2011 Conference Program

Monday, May 9, 2011

RECYCLING

9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
E-Recycling: Expanding Opportunities
A majority of people now live in states with electronics recycling laws.  This session will familiarize solid waste and recycling collectors and facility owners with the latest laws and options on how to collect and process these materials.
Moderator: Jerry Powell, Resource Recycling Magazine
Speakers: Robert Landmesser, AERC Recycling Solutions; Jason Linnell, National Center for Electronics Recycling; and Jerry Powell, Resource Recycling Magazine

10:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Recycling Waste from Natural Disasters
Recently, many communities have experienced a surge in destructive weather conditions causing extensive damage.  Panelists will discuss the role of recycling and how to position your operations to help communities.
Moderator: Jonathan Burgiel, BDR, Inc.
Speakers: Buddy Persons, DRC USA, Inc.; Harry Hayes, City of Houston Solid Waste Management Department; and Jonathan Burgiel, BDR, Inc.

SMALL HAULER INTERESTS

9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
Bring Your Business into the 21st Century: Part I – Improving Your Financial Management System Sorting through the variety of financial management systems to select the best fit for your operations is not easy, especially for busy small haulers.  In this session, speakers will explore the options available to small waste and recycling firms.
Moderator: Joe Sikorski, TCF Equipment Finance
Speakers: Michael Ayoroa, ITA Dynamics, and Paul Warren, Microsoft Dynamics - US Central Region

10:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Bring Your Business into the 21st Century: Part II – Marketing and Customer Retention Techniques
Speakers will discuss techniques that small haulers can use to remain competitive and grow, including the best ways to advertise your company, take advantage of the Internet, how to differentiate your company from the competitor, and how to keep your existing customers. 

COST-EFFECTIVE SOLUTIONS

9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
Converting Aging Facilities into Functional Space Without a Consultant
Aging and old installations can be frustrating.  As operations change, tight working space, limited storage capacity, and random additions can make your operations inefficient.  The speaker will explain how to identify and prioritize these problems and how to focus limited resources to make improvements without hiring a consultant.  Attendees also will learn about the best ways to engage, work with, and compensate a consultant when a professional is needed.     
Moderator: Stephen Ursery, Waste Age
Speaker: Charles Sax, Charles Sax Architect

10:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Metrics and Measurements: Current Opportunities in Your Back Office
Identifying inefficiencies in everyday business processes will lead to cost savings and better customer service.  Back office metrics can improve your bottom line, but you need to know what to measure. Speakers will introduce practical ideas for establishing metrics in the back office that focus on meeting company goals.
Moderator: Pam Schaard, Waste Industries, LLC
Speakers: Pam Schaard, Waste Industries, LLC, and David Navarro, PC Scale Tower, Inc.

ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SYSTEMS

9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
Feasibility of Alternative Waste-Based Energy Systems: Case Studies
In-the-field practitioners will discuss their projects of installing and operating alternative waste-based energy systems, including pyrolysis, modular and transportable biomass waste-to-energy systems, and gasification systems.
Moderator: Steven Averett, Waste Age
Speakers: Harvey Gershman, Gershman, Brickner & Bratton, Inc.; Mark Ihlenfeldt and Jerry Flickinger, Alliance Construction & Design; and George Nassos, Sustainable Energy Systems, LLC

10:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Open Discussion: Haulers’ Experiences with Hybrid and Alternative Fuel Vehicles
For several years, you have heard about alternative fuels and hybrid vehicles and their possibilities for the waste industry.  Waste management companies will share their experiences with using these options, how they implemented their decision, and whether they have been successful. 
Moderator: Jeff Carver, AmSoil, Inc.

WORKPLACE HEALTH

9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
What Employers Need to Know about the Benefits and Downsides of Healthcare Reform
The federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act was signed into law in March 2010 and includes provisions for employer provided healthcare, new taxes and tax credits, fees, reporting requirements, and more.  This session will provide detailed information on what waste industry employers need to know to ensure compliance and take advantage of employer benefits.
Moderator: Liz Smith, Assurance Agency, Ltd.
Speakers: Scott Bast, Assurance Agency, Ltd., and Liz Smith, Assurance Agency, Ltd.

10:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
The Aging Workforce: Occupational Safety, Health, and Wellness for the Waste Industry
The “aging of the workforce” raises a number of safety, legal, and especially occupational health concerns for employers.  Older individuals experience functional loss of body systems and have more diseases.  Employers must figure out who is fit for work, in what capacity, for how many hours, and consider workplace hazards and policies that may impact older employees without violating age discrimination laws.  An occupational health expert will explain what employers can do to address these issues. 
Moderator: Gerald Peters, Rumpke Consolidated Cos.
Speaker: Howard Sandler, Sandler Occupational Medicine Associates, Inc.

LUNCH-N-LEARN

12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
From Company Beginnings to Success: Adventures in the Waste Industry
Join two industry leaders as they discuss their companies from their beginnings to current successful operations.  Mickey Flood, Vice Chairman and director, IESI-BFC, Inc., will speak on “From Two Trucks to Wall Street” and Mike Sangiacomo, President and CEO, Recology, will speak on ”Two Horses to Recology.”  This session was developed by the Environmental Industry Associations Women’s Council.
Moderator: Stephen Smith, Atwell
Speakers: Mickey Flood, IESI-BFC, Inc., and Mike Sangiacomo, Recology

RECYCLING MARKETS

1:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Stuck Between the Sheets: An Update on Paper Markets
Paper remains the largest component of the municipal waste and recycling stream.  Will paper markets go up or down?  What are the latest trends in collecting and processing paper for end markets?  
Moderator: Chaz Miller, National Solid Wastes Management Association
Speakers: Jeff Fielkow, Tetra Pak U.S.A.; David Knight, SCA Americas; and Jim Hanna, Starbucks Coffee Co.

3:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Plastics Recycling Markets: Room for Growth
Plastics recycling continues to grow in importance.  How should plastics be collected and processed?  Where are markets headed?  What opportunities are available?
Moderator: Henry Leineweber, Resource Recycling Magazine
Speakers: Tamsin Ettefagh, Envision Plastics; Gerry Fishbeck, United Resource Recovery Corporation; Henry Leineweber, Resource Recycling Magazine

FINANCIAL GROWTH

1:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Show Me the Money: Private Equity for the Waste Industry
Access to the stable and enduring equity capital needed to meet your strategic goals requires an understanding of options, how to select the right equity partner, and what to consider in taking the right steps to finalize the deal in a timely fashion.  These issues and the successful experiences of private equity-backed waste companies will be presented.
Moderator: Michael Castellarin, Clairvest Group, Inc. 

Speaker(s): Brian D'Amico, Summer Street Capital Partners LLC; Ken Rotman, Clairvest Group, Inc.; Joe Ursuy, Comerica Bank ; and Jerry Cifor, Tangram Partners

                       
3:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Effective and Diplomatic Credit and Collections Programs
Attendees of this session will discover why a credit and collections policy is necessary, how to set up and maintain a policy, what techniques are available for controlling accounts receivables, how and when to act on delinquencies, what to measure to guide company goals, and when to introduce a third party.  Attendees also will receive a free debt evaluator with the top 10 best practices in collections.
Moderator: Andrea Dahlgren, A.R.M. Solutions
Speaker: Brad Jadwin, A.R.M. Solutions

COLLECTION TECHNOLOGY

1:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Communication, Safety, and Tracking Technologies for Improved Collection Operations
Through the use of electronic tools, waste collection operations can improve profitability, efficiency, customer service, and employee culture.  Attendees will receive an update on different technological options and how these tools can be used at their facilities.      
Moderator: David Biderman, National Solid Wastes Management Association
Speakers: Steven Kaufman, Routeware, Inc.; Garry Mosier, Aliance Wireless Technologies, Inc.; and Timothy Giardina, Strategic1 Business Services LLC

3:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Balancing the “Wants and Needs” of Truck Purchasing
Many questions arise when you decide to purchase a garbage truck.  Identifying what will work best with limited resources is not easy, even for haulers that have been in business for a long time.  This hands-on session offers tips on defining specific operational needs, creating a list of priorities, and identifying what to ask for when purchasing a new or used truck.

