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

Click on the graphic to read the whole "Committed to Excellence" letter, reprinted with permission.

...There were literally hundreds of fleet applications that went to four dedicated public servants and past winners of the No. 1 position for “100 Best Fleets”, who served as judges. It was their responsibility to read, score, evaluate, collaborate, and finally judge every application. The pay for each of them was the same, nada – nothing but a pat on the back for a job well done. This took a massive number of hours cumulatively for these men and women. Known as the “best of the best,” these judges determined which fleets fit the criteria and excelled, which fleets could provide supporting documentation, and then verified the claims made in each fleet’s application, finally ranking each as one of the“100 Best Fleets” in North America. Congratulations to City of Troy, Mich., and Sam Lamerato, who was named the No. 1 fleet in the country. ...

Kelly Reagan Fleet Administrator City of Columbus, Ohio

Read the whole letter, reprinted with permission from Government Fleet Magazine

I'm looking forward to reading about the common characteristics of the top Fleets. Just entering this contest has improved our fleet operations so much. As we read the criteria and saw we were weak in some areas, we made a concerted effort to improve in that area. And as economic times got tougher, we brainstormed to see how we could cut our expenses, which in turn reduces our costs to all our customers, which helped us in our 100 Best Fleet application.

Also, one last thing - thanks for bragging on and showing off our patches at the convention. We wear them proudly.

Barbara Olsen, Fleet Operations Support Manager; City of Fayetteville, AR
In the top 20 five years in a row!

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

Tom, I would like to take a minute and thank you and all your staff for this very worthwhile and important program, The 100 Best Fleets. I myself have worked in Fleets all my life and to get some recognition for my people and their work is outstanding. And we appreciate the work you have done to make that happen. I am one Fleet out of many that labor every day to make things happen, and to keep this world moving along. But to me its people that make Fleets work, like us and you and all the other great Fleet organizations, [and there are many]. And your program gets them the recognition these organizations deserve. Thanks again for all you do.

Ray Griffin, CPM; Alachua County Fleet Manager; Gainesville, FL

The network you’ve put together through “100 Best Fleets” certainly is a list of the best and the brightest in the industry. We’re proud to be part of that group.

Dave Head, Sonoma County CA, one of the 100 Best Fleets and top 40 Government Green Fleets for 2011

It is I who owes you the thanks. The programs you run are a blessing to the Fleet community. The recognition we have garnered via your programs had helped us gain millions in additional funding for Fleet. Your programs has made the lives of each technician and equipment operator better. As we picked up recognition our funding line went up.

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

I have taken a new position (partially thanks to my ‘100 Best’ awards) and wanted to update your records. I hope to have my new organization ‘100 Best’ ready by the time the applications come out in the Spring. We should also be a contender for the Green Fleet award because we are definitely on the forefront of green initiatives.

Michael Webster; Manager of Fleet Services Land Mgmt. - Fleet Services Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

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

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

I just wanted to once again thank you and for all you do to allow us public fleet managers the opportunity to promote our work with both our organizations and communities. The 100 Best Fleets program has been such a valuable avenue to help us educate and inform those we serve. I believe your enthusiasm and passion is obvious and present in the way you approach the program. I am fortunate to have the ability to connect with so many other fleet managers across the country largely due to the GFX and 100 Best Fleet program.

Character, honesty, passion and commitment are values which I believe lead us down our road of success. Your work has made a tremendous difference for the many public fleet organizations involved in the program. Hope all is well with you. It was great having the chance to talk with you during the GFX. Let me know if there is anything I can help with in the future. I wish you the best in your coming endeavors.

Tony Jobanek; Fleet and Radio Manager; City of Eugene, OR

If fleet managers really cared about the operations, they should attend one of Tom’s seminars. If they really cared about the futures of their operations and the careers of their employees, they would take a good look at the criteria set-fourth at as being one of the best. Unfortunately there are only 100 spots with the top 100 Best Fleets and not everybody going to be recognized for their efforts. Although they will be recognized in their own organizations as being the best when they can support their operations based on facts and credibility. When the day comes and they to defend their operations – the preparation of this program may be deciding factor that saves their fleet operation from being out-sourced.

Gary Lentsch; Eugene Water & Electric Board Fleet Services Supervisor; Eugene, OR

I applaud all the hard work that went into organizing the 3rd annual Government Fleet & Expo (GFX) held in June in Austin, Texas. I applaud everyone from the committed sponsors, to the expert speakers on specific subject material, to the “100 Best Fleets” judges who worked so hard evaluating all the applicants.

