background information for the articles in the March Newsletter.

Congress Extends Highway Program Through 2010

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 16:41:35 -0700
On March 17th the Senate passed a plan to extend the Highway Program to the end of the year and inject $19.5 billion of general revenues into the Highway Trust Fund to keep it solvent until next year.

The 68 - 29 vote on a jobs bill that includes the highway program ended the uncertainty that has plagued road financing since political infighting led to a funding cut-off and furloughs at the Department of Transportation earlier this month.

Read the article in the March Newsletter.

Vintage Elgin Sweeper Model is Central Feature in Diorama

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 16:40:23 -0700
Dan Ruge discovered his childhood Matchbox toy car collection and decided to build a scale-model town to display them in. Over time, he says, the little town took on a life of its own. And, of course, any community with any sense of civic pride needs clean streets, so a street sweeper was in order.

Since the town is frozen in the mid 1960's, Ruge decided to build an appropriate vintage Elgin... as close as I could get to the ones that used to scour my local streets back when I was in grade school. It seemed like a good photo and story to add to WorldSweeper.com's 'It's a Funny Business' section.

Street Dirt; A Better Way of Measuring BMP Effectiveness

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 16:39:25 -0700
An article in the March/April Stormwater Magazine documents the value of street sweeping for runoff pollution control. Entitled, "Street Dirt," it is written by Gary Minton, president of Resource Planning Associates, and Roger Sutherland, president of Pacific Water Resources, both long-time WorldSweeper.com contributors.

Profile on Sharpco Sweeper Shoes

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 16:37:12 -0700
In about 1972, James Sharplin got into business building land clearing equipment for the farming industry. In 2003, one of the company's suppliers suggested Sharpco would be perfect for making sweeper drag shoes. After investigating the opportunity, Sharplin agreed, and started up in 2004. He figured there would be a large and expanding nationwide market for the shoes, since sweepers were located throughout the country.

Today, his Sharpco Sweeper Shoes makes OEM drag shoes for most all brands of U.S.-sold sweepers except TYMCO. And, Sharpco's market has gone from nationwide in the U.S. to selling drag shoes throughout many other parts of the world.

The City of Vancouver's Gold Medal Job of Sweeping at the 2010 Olympics

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 16:36:09 -0700
When it came to keeping the area in and around the 2010 Olympics sparkling clean, the buck stopped with Jim Heeps, Superintendent of Street Cleaning for the City of Vancouver, and Dennis Cole, Acting Superintendent of Daytime Sweeping.

Due to a planning routine that started when Vancouver was first chosen for the 2010 Olympics, Vancouver's street cleaning team clearly stood atop the podium with its world-class effort during the Olympics.

WorldSweeper.com's Tip #115: Southco's Dale McCaskill Invites Customers to Join in his Company's 'March Madness Pool'

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 15:21:39 -0700
Veteran contractor sponsors a 'March Madness Pool' for his company's customers.

The day after the 2010 NCAA brackets were in place, Southco customers got an email announcing the company's NCAA March Madness Tournament Pool. By using a website designed to make it easy to set up tournament pools, it was easy for Southco to allow customers and other invited guests to sign up and hold its own pool.

Contractor of the Month for March: DSS Sweeping Service

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 17:22:57 -0800
Viki and Kevin Kroeger are in their 11th year of ownership of DSS Sweeping Service. Tthey looked for an extended period of time until, in 1999, they found a business to buy that fit their exact requirements. From that point on, DSS Sweeping Service has seen significant growth due to the couple's educated, involved and savvy operating techniques.

Taking Your Presentations To The Next Level

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 10:28:59 -0800
Dynamic speaker Giselle Chapman provides exactly the information you need to make powerful presentations. Getting the job in today's economic climate involves more than just sending in a bid, and this article and interview will help you improve your presentation skills with an eye toward enhancing your image and landing the contract. s

Washington State Issues New Stormwater Permit for Industrial Facilities

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 13:20:03 -0800
Washington State's Department of Ecology has issued a new Industrial Stormwater General Permit that places additional requirements on stormwater dischargers at over 1,100 industrial facilities in the state.

The New Permit requires — for the first time — that all industrial facilities sample and meet aggressive compliance benchmarks for discharges of copper. The new Permit also sets new operational conditions, including mandatory quarterly vacuum sweeping, and modifies sampling and reporting requirements.

An Overview of Sweeping in Kuwait

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 13:17:42 -0800
There is nothing easy or ordinary about sweeping in Kuwait, a country where strong winds in June and July can blanket everything in quite deep sand drifts. Imagine this sweeping problem: Cleaning up miles of highways outside of the city that are frequently covered up to 15" deep in dry, gritty, machine-destroying sand!

The Possible Role of Facebook in Your Contracting Business

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 13:16:32 -0800
Just when you finally became convinced of the importance of having a website, along comes Facebook and other 'social media' ways to communicate with your customers. The statistics about Facebook are phenomenal.

