Solutions-based telematics and fleet management for rural counties and cities

By SHERIE JONES | STEINBAUER Engineering LLC

There is no “one size fits all” for smaller cities and counties, with tight budgets, aging vehicles, manual recording and inflexible “off the shelf” solutions have historically put new technology out of reach. A Michigan company aims to change that.

STEINBAUER introduced the aftermarket world to engine “plug and play” electronics in 1996. Fast forward 25 years, and it has released another revolutionary product that builds on its strength in developing and manufacturing electronics for engine-driven assets. Their NexOpt product may be relatively new to the world of telematics and fleet management, but its fresh approach is a welcome change to the status quo.

When looking at the U.S. market, the company identified that rural counties and cities often were unable to afford the benefits of modern fleet management software and telematics systems. The hardware costs, ongoing fees and inflexible fleet system software made this technology unattainable for many.

Company founder and CEO Herbert Steinbauer wanted to highlight the urgent need to provide them solutions. “It was essential for us that we looked at the market that seemed to have been forgotten and ask ourselves why?” Steinbauer said, “Rural cities and counties play a pivotal role in our communities, yet their access to the latest developments in telematics and fleet management software often leaves them lagging behind their larger counterparts We wanted to deliver a product that addressed their issues head-on.”

Rural counties and cities battle budgetary constraints and aging vehicles and equipment; they need to do more with less. It’s often a delicate balance between planning for the future by investing in new technology and keeping within budget.

“This frustration was echoed in call after call that I made. Their challenge was real and frustrating,” said U.S. Manager Sherie Jones. “It was confronting that they were being ignored and priced out of the market … Most I spoke with still used paper files and spreadsheets to record fleet and asset data,” Jones said.

STEINBAUER took a step back to evaluate its findings and decided a new approach was needed. Manual record keeping is inefficient, time-consuming and results in duplicated entries. They required a solution that could grow as budgets allowed while addressing the immediate identified customer needs. They decided to provide an overall solution, addressing cost and flexibility head-on.

Their NexOpt platform is app-based and offers additional modules for not only fleet management, but also workshop and parts management, human resources, KPI/Crystal reporting, inventory/warehouse, invoicing, fuel management, and driver logbooks, to name a few.

“NexOpt can be a complete ERP system, as an app-based concept customers can add apps as they need and their budget allows. Our approach is unique for the telematics and fleet management sector, which traditionally rely on third-party contractors to fulfill additional functionality. With NexOpt we do it all in one system and everything in-house,” Steinbauer said.

Using STEINBAUER’s experience and knowledge in vehicles and electronics to create dedicated solutions to fit customer needs, the NexOpt system is more than just data visualization; it can provide active vehicle solutions that eliminate the need for continual driver retraining. Features such as maximum speed, rpm, throttle response and start-stop function to combat idle times help customers save thousands of dollars in costs each year. The company’s ethos is to focus on providing solutions not just data.

At its core, STEINBAUER is an engineering company. The combined experience and knowledge of working inside the framework of modern vehicles and how best to leverage, enhance and report this information for specific project requirements is its specialty and the driving force behind its new product, NexOpt.

“Our structure and background allows us to quickly react to customers’ project needs, by delivering technical solutions to vehicle-based problems. This philosophy and ability to provide solutions within time and under budget (without the need to contract third-party vendors) was a key factor for the Austrian Postal Service, choosing NexOpt over global telematics providers,” Steinbauer said. “It’s one thing to provide software, it’s another to understand vehicles and be able to deliver technical solutions for them.”

Streamlight marks 50 years of manufacturing high-quality lighting

EAGLEVILLE, PA Streamlight Inc., a leading provider of highperformance lighting and weapon light/laser sighting devices, announced it is marking 50 years of manufacturing high-quality flashlight products. Since its founding in 1973, Streamlight has grown from a small company with a single product to a global manufacturer of a broad range of high-performance lights for law enforcement, military, firefighting, industrial, automotive, outdoor and DIY users.

A pioneer in the development of rechargeable flashlights, lanterns and LED lighting, the company is known for its expert engineering approach to creating lighting products that feature extraordinary brightness while also offering high value and durability.

“At Streamlight, we have always taken pride in designing and manufacturing lighting products that make our customers’ jobs easier, improve their productivity and keep them safe in trying conditions,” said Streamlight President and CEO Ray Sharrah. “As we celebrate 50 years of operation, we pledge to continue to leverage the latest advances in LED and battery technologies to produce ever brighter, more useful lighting tools, while still maintaining our same high-quality standards.”

Among the company’s most recent innovations, Sharrah said, are:

• USB rechargeable flashlights and headlamps that offer the convenience of charging on the go from a USB charging source.

