More and more workers are sitting on the sidelines as the construction industry continues to struggle in 2010. Construction employment declined in 31 states between August and September, while fewer people are working in construction compared to last year in 40 states, the Associated General Contractors of America reported in an analysis of state employment data released on Oct. 22 by the Labor Department. Construction employment is likely to continue to worsen amid uncertainty about federal spending and tax rates for next year, association officials noted.

“Construction firms are caught between a difficult present and an uncertain future,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Looking ahead, nobody knows what will happen to the only thing keeping the current market from getting worse, federal spending, as long-term water, energy and transportation spending programs remain in limbo.”

Simonson noted that Rhode Island (-2.9 percent, -500 jobs) lost the highest percent of construction jobs for the month, while California lost the most jobs (-2.5 percent, -13,300 jobs). Among other states losing construction jobs between August and September were Texas (-1.2 percent, -7,000 jobs), New York (-1.8 percent, 5,800 jobs), Ohio (-2.5 percent, -4,400 jobs) and Pennsylvania (-1.1 percent, -2,500 jobs).

Hawaii (4.9 percent, 1,400 jobs) and Minnesota (3.8 percent, 3,100 jobs) experienced the largest one-month percentage increase in construction employment between August and September. Besides those two states, another 13 and the District of Columbia added jobs, while construction employment was unchanged in four states. Other states with increases in construction employment included Florida (0.5 percent, 1,700 jobs), Georgia (1.0 percent, 1,500 jobs), Washington (0.8 percent, 1,100 jobs) and Illinois (0.4 percent, 700 jobs).

Simonson noted that nine states and D.C. added construction jobs for the year, while employment in Alaska was unchanged. The largest year-over-year increase was in Oklahoma, where construction employment rose 9.8 percent (6,500 jobs), followed by Kansas (8.9 percent, 5,000 jobs), New Hampshire (8 percent, 1,800 jobs), the District of Columbia (4.5 percent, 500 jobs) and Arkansas (3.5 percent, 1,800 jobs).

Among the 40 states that lost construction jobs over the past 12 months, Nevada experienced the largest percentage decline (-19.3 percent, -14,200) in jobs while California lost the most jobs (-50,700, -8.8 percent). Other states experiencing large declines for the year include Vermont (-14.1 percent, -1,900 jobs), Idaho (-12.3 percent, -4,000), Colorado (-11.5 percent, -14,200 jobs) and Kentucky (-9.8 percent, -7,000 jobs).

Association officials cautioned that construction employment will continue to stagnate as firms, already coping with depressed private, state and local demand, contend with an uncertain federal marketplace. Adding to the confusion, officials said, was that tax rates for most small construction firms have also not been set for next year. “Adding uncertainty and confusion into an already bleak market is a good way to keep construction workers out of a job,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association’s chief executive officer.

Ready... Set… Go! Fans of Lincoln Electric can now get behind the wheel and race the company's rally truck in the new TROPHYLITE Rally App for the iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch platforms. The company has partnered with TROPHYLITE and 2XL Games as an official sponsor with a virtual Lincoln Electric rally truck and trackside banners sporting the company’s logo.

The relationship with 2XL Games is unique in that it allows sponsors like Lincoln Electric to offer rewards to players racing that company’s truck. If a user selects to drive the Lincoln-sponsored rally truck, they have a chance to win prizes from Lincoln Electric. Prizes are awarded to the players who reach a specific goal on a given day. 

The current reward is a Lincoln Electric t-shirt for the longest jump each day. New prizes and chances to win will be added throughout the year. Notifications are sent to the winning player via e-mail alerting them of the prize they won.

For more information on prizes, qualifications and Lincoln Electric’s TROPHYLITE sponsorship, visit www.lincolnelectric.com/products/trophylite/. This webpage also has a leaderboard for points and footage from the game. Visitors to the site can also sign up to win a free download of the game.

When checking out different broom attachments for your skid steer, it's easy to get swept away in all the options. In the Q&A below, Ron Peters, product manager for CEAttachments Inc., offers insight into broom attachments and how to find the right one for your machine and task at hand.

CE: How are broom or sweeper attachments categorized for skid steers? By style — rotary, pick-up and push? Are there other categories? Size? Power?

Peters: First, we categorize the brooms by style: angle broom, hopper broom (or pick-up broom) and push broom. Next, we would categorize them by what size and auxiliary flow the skid steer loader has to determine the proper size broom that would fit. Then by the size of the broom based on what the job entails.