Marty Hugie, owner of Utah-based Clean Sweep Enterprises, Inc., shares his story of building and using a Facebook Fan Page for his company. In just two months, Hugie boasts 111 fans, most of whom are business customers who now turn to their Facebook account for the latest news from Hugie's company.

Strengthen Your Sales and Customer Service Skills

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 13:11:53 -0800
Customer service and sales go hand in hand, and this article and audio interview with Jared Everett will help you improve both. Jared combines his experience in sales for a paving and pavement maintenance contractor with his experience in purchasing pavement maintenance services for large public institutions.

Tips for Manager-to-Manager Communication Make Sense, Improve Office Productivity

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 13:10:46 -0800
Kraig Kramers offers an example of how the introduction to a new business method doesn't have to be long to be effective and, potentially, change the way your business operates.

"Accident Readiness" for Your Drivers

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 13:09:43 -0800
Drivers are extensions of your company. Each time they leave your property in one of your company vehicles they face the possibility of an accident. Scott Cerosky has worked 15 years providing specific insurance products and services to the pavement maintenance industry. Cerosky is also a Board and Founding Member of the North American Power Sweeping Association. This article provides a wealth of insight about what you and your drivers need to know and do should an accident occur.

How to Write an Employee Handbook and Set Company Policy

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 13:08:01 -0800
An Employee Handbook; if you don't have one, you should. After reading this article and reviewing the attached attorney-developed guidelines for how to make an Employee Handbook, you will have all you need to develop one for your business.

Kraig Kramers' "CEO Tools" Offer More Productivity, Better Forecasting, Greater Profits

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 13:54:18 -0800
Kramers, who has been the CEO of 8 different companies, offered a wealth of information applicable to anyone who runs a business.
During his presentation, the dynamic Kramers offered a number of proven techniques for improving business forecasting, sales and management. These were taken from what he calls his "CEO Tools."

Time-Saving Solutions for Managing Your Electronic Office

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 09:58:36 -0800
Giselle Chapman offers a wide variety of necessary tools -- tools you already have on your computer -- that will help you get time back in your work day. These are 'must implement' items for everyone's entire management team.

National Pavement Maintenance 2010 Coverage Has Begun

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 13:16:52 -0800
This year, WorldSweeper.com is offering 8 article interviews and 10 vendor audios/videos as part of its NPE 2010 coverage.

Winner of WS.com's Award of Excellence for Power Sweeping Annual Award.

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 13:18:36 -0800
Allan Heydorn, editor of PAVEMENT Magazine, wins WS.com's Award of Excellence for Power Sweeping annual award.

A Combination of Power Sweeping and Water Flushing Spells Success for Canadian Contractor

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 13:15:22 -0800
Tim Kukovica started out as a farmer in Canada's Ontario province, just north of Niagara Falls, New York. How could he know when he bought a municipal water truck at auction for its transmission that the purchase would change the course of his business life.

Now, 15 years later, the company offers a wide array of sweeping services in addition to water flushing and more.

Introducing the 'Green Sweeper:' the First Electrical Sweeping System for Chassis-Mounted Sweepers

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 15:01:04 -0800
"Using a specially-designed alternator for the chassis engine," owner Scott Graby says, "we generate about 6000 watts of three-phase electrical power. This runs to a simple regulator (shown below), and the entire sweeping system is then powered by a durable three-phase electric engine that replaces the current pony engine. "Our introductory unit is a module that will retro-fit any of the 2007-1/2 or newer Isuzu/GMC chassis that most parking area sweepers are mounted on."

BZ and Sons Hangs Its Hat on Creative Thinking, Environmental Leadership and Versatility

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 10:12:35 -0800
Second generation Texas sweeping contractor continues to expand into new areas to fill customers' needs, while stressing environmental methods.

WorldSweeper.com Now On Facebook and Twitter

Sat, 02 Jan 2010 10:12:52 -0800
We're now on Facebook and Twitter.

You'll find linking to us through these social media sites to be the best way to keep up with our latest news. We'll notify those sites each time we add a new article.

We'll also use them for 'mini news' that won't end up archived on the website, such as the sweepers used prior to the first flight of Boeing's new Dreamliner 787.

Elgin Sweeper Introduces Crosswind NX Regenerative Sweeper

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 11:49:48 -0800
Patented filtration system ideal for efficient removal of fine dust particles.

Victory Sweepers' E500 Tow-Behind is Industry's First Battery-Powered Sweeper

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 14:04:40 -0800
Victory Sweepers announces an electric, battery-powered version of its popular T500, tow-behind sweeper.

Holiday Business Party Legalities: Avoiding a Holly Jolly Lawsuit

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 11:46:36 -0800
Holiday parties can create a great opportunity for employees to celebrate and blow off some steam after a long year. They can also present opportunities for claims of harassment, discrimination and liability for your organization.

