Dakota County, Minnesota, was named the No. 1 fleet among the Leading Fleets at the Government Fleet Expo and Conference (GFX) on May 23.

The operation was chosen the overall No. 1 fleet for showing leadership with staff, with customers and within the community; staying efficient and competitive; overcoming challenges; and having a vision and direction for the operation.

"If you want to be successful, make yourself the subject matter expert in your organization...Do what you need to do to promote what you do, what your staff does, and have the professional certifications in place...Make sure you voice the value that you have to the elected officials and to the taxpayers. And one thing to never forget: the people that are here are the experts. Don't waste that opportunity to make a friend, to have somebody who when your day isn't going so well, you can call," said Kevin Schlangen, CAFM, CEM, CPFP, fleet manager for Dakota County, Minnesota, who accepted the award on behalf of the fleet team.

Nate Oscarson from Ford, the award sponsor, presented the award, which is produced with the American Public Works Association (APWA).

Government Fleet also named the No. 1 fleets in size categories — the No. 1 mid-size fleet (500-999 assets) is the Denver International Airport, with approximately 940 vehicles, and the No. 1 large fleet (more than 1,000 assets) is the New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services, with about 29,700 units. Dakota County is also the No. 1 small fleet (499 or fewer assets), with 420 vehicles.

Staff also announced the top 20 ranked fleets and recognized the remaining Leading Fleets and Notable Fleets.