2022 program guide

HIGHWAY CONFERENCE AND ROAD SHOW

2022

2022Program Guide

March 8-10, 2022 The Lansing Center Lansing, MI

CRA 2022 HighwayCon Program Guide Draft6.indd 1CRA 2022 HighwayCon Program Guide Draft6.indd 1 11/23/21 1:16 PM11/23/21 1:16 PM

Fred Peivandi, PE CRA President Managing Director Genesee County Road Commission

Denise Donohue, APR, CAE Executive Director County Road Association of Michigan

2 | Program Guide CRA 2022 Highway Conference and Road Show

Welcome!Welcome to the County Road Association (CRA) of Michigan’s 2022 Highway Conference and Road Show. Our one-of-a-kind annual event lets you connect with county road agency commissioners and staff, MDOT and state administrative officials, vendors and contractors, legislators, and other important road stakeholders.

This past year has been a whirlwind, and this year’s theme – Lane Shift Ahead – reflects that. As we enter 2022, we’re constantly “shifting lanes” as we adapt to change.

Moving forward requires flexibility and new ways of thinking, and this also holds true in the transportation world. At this year’s Highway Conference, we’re facilitating innovation and giving you the resources to take your road agency to the next level in a changing landscape.

We’re happy to be back with an in-person event! We’re pulling out all the stops to make this an enjoyable educational experience.

We hope to see you in Lansing this March 8-10, as we come back together to share and learn. President, Fred Peivandi, PE, Genesee

Vice President, Larry Brown, PE, Allegan

Sec./Treasurer, Burt Thompson, PE, Antrim

Mark Christensen, Montcalm

Scott Wanagat, PE, Macomb

John Hunt, Huron

James Iwanicki, PE, Marquette

Joanna Johnson, PE, Kalamazoo

Dennis Kolar, PE, Oakland

Bradley Lamberg, PE, Barry

Michael Maloney, PE, Ontonagon

Dave Pettersch, Gladwin

Douglas Mills, PE, Baraga

Jerry Heim, Kalkaska

Steven Warren, Kent

2021-2022 Board of Directors

“A credible, unified and effective voice for a safe and

efficient county transportation infrastructure system in

Michigan, which includes stewardship of the public’s

right-of-way.”

– Vision Statement, County Road Association of Michigan


CRA 2022 Highway Conference and Road Show Program Guide | 3

HOTEL INFORMATION Radisson Hotel Lansing at the Capitol111 N. Grand Ave., Lansing, MI 48933Three rooms per county road agency reserved. Visit micountyroads.org/HighwayConference to make reservations.

Courtyard by Marriott - Lansing Downtown600 E Michigan Ave, Lansing, MI 48912517.367.6677

SHOW LOCATIONLansing Center 333 E Michigan Ave, Lansing, MI 48933

Parking is available at the North Grand Parking Ramp, South Grand Parking Ramp or at the Lansing Center in the parking lot on the north side of the building (enter from N Cedar St).

Location & Parking

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ROADS+™ SILENT AUCTIONThe 7th Annual Roads+™ Silent Auction will be held in the Lansing Center Exhibit Halls Tuesday and Wednesday.

Items are now being accepted for the Silent Auction. To donate, complete the form at micountyroads.org/Roads-Plus.

For more information, contact Shelby Eva at [email protected] or 517.482.1189.

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! GRANT AVENUE Back for 2022, finding information on grants has never been easier!

Take a stroll down Grant Avenue where representatives from federal, state and local agencies will distribute materials and answer questions on grants available to county road agencies!

10 a.m.-12 p.m. Wednesday, at the Road Show

IMPRESS AWARDSDuring CRA’s Annual Awards Breakfast, county road agencies will receive IMPRESS Awards for best practices in Operations, Communications and Collaboration.

Get your next great idea Tuesday and Wednesday at the Gallery of Entries Showcase at the Road Show. And vote in the “People’s Choice Award” for your favorite idea.

Roads+™ onsite

TUESDAY, MARCH 8SILENT AUCTION & GALLERY OF ENTRIES

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9

PRESIDENTS RECEPTION HOURS

Tuesday 5:30-6:30 p.m.