Elgin Sweeper Launches Web Portal to Raise Awareness of Air, Water Pollution Issues

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 17:20:04 -0800
As part of its efforts to help provide simple answers to questions about air and water pollution and clear up certain misconceptions in the marketplace about pollution control, Elgin Sweeper recently unveiled a dynamic Internet portal to serve as an information resource for the industry.

Featured Contractor for December is Omaha, Nebraska-based Clean Sweep, Inc.

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 17:19:02 -0800
Clean Sweep operates a variety of sweeper makes and models, including Mobil and Elgin broom machines. Their air sweepers include SK brand parking lot air sweepers and a TYMCO 600. In short, they have the equipment needed to do whatever type of pavement task is required, even in the sometimes harsh environment Nebraska can be in the springtime.

Tips and Techniques for Getting Business References

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 09:47:46 -0800
In this economy, references are more important than ever. However, there are some techniques that work better than others, as well as some pitfalls to avoid.

SweeperMarket Issue Previews 7 Days Early on WorldSweeper.com

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:08:07 -0800
Starting with the November 2009 issue, SweeperMarket magazine is available at the WorldSweeper.com website when it goes to the printer. In the market for a used sweeper? As a WorldSweeper.com reader, you can now check out the ads for a full week before the issue comes in the mail.

Universal Sweeping Service Provides Three Sweeping Companies in One

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:38:14 -0800
When Leonard Vella started sweeping parking lots back in 1958, he did it as a way to make money to get through college. Vella had no way of knowing he would become known as one of the fathers of that industry.

Vella became one of the founders of the MASCO line of sweepers. Vella's sweeping company, Universal Sweeping Services, also became a success.

Although Leonard still keeps his hand in today, the torch has been passed to his son and daughter, Joe and Gina. This duo has further expanded upon their father's parking lot sweeping operation by adding a host of additional services. They've also founded two sister companies to handle street sweeping and construction sweeping. In the article interview,

Gina discusses the diverse companies she and her brother operate which, combined, allow them to cover the entire state of California with their power sweeping services.

Send Customers a "We're Here For You" Email Prior to Holidays

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 10:33:45 -0700
Remind your customers prior to holidays that you'll be there for them if they have an emergency situation arise.

Ongoing Customer Contact Key to Long-Term Growth

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 10:31:32 -0700
This article offers some ideas on how you can maintain a positive relationship with your customers. Doing so is a key to keeping your current customers, as well as to developing more business with them.

AAA Southwest Sweeping has Turned Small Sweeping to Big Advantage

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 16:41:49 -0700
In 1996, Bill Mosienko came from Pittsburgh to Phoenix to see his Mother. While there, he tagged along with an acquaintance who swept parking lots to see how the job was done. It wasn't long after that until Mosienko moved to Arizona permanently, bought a Powerboss and a pickup truck and got into the business on his own.

The Essentials of Workzone Safety for Street Sweeping Operations

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 13:19:26 -0700
When it comes to roadway vehicle safety, there's probably no one in America more qualified to speak on the topic than John Meola, who is Safety Manager for Transfield Services North America's Transportation Infrastructure division. Hear what he has to say about work zone safety as it applies to highway- and construction site-based sweeping operations.

Get and Use References from Customers

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 12:06:36 -0700
References are an important part of getting new business. However, there are some techniques that work better than others, as well as some pitfalls to avoid.

APWA Coverage for 2009 Congress

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 11:52:59 -0700
WorldSweeper.com interviews five presenters from APWA Congress and Exposition.

Attention to Detail and Old-Fashioned Service Key to Sweep-A-Lot Growth

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 16:40:14 -0700
Rick McCann retired as a senior detective in Augusta, Georgia. He transferred the level of professionalism that job required to the sweeping and maintenance company he formed.

Federal Contractors Required to Use E-Verify Starting September 8, 2009

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 15:50:39 -0700
Effective September 8, 2009, federal contractors with contracts in excess of $100,000 are required to use E-Verify, a free, internet-based program run by the federal government for verifying employment eligibility of workers employed in the United States.

Accountability - It's Not Optional

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 12:54:48 -0700
One of the most frustrating parts of running a business is the never ending battle with employees. Some never seem to do what you need them to do. They are either working slow, working on the wrong things, or doing things the wrong way.

Smart Business 2009

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 13:06:25 -0700
In today's economy, the central constant is change. Reports from across the country confirm that bidding has become more challenging, with general declines taking place in both average price per sweep and service level per customer. Many contractors are responding by expanding their service areas and/or scope of work. At the same time, they are finding themselves competing with more other contractors than ever before, as well as with other types of service companies.

Founder of Katsam Enterprises Offers Excellent Ideas

Sat, 01 Aug 2009 16:38:40 -0700
Jim Larko has over 20 years of industry experience. You'll find a host of great ideas and concepts in our interview with him.

