Newsletter: January/February 2010 Newsletter

Our January 19, 2010 speaker will be Mr. E. Dana Dickens, President and CEO Hampton Roads Partnership. Mr. Dickens Dana served on the Board and Executive Committee of the Hampton Roads Partnership prior to being appointed as its third president on January 7, 2005. He is responsible for implementing the policies of the Partnership's Board of Directors and the general management of the Corporation.

 

Dana has a distinguished background in public service in Hampton Roads having served as Vice Chairman on the Suffolk Planning Commission, and Chair of the Subcommittee on Ordinances. Later he successfully ran for City Council and became the first ever “rookie” Councilman elected Mayor. He served two terms as Mayor of the City of Suffolk.

He also served on the Executive Committee of the Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance and served as Vice Chair of the Mayors and Chairs Caucus of Hampton Roads. Other leadership positions include the Chairmanship of the Western Tidewater Water Authority and member of the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission. He was Chairman of the High Growth Coalition and had an active leadership role in working with the General Assembly and the shelter industry on growth issues. The Virginia High Speed Rail Development Committee and the Urban Land Institute have elected Dickens to their Board of Directors. 

 

He has received numerous recognition awards.

 

Dana graduated from NC Wesleyan College with a BA Degree in history. He and his wife, Linda Kay Rankin Dickens, reside in the village of Eclipse, located in Northwest Suffolk.

The Board of Directors approved the following new members:

Bay Diesel & Generator—supplier/service/other-approved Oct 2009

CMARK International, Inc.—supplier/service/other-approved Oct 2009

APC Equipment & Supply—sole proprietor-approved Nov 2009

Training Modernization Group—supplier/service/other-approved

     Nov 2009

Donovan Marine—supplier/service/other-approved Dec 2009

Sunbelt Supply Company—supplier/service/other-approved Dec 2009

This brings VSRA’s total membership to 189 companies.

Bay Diesel Corporation is an authorized sales, service, and parts provider for almost all major brands of diesel engines and electrical generators. Our Worldwide Sea Services Division overhauls and repairs diesel main propulsion engines aboard ocean-going vessels all over the globe. We are the North American distributor and service agent for Cedervall shaft seals. We provide planned and corrective maintenance for the emergency power systems of some the largest hospitals, data centers, and communications facilities in Virginia. We are the exclusive distributor for Generac Power Systems in central and southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina. Our sales engineers are experienced graduate engineers who can respond to specifications and requirements with technically solid solutions, and then coordinate with the factory to insure that the solution ordered is the solution delivered.

 

They are qualified to perform service on Generac, Detroit Diesel, Perkins, Onan, Cummins, Caterpillar, Volvo Penta, John Deere, Mitsubishi, New Sultzer, MAN B&W, Alfa Laval, Kohler, Baldor, SDMO, and many other recognized manufacturers. Currently, we have locations in Virginia. Our service center (and company offices) in Chesapeake and our Richmond service center are easily accessible to all local shipyards, commercial airports, and Interstates 64, 264, 464, 664 and 95, 195, 295.

To find out more about Bay Diesel, please visit their website at

http://www.baydiesel.com

CMARK offers a wide array of food service equipment from leading manufacturers including Refrigeration & Storage, Preparation Equipment, Cooking Equipment, Servicing Equipment, Ware washing Equipment, Front of House and Specialty Mobile Equipment.   CMARK offers Club & Dining Furniture, Dorm & Quarters Furniture, Industrial Furniture, Medical Furniture, Office Furniture, Outdoor & Rec. Furniture, Store Fixtures, and Retail Environments. CMARK offers products to customers through its strategic alliances with such brand name companies like Electrolux, Ecolab, Henny Penny, Jackson, Ice-o-Matic, Imperial, and many others. CMARK lists over 2,000 products on our multiple GSA & AFNAF Schedules. 
In addition to providing products to the federal government and its prime contractors, CMARK also offers a line of complementary services: Food and Hospitality Operations, Construction and Design Services and Equipment Maintenance Services.

 

To find out more about CMARK International, Inc., please visit their website at

http://www.cmarkinternational.com

APC provides new, used, and refurbished sandblasting equipment, compressors, dryers, dust collectors, dehumidifiers, and generators. They sell safety gear, test equipment, and abrasive. They rent and sell Hurricane Vacuums. Some of the products they sell include New Age crushed glass abrasive, NOVA sandblasting helmets, abrasives,
DeFelsko Test Instuments, Positector 6000, Entech Dust Collectors, Blast Profile Tape,
and Sandlast Helmets & Supplies. They provide quality aftermarket parts for Allegro, Marco, Sullair, ATS Stulz, Industrial sized Vacuums, Pirate Brand, Elcometer, and
Schmidt.