MEDIA RELATIONS

1:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
NSWMA/WASTEC “Environmentalists. Every Day.” Overview and Successes
Get an update about the “Environmentalists. Every Day.” Program and its available resources.  Listen to how different companies and the National Solid Wastes Management Association’s state chapters have used the programs tools to achieve their communication goals.  Learn about services and resources that are available to your company to promote your image, and increase employee pride and your civic contributions.
Speaker: Thomas Metzger, Environmental Industry Associations

3:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Working with the Press: Tips for Handling Television, Radio, and Print Interviews
Companies pay thousands of dollars for professional media training.  During this session, speakers will demonstrate some of the most effective techniques used by the pros, and share a few “mistakes” to avoid at all costs.  The goal is simple – to give the industry an enhanced ability to deliver strong, clear messages, even during awkward or tense situations.
Moderator: Thomas Metzger, Environmental Industry Associations
Speaker: Ben Zingman, John Adams Associates

SAFETY

1:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Visual Communication Strategies for Improved Workplace Safety
Managers are constantly looking for new ways to communicate safety to their employees.  Through proven strategies to engage employees, workplace communication experts will provide insight on how to incorporate visual communication into your safety plan.  Electronic message boards will be highlighted.
Moderator: William Sampson, The Marlin Company
Speaker: Jude Carter, The Marlin Company

3:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Government Views on Safety in the Waste Industry: Recent Data and Improvements
Federal and state regulators will provide statistics on safety in the waste industry and where they have found significant improvements.  They also will show where greater effort is needed and offer some suggestions on what industry can do to make improvements.
Moderator: Shawn Mandel, Republic Services, Inc.
Speaker(s): David Utterback, National Institutes of Occupational Safety and Health

WORKSHOP 1 - LANDFILLS

9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Current Developments for Landfill Owners and Operators
This all-day workshop for landfill owners and operators will begin with a panel of experts on specific details about current clean air issues – permitting, monitoring, reporting, and compliance.  A discussion will follow on headline issues such as H2S management, compaction, and alternative final covers.  After lunch, the conversation on covers will continue with solar, evapotranspiration, and exposed geomembrane covers.  The day will end with the latest information on leachate management. Moderators: Amy Van Kolken Banister, Waste Management, Inc.; Steven Menoff, Brown and Caldwell; Beth Gross, Geosyntec; and Kevin Torrens, Brown and Caldwell
Speakers: Amy Van Kolken Banister, Waste Management, Inc.; Margaret Anne Hill, BlankRome, LLP; Matt Stutz, Weaver Boos Consultants, Ltd.; Bryan Griesback, GeoShack North America, Inc.; Patricia Beauregard, ProSolutions, Inc.; Wolf Koch, SWAPSOL Corp.; Beth Gross, Geosyntec; Lindsey Agricola, Agru America, Inc.; Jeffrey Palutis, IESI-BFC, Inc.; Walter Hunt, Waste Management, Inc.; Brad Granley, Leggette, Brashears & Graham, Inc.; Kevin Torrens, Brown and Caldwell; Ron Crites, Brown and Caldwell; and Patrick Stanford, ROCHEM

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

COMPOSTING AND RECYCLING

10:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Protecting Employees at Material Recovery Facilities: New ANSI Standards
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z245.41 subcommittee on safety at commingled material recovery facilities is about to publish its recommendations.  This session is a must for facility owners and operators to learn how to protect employees and avoid liability.
Moderator: Caija Owens, Waste Equipment Technology Association
Speakers: Susan Eppes, EST Solutions, Inc.; and Jim Webb. Bulk Handling Systems

1:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Potato Peels and Brussels Sprouts: The Future of Food Scrap Composting
Composting food waste is becoming more popular as zero waste and other sustainability initiatives seek to divert organics from disposal.  Learn how restaurants and other food businesses are managing this waste stream and how waste companies are collecting and processing this waste.
Moderator: Chaz Miller, National Solid Wastes Management Association
Speakers: James Cowhey, Land & Lakes Co.; and Chaz Miller, National Solid Wastes Management Association

3:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Salvaging Recycling: New Developments in Construction and Demolition Materials
Construction and demolition (C & D) materials management is receiving increased emphasis on reuse and recycling.  Experts will explain how companies are collecting, processing, and selling C & D materials to end markets.
Moderator: William Turley, Construction Materials Recycling Association
Speakers: Amy Costello, Armstrong World Industries, Inc.; and Dan Costello, Costello Dismantling Co., Inc.

