As you are aware the City of Cedar Rapids experienced a disaster of epic proportion with the floods of June 2008. Our river crested at twice the flood stage or 32.5 feet. My fleet organization had only been in operation since January of 2008 as part of a city-wide reorganization. Being the first ever fleet manager for the city I had a lot to prove, but once we got things rolling the flood hit literally wiping out everything we had done so far. We lost all of our vehicle history files, our computers, our garages, etc.

It was with some level of seeing the 100 Best as a bright spot in a very dismal and extremely difficult time for us that we decided to put our names into the ring. Exactly one year later, to the day, at one of our quarterly management sponsored cook outs, I was able to stand in front of the Senior leadership of our city, and my entire staff and hand each of them a copy of our certificate. This no doubt brought back the momentum and drive that we had before the flood. We had survived the worst we could possibly see and came out of it with a bright spot and a truly significant award for my staff, and the entire City of Cedar Rapids.

One week later we received a recognition proclamation from our City Council.

What you do for the public sector fleet management profession cannot be measured and cannot be matched, you provide a resource for us and a form of recognition that I can tell you positively impacts everyone involved.

Dennis Hogan; Fleet Manager; Cedar Rapids, IA

I am proud that our Fleet Management Division continues to be recognized as one of the most advanced and efficient fleets in the nation. Congratulations to Kelly Reagan and the entire division for what they do to improve our vehicles and equipment, save taxpayer dollars and make Columbus a greener city.

Mayor Michael B. Coleman, Columbus, OH

The cost of submission: nothing. The benefit to your organization: priceless.

Marilyn L. Rawlings; Fleet Manager Lee County Fleet Management; Fort Myers, FL

For Eagle County Fleet Services being recognized as a top 100 Best Fleets brought the morale of our staff up.

It shows staff that they are recognized for all there hard work and dedication for being part of the Fleet industry.

Thanks so much for the honor of being recognized as a top 100 fleet.

Gusty Kanakis; Fleet Manager Eagle County; Gypsum CO

Being recognized as one of the 100 Best government fleets in North America, has allowed us to gain recognition, respect and credibility, not only with our board of County Commissioners, but has also increased the confidence of our customers in showing we are just as good, if not better than shops in the public sector. This award has also evidently brought national attention to our fleet, as I receive calls from other fleet manager seeking assistance or asking questions on how we do business. It has been an honor to be listed along side so many great fleets out there trying to do their best.

Lee Gurule; La Plata County, Fleet Manager; Durango, CO

Recognition as a 100 Best Fleet has been a tremendous benefit to our operation. We've seen morale increase significantly and received many accolades from our customers. With increased morale has come efficiency gains and with customer accolades has come more confidence in us and our Division. Additionally, we have completely involved City leadership in our celebration and success. This has had the net effect of increasing our Division's credibility with the decision-makers in the City--a huge benefit when jobs are on the line and cutbacks the name of the day. Fleet's credibility in Oxnard is at an all-time high and that benefits us every single day.

Dan Berlenbach; Fleet Services Manager, City of Oxnard; Oxnard, CA

Being recognized as one of the 100 Best government fleets out of 38,000 public fleets in North America, has helped the Virginia Department of Transportation Equipment Program maintain its credibility and gain additional recognition within state government as well as within the public fleet community.

Erle W. Potter, P.E., CEM; State Equipment Manager; Virginia Department of Transportation

Due to this award the fleet division was and continues to be recognized for their accomplishments. The '100 Best Fleet' designation is proudly declared anytime fleet is mentioned. Another positive from this award is the confidence it gives to the department who utilize fleet’s services. This speaks volumes.

Scott Lawler; BLW Public Works Operations Manager; City of Marietta, GA

Being an outside contractor, presenting the award to the mayor and counsel members goes along way when contract renewal or negotiations are up coming. We presented this award three times in three years consecutively and presenting the award has been very beneficial in either monetary or extension of the contract.

Marc Siegel; General Manager, First Vehicle Services; Town of Davie, FL

Government Fleet Magazine and the 100 Best Fleets are the best in the business.

Ron Raines, Fleet Manager city of Topeka, KS

Tom, I want to take a minute to thank you and all who help to do the 100 Best Fleets program. Alachua County Fleet Management has received a lot of praise for placing in the 100 Best. I am quite sure it requires a lot of hard work on your part to put this on this program, that recognizes the "behind the scene" people that keep the wheels rolling. Thanks Again, and I look forward to meeting you one day.

Ray Griffin; Alachua County Fleet Manager; Gainesville, FL

Here at Buckeye we are up to the challenge and working on our 2010 Top 100 Best Fleets in North America application.

Below are some of the things that I noticed since we won the award:

You receive free positive publicity in your area. In these economic times it’s good for the citizens and vendors in your community to know that your organization has been recognized as one of the best at what you do.
Credibility/Professionalism with Mayor/Council, Town Manager and Departments: Right after we won the award we were able to purchase mobile column lifts ($33,000) with an easy approval from upper Town Management.
Keep’s your department focused and on track by following you’re 'Top 100 Fleet Assessment Checklist'.