NAPSA: Mid-Year Update 2009

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 10:43:54 -0700
In late July of 2009, we contacted NAPSA's Executive Director, Sarah Gazi, for an audio update on the progress that NAPSA has made since switching to Association Management for services.

Sweeping Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 10:20:26 -0700
Bill Kappel, Public Works Director for Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, was one of APWA's Top Ten Public Works Officials for 2009. Our interview with him covers the current environmental challenges facing the city and the considerations about how to use sweeping to address them. Includes a 17-minute audio interview.

Seattle Pilot Study Quantifies Sweepers' Positive Effects on Water Quality

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 12:10:52 -0700
Like other coastal areas of the U.S., Puget Sound is facing an increasing level of degradation created by point and non-point source pollution. In the summer of 2006, Seattle Public Utilities began a one-year street sweeping study that determined that sweeping was effective as a front-line pollution prevention BMP. Results were released in mid-2009.

The First Sweepers; Some Early Sweeper Patent Drawings

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 10:42:13 -0700
A great place to start on your journey of viewing the history of street sweepers is looking at the drawings from some of the first-ever models. We offer a number of pre-1900 and turn-of-the-century drawings and patent information.

In a Recession, Put Everyone in Marketing

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:07:43 -0700
Are you facing falling customer orders? Slower renewals? Cancellations? Requests for ever-deeper discounts? Those are silly questions. Of course you are experiencing these recession symptoms. And you have probably cut budgets and jobs more than you like.

A Mid-year Progress Check ... Are You Halfway to Your Goals?

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 15:44:02 -0700
If your fiscal year is January through December, you are about half-way through the year. Even if your fiscal time period has different starting and ending points the year is technically just about half over.

Getting Involved in Local Volunteer Activities

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 09:30:05 -0700
The Town of Crawford holds an annual town cleanup day each year. This year a local sweeping company, East Coast Industrial Services, Inc., donated a sweeper and operator to the event. East Coast's owner, Jay Presutti, also pitched in to help for the day, along with his 12-year-old son, Neil.

Chamberlain Power Sweeping, Inc. is Contractor of the Month for June

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 09:41:35 -0700
Christy Schmidt, president of Chamberlain Power Sweeping, Inc., is a fixture at the annual National Pavement Exposition. She stands out in her willingness to be involved, as well as in her communication skills. She's there ready to learn or to offer advice to others, whichever might be needed.

Getting Your Strategy On

Wed, 06 May 2009 08:58:11 -0700
With so many ways to build strategy and track progress in your company, there's no reason to delay.

Elgin Sweeper Test Results Highlight Impact of Sweeping on Dust Control and Air Quality

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 10:40:04 -0700
Elgin Sweeper, a provider of environmentally efficient street sweepers, announced that Canada's Environmental Technology Verification (ETV) Program has verified the data from air quality performance tests conducted by the Prairie Agricultural Machinery Institute (PAMI) on two Elgin Sweeper models - a Crosswind NX regenerative air street sweeper and a mechanical Waterless Eagle FW mechanical street sweeper.

Saving Money on Fuel and Related Expenses

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 17:41:03 -0700
Our editor, Ranger Kidwell-Ross, taught a seminar on how to save money in your sweeper operation. Although it emphasized fuel savings, a number of other areas were touched upon, as well.

Business Sage has Answers to Tough Family Business Queries

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 17:28:38 -0700
When he's not teaching at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, James Lea is a nationally-known family business speaker, author and advisor.

Don't Be Chicken Little

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 17:27:52 -0700
Guy Gruenberg, presenter at NPE 2009 of a seminar by the title 'Revving Up Your Sales Engine,' is one of America's top marketing 'gurus.'

Cost-effective Marketing Basics for Long-Term Success

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 17:14:55 -0700
Don Turner, presenter at NPE 2009 of a seminar by the same title, has a conversation with Ranger Kidwell-Ross, editor of WorldSweeper.com, about how to keep marketing cost-effective in today's downturn economy.

7 Guidelines For Good Newsletter Production

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 10:40:21 -0700
You cannot go rushing into newsletter printing without knowing about a few proper practices. Newsletters are not just simple press releases. They are basically shortened newspapers, and they deserve the same attention to detail and content.

How to Assuage Irate Clients

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 13:33:17 -0700
At times it seems as though quality customer service is a thing of the past. Some companies just don't appear to care about keeping their clientele happy. If only they knew how damaging this is to their business.

Business Operation Basics During an Economic Downturn

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 08:48:09 -0700
This article offers some great ideas about weathering an economic downturn.

Scott Cerosky Gone From Clean Streets Insurance Program

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 14:47:36 -0700
Founder of Clean Streets Insurance program let go, office closed.

Roger Sutherland White Paper Details Most Recent Sweeping Test Results and Protocol

Mon, 13 Apr 2009 10:42:09 -0700
This white paper, which will be presented at StormCon 2009 in August, provides complete details about the recent sweeper testing done by Roger Sutherland on several Elgin sweeper models.