• Multi-fuel flashlight “systems” that use a rechargeable battery but also can accept disposable batteries for alternate sources of power.

• New scene lights that are waterproof and offer powerful brightness in situations involving smoke or water.

• A series of compact work lights that fit in tight places, can be used hands-free or hanging, and rotate on their bodies for light wherever it’s needed.

• A growing line of weapon-mounted lights that fit a variety of long guns, shotguns and handguns.

Today, Streamlight designs, manufactures and markets a full line of flashlights, headlamps, weapons lighting, lanterns and accessories, which are sought after by military and first responders, automotive and industrial professionals, outdoor enthusiasts and other users in the U.S. and in over 40 countries worldwide. What began as a small operation with several employees has grown into a 240,000 square foot manufacturing and office space in Eagleville, Pa., with more than 350 employees. The company now holds over 525 U.S. and foreign patents, and over 135 U.S. and Foreign Trademarks.

AARP Accepting 2023 Community Challenge Grant Applications

WASHINGTON, D.C. AARP invites local eligible organizations and governments across the country to apply for the 2023 AARP Community Challenge grant program, now through March 15 at 5 p.m. Eastern. Grants fund quick-action projects that help communities become more livable in the long-term by improving public spaces, transportation, housing, civic engagement, diversity and inclusion, and more. Now in its seventh year, the program is part of AARP’s nationwide Livable Communities initiative, which supports the efforts of cities, towns, neighborhoods and rural areas to become great places to live for all residents, especially those age 50 and older.

“By 2030, one out of every five Americans will be 65 or older, but many communities may not be ready to support the needs of residents of all ages and abilities,” said Nancy LeaMond, AARP executive vice president and chief advocacy and engagement officer. “The AARP Community Challenge grant program has demonstrated that by supporting local leaders and organizations’ efforts to strengthen their communities, we can improve the quality of life for the very young, the very old and everyone in between.”

• New this year, the program will provide capacity-building microgrants paired with additional resources, such as oneon-one coaching, webinars, cohort learning opportunities and more for improving walkability and starting or expanding a community garden.

• Also new this year, the Community Challenge will also offer demonstration grants. A portion will be focused on transportation improvements with funding support provided by Toyota Motor North America. Another portion of demonstration grants will focus on promoting greater awareness of the benefits of accessory dwelling units as a housing solution.

• AARP will also offer grants under a flagship opportunity to support projects that improve public places; transportation; housing; diversity, equity and inclusion; civic engagement; community health and economic empowerment; and new this year community resilience; and digital connections.

The Community Challenge is open to eligible nonprofit organizations and government entities. Other types of organizations are considered on a case-by-case basis. Grants can range from several hundred dollars for small, short-term activities to tens of thousands for larger projects.

The application deadline is 5 p.m. Eastern, March 15, 2023. All projects must be completed by Nov. 30, 2023. To submit an application and view past grantees, visit www.AARP.org/ CommunityChallenge.

News releases regarding personnel changes, other non-product-related company changes, association news and awards are printed as space allows. Priority will be given to advertisers and affiliates. Releases not printed in the magazine can be found online at www.themunicipal.com. Call (800) 733–4111, ext. 2307, or email swright@the-papers.com.

CMC invests in market expansion; enters the acquisition process of leading U.S. distributor All Access Equipment

CMC Group announced that it has entered the preliminary stage of an acquisition agreement with All Access Equipment, a U.S. leader in aerial lift equipment.

Part of CMC’s commitment to advance aerial lift platforms across multiple industries and further expand the company’s footing throughout global and U.S. markets the acquisition will serve as a strategic investment, combining its focus on research and manufacturing with pre-established distribution operations within the United States.

Based outside of Boston, Mass., and founded by the Polonski family in 2011 All Access Equipment is a well-known leader in sales, distribution and services for aerial platforms and related equipment throughout North America. In the aerial lift industry since 2003, the Polonski family’s prominent reputation and established success within the tree care industry, All Access became CMC’s partner of choice in 2011 and has grown to serve as a top supplier of CMC equipment to its wide network of dealers and customers.

All Access employs more than 60 people at its Wilmington, Mass., and Salem, N.H., facilities. With the acquisition of All Access, CMC intends to directly preside over the U.S. market and strengthen its consolidation process.

The Polonski family will retain management of All Access, ensuring business continuity and supporting CMC on its growth path.

“The transaction represents an important strategic step for the CMC group,” said Alessandro Mastrogiacomo, CEO of CMC Group. “This is also the starting point of an ambitious industrial plan shared with the Metrika fund.”

“We are incredibly proud and excited about the transaction, which represents the fruit of a solid and long-lasting successful partnership between All Access and CMC,” said Ryan Polonski, CEO of All Access Equipment.

