WHAT HAPPENED TO CIVILITY? (PAGE

WHAT HAPPENED TO CIVILITY?

By Ellen Voie

THE WORD CIVILITY IS DEFINED AS FORMAL POLITENESS AND COURTESY IN BEHAVIOR OR SPEECH. ITS ORIGIN IS THE WORD “CIVILITAS” WHICH RELATES TO CITIZENS.

Words aligned with civility include courtesy, politeness, good manners, graciousness, and respect.

The Institute for Civility in Government goes beyond this definition to include “disagreement without disrespect.” What does that mean? It means we can hold opposing views while still recognizing the other person’s opinions as valid and deeply held.

For those who have studied language in some capacity, you may be familiar with some of the arguments people use to discredit others. One of them is called the Ad hominem argument, which is a personal attack. You can see this tactic used in politics every day. Instead of addressing the statement, the speaker instead denigrates the other person’s character or motive to undermine the statement.

Children use the Ad hominem argument all the time. I recall my niece choosing the name Rose for her doll and another little girl told her she was stupid for her selection. With children we can teach them to be more respectful, but once we’re adults, we should already hold these values to create a more pleasant environment.

Visit any Facebook group and you’ll see some nasty comments directed at other posters. It’s called keyboard courage when you are just an anonymous icon hiding behind a long line of bitter and angry people. I’ve never understood the attraction in hurting another person, even if you don’t know them personally. What satisfaction does a person get from being mean?

Many of us learned the adage, “If you can’t say something nice, say nothing at all.” I have bitten my lip to keep in some of the negative thoughts I would like to share so I am not lowered to the level of those who enjoy shooting electronically charged daggers.

The trucking industry is a close community. Drivers really are good at connecting with one another, both in person and through technology. In the past, the CB radio was the most common method of interaction. Now, drivers use apps and websites and especially social media to find common ground with others.

Unfortunately, that same venue could be viewed by those outside of our industry and more importantly, many who are considering becoming a part of the supply chain. Yet, what they are seeing is bickering, attacking, denigrating and profanity.

What happened to a sisterhood or brotherhood?

Are you looking out for your fellow drivers on the road or at loading docks? Are you being supportive and helpful to encourage and validate others? If so, then I thank you from my bottom of my heart, as we need more civility these days.

If you are quick to share a verbal barb or comment on another person in a negative way, why are you doing it? Wouldn’t you prefer to give someone a compliment and see a smile rather than hurt someone and make them unhappy.

American President George Washington, hand wrote a list of 110 rules of civility and decent behavior. Many of these rules involve physical etiquette, such as not sneezing on people and others include table manners. However, the first rule is,” every action done in company ought to be with some sign of respect, to those that are present.”

Civility begins with you. The next time you’re at a truck stop or a loading dock and you hear a person make a negative comment, ask them to please stop. Many times, people don’t realize how destructive their words can be. Think about how the trucking industry could return to the image in the past of the “Knights of the Road,” view the public held.

Let’s make the trucking industry more civil, more accepting, and kinder and more welcoming. Let’s bring back the sisterhood and brotherhood trucking was founded on nearly a century ago. It’s up to you.

Ellen Voie is the President and CEO of Women in Trucking.

THE ATLANTIC ROAD REPORT

NEWS AND VIEWS COLLECTED FROM AROUND THE ATLANTIC REGION SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO! (YER WELCOME!)

NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR

Tender Issued to Replace Romaine’s River Bridge on Port au Port Highway

A tender has been issued to replace Romaine’s River Bridge on the Port au Port Highway, Route 460, in Western Newfoundland.

The tender calls for work to construct a new concrete girder, two-span bridge with a concrete deck to be constructed south of the current bridge, the realignment of the highway and the removal of the existing bridge.

The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure anticipates construction will begin this winter and will be completed in 2024.

This bridge replacement is in addition to more than 40 bridges rehabilitated this construction season, as well as six bridge replacements currently under construction on provincial highways, including Rushy Pond Bridge, Aspen Brook Bridge, and Shoal Harbour River Bridge on the TransCanada Highway; Coots Pond Bridge on Salmonier Line (Route 90); Hughes Brook Bridge on North Shore Highway (Route 450); and North River Bridge in Clarke’s Beach (Route 70).