The Expo was packed with golden nuggets of information that could be farmed from most any session – all to take back to our respective operations and implement as soon as possible within our cities, counties, states, and school districts. I am very proud to be one of the recipients of the 100 Best Fleets awards again this year and I am proud of every fleet manager who continues to pursue excellence through this venue.

There were literally hundreds of fleet applications that went to four dedicated public servants and past winners of the No. 1 position for “100 Best Fleets”, who served as judges. It was their responsibility to read, score, evaluate, collaborate, and finally judge every application. The pay for each of them was the same, nada – nothing but a pat on the back for a job well done. This took a massive number of hours cumulatively for these men and women. Known as the “best of the best,” these judges determined which fleets fit the criteria and excelled, which fleets could provide supporting documentation, and then verified the claims made in each fleet’s application, finally ranking each as one of the“100 Best Fleets” in North America. Congratulations to City of Troy, Mich., and Sam Lamerato, who was named the No. 1 fleet in the country.

I would like to personally thank the dedication and hard work of every judge for their commitment to excellence: Larry Campbell of Ft. Wayne, Ind., Sharon Subadan CAFM and CPFP of Hillsborough County, Fla.; Marilyn Rawlings of Lee County, Fla.; Steve Riley of Coral Gables, Fla.; and finally our illustrious leader and founder Tom Johnson, who has been our public sector advocate and voice for many years.

...

Read the entire "Committed to Excellence" letter...reprinted with permission from Government Fleet Magazine.

Kelly Reagan Fleet Administrator City of Columbus, Ohio

Thanks so much for the award Tom, it's catapulted morale and stopped the privatization banter!

Gary McLean, Fleet Manager; City of Lakeland, FL

Surviving the City Auditor...

Per our phone conversation ...I can honestly tell you that if it were not for our participation in 100 Best Fleets these past few years we would not have been as well prepared/positioned and fared near as well through this audit process.

The other memo is the first time a City Manager has ever supported and directed the turn-in of underutilized vehicles. Times are a changing!

Keith Leech; Fleet Manager Department of General Services City of Sacramento; Sacramento, CA

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

Participating in the 100 Best Fleets is an education in fleet management. The very process of completing the application will improve your program, by challenging you to examine your strengths and weaknesses and prompting you to measure and evaluate your practices in relation to the principals of good Fleet Management. Tom’s 100 Best seminars complete the process by providing learning and networking opportunities with the best fleet minds in the country.

Steve Szueber; Fleet Services Supervisor, Department of Public Works; City of Corona, CA

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

Being selected as the #15 Fleet In North America was a key element in our retention as the provider of fleet maintenance services for the City of Fort Worth.

Wayne Corum; Director Equipment Services Department; City of Fort Worth, TX

Last year I created a year long FY-2011 strategic action plan using your 12 areas for a better fleet. I have attempted to do something in each of the areas this year.....Leadership, Business Plan, Fuel Management, etc...thought that that might help my response. Looking forward to seeing you in Atlanta.

Stephen Hillis; Fleet Manager City of Alcoa, TN

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

I do want to thank you and the 100 Best Fleets organization for recognizing the City of Los Angeles, General Services/Fleet Services as one of the top 100 Fleets. With all that our Fleet family has been through over the last year with budget cuts and all, receiving this award has certainly played an important role in boosting everyone's morale.

Thanks again!

Richard Coulson; Acting Fleet Director; City of Los Angeles, 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

This [Honorable Mention] award was very well received by our Elected County Officials. At the committee meeting that this award was presented, the Peoria County Administrator requested that I contact you for a breakdown of "why we didn't break the top 100 and give a plan for achieving it next year!"

To continue our journey, to be one of the 100best fleets, I will contact the two judges you recommended, and we'll proceed to take the steps necessary to improve our services to our organization in pursuit of this goal.

Michael Patton; Fleet Manager, County of Peoria, IL

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

Thanks for all you do for the Government Fleet Management profession. Without you taking the lead, many programs across the Country would not have the recognition they truly deserve.

Michael Brennan, Fleet Division; East Bradenton, 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

Hope all is well. Your efforts provide a very essential service to all of those who keep this county moving. Just wanted to say thank you.

Ron Schulhofer, Director Public Works Department; Manatee County, 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

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