CE: What styles and sizes of broom and sweeper implements do you offer for skid steers? Do you have any unique technologies or units?

Peters: Angle brooms are available in 48-, 60-, 72-, 84- and 96-in. widths. Hopper brooms are available in widths of 60 in., 72 in. and 84 in. Push brooms are available in 60-, 72- and 96-in. widths.

The EDGE angle broom comes standard with a fold-away stand to be used when the broom is in storage to protect the bristles from being crushed. We also offer a Dust Control Kit on the angle and hopper brooms to reduce dust and flying debris, as well as a Gutter Brush Kit on the hopper broom to sweep material away from curbs and hard-to-reach areas.

A Hose Saver Kit comes standard on EDGE angle and hopper brooms to hold the hydraulic hoses in place and protects them from falling into pinch-point areas.

CE: Can you briefly explain the features and applications of each major style of skid steer broom?

Peters: Angle brooms feature 50/50 poly/wire combo brush material which provides longer wear than a 100 percent poly brush. Angle brooms can angle up to 30 degrees and come standard with a manual angle. They also feature an optional hydraulic angle kit which allows the operator to angle the broom from the seat of the skid steer. We offer single motor angle brooms, as well as dual motor ones for high-flow skid steer models. EDGE angle brooms can be used year round to clear any type of debris from rocks and wood chips to snow from roads or driveways.

Hopper brooms feature a bi-directional single motor that can operate in forward or reverse, which allows you to drive forward collecting debris or to drive up to a building or loading dock and reverse the brushes to collect debris as you back up. The hopper brooms feature a replaceable bolt-on cutting edge and an adjustment can be made to the height of the brush to lower the brush as it wears. The front bumper and no caster wheels allow you to get up close to objects and the shroud protects from flying debris. The broom also features a bolt-on motor and quick change broom sections which allow for easy replacement. The EDGE hopper broom is ideal for milling and material pickup from road maintenance. These brooms are also used in the spring to clear parking lots from debris after the snow melts.

Push brooms feature replaceable, 100 percent heavy gauge poly brushes and hydraulic angle up to 30 degrees. The simple design of the broom also minimizes any dust that may be produced while operating. These brooms are ideal for pushing dirt, leaves, snow or other outdoor materials along as you drive, reducing the chance of flying stones or debris that might damage nearby buildings or vehicles. 

CE: Do different contractors tend to gravitate toward a certain style of sweeper?  For example, snow removers, groundskeepers, landscapers, road crews?  Do these professionals have different preferences?

Peters: Snow removal operators generally choose an angle broom. Groundskeepers will use all three styles, however, the hopper broom is used most for cleanup. Landscapers would gravitate more to the hopper and push brooms as they may tend to operate the sweeper closer to buildings. Road crews utilize angle and hopper brooms in most cases.

CE: What system requirements are needed to operate each style of broom attachment? Hydraulic power? Are there pushing and size demands that need to be considered? 

Peters: Single-motor angle brooms require hydraulic flow between 8-25 gpm and dual-motor angle brooms need 18-36 gpm hydraulic flow. An operator should choose a wider width broom than the path desired if the broom will be operated at a 30 degree angle. For example, an 84-in. broom at a 30 degree angle will sweep a 75-in. path.

Hopper brooms require hydraulic flow between 15-25 gpm and should be sized according to the width of the skid steer loader.

Push brooms require hydraulic flow with a minimum of 3 gpm and should be sized according to the width of the skid steer loader.

CE: What is the general purchasing cost for each style of broom attachment?

Peters: Angle brooms retail between $4,455 and $7,806, and hopper brooms can cost between $4,262 and $4,900. Push brooms typically retail between $2,694 and $3,620.

CE: How much does it cost to typically rent a broom or sweeper attachment for a skid steer — daily, weekly and monthly?

Peters: Angle and hopper brooms may run approximately $120/day, $360/week and $900/month. Push brooms may run approximately $60/day, $180/week, and $450/month.

CE: Do you offer spray kits with your broom attachments? What do these do? How much do they cost, and how do you install them?

Peters: We offer Dust Control Kits with 25 gal tanks for the angle and hopper brooms. Dust Control kits spray water in front of the broom to minimize the dust and retail for approximately $1,200. An angle broom Dust Control tank is strapped to the top of the cab of the skid steer and the spray bar is bolted to the front shroud of the broom. Hopper broom Dust Control tanks are bolted to the top of the hopper broom and the spray bar is bolted to the front bumper.

