Page 10 - Jan/Feb2017

TCAPWA/SWANA CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS By Jennifer Casey
Public Works Cowboys Show Off
Their Rodeo Skills

The group visited Mud Island in downtown Memphis to show off some of their rodeo
skills during a state-wide competition. However, these participants weren’t riding horses
or bulls, but heavy equipment.

The equipment rodeo featured competitions with the skid steer, knuckleboom,
Gradall excavator, wheel loader, backhoe and auto refuse truck. Participants were able
to practice on the machinery in the morning, before the mid-day competition, as some
of the equipment can operate slightly differently than what they may be accustomed
to using. Operators were tested on skill, as well as time. For example, with the Gradall
excavator, competitors moved the scoop to drop 10 tennis balls into a vertical piece of
PVC pipe. If an operator dropped all 10 balls into the pipe, another competitor could
still move ahead with a perfect drop and faster time. Awards were given to the top three
winners in each category and to the top three overall winners; the city with the most
winners also received special recognition.

“The rodeo builds camaraderie, but also gives operators a chance to show off what
they can do, which the public does not always see. It’s our mission as part of the TCAPWA
to promote their talent,” said Manny Belen, Interim Director City Engineer City of
Memphis and President-Elect of TCAPWA.

“We had 97 operators competing in the rodeo representing various municipalities
across the state,” said John Fox, Collierville Public Services Operations. Fox, who also
serves as the West Tennessee Branch Director of TCAPWA, coordinated this year’s
Equipment Rodeo. “Vendor and Public Works professionals’ participation was also
some of the best we’ve had as hosts in our area.”

Thanks to River City Hydraulics
and CMI Equipment Inc. for the
delicious BBQ lunch!
10 TPW January/February 2017