New Signage Program Celebrates History Along the Great American Rail-Trail

WASHINGTON, D.C. A new program of Rails-to-Trails Conservancy and the William G. Pomeroy Foundation will draw attention to the history that is embedded in the route of the Great American Rail-Trail. A series of historic markers will be installed along the 3,700-mile route of the developing trail, one of RTC’s signature programs, between Washington, D.C., and Washington State.

“The Great American Rail-Trail connects people to the richness of the nation’s landscapes, cultures and heritage. This program is so meaningful because it will draw attention to the stories, people, places and events that are important to the communities the trail serves building deeper connections between people and places,” said Kevin Belle, RTC’s project manager for the Great American Rail-Trail. “There are fascinating stories and snapshots of history all along the Great American Rail-Trail, if you know where to look.”

Some of the historic features the marker program will showcase include a geological unconformity on the Ohio to Erie Trail in Wayne County, exposed when the railroad was built in 1864, and the only surviving double-arch bridge, built in 1913, on the historic WCF&N railroad line, which can be experienced today on the Cedar Valley Nature Trail in Black Hawk County, Iowa. The initial program includes the installation of 12 markers funded by the Pomeroy Foundation with the intention to expand the program over time. The marker program is emphasizing points of interest, local residents, architecture and other features that reveal the country’s dynamic, diverse and resilient history.

“We are thrilled to partner with Rails-to-Trails Conservancy on this exciting endeavor to mark historic points on the Great American Rail-Trail,” said Deryn Pomeroy, director of strategic initiatives at the William G. Pomeroy Foundation. “History abounds along the beautiful scenic pathways that comprise the Great American Rail-Trail. Our historic markers will enhance the recreational experience by giving people the opportunity to learn more about the places and spaces they traverse.”

The William G. Pomeroy Foundation’s historic marker grant programs help educate the public, encourage pride of place, promote historic tourism and preserve history. As the nation’s leading funder of historic roadside markers, the Pomeroy Foundation has awarded more than 2,000 grants for markers and bronze plaques in 48 states and Washington, D.C. The Foundation administers six marker grant programs in addition to several marker programs funded through partnerships nationwide. Learn more at wgpfoundation.org.

When complete, the Great American Rail-Trail, the nation’s first multiuse cross-country trail, has the potential to serve 50 million people living within 50 miles of the trail, as well as millions of additional visitors from around the world. Explore the Great American Rail-Trail at greatamericanrailtrail.org, and connect with the #GRTAmerican via social media @greatamericanrailtrail.

NTEA releases updated market data tool to help work truck industry companies evaluate sales potential

FARMINGTON HILLS, MICH. NTEA – The Association for the Work Truck Industry launched the sixth edition of U.S. Potential Sales of Work Trucks and Truck Equipment by Geographic Market. This resource enables commercial vehicle industry companies to calculate potential product sales and market share in 106 application markets in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and 383 metropolitan statistical areas. Data is based on the County Business Patterns publication from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Association’s Application Market Survey.

“This report is an essential tool for industry market planners,” said NTEA Senior Director of Market Data and Research Steve Latin-Kasper. “The data represents an actual model of work truck industry sales by application market and can be modified to represent segments relevant to individual companies.”

Specifically, it equips companies to:

• Define potential market size and share by sales dollars.

• Effectively allocate sales personnel.

• Measure sales performance across time.

• Develop effective market strategies.

This product, provided as a digital PDF for quick reference, also enables users to conduct “what if” scenarios with supplemental Microsoft Excel files containing the data. Companies can carry out market-planning exercises for their entire business or isolate an individual product line. A step-by-step tutorial is included. This report is available to NTEA members for $99 and to nonmembers for $299. Visit ntea.com/potentialsales to learn more.

Parks and Recreation Provides Indoor Opportunities to Keep Moving This Winter

ASHBURN, VA — Eighty-four percent of U.S. adults look to indoor activities provided by park and recreation agencies in times of inclement weather, according to the latest National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Park Pulse poll.

When it comes to selecting indoor activities, top choices for U.S adults include running or walking, strength training, yoga or swimming. Local park and recreation agencies provide low-cost or no-cost opportunities year-round to stay active indoors, regardless of the conditions outside.

Key Findings:

• Eighty-four percent of U.S. adults look to indoor activities provided by park and recreation agencies to promote physical and mental wellbeing in times of inclement weather.

• Indoor tracks or treadmills, strength training, yoga or swimming are favorite indoor fitness activities.

“For many people, physical activity and mental health go hand in hand, so staying active through the winter is important,” said Kevin Roth, NRPA vice president of research, evaluation and technology. “Parks and recreation provides many opportunities to keep moving during less-than-ideal weather days.”