Planning continues on the replacement of other bridges on provincial highways.

The replacement of Romaine’s River Bridge is in addition to other highway improvements that are set to begin on the Port au Port Peninsula. A contract valued at approximately $1.7 million has also been awarded to Marine Contractors Inc. to pave two kilometres of the Port au Port Highway (Route 460) through the community of Cape St. George and to pave three kilometres on Lourdes Road (Route 463) between Cape St. George and Mainland.

Information on tenders issued and awarded by the department and other public bodies is available by visiting www. merx.com/govnl.

NEW BRUNSWICK

What is the Road Ahead Plan?

Province unveils three-year capital investment plan

The Road Ahead is a 3-Year Capital Investment Plan that outlines how the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DTI) plans to build, repair and maintain our province’s transportation network. It identifies which projects are planned, when they are planned and the overall expected investments. As part of the development of this plan, we have consulted with and listened to New Brunswickers, elected officials and Municipalities.

Developing and publishing a 3-Year Capital Investment Plan provides transparency regarding future projects and has several main benefits, including the following:

DTI has a defined plan for project implementation over the next three years.

The public is informed of when and where work is planned.

The transportation industry has the opportunity to plan for upcoming work. Early identification of projects is a large step in efficiently delivering capital programs.

DTI’s 3-Year Capital Investment Plan identifies its planned capital investments in transportation assets as determined by evidence-based tools and documented processes. While there may be a need to modernize and, in some case, expand the highway infrastructure because of the aging infrastructure needs, DTI’s main focus in the foreseeable future is to preserve the existing assets.

This is a rolling 3-year plan, which provides projects for the fiscal years 2022 to 2024 and is updated annually to add future years’ projects. The plan forms the basis for the multi-year budget submission and provides a level of detail that helps government understand the financial resources required to finance the identified projects and programs.

For more information, visit: The Road Ahead Plan (gnb.ca)

NOVA SCOTIA

Support for Emergency Services Providers

The Province is investing more than $1 million to help first responder organizations purchase safety equipment needed to help and protect people and communities.

“Our volunteer first responders have an essential role in the safety of our communities, and I thank them for their dedication and commitment,” said Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister John Lohr. “They put countless hours into training and responding to emergencies. This funding will help ensure they have the tools and equipment needed to keep them safe.”

The Emergency Services Provider Fund offers funding to fire departments and ground search and rescue organizations, including hazardous materials teams, to upgrade

QUICK FACTS: 56 organizations are receiving funding under the program this fiscal year categories include personal protective equipment and self-contained breathing apparatus, communications, rescue equipment, miscellaneous firefighting equipment, hazardous materials equipment and emergency power for buildings, organizations can apply every three years, the program provides up to 75 per cent of eligible costs to a maximum of $20,000 PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND

CITY TO ADMINISTER PROPERTY CLEAN UP PROGRAM

The City of Charlottetown, in partnership with the Provincial Department of Fisheries and Communities, will help administer a new tree clean-up program to support residents with the impact of post-tropical storm Fiona. Specifically, the program will assist residents with cleaning up damaged and fallen trees, along with removing tree debris from their private property.

“While work crews continue clean up and recovery efforts across Charlottetown, we know that many residents have suffered significant damage to their private property that must be addressed,” said Charlottetown Mayor Philip Brown. “This City program will provide specialized expertise to assist residents with restoring their properties quickly and safely.”

Starting October 11, Charlottetown residents can apply for the new program online or by phone. Next, City staff will assess the applications, conduct site visits and evaluate reported damage in order to prioritize impacted properties. City contracted crews will

then be deployed to address and clear damaged trees from these properties.

What the Program Covers:

Fiona-related uninsurable losses and damage to residential properties. This includes trees fallen in yards, damaged trees at risk of falling, and basic debris clean up on private property in the City of Charlottetown.