CE: How fast should a contractor be traveling when using a skid steer broom attachment? Both in mph and rpm? 

Peters: An operator should travel between 0-3 mpg and approximately 3/4 throttle when using a broom attachment.

CE: What maintenance tips can you share to keep a broom attachment up and running in top shape? How do you judge things like whisk wear or engine maintenance?

Peters: Daily greasing of fittings should be done on all of the brooms. Check for brush wear and replace any sections that are worn down and affect the performance of the broom. On a hopper broom, the operator can adjust the height of brush if the bristles have worn down.  The bristles should be positioned just below the edge of the bucket. Also, be sure to inspect the motor and hydraulic hoses for leaks.

Miron Construction Co. Inc. has plenty of reasons to celebrate. The company recently racked up five BUILD Wisconsin Awards, presented by the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Wisconsin. Miron received an award in the “General Contractor — New Construction” category for the UW-Fox Valley Communication Arts Center in Menasha, as well as in the “General Contractor — Renovation” category for Miron’s new corporate office in Neenah. Miron also received awards in the following categories:
 
• “Design-Build — Renovation” for the Anya Marie Jackson Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in Wausau 
 
• “Municipal Utility/Underground — Renovation” for WalCoMet Wastewater Treatment Plant in Delevan 
 
• “Heavy/Industrial/Warehouse Construction — New Construction” for the WPS Service Center in Rhinelander
 
Award winners were selected based on sustainable practices, unusual design and craftsmanship, innovation in construction techniques or materials, meeting difficult challenges and client satisfaction.
 
UW-Fox Valley’s new $14 million, 50,699-sq ft James W. Perry Hall (named for the college’s CEO and dean), a Communication Arts Center (CAC), is slated to be one of the first academic buildings in the UW System to earn LEED Certification. The facility houses a 361-seat academic-grade theater, five classrooms, a 2,000-sq ft art gallery, five offices that include a box office and scene shop office, and an area suitable for outdoor activities.

In June of 2008, Miron set out to expand and renovate its corporate office. The $10 million project added 51,000 sq ft of office space, bringing the total size of the facility to 112,000 sq ft. The addition, which took approximately 12 months to complete, consisted of two, two-story wings that extend from both the west and east ends of the existing structure. The renovation allows for additional office space, conference rooms and an expansion of the health/fitness center and training center. Complete renovation of the existing facility took approximately three months and encompassed the replacement of all carpeting, reconfiguration of work cubicles and all new interior design.
 
The new $1.8 million, 9,913-sq ft Anya Marie Jackson Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is the only NICU in the area to utilize the private-room care model, giving families and their newborns the privacy they need to bond and obtain maximum health. The space includes a family waiting area with a kitchen, bathroom, TV area, play zone and computer area for families to use. The most current technology and state-of-the-art equipment, such as sound monitoring equipment, hands-free nurse call systems, cardiac telemetry monitoring and paperless medical records, are utilized to further facilitate patient care. The high quality indoor healing environment includes special systems that control and monitor sound, light, temperature and humidity.

Walworth County’s original treatment plant began operations in the early 1980s. Its first expansion was constructed in 1996 and increased capacity from 3.6 million gal per day to 5.75 million gal. The latest expansion increases capacity at WalCoMet Wastewater Treatment Plant from 5.75 million gal to 7 million gal daily. WalCoMet’s service area has grown to serve 10 area communities.

The new Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) Service Center in Rhinelander, an $8.2 million, 76,000-sq ft multi-purpose building combines two cross-town operation facilities for northern Wisconsin operations, providing vehicle storage and maintenance as well as office and warehouse space. The “high-performance, energy-saving, economic building” (WPS Breaks, 2008) will allow WPS to improve both its response time and customer service.

Volvo Construction Equipment has pushed forward in its quest for Tier 4i certification. The company has recently received Tier 4 interim emissions certification from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its Volvo D13 (13 liter) and Volvo D16 (16 liter) engines. EPA certification for Volvo’s D11 (11 liter) engine was received this past August.

Implementation of Tier 4i emissions regulations begins Jan. 1, 2011 for engines in the 175-750 hp range. These regulations require a 90 percent reduction in diesel particulate matter (PM) and a 50 percent reduction in nitrogen oxide (NOx).

