WHITTIER, CA - The Municipal Equipment Maintenance Association (MEMA) held its Annual Picnic and Vendor Fair on Thursday, July 14, at Parnell Park in Whittier, Calif. The meeting had a record number of 105 attendees ranging from Southern California municipal fleet employees and managers to product vendors.

MEMA president Rick Longobart, facilities and fleet manager of the City of Santa Ana, presided over the event.

Dan Johnson, fleet zone manager, Ford Motor Company, presented and explained the process of purchasing parts on the online portal FordParts.com. He also discussed the company's Quality Fleet Care program, a free program that includes consolidated billing across different Ford dealerships. He discussed the OASIS online information program, as well as technician training options. The new Ford Police Interceptor was also mentioned.

Eric Gierst, regional fleet service manager, Chrysler Corporation, spoke about Fleet Elite, a dealership certification program that increases dealer accountability to fleet customers. Tech Connect offers free information to fleet customers, including bulletins, wiring diagrams, and more. On the police side, Chrysler has available the 2010 Dodge Charger Police vehicle.

Wally Dubno, business development manager for Quantum Technologies, briefly discussed the Five Cities program. The program consists of Toyota Prius hydrogen conversions delivered to five Southern California cities: Santa Ana, Burbank, Santa Monica, Ontario, and Riverside.

Vendors showcased products and vehicles and fleet employees were able to network and learn about products. Vehicles on site included a CNG Vac-Con cleaning truck from the City of Culver City, a parking enforcement Smart Car from the City of Beverly Hills, and a hydrogen-powered Prius from the City of Santa Ana.

The meeting included a BBQ lunch and door prizes, including a grand prize of four Los Angeles Angels baseball tickets.