Elgin Sweeper Announces Pelican Now Waterless

Fri, 03 Apr 2009 10:10:26 -0700
New waterless Pelican version offers year-round sweeping that has proven to significantly increase pick-up of fine particles over traditional, wet-dust control sweepers.

April's Contractor of the Month Provides Whatever is Needed for Clients' Satisfaction

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 14:54:33 -0700
Jacob Rogers' Facility Maintenance Group, Inc. has a business model that includes most any service a property manager might like. Even if they don't perform the work needed, a phone call to Rogers' business will get it handled.

How to Win the Legal Worker War When Working With Wal-Mart

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 14:46:52 -0700
Most people don't know that Wal-Mart, after their immigration scandals in 2001 and 2003, has led the country in enforcing sub-contractor compliance with requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 ("IRCA"). This can mean strict compliance regulations and contractual agreements with sweeping subcontractors.

2009 "Best Practices" for Contract Sweepers

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 09:56:47 -0700
Carl Barton, incoming NAPSA president, moderates this participatory seminar at NPE. We offer the results of each of the 'break-out' sections at the roundtable, discussion-format seminar.

Coverage of the 2009 National Pavement Expo

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 09:56:14 -0700
The most extensive coverage we've ever done of an NPE. We offer 20 videos, 6 audio interviews and a number of other articles.

WorldSweeper.com's annual Award of Excellence in Power Sweeping

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 09:41:30 -0800
Our editor, Ranger Kidwell-Ross, presents WorldSweeper.com's annual Award of Excellence in Power Sweeping at the NPE's Sweepers' Roundtable.

Immigration-Related Audits: What Employers Need to Know

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 08:58:57 -0800
There are three potential "hot spots" for audits and investigations for the government related to the immigration and nationality laws. Here they, along with what you need to know to remain in compliance.

Mandated 2010 Emission Standards and Emerging Technologies for Sweeper Truck Chassis

Sat, 14 Feb 2009 14:40:44 -0800
Starting in 2010, virtually all trucks sold in the U.S. will have to meet new, much more stringent emissions' standards. The following is a layperson's explanation of the two potential technologies that currently are being used to meet the new standards.

Sweeper Test Results Highlight Positive Impact of Sweeping on Reducing Storm Water Pollution

Mon, 13 Apr 2009 10:42:19 -0700
Elgin Sweeper, the leading manufacturer of street sweepers in the United States, has released results of a sweeper test performed by an independent group of storm water control experts, headed by Roger Sutherland, president of Pacific Water Resources, Inc. The results demonstrate the efficiency of Elgin Sweeper street sweepers in removing storm water pollutants.

Victory Sweepers, Inc. Launches Liberty and Liberator Models

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 12:03:14 -0800
New Liberty model and Liberator refurbishment sweeper seek to respond to contractors needs.

Indiana's Clean Sweep Lot Services, LLC, Provides Customer Satisfaction

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 11:21:00 -0800
Tim Toler saw an opportunity in the pavement cleaning business and took action.

T.W. Hall Offers Over a Quarter-Century of Experience

Thu, 01 Jan 2009 11:19:21 -0800
Working for the University of Alaska in 1980, Dwan Hall saw an opportunity in the snow removal business so he bought a snowplow. Today, the combination sweeping and plowing business has assets worth over $1 million.

'Association Headquarters' Takes Over NAPSA Management

Thu, 01 Jan 2009 14:47:16 -0800
The North American Power Sweeping Association (NAPSA) will soon be celebrating its 4th successful year of existence. In an effort to leverage the successful growth the organization has seen to date, this past October 21st the NAPSA Board announced that it would transfer NAPSA management to a New Jersey-based professional management company named Association Headquarters, Inc. (AH).

Parking Area Sweeping for Lead Abatement in Kentucky

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 14:38:07 -0800
The management team of Kentucky's BEJA Environmental educates its customers on sweeping's ability to combat storm water runoff pollution and help industrial facility clients meet EPA benchmarks.

New Dragshoe Materials and Designs are Creating Longer Life at Lower Cost

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 11:45:24 -0800
Sweeper drag shoes are no longer 'one size fits all sweeping applications. When it comes to these necessary wear parts, today's sweeping professionals have choices to make. They need to consider what type of drag shoe is best for a given sweeping application, including performance life and the aftermarket industry's competitive features and pricing.

NES Celebrates 40 Years of Professional Sweeping

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 16:47:16 -0800
Joe Samuelian came to America from Syria in 1963 with dreams of running his own business and living the "American Dream." Today, 40 years later, the company he began has become one of the largest and most professional in the American sweeping industry.

Central Sweeping, Inc. Offers Certified Services Throughout its Central Florida Marketplace

Sat, 01 Nov 2008 11:22:28 -0700
Florida's only NAPSA-Certified company offers over 40 years of experience.