HOSPITALITY SUITE HOURS Tuesday 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Wednesday 7:30-9:30 p.m.

™


2022 ROAD SHOW EXHIBITOR & SPONSOR INFORMATIONShelby Eva | [email protected] | 517.482.1189micountyroads.org/HighwayConference


ROAD SHOW HOURSTuesday 2:30-6:30 p.m. | Wednesday 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

SILENT AUCTION HOURS Tuesday 2:30-6:30 p.m. | Wednesday 9-11 a.m.

The County Road Association’s award-winning trade show – “The Road Show” – takes place March 8 - 9, 2022. The show includes heavy equipment. The Roundabout Stage on Wednesday will feature educational product demonstrations.

MEET WITH VENDORS! The Road Show runs from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 8, and 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Wednesday, March 9. All county road agency managers, commissioners and staff are invited. Other public agencies including townships, city and village representatives are encourage to attend. Door prizes will be drawn throughout the Road Show.

ROUNDABOUT EDUCATIONAL PRESENTATIONSHit the Roundabout during the Road Show on Wednesday from 9 - 11 a.m. Speakers will give short educational presentations about new technologies, products and services.

MORE DIVERSE VENDORS! CRA is proud to continue the indoor heavy equipment show. More than 75 vendors are expected representing:

• Equipment, parts dealers;

• Suppliers of snow and ice control systems;

• Suppliers of traffic control devices, bridges, culverts and pipes;

• Benefits, insurance providers;

• Retirement, investment advisers;

• Government software and IT programs;

• Law firms;

• Engineers, architects and planners;

• Federal, state and nonprofit organizations and programs;

• And many other transportation service providers!



CONCURRENT SESSION #1 (1:30-2:15 p.m.)COMMISSIONERS TRACKThe Micromanagement Antidote County road commission board members govern by pro-viding oversight, leadership and fiscal responsibility over county road tights-of-way. The managing director is hired by the board to manage staff and operate road programs via oversight, leadership and fiscal responsibility. A fine line separates governance and policy making responsi-bilities. At a high level, learn how to distinguish roles and responsibilities of commissioners and managers from an experienced governance trainer, facilitator and coach.Deborah Macon, MBA, Governance Consultant

COMMUNICATION TRACKLookin’ good! On Zoom (etc.) We made it through 2020, but the virtual meeting is here to stay! Do you look and sound your best in this venue? Learn some simple tips for the best lighting, focal point, background, sharing visuals and other ways to look good and be effective.Denise Donohue, APR, CAE, Executive Director, County Road Association

CRA’s seasonal weight restrictions mobile app and Oxcart upgradesGroundhogs, loggers and equipment haulers can be ill-tempered when spring comes early! Learn how CRA’s seasonal weight restrictions (SWR) mobile app can help you message the arrival of SWRs and keep the peace. Also, the latest Oxcart advances including real-time route selection and right-of-way permit features.Dustin Earley, Manager of Communication & Engagement, County Road Association Bryce Baker, Owner, Oxcart Permit Systems®

ENGINEERING TRACKHistoric and cultural project clearances 2.0 In Summer ‘22 Michigan steps into a new Programmatic Agreement for reviewing the cultural resources impacts of federally-funded road projects. MDOT cultural resourc-es staff will review most projects with impact, with only a small percentage requiring State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) approval. What’s that look like?Brad Wieferich, PE, Director of MDOT Bureau of Development and Deputy Chief EngineerMargaret Barondess, Manager of MDOT Environmental Services Resources Division

CONFERENCE SCHEDULEWEDNESDAY, MARCH 9

PDH Credit

PDH Credit

GENERAL SESSION7:30-8 a.m. Breakfast8-9 a.m. Lansing lane shift – or not? Analyzing what happened in 2021 and considering the 2022 election.Thankfully, 2020 and 2021 are in the rear-view mirror! We lived nonstop pivoting, extreme virtuality and COVID. Will roads return to center stage in 2022? Our media panel dissects the Capitol environs.Zach Gorchow, Gongwer News Service Emily Lawler, MLive Media Group Rick Albin, Political Reporter, Wood TVModerator: Kyle Melinn, MIRS News Service