 

To find out more about APC Equipment & Supply, please visit their website at

http://www.advancedproject.us

TMG’s mission is building programs and systems that provide our clients with employees in the right numbers with the right skills at the right time, at the right cost to improve business performance. Our vision is for every client to have an agile, competent workforce moving at the speed of business.

 

The Hampton Roads Quality Management Council (HRQMC) and TMG, Inc. have partnered with the Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) to offer a unique opportunity for private industry to learn Lean Six Sigma skills, methodologies, and best practices with Navy military and civilian counterparts.   Starting in January 2010, seats will be offered in Lean Six Sigma Champions Courses (2-days for business executives) and Lean Six Sigma Greenbelt Training Courses (5-days for developing skills to lead process improvement events) using the proven and successful curriculum created by the Naval Sea Systems Command’s Lean Six Sigma College (L6SC) to revitalize process improvement in the shipyard.  Enrollment in classes is limited and classes are filling fast.
 
To find out more about Training Modernization Group, please visit their website at

Donovan Marine is a wholesaler of marine equipment and supplies. With their headquarters in Harahan, LA, they have thirteen additional locations serving the nation. Their catalog is on-line, and they can also be contacted by phone. Some of their product lines are navigation instruments, anchors, horns, safety equipment, lights, pumps, propellers, chairs, and boat covers. To see the complete line and to find out more about Donovan Marine, please visit their website at

Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Sunbelt Supply maintains one of the largest inventories of valves, actuators and accessories in North America comprising over 50 major manufacturers. Sunbelt Supply is uniquely positioned to be your supply solution for manual and automated valve products and accessories. We provide in-house valve automation services, including assembly and testing, machining, fabrication and CAD design and drawings.  Sunbelt is also an authorized Automation Service Center for Velan, Bettis and Limitorque. 

To find out more about Sunbelt Supply, please visit their website at

http://www.sunbeltsupply.com

Written by: Brian Applewhite, Chairman VSRA Safety Committee

 

After a year of development, the Safety Committee has completed the VSRA Safety Overview for Hampton Roads Ship Yards. The session is available NOW at http://otraining.VirginiaShipRepair.org. When your workers take this safety overview, they will receive a card that will be accepted at Metro Machine, BAE Systems, Earl Industries, MHI, Tecnico and Colonna’s Shipyard. Representatives from NNSY, OSHA and MARMC contributed to the development of this session. The session was developed to:

1.         Create more consistency in safety information.

2.         Reduce costs by eliminating the need for workers to take a new safety session each time they work with a new company or in a new shipyard, and

3.         Improve access to safety information.

 

We are making every effort to support the safety of ALL workers who conduct ship repair, as well as reign in the costs associated with training. We strongly encourage you to participate in this program.

 

Contact VSRA to receive materials to conduct classroom training. The on-line training cost is $3.00 per trainee for VSRA members ($5.00 for non-members).

 

To order a CD copy for your company to conduct bulk live training, contact Michelle Carrera at mcarrera@VirginiaShipRepair.org .

Cost: $50.00 includes 5 student access codes.

“His weld support was flawless as he completed 16” pipe hangers with zero rework.” “Singled out and positively recognized by the government for outstanding technical ability” “He received numerous positive comments for the work and professionalism he brings to the job site.” 

 

These are just a few of the comments we hear about Arron Cohen, the recent Virginia Ship Repair Tool Grant recipient.

 

After moving to the Hampton Roads area and deciding to become a welder, he enrolled in a welding school to further his welding skills. Arron attended a 6-month welding program at Tidewater Tech located in Norfolk, VA that provided general welding skills and knowledge. As his graduation from the program approached, his first interview was with Ocean Tech Services. Arron was hired on June 30, 2008 prior to his graduation. For 3 months, he continued to attend class and work at Ocean Tech full time. He graduated from Tidewater Tech on September 26, 2008, and is still employed at Ocean Tech.

 

Currently, he is SMAW qualified, and is working towards his Flux Core and GTAW Certs.

 

Arron’s short-term goals are to be a fully certified 1^st Class welder, and eventually a Production Supervisor running ship repair projects.

