WSA Member Update 5.1.23

May 1, 2023  Dear WSA Members,  Because of the low cost of entry striping machines and level of expertise needed, many sweeping contractors have added pavement striping as an additional service. My upcoming article for PAVEMENT Magazine discusses how to evaluate how you might add a profit center with striping contractors in your area if your company does not currently stripe parking lots.  The WSA posting on the topic also includes a link where you can evaluate how to increase the size of your striping jobs if you do currently stripe.  Our deadline to apply for WSA scholarships is, as usual, July 1st. About now is the time to print out the WSA’s Memorial Scholarship Program announcement, hand it out to your employees, post it in the break room, etc.  Here’s the link to the bulletin, applications, and more. Please provide this information to your employees in case they have children graduating and headed to higher education next fall. Remember, the two $2,000 scholarships are available to those going to technical and trade schools, community colleges and similar, not just to four-year universities.  Unfortunately, our Scholarship Fund has been depleted so prior to then we will be doing some industry fund-raising to get up to the $4,000 we will need for the program. If you have any inclination to donate to the non-profit World Sweeping Foundation, which handles scholarship disbursement, please let me know.  I’ve received several calls recently from contractors looking for alternative sources for needed parts that weren’t currently available from their normal sources. Unfortunately, the parts shortage dilemma hasn’t bypassed those for parking lot and street sweepers.  Because of that I encourage you to evaluate your projected and potential emergency parts replacement needs and pre-order to the best of your financial ability. That’s the best way to keep from ending up lacking a vital sweeper or other part that puts your vehicle down until you can get it. Here is an article that discusses the situation and the reasons the shortages are continuing. Here is another article from TPS that provides the info you need to better ensure you receive the correct parts when you do order.  Note that there is a longer than normal lead time for new sweepers, as well. Don’t get caught with your equipment down as we enter the busiest time of the year!  As always, if you have questions or comments about this WSA Member Update, or anything else to do with the World Sweeping Association or power sweeping in general, please let me know.  Good Sweeping,  Ranger Kidwell-Ross, Executive Director World Sweeping Association