Chain Store Chapter 11 and Closure Updates

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 11:54:40 -0800
In the current business climate, it's more important than ever to keep tabs on your customers in terms of their financial status. Don't keep sweeping for free!

Crews on Federal Highways Need Safety Vests

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 13:41:49 -0800
Safety vests must be worn by workers located on major collectors and above starting November 24, 2008.

The Sweeping of Phoenix International Raceways

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 10:10:41 -0800
Sam Danielson is Operations Manager for C and S Sweeping Services, Inc., the people responsible for sweeping Phoenix International Raceways. How this is accomplished, though, provides good insight for how trade-outs can be great for your sweeper contracting business.

Your Unique Value Proposition - It's What Makes You Stand Out From the Crowd

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 11:53:56 -0800
Whether you sell to clients directly or you sell to general contractors, it is imperative that you understand the unique value you offer and communicate it clearly, concisely, and persuasively. You do so with a Unique Value Proposition (UVP).

Safety Expert's Top Ten List to Ensure Job Safety

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 11:27:46 -0800
Each year there are thousands of injuries and triple digit numbers of fatal accidents involving machine and equipment operations. Here's a 'top ten' list of items designed to minimize their occurrance.

Systems that Control the Financial Health of Your Business

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 16:47:16 -0800
This article covers the financial control that is absolutely necessary to get and stay profitable.

Elgin Sweeper Equipment Featured in 36th Anniversary Celebration of Clean Water Act

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 11:26:06 -0800
Officials from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the District of Columbia, the D.C. Water and Sewer Authority (DC WASA), the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA), and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation recently met along the banks of the Anacostia River in Washington, D.C., for a news conference to celebrate the 36th anniversary of the U.S. Clean Water Act.

Victory Sweepers' Mark I Now Standard With Aluminum Hopper

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 15:57:51 -0700
For sweeping contractors, it's all about fuel consumption and performance. At the same time, even the most fuel-efficient sweeper is worthless if it doesn't sweep! A heavy-duty aluminum hopper is now standard on all Victory Sweepers' Mark I, single-engine sweepers.

A Primer on the Move to Alternative Fuel Vehicles

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 08:21:57 -0800
Interview with Bill Haaker, CEO of California-based, Haaker Equipment Company, Inc. Haaker is an expert on the transformation of heavy equipment chassis vehicles, such as those used on street sweepers and catchbasin cleaners, to use alternative fuels such as CNG and LPG.

Wayne Enters Sweeping Industry With Purchase of Tennant Centurion

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 14:09:46 -0700
An interview with Kevin Watje, president of Wayne Engineering, on Wayne's purchase of the Tennant Centurion and what is planned for the company's future in the sweeping industry.

Street Sweeping in Mairena del Aljarafe, Spain

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 16:48:14 -0700
Jose A. Almarza tells us about the sweeping in the City of Mairena del Aljarafe, Spain, population 40,000. The City is located about 20Km from the larger, and more well known, City of Sevilla.

NAPSA Selects New Administrative Management Firm

Thu, 16 Oct 2008 15:07:41 -0700
The North American Power Sweeping Association has aligned itself with Association Headquarters, Inc., a 30-year-old professional association management company headquartered in Mt. Laurel, New Jersey.

Internet Auctions: Less Hassle and Time Wasted, More Revenue

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 14:45:49 -0700
When it comes to getting more for used equipment, including surplus sweepers, Greg Berry knows what municipalities want and need. Berry is both a borough councilman for his hometown, Pottstown, PA, and president of the online auction company he founded in 2006, Municibid.com.

Leading Your Workforce During an Economic Crisis

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 12:22:05 -0700
Regular contributor, Greg Smith, offers ten steps you can take to bring confidence and increased stability to your workforce during times of economic crisis.

Get Better Organized Through Building Company Systems

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 12:28:53 -0700
Every company must do a few things perfectly in order to be successful. If these important things aren't adhered to in a systematic and standardized way, the customer gets confused and stops doing business with the company.

Even with the pressures of building a profitable company, you must build systems in order to ensure your employees don't to do things out of sequence or by the seat of their pants.

Tips and Techniques for Getting Business References

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 09:44:52 -0800
In this economy, references are more important than ever. However, there are some techniques that work better than others, as well as some pitfalls to avoid.

Increase Sales by Closing More Bids

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 16:54:03 -0700
Getting plenty of bidding opportunities but not closing enough contracts? Take the suggestions in this article to heart and you'll be well on your way to increasing your closing rate.

Deriving Reliable Pollutant Removal Rates for Municipal Street Sweeping and Storm Drain Cleanout Programs in the Chesapeake Bay Basin

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 13:12:57 -0700
The Center for Watershed Protection collaborated with a number of agencies, with the intent of quantifying the pollutant reduction that can be achieved by street sweeping and storm drain cleanouts.

All of the information was used to provide locally-derived pollutant removal reductions for street sweeping and storm drain cleanout practices for Chesapeake Bay communities.