The EPA-certified Volvo D11, Volvo D13 and Volvo D16 Tier 4i engines with Volvo-Advanced Combustion Technology (V-ACT) are built with ultra high pressure variable fuel injection systems, super efficient cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), precise variable-geometry turbo (VGT) turbocharger controls, a powerful new engine management system (EMS), and an integrated exhaust after treatment system, equipped with a particulate filter and thermal regenerator.

“Volvo Construction Equipment is meeting the emission requirements of the new standards by continuing to engineer and develop engines of the highest quality and reliability and with the greatest performance and productivity accomplishments on the market today,” said John Bartz, director of product assurance and regulation, Volvo Construction Equipment North America.

When fully integrated with the rest of the Volvo powertrain, these engines offer even greater market-leading advantages in construction equipment operations. The results from highly-advanced engineering achievements have been increased combustion efficiency, engine response and performance, power capacity and the required emissions reductions. 

Similar emissions regulations have already been enforced in the on-highway truck sector since 2007 and — as one of the world’s largest manufacturers of diesel engines in the 9-18 liter range for both on-road and off-road operation — Volvo has previously developed EPA certified technological solutions for sister companies Volvo Trucks and Volvo Penta.  This vast experience — not to mention the millions of hours of real world testing — has proven invaluable in producing off-highway engine systems to comply with the Tier 4i emissions legislation.

Cooled EGR
At the heart of Volvo’s technology is its new generation of electronically controlled diesel engines, using the highly acclaimed V-ACT system with enhanced engine monitoring, greater control capabilities and higher torque. The EPA-certified engine features EGR, which lowers the amount of oxygen in the combustion chamber. This reduces combustion peak temperatures, which lowers the formation of NOx by at least 50 percent — a key requirement of the new regulations. Ultra-low sulfur fuel, required by Tier 4i regulations, permits the safe and efficient use of a new cooled EGR system, designed to allow more exhaust recirculation than previous generations of engines.

PM Reduction
The reduction of PM from diesel engines is the major target of the EPA Tier 4i regulations.  The new Volvo system uses an advanced exhaust after-treatment system that reduces particulate matter by 90 percent. A special filter traps the particulates (black soot from the exhaust) and holds them to be removed by oxidation or what is called ‘regeneration.’ Volvo’s regeneration system operates while the machine continues work, keeping productivity high.

EPA Tier 4i regulations also require the use of Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) fuel of 15ppm of sulfur, down from 500ppm of sulfur.  This fuel is critical for the emission control technology, since high levels of sulfur can poison catalysts and result in excessive formation of sulfuric acid in cooled EGR systems. The ULSD fuel is the same fuel required from 2007 for on-highway truck operation and became effective for off-road use in June of 2010.

ECU
The sophistication of the new Volvo certified engine requires a new and powerful engine management system (EMS) with an advanced processor to support more functions than in earlier engines, at higher speeds and with more control.  The Volvo electronic control unit (ECU) controls the entire EGR process, managing the mix of re-circulated exhaust gas and fresh air, crucial to the reduction of PM and NOx emissions while maintaining performance and fuel economy.

Machine enthusiasts from around the world gathered in Richmond, R.I., for the Historical Construction Equipment Association’s (HCEA) 25th annual International Convention and Old Equipment Exposition Sept. 10-12. Held at the Washington County Fairgrounds, the show was organized through the volunteer efforts of the HCEA’s Northeast RockBusters Chapter.

Approximately 240 machines and trucks, produced throughout the 20th century and brought in from as far away as Nebraska, were displayed. Many of the construction machines and dump trucks were demonstrated during excavation of a hillside. Spoil was used to improve a parking area at the fairgrounds, and hydraulic rock splitting was also demonstrated. Several thousand people from throughout the United States, as well as Australia, Brazil, Canada, England, Ireland, Sweden and Switzerland attended the show.   

The HCEA, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the history of the construction, dredging and surface mining equipment industries, was founded in 1985 and has over 4,300 members in 25 countries. In addition to its magazine and hosting an annual working exhibition of restored construction equipment, it operates the National Construction Equipment Museum and archives in Bowling Green, Ohio. For more information, visit www.hcea.net.

The Progressive Agriculture Safety Day program is gearing up to teach kids how to stay safe while surfing the Web. Thanks to a $30,000 sponsorship from WildBlue Communications, the Progressive Agriculture Safety Day program will be able to develop an educational series that teaches children about safe use of the Internet and how to avoid online dangers. WildBlue Communications, a rural high-speed Internet service provider based in Greenwood Village, Colo., is a new Bronze sponsor of the Safety Day program.

