COLUMBUS, OHIO - City of Columbus, Ohio, Division of Fleet Management hosted a fleet celebration luncheon on September 15, honoring staff and their achievements and emphasizing the City's continued investment in technician education and training. In addition to employees, Chief of Staff Mike Reese and Councilman Andy Ginther were present. Paul Rakosky, director of the Finance & Management Department, emceed the event.

Reese presented Kelly Reagan, fleet administrator, with a mayoral resolution commending the Division of Fleet Management for its dedication to life-long learning and the continued pursuit of excellence. He commended fleet with achieving savings of $1.34 million in 2009 alone in parts and services.

Rakosky presented a Letter of Commendation from Mayor Coleman to every Master ASE and Master EVT technician. He stated that the Columbus fleet was one of the largest municipal fleets to hold an ASE Blue Seal — its third year in a row — with 475 ASE certifications and 39 Master certifications. The fleet also holds 73 EVT certifications and 7 Master certifications. He also congratulated fleet on being named in Government Fleet's 100 Best Fleets listing its third year in a row.

Rakosky also complimented the Division in leading Green efforts within the city for all vehicles and equipment.

The Department of Public Utilities was also recognized as a recent addition to the ASE Blue Seal Team — under the leadership of Mike Hupp, technicians have increased their training and testing and now have 5 Master ASE certified men on the shop floor, according to Reagan.

Ginther congratulated all fleet employees on their achievements and presented a Resolution from City Council commending the achievements of ASE Blue Seal and having reached the top 20 in "100 Best Fleets" in North America. He mentioned that the fleet had saved more than $1 million dollars during a time when expenses would normally have risen. Ginther also toured the $27 million facility and spent time on the floor with technicians.