Delegation: How To Stop Those Annoying Employee Phone Calls and Have a More Productive Company

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 11:49:24 -0700
There are many business advantages to delegating like a goose instead of a buffalo. Hear how to increase delegation in your company - successfully - with this info from Ron Roberts.

Madvac Introduces New LR50 All Wheel Drive Outdoor Vacuum Sweeper

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 14:01:13 -0700
The Madvac LR50 is a high profile, cost-efficient cleaning machine designed to clean city sidewalks and parks safely and effectively.

Washington, DC, Campaign Designed to Reduce Litter and Graffiti

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 10:21:38 -0700
Campaign called 'Not in OUR DC! Pledge to Keep the Capital Clean' was begun in July of 2008. This Washington, DC, initiative was backed up by a variety of multi-media programs designed to reduce both littering and graffiti.

SDT Waste and Debris Services Takes Bull by the Horns in New Orleans

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 12:49:15 -0700
After Hurricane Katrina, one of the problems that wasn't well documented concerned sweeping and waste disposal.

In stepped Sidney Torres, IV, real estate developer, Louisiana native and former self-described "gopher" for musician, Lenny Kravitz. With a flair for ideas both new and different -- including spraying eucalyptus- and lemon-scented water in the French Quarter during Mardi Gras -- Torres' 2005 startup has taken the city by storm.

Coverage of APWA's 2008 Congress and Exposition

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 10:24:32 -0700
Our editor went to New Orleans for the 2008 APWA Congress and Exposition. We offer a variety of products and other info of potential interest to those in the sweeping industry.

Creating Customer Service Agreements for In-House Fleet Management

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 15:27:20 -0700
Steve Kibler, a 20-year veteran of municipal fleet management and head of that department for Loveland, Colorado, offered his rules of thumb for managing municipal fleets at APWA 2008. In this audio interview with Kibler, he transmits the many ideas he has developed for making his fleet management department accountable and productive.

Progressive Sweeping's Success Credited to Customer Response Times and Accurate Expense Tracking

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 14:24:17 -0700
Featured Contractor for August concentrates its efforts on sweeping and employs what may be the most advanced GPS system in the industry.

Can A 1% Gross Margin Increase Really Save You 2,000 Man-Hours?

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 12:57:46 -0700
Your ability to increase your gross margin by increasing income -- instead of focusing on reducing costs -- is substantial.

Dust Control for Sweepers: An International Perspective

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 13:39:14 -0700
There is new dust control information to be learned from this dialogue between sweeping pros in Alaska and Norway.

Brake Pad Partnership Seeks to Remove Copper From Stormwater Runoff

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 15:03:03 -0700
California's Brake Pad Partnership is conducting a study whose purpose is to gain a better understanding of the sources of elevated copper concentrations in the San Francisco Bay. The overall effort includes assessing the magnitude of copper released in the Bay area, followed by modeling of the environmental fate and transport of these estimated releases.

Sweepers, The 'Miracle Environmental Machine'

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:13:54 -0700
NAPSA Senior Advisor, Mark Carter, provides an example of the environmentalism of even older broom sweepers. Part of the industry defense to California Air Resources Board proposed rulings.

Selling in a Recession: 5 Strategies for Selling in Tough Markets

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 13:27:00 -0700
There are steps you can take to make sure the impact on your sales are minimized during a downturn in the economy. These are also valid when there has been a downturn in your sales for any reason and you want to give your sales program a boost.

The Importance and Strategy of Conducting Exit Interviews

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 14:23:09 -0700
An Exit Interview is a final meeting between an employer and a departing employee. By conducting one, the employer is better able to learn what the reasons are for the departure, and to gain valuable information that can be helpful to improve or protect the firm in the future.

Recruitment and Retention Strategies:
How to Attract, Keep and Motivate Today's Workforce

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 14:21:56 -0700
A recent study shows 85% of HR executives state the single greatest challenge they have in managing the workforce is their organization's inability to recruit and retain good employees and managers.

Cannon Pacific is a Southern California Powerhouse

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 14:30:50 -0700
Based in the San Diego, California area, Cannon Pacific's management has been at the forefront of keeping current with water and air quality issues and how these are affected by sweeping.

They realize the importance of being leaders in their market area in this regard, and in being the professionals when it comes to sweeping.

Wayne Sweepers, LLC to acquire Centurion® Street Sweeper Assets From Tennant

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 15:05:45 -0700
Rights to the dustless sweeper model Tennant formerly made is slated to be passed on to Wayne Sweepers, LLC.

Care to be Swept Up by a Sweeper? Now You Can!

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 15:19:04 -0700
A service sponsored by Mike's Hard Lemonade allows you to have an email message purporting to show that you were sucked into an Athey-Mobil sweeper. You become part of a television newscast that reports you have been swept into a sweeper, so won't be able to make it to work...