BUSINESS COMMUNICATION

10:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
How to Develop Your Supervisors into Leaders and Gain Competitive Advantage
This session centers on the relationship between supervisors and front-line employees, which represents the critical intersection where operational effectiveness is gained or lost.  Based on research, participants will learn what is really missing from their supervisors’ leadership toolbox and how to quickly obtain the essential skills.
Moderator: Kenneth Binnix, Days Cove Reclamation Co.
Speaker: Kenneth Baylor, Advanced Leadership Solutions, LLC

1:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Turn Up the Volume and Listen: Social Media for the Waste Industry
More and more businesses now integrate Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube into their communications and marketing strategies.  How exactly do businesses use the power of these tools to reach potential customers?  Social networking offers a low-cost way to connect with target audiences and create meaningful relationships for general managers and sales teams.  If you know about these tools, but want to learn more about Ning, Furl, Propeller, Reddit, or Tumble, this session is for you.
Moderator: Will Flower, Republic Services, Inc.
Speakers: Emil Atanasov, Civic Practice Group, LLC; Ken Bleyer, Civic Practice Group, LLC; and Will Flower, Republic Services, Inc.

3:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
How to Outmaneuver the Opposition and Get Your Project Approved
To expand or permit new waste and recycling facilities, corporations must gather community support early in the planning process.  This grassroots approach works to align businesses with community needs.  Understanding the critical players and their motivations is crucial.  The speaker will illustrate what it takes to outmaneuver the opposition in the modern political environment.
Moderator: Larry Stone, Rumpke Consolidated Cos.
Speaker: Jesse McKnight and Javon Smith, The Saint Consulting Group

COMPLIANCE FOR HAULERS

10:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Ensuring Compliance with New Commercial Motor Vehicle Regulations
The Comprehensive Safety Analysis (CSA) 2010 is a new federal regulation that applies to drivers required to hold a commercial driver’s license, including garbage and recycling trucks.  CSA 2010 and other developments in truck regulations will be discussed. 
Moderator: Chaz Miller, National Solid Wastes Management Association
Speaker(s): Evelyn Lecia Keaton, Law Office of Evelyn Keaton

1:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Don't Land on the Wrong Side of the Law: Changing Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing and Employment Law
Does your company test for more than “HHS-5” drugs (amphetamines, cocaine, marijuana, opiates, or PCP)?  Does your company have a standard rule requiring employees to report their prescription drugs to the company?  Be careful -- such policies could land you on the wrong side of an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission action under new court interpretations of the law.  These court decisions will be discussed along with an analysis of how waste industry employers can develop the best policies.
Moderator: John Wayhart, Assurance Agency, Ltd.
Speakers: William Judge, Park-Dickens Group; Jerry Sjogren, E.L. Harvey & Sons, Inc.

3:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
New Truck Requirements for Ladders and Fall Protection
New recommendations for the use of ladders and fall protection on front loaders, transfer trailers, and other mobile waste collection equipment are part of the latest update of the American National Standards Institute Z245.1 standards.  Learn more about these standards and the solutions available to protect workers.
Moderator: Bruce Hooker, Mattei Insurance Services, Inc.
Speakers: Shannon Harrop, tarpARMOR, and David Malter, Malter Associates, Inc.

MUNICIPAL COLLECTION

10:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Case Studies: How Local Governments are Successfully Managing Solid Waste and Recyclables
A panel of managers at municipal government solid waste departments will share their stories in building successful public and private collection services.
Moderator: Frank Reed, Frost Brown Todd, LLC
Speaker(s): Bob Moore, Baltimore County, Maryland

1:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Traps for Unwary Collectors When Contracting with Public Entities
Long-term contracts to provide collection services to cities, counties, and other public entities are the cornerstone of many haulers’ businesses; yet, many of these contracts do not deliver all that they promise, leaving haulers exposed.  This presentation will review common pitfalls that haulers and their attorneys should consider in negotiating effective collection contracts.
Moderator: Aaron Gilman, SCS Field Services
Speakers:  Bryce Giddens and Teresa Johnson, Howard Rice Nemerovski Canady Falk & Rabkin, PC

3:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Current Decision-Making in Privatizing Collection Services
Recently, there has been increased interest in privatizing municipal solid waste services.  Panelists will discuss why this is happening and present case studies on successful privatization projects.
Moderator: Mike Huff, National Solid Wastes Management Association
Speakers: Bart Begley, Waste Industry Consultant, and Robert Hyres, Waste Pro

LUNCH-N-LEARN

12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Extended Producer Responsibility: A Panel of Possibilities
Over 25 states now impose various schemes requiring manufacturers, retailers, and others to “take back” the products they sell to be recycled or, as a last resort, disposed of.  A panel of experts will compare and discuss these laws and what role solid waste companies play.
Moderator: Ronald McCracken, RJM Associates
Speakers: Ted Siegler, DSM Environmental Services, Inc.; Heidi Sanborn, California Product Stewardship Council; and David Tonjes, Stony Brook University

WORKSHOP 2 – FLEET MANAGEMENT

10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Effective Maintenance Practices for Public and Private Fleets
This workshop focuses on practical and logical solutions to the problems of fleet maintenance and is designed for public and private operators of all fleet sizes.  The discussion will emphasize improved productivity, quality, and profitability.  The entire range of vehicle maintenance responsibilities will be examined, including budgeting, staffing, productivity, work scheduling and standards, warrantees, and benchmarking.
Speaker: John Dolce, Wendell Companies

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

9:00 am –10:15 am
Special Session: Roadside Inspections
Using an actual truck on the WasteExpo show floor, a local enforcement officer will conduct a roadside inspection showing typical violations.  Please be on time, we will be leaving for the show floor promptly at 9:00 a.m.
Moderator: Steve Changaris, National Solid Wastes Management Association

FUEL MANAGEMENT

10:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Reducing Fuel Costs is a Gas
In this session, speakers will present real world examples of how the waste and recycling industry has implemented successful fuel management programs at their companies and how you can apply these successes to your operations.
Moderator: Randy Ellert, Rumpke Consolidated Cos.
Speakers: Roger Koehler, Veolia Environmental Services of North America; Ryan Mossman, FuelQuest; and John Ford and Matthew Milcetich, KeyBanc Capital Markets

SECURITY

10:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Preventing and Responding to Theft of Commercial Vehicles, Construction Equipment, and Containers
The theft of commercial vehicles, construction equipment, and containers can cause significant financial loss to a company.  Insurance often covers the actual loss of the asset, but does not cover the associated loss of production, employment, and failure to meet customer deadlines.  Don’t be a victim, find out what your company can do to protect itself from theft.
Moderator: Daniel Katt, Rumpke Consolidated Cos.
Speaker: Daniel Pearson, Holcomb City Police Department

STATISTICS FOR BUSINESS

10:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Size of the Solid Waste Industry: Statistics and Progress
Data on the size of the industry can be a useful marketing tool.  Speakers will present past and current numbers on the growth of the solid waste industry with an eye toward the future.  
Moderator: Bryan Staley, Environmental Research and Education Foundation

TRUCK TECHNOLOGY

10:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Truck Scales and Hydraulic Systems for Increased Productivity
Numerous technological improvements have been made to truck scales such that accurate weighing and weight management systems are less expensive.  The right hydraulic system can make a significant difference to operating costs and productivity.  In this session, speakers will explain these technologies and how your company can benefit.
Moderator: Jonathan Kiser, Kiser Environmental Consulting
Speakers: Corey Moore, Eaton Hydraulics

LUNCH-N-LEARN

12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
The Gulf Coast Oil Clean-Up, A Waste and Recycling Industry Perspective
The Gulf Coast oil spill involved an enormous amount of waste, the management of which was in the public eye on a daily basis.  Some of the parties involved in this challenging clean-up will share their stories in terms of operations, community relations, and homeland security. 
Moderator: Frank Reed, Frost Brrown Todd, LLC
Speakers: Rene Faucheux, Waste Management - Gulf Coast Area; Ken Haldin, Waste Management - Southern Group; Todd Washburn, Waste Management Upstream Services