According to a 2008 study conducted by the Rochester Institute of Technology, nearly 50 percent of kindergartners or first graders interact with people on websites without supervision from a parent or guardian. Without adult supervision, these youngsters are more apt to be exposed to threats and dangers posed by the information highway. With this new funding, the Safety Day program will be able to develop a comprehensive lesson plan with hand-on activities that will teach children about safe Internet usage and how to protect themselves from harmful situations.

“Whether it be at home, school or a friend’s house, children today have unparalleled access to the Internet and its capabilities. These educational lessons will help keep youth safe as they navigate the Web,” explains Matt Farr, senior manager of marketing communications and webmaster for WildBlue Communications. “We couldn’t think of a more appropriate avenue than Safety Days to reach rural children. This is a great opportunity to give back to the communities we serve.”

Through donations from companies such as WildBlue Communications, the Progressive Agriculture Foundation is able to continue its commitment to keep rural children safe and healthy. The Foundation provides training and resources to help local community members conduct one-day safety and health programs that are age-appropriate, hands-on and fun for rural children and families. The program has been in existence for 16 years and has grown to become the largest rural safety and health educational program in North America.

WildBlue Communications, a division of ViaSat Inc., was established to provide broadband access to consumers and small offices in areas with few or no terrestrial broadband Internet services. WildBlue high-speed satellite broadband service is easy to use, reliable, always on and significantly faster than standard dial-up service. It opens up a window to a world of rich content that is largely unavailable through dial-up service and is accessible in areas traditionally underserved by cable modem or DSL service. Service is available in the contiguous United States.

The Progressive Agriculture Safety Day program is the largest rural safety and health education program for children in North America and a program of the Progressive Agriculture Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation. The Foundation’s mission is to make farm and ranch life safer and healthier for all children through education and training. In 2008, PAF was awarded the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance National Charity Seal, demonstrating its commitment to accountability and ethical practices. Safety Day applications are due each July 15 for Safety Days that will be conducted the following calendar year.

Despite a spinout on the final lap of the race, NASCAR Nationwide sensation Parker Kligerman finished 24th in the Kansas Lottery 300. Driving the Bandit Industries/GetMoreVacations.com Team 42 Dodge Charger, Kligerman made a strong finish at Saturday’s race.

“We had new tires and were coming up through the pack on that last restart,” said Kligerman. “Guys were giving us room, even with two laps to go, they were still giving us racing room. Then, somebody got into the back of us, I think the 66.”

The number 66 car of Steve Wallace was the guilty party, tapping Kligerman on the final lap and sending him backward into the wall. He’d been running in 11th spot after fighting back from being a lap down. Kligerman qualified seventh but fell back early on.

“We struggled early, but nobody gave up,” he said. "[Crew chief] Chris Carrier made great adjustments. The second to last run, we ran our fastest lap of the race.”

Kligerman remained consistent through the run, holding near the end of the lead lap for most of the event. With the ongoing adjustments by the Team 42 crew, he was able to mount a strong comeback in the later laps, climbing as high as second before sliding just outside the top 10. Despite the crash, Kligerman was able to complete all 200 laps.

“We had a Dodge Charger that wasn’t the best, but we fought all day and with the new tires, had a car that could easily have finished top 10, maybe top five,” he said.

“We’re very proud of Parker and the entire Team 42 crew,” said Jason Morey, marketing manager for Bandit Industries. “They hung tough, they never gave up, and that kind of spirit is why we’re so excited to support this team as the primary sponsor.”

Kubota Tractor Corp. and Paladin Construction Group have partnered up to make buying attachments a lot easier. The two companies have announced a strategic marketing alliance for the sale of performance-matched, allied-approved attachments for Kubota’s SVL compact track loader series.

Selected Kubota dealers now have the opportunity to offer Paladin-branded attachments, such as buckets, trenchers, sweepers, augers, dozer blades, power rakes and more, that are allied-approved for use with the Kubota SVL compact track loader series, to retail customers. Paladin product lines include attachments and related products sold as Bradco, McMillen, Harley, Sweepster and FFC products. The strategic alliance between Kubota and Paladin Construction Group also allows specific Paladin-branded, allied-approved products to be financed through Kubota Credit Corporation when sold by Kubota Dealers.