9-9:15 a.m. New Infrastructure Package: Peeling into the onion What’s new from Michigan’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) office, including overview of 2021 five-year Infrastructure Package.Ted Burch, Deputy Division Administrator, FHWA-Michigan

9:15-12 p.m. 2022 CRA ‘ROAD SHOW’

GALLERY OF IMPRESS ENTRIES SHOWCASE

SILENT AUCTION

LUNCH & KEYNOTE SPEAKER “Forget the Fear, Negativity and Self Doubt”Phil Barth, motivational speaker, computer geek and “Who Wants to be a Millionaire” alum, will inspire us to rise above the “chickens” that keep us down!



[PDH] = Professional Development Hours

Coming soon: Road project stream mitigation The Michigan Department of Environment, Energy & the Great Lakes will soon require stream mitigation as part of projects. Learn the legal basis, where this regulation is going and how the Michigan Wetland Board (MiWB) may possibly play a role in this new mitigation.Jim Watling, PE, Supervisor, Environmental Review Section, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes & EnergyHolly Vickers, Wetland Program Manager, MiWB

FINANCE & HUMAN RESOURCES TRACKWords matter: Proper-speak at the county road agency“The guys” still using locker-room talk in the road agency garage and commission boardroom? Update your social awareness – and understand the front office’s responsibility for ensuring a professional environment and sensitivity to gender, gender preference, race and religion. Craig Lange, Attorney, Kirk, Huth, Lange & Badalamenti, PLC

Cultivating civility in the workplace 2020 and 2021 had plenty of disruption, and sometimes hostility, in every area of life from challenging people on Facebook, social unrest in communities, too many people at home(!), and new ways of doing our work. This speaker will cover on the signs of divisiveness and how we can minimize it at the road agency.Tiffany Dowling, President & CEO, M3 Group

MANAGERS TRACKTransportation Economic Development Funds: Change in the ‘D’Get a refresh on Michigan’s 5-part Transportation Economic Development Fund. This 1987 program has competitive grants/disbursements to facilitate economic development, small town and urban problems, all-season networks and forest transport. Significant changes are being introduced in the “D” category!Michael Kapp, MDOT Office of Economic Development AdministratorChristine Zuzga, TEDF Program Manager

PDH Credit

PDH Credit

PDH CreditOptions for Federal Aid Buy-out: Local-to-local, local-to-

MDOT, flex funds for urbanized areas, boundary roads Every county road agency gets a federal aid target, and every road agency is challenged by the obstacles to spending it. Get an overview of the Local Federal Fund Exchange Program, ability to use federal aid on border roads, new options with the “flex funds” portion of federal aid and more.Dennis Kolar, PE, Managing Director, Road Commission for Oakland County and CRA Board MemberSteve Warren, Managing Director, Kent County Road Commission and CRA Board MemberEd Noyola, Deputy Director and Legislative Liaison, County Road Association

CONCURRENT SESSION #2 (2:30-3:15 p.m.)COMMISSIONER TRACKHello, commissioner? It’s an emergency!It rained 7” overnight and today is your county’s turn in the crisis barrel. The manager has staff hopping, placing barricades and securing public safety. The commissioners have important roles, too. Learn more from a member of CRA’s Public Relations Committee a county road commissioner and a managing director who have all faced recent natural disasters on their roads.Dave Pettersch, Manager, Gladwin County Road CommissionKevin Harju, PE, Engineer-Manager, Houghton County Road Commissioner

COMMUNICATION TRACKHow are you e-communicating with the public?Thinking of an e-message board? Service request forms? Text message and email alerts? In our brave “new normal,” there are several new options for road agencies to bring your messages to the public. Learn about some of the emerging options, what works and might not.Cindy Dingell, Deputy Public Information Officer, Road Commission for Oakland CountyEric Dimoff, Communication and Public Relations, Macomb County Department of Roads

A deep dive into YouTube Chances are you use it at least once a week, but how much do you really know about YouTube? Take a deep dive into the platform and learn the answers to questions like: Should I make a road agency account? How do I use analytics? Can I get my own custom channel name? And much more.Maura Lamoreaux, Communications Manager, Kent County Road Commission and member of CRA Public Relations Committee