Canadian Street Sweeper Video Added to our 'It's a Funny Business' Area.

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 15:03:24 -0700
New additions include a gritty video snapshot of street sweeper operators in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The nearly 10-minute video by the Vancouver Film School offers a rare look into the nightlife of big city sweeper operators.

How Safe Is Your Income If You Get Injured and Can't Work?

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 13:19:00 -0700
When your income is dependent on your availability, your income is never fully safe. Your wealth and security are threatened.

Six Tax Tips for 2008

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 09:05:04 -0700
It's still possible to effect tax burden change in 2008. Consider these expert tips in order to keep more of your hard-earned cash come April 2009.

Covenant Sweeping's Success Credited to Higher Power

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 14:39:40 -0700
Although Darren Lagana credits the success of his companies to his belief in a Higher Power, he also clearly is of the school that "the Lord helps those who help themselves."

Broom Materials Price Increases Causing Burden to Industry

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 09:06:34 -0700
The price volatility of the raw materials for sweeper brooms, primarily polypropylene and steel, has never been higher.

Help Wanted Ads That Draw In Great Prospects -- and Where to Place Them

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 13:14:47 -0700
This author says there's only one reliable place to get new employees: STEAL THEM FROM THE COMPETITION. The beauty of stealing your competition's employees is you kill two birds with one stone. You strengthen your company and weaken theirs.

Well's Sweeping: Focused on Defeating California's Sweeper Removal Laws

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 12:37:45 -0700
Jay Wells got into sweeping after meeting the inventor of the single-engine sweeper, Jack Rogers. Today, he's spearheading the push for a variance for sweepers with California's Air Resources Board.

Broom Bear Being Donated to Promote Breast Cancer Cure

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 08:56:59 -0700
Sweeper being auctioned off to benefit breast cancer awareness.

Managing Your Sweeping Business By The Numbers

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 11:47:38 -0700
Part of our Contractors' Coach series:
Take a look at what it takes, in terms of contact numbers, to get the results you want and need.

Perception: Sweeping Contractors Cheat Business Customers at Night

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 12:23:18 -0700
This 'expert writer' for a popular web-based ezine has a poor opinion of parking area sweepers in general. How would you answer his critique?

California Air Resources Board Proposes New Rules for Sweeper Chassis Engine Emissions

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 13:44:48 -0700
The agency has street-class sweepers included for impending regulation. Unless regulatory changes are made, the upshot is that most current sweepers over 14,000 GVW that are now in operation in California will be out of compliance starting in 2011.

Outline of the 2008 Economic Stimulus Package

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 15:36:02 -0700
The 2008 Economic Stimulus Act offers significant incentives to spur business investment.

Customer Fuel Surcharges: When, How, and How Much?

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 20:48:07 -0700
In a time of fast-moving fuel prices, don't let your margins erode because you haven't added in a fuel surcharge to customers. Four top contractors tell what they do in this regard.

Tips for Improving Fuel Economy

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 15:31:16 -0700
Fuel prices have never risen so quickly. Here are a variety of tips for conserving fuel usage, which will help you keep a line on costs and stay competitive with your bidding.

Practice Makes Perfect - Especially With Conversations

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 14:13:17 -0700
If you want to maximize your results and not get caught offguard, then practice all sides of an important conversation before it takes place.

Five Ways to Keep Your Customers Coming Back for More

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 11:26:48 -0700
At times it seems as though quality customer service is a thing of the past. Some companies just don't appear to care about keeping their clientele happy. If only they knew how damaging this is to their business.

Recession Marketing: The Rules Change

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 10:37:33 -0700
In a recession, consumers become value oriented, distributors are concerned about cash, and employees worry about their jobs. But a downturn is no time to stop spending on marketing. The key, says professor John Quelch, is to understand how the needs of your customers and partners change, and adapt your strategies to the new reality.

Gabriel Vitale presents: 'Selling Service vs. Selling Price' at NPE 2008

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 10:39:12 -0700
Gabriel Vitale, principal in C & L Sweeper Service, provides a synopsis of the results of the discussion group he led on the ways to (and value of) selling service instead of relying on being the low bidder.

Gerry Kesselring presents: 'Determining Your Costs of Doing Business,' at NPE 2008

Thu, 06 Mar 2008 15:10:25 -0800
This year's NPE offered a seminar moderated by Uri Ben-Yashar, of East Coast Lot and Pavement Maintenance. During the seminar, attendees separated into groups and brainstormed on different selected topics.

This is the audio from one of the resulting topical presentations.

Debbie Jacketta presents: 'Alternatives, Given the Current Cost of New Sweepers,' at NPE 2008

Mon, 03 Mar 2008 15:08:48 -0800
This year's NPE offered a seminar moderated by Uri Ben-Yashar, of East Coast Lot and Pavement Maintenance. During the seminar, attendees separated into groups and brainstormed on different selected topics.

This is the audio from one of the resulting topical presentations.