“Our marketing alliance between Kubota and Paladin adds a great deal of excitement to our new product introduction of Kubota’s compact track loader SVL series,” explains Greg Embury, vice president of sales and marketing, Kubota Tractor Corp. “Paladin allied-approved, performance-matched attachments for the Kubota compact track loaders, allows for easy financing opportunities for the track loaders plus attachments — all from your local Kubota compact track loader dealer. With both brands at the Kubota dealerships, our goal is to make it easy for Kubota customers to make track loader and attachment package-purchases and financing service and support in one location.”
 
“We believe the combination of our high quality Paladin Construction Group attachments with Kubota’s new compact track loader line, offers customers an excellent choice for efficient, high-performance equipment,” adds Wendell Moss, vice president of global accounts, Paladin Construction Group. “The alliance between our organizations offers an easy way to purchase attachments needed for a multi-purpose package of track loader and attachments to get the job done.”

After sifting through potential contenders, Chevron’s brand of Delo lubricant has selected the finalists for its 2010 Delo Tractor Restoration Competition (www.DeloTractorRestorationCompetition.com). The event brings the nation’s top teen tractor restoration specialists to Indianapolis — during the 83rd National FFA Convention — to compete for the sought-after national title. Twelve finalists have been chosen to compete in this year’s event.  Projects will be presented on Wednesday, October 20 with the awards given Thursday, October 21.

The finalists and projects for the 2010 Delo Tractor Restoration Competition are:

• Abernathy FFA: Abernathy Texas  — 1947 McCormick 06
• Bureau Valley FFA: Manlius, Ill.  — 1949 Massey Harris Pony
• Devine FFA: Devine, Texas  — 1965 Allis Chalmers D21
• El Campo FFA: El Campo, Texas —  1966 Case 1200 TK
• El Campo FFA: El Campo, Texas —  1955 John Deere 70 LP
• Eufaula FFA: Eufaula, Ala. —  1948 Farmall
• Hondo FFA: Hondo, Texas —  1937 John Deere Model B
• Kerens FFA: Kerens, Texas  — 1945 Farmall M
• Lawrence Free State FFA: Lawrence, Kan.  — 1956 Farmall 300 Propane
• Northwood FFA: Nappanee, Ind. —  1961 Farmall 560 Diesel
• Cotton Center FFA: Cotton Center, Texas —  1944 Ford 2N
• Decatur FFA: Decatur, Texas  — 1970 John Deere 3020 High Crop

Since 1995, the Delo Tractor Restoration Competition has rewarded the determination, mechanical skills and business savvy of high school aged FFA members from around the country. Through the restoration of an antique tractor, participants develop skills applicable to the modern business world. The skills needed for success in the program —  equipment maintenance, teamwork, project management, budgeting, planning and marketing — help develop the participants into future leaders in the agriculture community.

All contestants to the Delo Tractor Restoration Competition have to present a workbook outlining the whole tractor restoration process, from mechanical overhauls of the engine, transmission and auxiliary and ancillary systems, to the external appearance of the tractors. The 2010 entries have been narrowed down to 12 finalists. These finalists have been invited to the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis to present their projects to a panel of qualified tractor restorers. Projects will be graded on restoration process, results and documentation, as well as oral presentation and safety precautions.

The prizes are as follows:

• Champion: $5,000
• Reserve Champion: $3,000
• All Finalists: $250

Social Media Meets Tractor Restoration
Social media will play a major role at the 2010 Delo Tractor Restoration Competition. The event will be supported through a number of social media channels, including Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. The Delo Tractor Restoration Competition Facebook page and Twitter feed will be used to post pictures, video and status updates live from the event. Videos from the 2010 Delo Tractor Restoration Competition submissions — as well as past years — can be found on the event’s YouTube channel. For those who can’t attend the event, these social media channels are the next best thing. To access Delo Tractor Restoration Competition updates online, go to:

• Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/DeloTRC 
• Twitter: http://twitter.com/delotrc
• YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/TRCAdmin

Video Competition
This year, the event will include a new component — a video competition. All projects that included a video as part of their submission (finalist and entrants alike) are eligible for this award. All videos will be placed on www.DeloTRC.com, where the public can view and vote for their favorite video — no more than one vote per day based on IP address. Members of the team with the most votes will win the new iPod Shuffle.

“Every year we are inspired by the accomplishments of our participants,” said Karen Rawls, marketing specialist, Chevron Lubricants. “What they have done goes well beyond simply fixing a tractor. Through patience, tenacity, determination and teamwork they have restored a piece of history, created lifelong memories and learned skills they can use throughout their life.  The Delo Tractor Restoration Competition is something Chevron is proud to support.”