Snow Business, February 2017

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS S8 Deicing Demystified MODERATOR Dave Huffman Innovative Surface Solutions Randy Adams RM Adams Landscape Supply Jason E Ciavarro Supreme Metro Corporation Sean Hudson Niagara Falls Bridge Commission Paul Johnson CET CST County of Wellington This group of panelists will discuss different materials and concepts for winter maintenance and provide attendees clarity on the results they can expect when used A moderated panel discussion will include four end users 2 from Canada and 2 from the U S that will provide insight on the materials and concepts they use to fight winter The panel includes a good mix of governmental contractor family owned managers and decision makers that have many years of experience of snow fighting in diferent conditions This will be generic scientific and educational in nature Topics may also include Using PNS SHRP and other documented studies on how certain chemicals cause corrosion or damage to the environment and how to distinguish clever marketing on some deicers that do not do what they say or are not what they are advertised for Are they really pet and environmentally friendly safer on concrete and vegetation etc Protecting your Business from the Uncertainty of Weather Shane Belvin Nobel Weather Associates The volatility of the past several winters from mild temperature to record snowfall has complicated the already difficult task of budgeting during the winter months For per service or per inch contracts the impacts can directly afect your bottom line by decreasing your revenue For fixed price contracts it can stress your margins in high snow years and damage client relationships in years with less snow The uncertainty of weather ensures that the only thing definite about your seasonal finances is that it will be unpredictable You can analyze forecasts what does El Nino mean you can read a Farmers Almanac use last years expenditures as a placeholder or just throw a dart at a board A fixed seasonal rate may help but you still have risk in both high and low snow years In seasons with below average snowfall your customers are upset about paying for a service that isnt being provided In the high snow seasons you may have dificulty managing your profits Tools exist that can mitigate this seasonal risk Coupled with RFP best practices these financial instruments can efectively cap variable expenses in high snow years This allows both owners and removal service providers to better manage their costs revenue and capital structure These financial tools utilize weather options or derivatives Hedging your snow removal costs will allow you to cap your snow removal expenses without sacrificing service French Session Marketing SIMA will offer three sessions in French Go to www sima org show educationworkshops for updates 6 7 p m Networking Reception Hyatt Regency Six Terrace Grab a beverage and reconnect with fellow attendees at the end of the day to talk shop and share what youve learned Thursday evening is open for attendees to explore the area and take advantage of local restaurants nightlife shopping and more around Montréal Gather with other attendees at this event to decide where the night will take you