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This month we've got some promising news from the ACPA regarding the CARB PERP, a mighty fine testimonial from L. Guerini Group, one of our New England customers, and we highlight some of the WOC2007 events—Don't forget to register for FREE!
L. Guerini Group: A Testimonial
When we started DispatchThis in 2004, among our goals was to build a piece of software which was easy to use, and made sense to concrete pumpers. That's why we were very pleased to receive this testimonial from one of our customers, Guerini Concrete Pumping of Boston, MA and we're excited to share it with you.
L. Guerini Group Inc. (LGGI) has been a satisfied customer of DispatchThis scheduling software since June of this year. This web based software program is utilized primarily by Andy Guerini and Bob Magliozzi to schedule and dispatch a fleet of eleven concrete pumps and one Telebelt conveyor. Additional users include Lou and Joe Guerini who are also partners in the almost 90 year old Boston, MA based firm. Although not frequent users, DispatchThis allows Lou and Joe to quickly access customer and job information. Office manager Michelle Gordon doesn't schedule with the program, but logs on to access important customer and job information.
DispatchThis is used throughout the typical 11 to 12 hour day at LGGI. As orders are received, they're entered into the system and easily edited as the day progresses. At the end of the day, dispatch slips for the next day are printed and distributed to individual operators. This once hours-long handwritten process of producing job information, equipment and operator assignments, and directions is completed in minutes with the printing of the dispatch slips.
DispatchThis became part of our business the first day we logged on, and we haven't looked back. The clear layout and simple design allow users with minimal computer experience to schedule like a veteran. The greatest benefits are the time savings, and quick access to vital information. We would have to wait until the end of the day to finalize our schedule for the following day, resulting in several hours of handwriting our dispatch slips. The quick and permanent access to customer and job information has also proven to be virtually indispensable.
"Personally my favorite feature with the system is that it is web based. This is great when I happen to go on vacation. My wife thinks I am relaxing and stress-free when actually I just find a computer and BANG I know everything that is going on. You know us pumpers—you don't want to lose that stressed out demeanor we have about us. The support for any problems you may have is great. Just a phone call or e-mail away."
Andy Guerini
L. Guerini Group, Inc.
Aside from the above benefits, the unique ability of a web based program to allow users to easily access and edit information off-site at any time, is what sets DispatchThis apart. Whether from home or on the road, after-hours or over weekends, the information made available by DispatchThis has proven invaluable.
I would encourage all concrete pumping contractors give DispatchThis a try. The minimal investment in hardware (a PC and printer) and the pay as you go nature of the product, make it easy to see how this service can improve your dispatching accuracy and speed.
We experienced a lightning strike on our building this July which wiped out our phone system and several computers. With DispatchThis, we were back in business the next day with a laptop from home, and with no loss of company data. Conventional software would require us to store and backup our own data with a greater potential for loss. With DispatchThis we can focus on the things that allow us to be profitable!
Bob Magliozzi
L. Guerini Group, Inc.
Thanks for the kind words, guys.
You can visit the L. Guerini website at guerini.com
Good News on the California PERP!
Following up on last month's message on the ACPA's involvement with troubles over the California Air Resource Board's Portable Engine Registration Program, Christi Collins of the ACPA wishes to share this message:
Dear Owners of Trailer and Skid Mounted Concrete Pumps,
It appears our presence and comments at the September 28th meeting of the California Air Resource Board had an impact. According to Bill Davis of the California Contactors Association, Dr. Robert Sawyer, chairman of the California Air Resources Board, announced last Thursday that his staff is preparing an emergency measure, to be voted on at CARB’s December meeting, to re-open the Portable Engine Registration Program.
Details are sketchy at this point, but here's what we have heard regarding the plan being drafted by Mike Scheible, CARB's deputy executive officer:
It will grandfather Tier 1 or Tier 2 equipment; It will provide for those thousands of companies who did not register equipment to do so, paying regular registration fees and a penalty fee (likely double the amount of the registration fee); Those doing work in a single county or local air district register with only that county and those operating in more than one register with the state.
We will provide more information as it becomes available.
WOC 2007 has it all
 As a preview of this year's World of Concrete, Hanley Wood presents this list of exciting events for this year. Check it out and make sure you're there!
OUTDOOR DEMONSTRATIONS
See products and equipment at work under actual jobsite conditions. In the Outdoor Demonstration and Exhibits areas you'll learn new techniques and find the products that are right for you.
MASONRY CONSTRUCTION'S CHALLENGE
Each year, Masonry Construction magazine hosts events that are important to our mason attendees. Centered in the Gold Lot over the course of the show, this is the place to see telehandlers in action, tenders in tough competition and bricklaying at its best. Don't miss out—visit the Gold Lot!
ARTISTRY IN DECORATIVE CONCRETE
Concrete Construction will again host the 7th annual Artistry in Decorative Concrete Demonstration. Visit the Silver Lot in front of the South Hall where leading artisans demonstrate the most popular decorative concrete applications and techniques available to professionals in the industry.
Tuesday, January 23 - Friday, January 26
MOST INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS CONTEST
The 5th annual Most Innovative Products Contest is here! Sponsored by Concrete & Masonry Construction Products magazine, The Most Innovative Products Contest keeps getting bigger and better with more cutting-edge products and innovations. Awards include Experts' Choice and Attendees' Choice, so cast your vote online or at the show for WOC's best! Be sure to stop by exhibitors' booths to check out their product entries.
THE CONCRETE PRODUCER'S CHALLENGE
Each year, The Concrete Producer magazine hosts events that are important to our producer attendees. Centered in the Orange Lot over the course of the show, this is the place to see your peers compete in truck driving competitions. Don’t miss out—visit the Orange Lot!
MACK TRUCK SAFETY COMPETITION
Qualified to drive a ready-mix truck? Bring your certification and visit the Orange Lot to test your skills or watch your peers compete. This competition allows contestants to demonstrate operating and safety knowledge of ready-mix trucks.
Tuesday, January 23 - Thursday, January 25
Use this link to Sign up for free (a $30.00 value) and support the ACPA! Forward this sign-up to all of your friends and get everyone in for free!
Click below to see our slide show from last year's WOC:
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