ENGINEERING & ENVIRONMENT TRACKProgress report: How’s that bridge bundling workin’ out? In 2021, Michigan launched its historic local bridge bundling pilot with a $23 million, 19-bridge package awarded to a single design-build (DBF) joint venture. Other barriers broken included a hybrid trunkline/local agency environmental clearance process and locals ceding control to MDOT/DBF for the construction schedule/durations. Hear a report from MDOT and the first county involved.Matt Chynoweth, PE, Chief Bridge Engineer and Director, Bureau of Bridges, Michigan Department of TransportationRoger Safford, PE, Senior Project Manager, HNTBBrett Laughlin, PE, Managing Director/Secretary, Ottawa County Road Commission

Replacing our trusty Field Manager As Field Manager continues its long good-bye for nonaging aid projects, a CRA committee has been working with LTAP on a state-funded, cloud-based, subscription-access replacement. At conference time, this program will be 12-18 months from launch. Learn more including a potential future estimating feature.Dr. Tim Colling, PE, Director, Center for Technology & Training, Michigan Technological UniversitySteve Puuri, PE, Engineering Specialist, County Road Association and Michigan Municipal League

FINANCE & HUMAN RESOURCES TRACKNEW!! DOUBLE SESSION: Team building: Can we be a team again?We spent the last two years being distant. If it wasn’t the pandemic, it may have been management change! Now it’s time to bring the team back together! Lew Bender gives some pointers on the front office’s role in re-establishing strong relationships with stakeholders, staff and especially staff in remote garages. A double-session; advance registration required; $25 fee.Lew Bender, Ph.D., Owner, Consulting & Training Services

Hiring: The +’s and –‘s of using a professional search firmYou may think anyone can hire your next rock star, but push PAUSE and consider using a search firm to fill that key spot. A recruiting firm describes the steps to hiring key talent that you may be overlooking. And a county road agency describes why they’ll never turn back from the hired hirer.Todd Surline, President, Hiring Solutions, LLCRob Laitinen, PS, Manager, Chippewa County Road Commission

PDH Credit

PDH Credit

MANAGERS TRACKCar & the driver: The coming electric vehicle (EV) surgeElectric vehicles are rapidly coming our way! Although the current range of 300 miles limits use in our big state, this issue will likely be figured out shortly. A technical update on the reality of electric vehicles’ current and projected range and winter performance will go side-by-side with information about how EVs will contribute to road funding.TBD

CONCURRENT SESSION #3 (3:30-4:15 p.m.)COMMUNICATION TRACKBringing in outside communications expertiseCounty road agencies don’t usually have office staff equipped to create a new website, shoot high-end video or lead a rebranding effort. Consider contracting an outside to spiff you up! This session provides tips for soliciting a RFP, selecting a firm and working with them to create or update communications tools.Doug Steffen, Managing Director, Clinton County Road Commission

How are you e-communicating with the public?Cindy Dingell, Deputy Public Information Officer, Road Commission for Oakland CountyEric Dimoff, Communication and Public Relations, Macomb County Department of Roads

COMMISSIONERS TRACKCommunication in a crisis – this will not wait While patience is a virtue, leaders step up to action when a crisis unfolds. They begin to plan their own message, identify audiences that need to hear it, which channels to use and best timing. No corner of Michigan is hidden from social media these days. Re-think the board’s role in crisis communication.Denise Donohue, APR, CAE, Executive Director, County Road Association

PDH Credit


Program Guide | 9CRA 2022 Highway Conference and Road Show

ENGINEERING & ENVIRONMENT TRACKA new approach to setting speed limits?A bill likely to clear the Legislature by conference time would significantly alter the way speed limits are set. Limits could drop as low as 50th percentile if the local government cites a previously unknown safety factor. Get the latest!Tim Haagsma, PE, Director of Traffic/Safety, Kent County Road Commission Mark Worden, PE, Director of Engineering & PR, Road Commission of Kalamazoo County