The 2010 National Ship Repair Industry Conference will be held March 1-3, 2010 at the Embassy Suites, Crystal City.  The organizing ship repair associations, in partnership with the Shipbuilders Council of America (SCA), will follow the same format of last year’s conference.  Attendees will meet with Navy leaders on the first day of the conference and with Members of Congress on the second day.  The basic agenda is: 

 

Monday, March 1^st            Travel / Opening Evening Reception sponsored by Port of San Diego Ship Repair Association

Tuesday, March 2^nd           Navy Day at Embassy Suites

Wednesday, March 3^rd      Hill Day / Evening Hill Reception sponsored by VSRA

Thursday, March 4^th          Individual visits to the Hill / Travel Home

 

The specifics of the agenda for both days is being developed.  Invitations have been sent to Navy and Congressional leaders.  The following Navy leaders have already accepted:

 

Admiral Gary Roughead, CNO

RADM Joe Campbell, SEA04

Ms. Peggy Harrell, SEA04Y

RADM Ostebo, CG-4, US Coast Guard

CAPT Mark Butt, CO, USCG Surface Logistics Center

 

We expect a very impressive array of both military leaders and congressional representatives will be addressing the conference.  You should not miss this opportunity.

 

The 2010 NSRIC Registration Form should be completed and sent to SCA, along with your registration fee.  Please note that the VSRA members fee is $300 (same last year).  Attendees who are not members of one of the partner Ship Repair Associations or SCA will be charged a $350 registration fee.

 

Rooms have been arranged at the Embassy Suites.  To make your reservations, call 1-800-EMBASSY, or log on to www.embassysuites.com .  Use SBC as the group code.  This will get a contracted rate of $240, plus tax, which is a reduction from last year.  These contracted rate rooms will be available until midnight on Saturday, February 6, 2010 or until they are sold out, whichever comes first.

VSRA is pleased to host career days at local high schools, and we need three volunteers for each event. Thus far, we only have one person attending Meadowbrook and we need many more. Please volunteer to attend if it all possible. Attendance at these events is imperative to assuring a successful future for Ship Repair in Hampton Roads. If you have any questions or concerns please contact Martin Erickson directly via email or phone.

 

Salem High School - Thursday February 4, 2010 from 7:30am-11:45pm in the library.  1993 SunDevil Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23464. P.O.C. Robert L. Marlin Jr., 757-648-5665, email:rlmarlin@vbschools.com For additional information see: Salem HS--Career Day-2-4-2010

 

Ocean Lakes High School – Thursday, February 11, 2010 from 8:15am-1:15pm. 885 Schumann Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23454. P.O.C. Chris Murray (not of AMSEC) 757-648-5563; email- chris.murray@vbschools.com

 

The School of International Studies at Meadowbrook - February 11, 2010 from 10:00am to 12:30pm. Lunch will be provided at 12:00pm. It is a magnet middle school in Norfolk. P.O.C. - Tiffany S. Crawford, 757-451-4133; email: tcrawfor@nps.k12.va.us

 

Bayside High School - February 19, 2010 from 8:45am to 1:00pm. This career day will include Juniors and Seniors from Bayside. P.O.C. - Stefanie Hall, 757-648-5214, email: Stefanie.hall@vbschools.com or Terry Mejia, 757-648-5216, email: terry.mejia@vbschools.com 

 

**If you are interested in attending any of the above Career Days please contact Martin Erickson or Josephine Anderson, to sign up.  The VSRA office number is 757-233-7034 or email at info@VirginiaShipRepair.org

JINII is the Joint Industry Navy Improvement Initiative. The JINII meeting was held at the Town and Country Resort and Convention Center in San Diego, CA October 1, 2009, the day after FMMS 2009. The result of the meeting was seven action items.

 

1.   Get NAVSEA to distribute its LEAN Releases to Industry. Before that can happen, NAVSEA legal must investigate the process for distribution.

 

2.   Oversee the development of business rules for executing the Graduated QA strategy. Repair associations should provide a point of contact to Mr Hirschman by 23 Oct 09.

 

3.   Oversee the work with the SSRAC Steering Committee to review the SSRAC instruction to ensure the Submittal Form requires adequate information (i.e., costs) to support business decisions with respect to cost increase/reduction. 

 

4.   Oversee the development of the Assessment Pilot Plan, revising the plan to Integrate MSMO resources, ensuring appropriate MSMO SMEs are employed for the assessment teams, combining the most qualified experienced resources, developing a plan for each ship,   incorporating results of the SEA 21 ABS Hull Life Surveys, and considering training requirements for the team.

 

5.   Survey the number of hours expended by each contractor in obtaining non-standard security badges for access to private sector shipyards.