Mike DePaulo, CPFP; Fleet Management Supervisor; Town of Buckeye, AZ

From a (successful) American Public Works Association nomination for Michael DePaulo of Buckeye AZ: Public Relations Awareness section

Mike is one who would prefer to stay out of the spotlight; however, that does not mean that he would shy away from getting the best possible press for the people that work for him or his shop. In 2009 he, on his own initiative applied for the prestigious 100 Best Government Fleet Operations in North America award for the Town of Buckeye. It was a long shot for Buckeye to even be considered as the competition is so keen. There is an estimated 38,000 fleet operations in North America that could compete. Mike took the lead to put together the award package and Buckeye did make the top 100 for 2009! This represents a huge morale boost for his shop and gives great press for the Town of Buckeye as a whole.

Scott Lowe; Public Works Director; Town of Buckeye AZ

I have followed the 100 Best Fleets for several years. It is a wonderful thing that you are doing to encourage fleets to become better at what they do.

David McDermott; Fleet Manager; Council Bluffs, IA

Tom, it was nice to talk to you in Detroit earlier this week. I have heard only good about the top 100 programs and website, which I have now bookmarked.

I hope to continue future discussions over fleet management ideas and continue to improve our industry.

Bob Adamsky; Fleet Manager; Del-Air Heating & Air Conditioning;
2010 winner of the NAFA Larry Goil Award for innovation in fleet management; Sanford FL

There are several benefits of being in this program. The evaluation categories set our fleet objectives and plans to improve efficiency and customers service. So this program is as much of a tool for me to manage our fleet to become even better organization each year. Also this recognition highlights on our Fleet Services as an important component of the City services that makes a huge contribution to our City.

Fred Chun; Fleet Services Manager; City of Tacoma, WA

Thank you for the positive feedback on the jackets. My guys love them. We have purchased them three different types of jackets over the last couple of years. It was fun to see the switch to the Top 100 jackets. We didn’t tell them they had to wear them. As a matter of choice they chose the one that lets them brag a bit.

This effort helps with so many other areas. Some of the guys have commented their kids were proud of where they worked because they were the best. That led to other efforts being willingly accepted.

I can’t thank you enough. Your efforts have made others better and willing to work more.

David Kilbourne; Director – Fleet San Antonio Water System; San Antonio, TX

Citrus County Fleet Management was selected for the first time as one of the '100 Best Fleets' for 2009. The Board of County Commissioners publicly recognized our achievement with an award presentation. Having this outside recognition put to rest any further discussion of privatization. We were also recognized in our local newspaper which raised our standing with our citizens and fellow county employees. Of course all of the exposure reflected back to my staff. They are proud to finally receive some positive recognition for the hard work they do for their community. With frozen wages and hiring freezes, receiving an honor like this has helped to keep morale high for our organization.

Michael R. Webster; Director, Office of Fleet & Transportation Management;

Citrus County, FL

Regarding the 100 Best Fleets... At a University, on the academic side, there are all sorts of awards, degrees, grants, etc, that can show their accomplishments, both as individuals and departments. For support organizations there are very few and often the nonacademic units are not highly thought of. The '100 Best Fleets' is sponsored by a national publication so when our Fleet department was honored it was well noted both on the operational side and the academic side of the University. The University of Minnesota is on a campaign to be one of the top three public research universities in the country and this award shows that we are one of the best. While people from the academic side do notice and comment when they hear of our accomplishments, or see the awards posted in our lobby, it is the other support units that really understand what it means and has helped us in our efforts to continuously make things better. It also helps us in our efforts to improve that we have gotten the award four years in a row. During these tough economic times it is hard to make changes but when the administration sees that we are on the leading edge by getting this recognition it makes it easier.

Thank You Tom.

Bill Roberts; Associate Director of Parking & Transportation Services,
University of Minnesota; Minneapolis, MN

Our 100 Best Fleets Plaque is proudly displayed on the Sheriff's wall in his office.

It is a great way to have the 'Boss' see that his Fleet Department is recognized by an outside organization for doing a great job!

Mike Best; Broward Sheriff's Office; Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Thank you very much Tom for the great news. This news could not have come at a better time taking into account all that the City of Miami and specifically our Department has gone through for almost a year.

Once again thank you.

Jose E. Davila; Sr. Fleet Superintendent; City of Miami, FL

Hi Tom, I hope all is well. I wanted to give you a quick update on my job status. I did take that job (we discussed when you were here) with the city as the new Administrative Services Manager. As of May 3rd I will be responsible for three other divisions in addition to fleet. I thought you might be interested...

The City of Boise Fleet Services Division has gained recognition, respect and credibility with our customers, by being recognized as one of the 100 Best Fleets in America. Although we feel very humbled to be mentioned with the other fleets in this prestigious group. We are inspired now especially in these rough economic times to prove we truly are one of the 100 Best.

Craig Croner; Fleet Services Manager; City of Boise, ID

Apply now for "The 100 Best Fleets" 2010

Contact us