FINANCE & HUMAN RESOURCES TRACKCONTINUATION of DOUBLE SESSION:Team building – can we be a team, again?Lew Bender, Ph.D., Owner, Consulting & Training Services

Words matter: Proper-speak at the county road agencyCraig Lange, Attorney, Kirk, Huth, Lange & Badalamenti, PLC

MANAGERS TRACKCRA’s seasonal weight restrictions mobile app and Oxcart upgradesDustin Earley, Manager of Communication & Engagement, County Road AssociationBryce Baker, Owner, Oxcart Permit Systems®

GENERAL SESSION4:30-5:30 p.m. Under the Dome: The “Point People” for Local RoadsSen. Tom Barrett, Chair, Senate Transportation CommitteeSen. Wayne Schmidt, Chair, Senate Transportation Appropriations SubcommitteeRep. Jack O’Malley, Chair, House Transportation Appropriations SubcommitteeRep. Scott VanSingel, Chair, House Subcommittee on Transportation Appropriations

LEGISLATIVE RECEPTION 5:30-6:30 p.m. Ballroom BlitzMingle with your local Representatives and Senators in the Radisson Hotel Ballroom. Join us for appetizers and advocacy on road issues!

THURSDAY, MARCH 10

RADISSON HOTEL BALLROOM

BUSINESS MEETING & AWARD BREAKFAST 7:30-8:45 a.m. A Word from the State Capitol

Back to the office! What’s new at MDOT

Paul Ajegba, PE, Director, Michigan Department of Transportation

9-11 a.m.

IMPRESS AWARDS

MEMBER AWARDS

ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING

PDH Credit

HOSPITALITY SUITESHospitality suites open at 7:30 p.m. at the Radisson Hotel. More information will be available at the conference.

PDH Credit

[PDH] = Professional Development Hours



Thank you Sponsors

MARQUEE SPONSOR

SIGNATURE SPONSORS

GOLD SPONSORS

PLATINUM SPONSORS

DIAMOND SPONSORS



Registration

REGISTER EARLY AND SAVE $$$Conference Registration

CRA Member/ Associate Member

Non-Member

Wednesday Meals

Road Show Only(pre-registration recommended)

Early Rate

$245

$310

$60

FREE

After Feb. 18

$290

$360

$60

FREE

TO REGISTER, VISIT:

ONLINE REGISTRATION CLOSES MARCH 1

CRA is using online registration. If you require assistance registering, please call Shelby Eva at 517.482.1189.

Association committees and sectional organizations will meet throughout the day Tuesday, March 8, at the Radisson. Complete schedule on CRA's website.

CommitteesThe County Road Association offers a big THANK YOU to our committees who have worked diligently over the past year to advance the goals of the Association. Please thank our 2021-2022 committee chairs:

Executive – Fred Peivandi, PE, Genesee

General Policy – Ken Hulka, Muskegon

Canvassing – Craig Atwood, PE, Allegan

Commissioners – Ray Roberts, Marquette

Education – Larry Brown, PE, Allegan

Engineering – Robert Lindbeck, PE, Alger

Finance & Human Resources – Melissa Williams, Oakland

Legislative Review – Dennis Kolar, PE, Oakland

Negotiating – Darryl Heid, PE, Oakland

Nominating – Dirk Heckman, PE, Mackinac

Public Relations – Craig Bryson, APR, Oakland

Roads+™ - Ken Hulka, Muskegon

Superintendent Assoc. of Michigan – Randy Dellaposta, Genesee

micountyroads.org/HighwayConference

March 8-10, 2022 The Lansing Center, Lansing, MI

2022 HIGHWAY CONFERENCE AND ROAD SHOW

QUESTIONS?Contact Shelby [email protected]

REFUND POLICYCancellations received by March 1 will be 100% refunded.No refunds after March 1.

OR SCAN HERE TO REGISTER


HIGHWAY CONFERENCE AND ROAD SHOW

2022

March 8-10, 2022 | Lansing Center | Lansing, MI

101 S. Washington Square, Ste. 200Lansing, MI 48933517.482.1189

[email protected]

micountyroads.org/HighwayConference

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2022 program guide

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