 

6.   Pulse organizations for potential JINII Discussion Issues.

 

The JINII Planning Meetings will continue in 2010, and the next JINII meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 16, 2010, the day after the ASNE Fleet Maintenance and Modernization Symposium 2010, at the Virginia Beach Convention Center.

 

The fourth annual Government Standards of Conduct Seminar was held November 19 at the Half Moone Cruise Terminal. Mr. James A. Kelley of James A. Kelley & Associates provided a comprehensive presentation of ethics compliance recommendations, potential areas of risk, and new government requirements. After his presentation, Mr. Kelley, Mr. Dan Weckstein, and Mr. Kevin Cosgrove answered questions. This seminar was an excellent opportunity to provide first class annual ethics training to employees at a bargain price. Many thanks to the expert presenters.

1/20/09 – The American Society of Naval Engineers will host CAPT William Kiestler, USN, Commander Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) at the Springhill Suites Hotel on Newtown Road. 1800-1900 Social Hour, 1900-2030 Dinner and Program.
Make your reservations using the on-line form at www.asne-tw.org.

 

1/20/09 – The TASC Monthly Luncheon is held at the Norfolk Airport Hilton at 11:30 a.m. The guest speaker is Major General Cornell A. Wilson, Jr. Commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces South - Deputy Commander, U. S. Marine Corps Forces Command, Norfolk VA. General Wilson will speak to us about the command's warfighting initiatives. To register for this event, go to www.tasc-tgic.org.

 

2/17/09 - The American Society of Naval Engineers will host RADM Carol M. Pottenger, Commander Naval Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC), at the Springhill Suites Hotel on Newtown Road. 1800-1900 Social Hour, 1900-2030 Dinner and Program. Make your reservations using the on-line form at www.asne-tw.org.

 

2/17/09 – The TASC Monthly Luncheon is held at the Norfolk Airport Hilton at 11:30 a.m. To register for this event, go to www.tasc-tgic.org.

At the January meeting, the committee met to review the Jan/Feb newsletter and to discuss the survey questions. The committee meets the second Monday of the month at 1:00 p.m. in the QED conference room at 4646 N. Witchduck Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 235455.

 

At the December meeting, Capt. Stephanie Douglas briefed the committee on current Navy issues, and Jim Stricker briefed the committee on developments in NOAA. The committee meets the first Thursday of the month at 9:30 a.m. in the Troutman Sanders conference room, 150 Main Street, 16th Floor, Norfolk, VA 23510.

 

At the November meeting, the committee worked on final plans for the Spring Seminar, which will be held May 19 at the Virginia Beach office of Troutman Sanders.  There was no committee meeting in December. The committee will not meet in December. The committee meets the first Wednesday of the month at 11:00 a.m. in the Troutman Sanders Conference Room, 150 Main Street, 16th Floor, Norfolk, VA 23510.

 

At the December meeting, the committee discussed audits. There was no QMB meeting in December. Auditor training classes are being held at Delphinus Engineering. The committee meets the second Tuesday of the month at 10:30 a.m. in the Q.E.D. Systems, Inc. Conference Room, 4646 North Witchduck Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23455.

 

At the December meeting, Tom Binner, BAE, and Mal Branch briefed the committee on the new safety orientation program. Brian Applewhite briefed the committee on the successful Safety Seminar. The committee meets the second Thursday of the month at 9:00 a.m. in the United Coatings Corp. Training Room, 650 Chautauqua Avenue, Portsmouth, VA 23707.

 

At the November meeting, Ms. Torres provided information on the FBI Norfolk Office Community Outreach Program. The committee meets the second Tuesday of the month at 10:00 a.m. in the United Coatings Corp. Conference Room, 650 Chautauqua Avenue, Portsmouth, VA 23707.

 

Five years ago, the VSRA Board of Directors desired a complete overhaul of our training offerings and standards. We have built our program around the needs of our members, and we are proud to have involved so many companies in this work. Our instructors are in-field experts. We continually assess quality and results, and we have long-term plans for more efficient training options to help build the next generation of ship repair employees. Most exciting are the evaluation results from 2009. We held 38 classes for a total of 393 students, and here is what they said:

Why does this matter to you? Well, obviously, we want you to have confidence in our training and use it to enhance your employees’ skills. More importantly, we take great care in developing new courses, and we always want your input on what your workforce needs. If you have an idea or training need, please contact Michelle Carrera at Mcarrera@VirginiaShipRepair.org and check out our website (www.virginiashiprepair.org) for the exciting 2010 schedule!