What the Program Does Not Cover: • Fallen trees or debris on homes or vehicles. These are considered insurable losses, and homeowners or business owners are responsible for contacting their insurance company to resolve Fiona-related damage to their home or vehicle. • Uninsurable losses and damage to businesses and not-for-profit organizations. • Aesthetic work on private properties, including landscaping or pruning.

How to Apply:

Charlottetown residents can report storm-related damaged trees online at charlottetown.ca/fiona or by phone at 902.629.2594 during regular business hours. Please note: Charlottetown residents who have already reported damage through the Province’s online damage reporting tool are being transferred to this new program and do not need to provide their information again.

Members of the public who have questions about this program can call 902.629.2594.

For All Other Uninsurable Losses: All other damage to uninsurable losses relating to residential properties, small businesses, and not-for-profit organizations not eligible for this new tree clean up program should apply for the Provincial Disaster Financial Assistance Program for Prince Edward Island.

Residents who have already paid for professional services related to cleaning up damaged and fallen trees on their property may also be eligible for the Provincial Disaster Financial Assistance Program for Prince Edward Island.

For more information on the Provincial Disaster Financial Assistant Program for Prince Edward Island, administered by the Canadian Red Cross, visit: https:// www.redcross.ca/how-we-help/currentemergency-responses/hurricane-fiona-2022/hurricane-fiona-prince-edwardisland or call 1-833-966-4225.

Source: City to Administer Property Clean Up Program - City of Charlottetown

TELL ME, TEACH ME, INVOLVE ME

By Paul D’Adamo, RAS “Core Hunter” EDUCATION IS NOT A COST

IN A RECENT URG ON THE GO PODCAST, DJ HARRINGTON ASKED ME ABOUT WEIGHING THE COSTS OF TRAINING VERSUS THE BENEFITS.

My answer was, “There are no costs to education.”Plain and simple, all education is an investment and, if monetized properly, should be considered a profit center. Technically speaking, a profit center would have identifiable revenue and associated costs. But in the big picture, without employees aspiring to be their best and wanting what is best for the company, you have nothing. High-performing, welleducated team members generate boatloads of revenue and contribute to the bottom line. Anyone can buy inventory, but the only way to maximize the value of that inventory is to build a team that can support that inventory through the procurement, inventory, dismantling, sales, and post-sales processes

BEN FRANKLIN’S VIEW ON TRAINING AND EDUCATION

Ben Franklin once said, “Tell me, and I forget. Teach me, and I may remember. Involve me, and I will learn”. I have always said that our industry is not one of book worms but immersive learners. Learning in seminars or online followed up by onsite teaching, and hands-on engagement returns higher education and retention rates. ARA University is a phenomenal resource for our industry and should be your go-to source for great online learning. Creating a culture of change where everyone is expected to evolve with the times and challenge themselves with new skills and knowledge is the key to success. Business owners must be passionate about developing their team members to their highest potential. Don’t get hung up on registration costs for a convention. Spread the love and rotate who goes to the conventions. Consider it a deposit on their advanced degree. With the URG Conference just around the corner, this is not the time to pinch pennies. Invest in your people and reap the rewards of an intensive educational experience in New Orleans.

DJ HARRINGTON – “BEST OF THE BEST”

DJ Harrington has always inspired me. As a life-long learner, DJ has always been passionate about the auto recycling industry. He has dedicated his life to promoting our industry through seminars, books, personal connections, and involvement at all major conventions. More importantly, he is someone who continually promotes education. He not only talks the talk, he walks the walk. Anyone who knows DJ would agree that he is very Ben Franklinesque. DJ is an innovator, educator, author, statesman, philosopher, and believer. We are blessed to have him in our lives.

THE REST OF THE BEN FRANKLIN STORY . . .

As one of the most often quoted Americans, Ben Franklin was born the 10th son of 17 children of a man who made soap and candles. Franklin learned to read very early and had one year in grammar school and another under a private teacher, but his formal education ended at the tender age of 10. This “uneducated” man became one of the foremost of the founding fathers, helping to draft the Declaration of Independence, and was active as a writer, scientist, inventor, statesman, diplomat, printer, publisher, and political philosopher.

