Learning lineup

At the beginning of every year, many of us pause to reflect on how we can improve ourselves. Throughout January, companies hoping to cash in on New Year resolutions inundate us with advertising for health spas and weight loss programmes.

For many SC&RA members, resolutions are more likely to focus on techniques to whip professional lives and businesses into even better shape. SC&RA can help. During the next several months, the Association will offer a strong lineup of educational and motivational speakers at two major meetings.

At the 18th Annual Specialized Transportation Symposium in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in the US between March 3 and 5, featured speaker Bryan Townsend will present Hitchin' Up a Winning Team-3 Point Plan for Team Work. One of the nation's most active motivational humorists and the author of several books, he will elaborate on the necessary ingredients for success: commitment, preparation and teamwork.

A little over a month later, the SC&RA Annual Conference in Phoenix, Arizona, 12-16 April, will feature four acclaimed speakers. Opening General Sessions speaker Doug Lipp-an internationally acclaimed expert on customer service, leadership and diversity-is the author of five books and a featured guest on National Public Radio and Bloomberg Business. His presentation, The Changing Faces of Today's Customer, based on his book of the same title, will examine how businesses can attract and retain an ever expanding base of diverse customers and employees in manufacturing, service and transportation industries.

Larry Winget is one of the United States' top business speakers and author of Shut Up, Stop Whining and Get a Life, a recent number one title on The Wall Street Journal list of best-selling business books. Known as the Pit Bull of Development, Winget will make two presentations: Hardcore Self-Help That's Funny! and Success Is Simple, Money Is Easy, and Life Is a Hoot! Both are filled with solid principles that will allow you to achieve success, happiness and prosperity both personally and professionally.

Garrison Wynn, host of PBS television specials and national radio programmes, has worked with some of the world's most effective corporate leaders and sales people, from multibillion-dollar manufacturers to top New York Stock Exchange wire houses. His presentation, Making the Most of Difficult Situations: Changing Markets, Changing Times, will examine the challenges we face and show how we can laugh at our problems while using them as catalysts for success.

Robert Stevenson is a former Morehead Scholar and All-American Athlete who has owned several companies, sold internationally in more than 20 countries, and established and maintained hundreds of accounts worldwide while managing a worldwide sales force. His presentation on How to Soar Like an Eagle in a World Full of Turkeys, based on his book of the same title, will offer winning strategies, techniques, methods and thoughts to help you become the extraordinary person you have always wanted to be.

Throughout the Specialized Transportation Symposium and the Annual Conference, SC&RA will also offer educational sessions covering the industry's most pressing issues. Presenting the Strategies for Avoiding Costly Lawsuits by Owner-Operators session at the Specialized Transportation Symposium will be Daniel R Barney, an attorney who has become the foremost authority on the subject. And a session on insurance and risk management during the Annual Conference could save attendees a large amount of money by showing them how to recognize and eliminate potential coverage limitations and exposures.

The tradition of excellence will continue at the Crane & Rigging Workshop, 22-24 September, in Houston, Texas. Outstanding presentations by some of the industry's most respected experts always make this annual event memorable for hundreds of attendees.

We are also enthusiastic about the Financial Management Seminar, which will be reintroduced on October 20-21 in Washington, DC after a hiatus of several years. Profits, Performance and Payback: Fiscal Tools for Planning and Success will use real-life examples based on SC&RA member companies to reinforce the concepts being taught.

Remember, your SC&RA membership entitles you to substantial registration discounts at all of these events. We hope to see you at one or more of them this year.