For more than 30 years, Arbor Age magazine has been covering new and innovative products, services, technology and research vital to tree care companies, municipal arborists and utility right-of-way maintenance companies
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FROM THE EDITOR 1030 W. Higgins Rd., Suite 230, Park Ridge, IL 60068 www.arborage.com Group Publisher Jeff Patterson 763-383-4458 jpatterson@epgmediallc.com Editorial Staff Associate Publisher, Editor John Kmitta jkmitta@specialtyim.com Production Team Art Director Production Manager Adam Lane Karen Kalinyak Direct Mail List Sales Cheryl Naughton, 678-292-6054, fax 360-294-6054 cnaughton@specialtyim.com Reprint Service Cheryl Naughton, 678-292-6054, fax 360-294-6054 cnaughton@specialtyim.com For subscription inquiries and customer service questions please call: 845-856-2229; 845-856-5822 (fax) Taking "Stock" of TCI EXPO 2013 The theme of TCI EXPO 2013, Nov. 14-16, in Charlotte, N.C., was "Race with the Winners." The racing theme was everywhere during the show (Charlotte is home to the NASCAR Hall of Fame), and also served as a metaphor for the education, networking and products that were available to help tree care professionals achieve a winning formula in their day-to-day business. Keynote speaker Jeff Hammond, Fox Sports NASCAR commentator and former crew chief for Darrell Waltrip's racing team, shared his keys to putting together a winning team. "Your people are your assets," said Hammond. "Without the right people, the equipment is useless." According to Hammond, building the right team involves identifying the best person for each task. On the job, good teams work together, communicate, and think, he added. "Never stop thinking about safety," said Hammond. "Sometimes the simplest jobs can go wrong. Success does not come easy. At the same time, safety does not come easy. Put speed and safety together, and you get success." Feeling welcome The racing theme continued with a welcome reception at the NASCAR Hall of Fame on Nov. 14. The reception gave exhibitors and attendees the chance to get up close and personal with the NASCAR experience. Exhibits at the Hall of Fame include Glory Road, which displays 18 historic cars and 40 race tracks along a banked ramp; The High Octane Theater, which traces the history of NASCAR on a 64-foot-wide projection screen; The Hall of Honor, which celebrates some of the sport's best drivers; and Heritage Speedway, which showcases the artifacts and items that made NASCAR what it is today. 75th Museum Another unique feature of this year's TCI EXPO was the 75th Museum. The museum, which was set up on the show floor, celebrated TCIA's 75 years as an association. The collection chronicled the history of TCIA and the tree care industry as a whole. Historical exhibit items included pictures, equipment, documents, tools, climbing gear, information, and a timeline of tree care industry milestones and events. Advertising Account Managers Chris Pelikan Senior Account Manager - East 954-964-8676 cpelikan@epgmediallc.com TCIAF Student Career Days College and high school arboriculture students from throughout the United States participated in friendly competitions to demonstrate their tree-climbing skills for a chance to win prizes. Student Career Days also hosted educational seminars, workshops, and a job and internship fair. New equipment and solutions Of course, TCI EXPO also featured an industry trade show that allowed attendees to evaluate equipment and solutions from a wide range of exhibitors. Peggy Tupper Senior Account Manager - West 763-383-4429 ptupper@epgmediallc.com Publisher's Notice: We assume no responsibility for the validity of advertising claims in connection with items appearing in Arbor Age. Reader Service Numbers are given to facilitate further inquiry. Commercial product names are used for the convenience of the reader. Mention of a commercial product does not imply endorsement by Arbor Age or Specialty Information Media, or preference over similar products not mentioned. John Kmitta Associate Publisher, Editor 847-720-5613 jkmitta@specialtyim.com www.arborage.com I have not yet seen official attendance numbers for the show, but turnout and traffic seemed strong, educational sessions were well attended, and the feedback I received was positive. Race car drivers and arborists both operate in dangerous professions; but, in both cases, a winning plan requires teamwork, safety, proper training, a wellthought-out strategy, and the support of the industry. TCI EXPO 2013 provided a foundation in all of those areas. Arbor Age / November/December 2013 5