Following successful competitions in North Dakota, Massachusetts, and North Carolina in 2014 and early 2015, Crane Institute of America Certification LLC (CIC) announces the next two regional qualifying events for crane operators in the Southwest and Southeast. To date, seven crane operators have been selected to advance to the Championship for a chance at the $10,000 grand prize. The competition is open to crane operators nationwide with a registration fee of $50. Additional details are available at www.cicert.com/news/compete.
CIC, an independent certifying organization providing OSHA recognized and NCCA accredited mobile crane operator, rigger and signalperson certifications, created competition parameters and the course for the Regional and Championship competitions. Regional events feature three challenges for crane operators designed to assess precision and depth perception. In addition to operating skills, operators are required to test their knowledge of basic rigging principles, courtesy of Columbus McKinnon Corp., accounting for 20% of the overall score.
Southwest Event Details
The Southwest Regional, hosted by Laguna Crane Services and B-C Equipment Sales, will be held in conjunction with an open house and the region’s Buccaneer Days on April 23. “PRCA Cowboys and Queens will make an appearance during the Skills Competition, making this a fun event for operators’ families as well as a serious test of skill,” said Sarah Baugh, Marketing Director for B-C Equipment Sales, a Link-Belt, Terex, and Shuttlelift crane dealer offering a full line of new and used construction equipment for sale, as well as crane rentals.
Jerry Lopez, President of Laguna Crane Services, a rigging and crane training provider, challenges operators in surrounding states to participate. “This may be the only opportunity for crane operators in the west to qualify to compete in the Championship, where the grand prize is $10,000,” he said. “In addition to sponsoring the travel expenses for the top two contenders to attend the Championship, Laguna Crane Services and B-C Equipment will award $1,000 cash to the two finalists.”
• April 23, 2015 – Doors Open at 7:30 am
• Location: B-C Equipment Sales, 809 Corn Products Rd., Corpus Christi, Texas 78408
• Door Prizes, Fish Fry, Open House, Entertainment and Other Activities for all contestants and attendees.
• Two winning operators earn spots to compete in the Championship for a chance to win $10,000!
• Travel and accommodations for winners to attend Championship sponsored by Regional Hosts Laguna Crane Services and B-C Equipment Sales, plus $1000 cash for top two operators.
Southeast Event Details
Crane U, an equipment training and inspection company, and CraneWorks, a crane rental service company with three locations in Alabama and Tennessee, will hold the Southeast Regional on May 9 in conjunction with CraneWorks’ annual Big Dog Poker Run. The Poker Run is an annual motorcycle ride which benefits Go Build Alabama scholarships to graduating high school seniors who are pursuing a career in skilled trades. It is sponsored by CraneWorks and Garrison Steel Erectors.
“Past rides have included over 100 motorcycles and included stops at Talladega Motor Speedway and Barber’s Motorsports Park. This year’s route and schedule will allow riders to participate in both the Poker Run and the Crane Operator & Rigger Skills Competition on the same day,” said Tom Yeilding, CraneWorks VP of Operations.
“Crane U is excited about co-hosting Birmingham’s first annual Crane Operator & Rigger Skills Competition. We are pleased to see so much interest from crane operators who plan to travel here from a variety of states. The rivalry among operators is mounting and we expect tremendous talent at our event,” said Melanie Laird, Marketing Director for Crane U. “We are gearing up for a fun, family-oriented day where music, Zumba dance, and bounce house activities will keep even the youngest of visitors entertained. We also hope to offer an educational seminar for teens and young adults interested in exploring crane operation and rigging as a career path,” continued Laird.
• May 9, 2015 – Doors open at 7:00 am
• Location: CraneWorks, 2728 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr Blvd., Birmingham, AL 35203
• Door Prizes, Open House, Kids Activities, Big Dog Poker Run, After Party Dinner and Live Music for all contestants and attendees.
• Two winning operators earn spots to compete in Championship for a chance to win $10,000!
• Travel and accommodations for winners to attend Championship sponsored by Regional Hosts Crane U and CraneWorks
Later in 2015, expect to see competitions in Pennsylvania hosted by Cranes 101 and Wood’s CRW and in Florida hosted by Crane Institute of America and Florida Crane Owners Council. Other possible regional qualifying competitions include Phoenix, Ariz. and Bakersfield, California.
Learn more at www.cicert.com.
This story also appears on Crane Equipment Guide.
Today's top stories