Education is a lifelong process. We can all tell, teach, and be involved in making our industry stronger.

Questions on QC Counts for Cores? Contact Paul at pdadamo@coresupply. com or 401-458-9080.

FIX WELCOMES FIRST GRADUATES OF ITS LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

INITIATIVE AIMED AT UNLOCKING TEAM’S POTENTIAL AND BUILDING FUTURE LEADERS

FIX NETWORK, ANNOUNCED OCTOBER 26, 2022 THE SUCCESSFUL GRADUATION OF THE PILOT GROUP OF ITS LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM, AIMED AT SETTING THE BAR FOR LEADERSHIP CAPABILITIES AND TRANSFORMING HOW THE COMPANY ACHIEVES ITS MISSION.

The program’s carefully curated curriculum used evidence- based research and behavioural principles that enabled our participants to solve real-world business challenges during their nine-month journey.

Workshops are combined with internal expertise and industry professionals to create an immersive and impactful experience. The diversity of participants came from nominations across the organization which fostered collaboration and a community of thought leaders.

“Professional development remains the top priority for the company,” Steve Leal, president and CEO of Fix Network, pointed out. “We are always seeking the next-level change-makers who can inspire and motivate while maintaining a high degree of collaboration within the organization. The program is an excellent opportunity to create a strong cross-functional leadership team of individuals who bring extensive experience from different sectors of our organization.”

Anita Gouveia, Director of People Development at Fix Network, said leadership development will always remain a critical investment for the organization. “Our program was designed with a growth mindset; one that allowed our leaders to improve self-awareness and build on foundational trust,” she added.

“The training allowed us to hone the skills for leading teams and executing on results, building a culture that supports innovation, adaptability and collaboration.”

TAKING A PROACTIVE APPROACH TO DETER CAR THEFT

By Sean Maddox

“SU R E BOSS; I CAN DO THAT.” MY CONCLUSION AT THE END OF A CALL WITH MY EDITOR. CONTACT A FEW LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES; ASK A COUPLE QUESTIONS ABOUT THEIR PUBLIC EDUCATION PROGRAMS AND ENGAGEMENT.

If lucky, be sent to a website or two. Unfortunately, my general questions about whom to speak to at the enforcement agencies about their work with the public on auto and truck theft education and prevention has not been answered. In all cases, I am still waiting for an answer. They are all looking into my questions.

Not like our papers and radios are not full of reports about stolen cars and trucks. From kids starting down the dark road of joy riding to the sophisticated theft of high-end vehicles and trucks landing in ports around the world. It does not seem to matter these days what your driving, all vehicles are a target. Last year the most popular vehicle stolen in Canada was the Ford F150 truck. In Canada, more than 200 autos are stolen every day. Many exported right out of the country through the ports in Halifax.

The loss to Canadians is estimated at over $1 Billion; over fifty percent paid by the insurance industry, affecting all our rates. Whether for parts, the vehicle, or just valuable metals the theft rate has become a national concern. We all need to take note.

Looking around there are agencies working with the government to try to educate the public, companies and industries educating consumers about the cost and inconvenience of theft. Also, about precautions that we can all take to help stop the thieves.

Not surprisingly, most public information on preventing theft is produced by the insurance industry. From the Insurance Bureau of Canada to NFP, companies and associations are working to educate the public. It is just good business.

Another fantastic resource aside from Auto and Trucking Atlantic is the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA .ca). The website and public information has a lot of information on theft, deterrence, what to do if it happens. Even how to plan you next road trip to reduce risks for you and yours.

Researching this article, I found that most tips for protecting your vehicles, belongings and loved ones comes down to using the vehicle and your smarts. Use the locks at all times. Do not leave vehicles unattended while running.

Engage the parking break, hide valuables and do not leave pets or children unattended. Steering wheel or gas locks are still a cheap deterrent. Theft only takes seconds, as I learned 20 years ago

What we need to change are our habits. Park in well-lit and secure areas. Lock valuables in the truck. Report theft and break-ins on local or national registries. Secure compounds. How many cars and trucks have been stolen right off company compounds this year alone? Be safe.

HEADING