By Brian Birch, CAE
An industry first has been achieved! Several individuals have attained Advanced Snow Manager status in June and July of 2014 since the completion of the final ASM course, Ice Management, in June.
These individuals have earned the newest designation for operations management personnel in snow and ice:
- Mike Czeschin, ASM, BSR Services Inc. - St. Louis, MO
- Nicholas Mossotti, ASM, BSR Services Inc. - Maryland Heights, MO
- Travis Graham-Wilkes, ASM, Graham Landscape Limited - Innisfil, ON
- Judy Maciorowska, ASM, Snow Systems, Inc. - Wheeling, IL
- Edith Snyder, CSP, ASM, A Growing Commitment, Inc. - Freehold, NJ
- Mike Dalessio, ASM, Mikey D's Lawn Care LLC - Sommers, CT
- Adam Elleman, ASM, Snow Systems, Inc. - Wheeling, IL
- Aaron Williams, CSP, ASM, ULS Maintenance & Landscaping - Rocky View, AB
- Judy Hooper, ASM, Turf Plus, Inc. - Guelph, ON
- Jackie Kemp, ASM, BSR Services Inc. - St. Louis, MO
- George Melchior, ASM, NAVFAC, PWD Maine - Portsmouth, NH
- Scott Derector, AEL - Edison, NJ
The ASM program provides comprehensive training for any organization that manages or removes snow. Courses are self-paced and end with a quiz to verify knowledge learned. Once the quiz is successfully completed an official certificate is awarded and sent by SIMA. Any individual who earns all four certificates is awarded the ASM designation. All courses are available online through SIMA’s Resource 24/7 training center at www.sima.org/resources.
By Martin Tirado, CAE
It’s with sadness that I inform you of the recent passing away of Brian Akehurst, CSP, President of Akehurst Landscape Service, Inc. of Joppa, MD. Brian passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, July 6.
Brian was a longtime SIMA member, Certified Snow Professional (CSP), and, most importantly, a respected mentor and friend to many SIMA members. His notable accomplishments include:
- Serving as a Director on the SIMA board of directors for 6 years from 2007-2013. He culminated his time on the board by serving as President from 2009-10.
- He earned his CSP in 2005.
- Attended the Snow & Ice Symposium annually for many years, starting with the 3rd annual held in Portland, ME in 2000.
- Mentor to many SIMA members as he was a regular facilitator at Symposium snack and chats, regional training, the Snow Strategies Forum and other SIMA events.
This message can only serve as a brief summary of Brian’s accomplishments. What he meant to SIMA as a leader, advisor and friend will be the memory which we will always carry. As a 5th generation owner of a family business founded in 1876, his strength was his commitment to family and his faith. He led by example, through thoughtful and reflective decisions that expressed his humility.
At 47 years old, he passed away far too soon and will be greatly missed. Leaving us at such an age, I believe Brian would tell us that at least for one day, embrace your spouse and children a little longer, tell them you love them a few more times, as you will never know when it could be your last time to do so. On behalf of SIMA, may God bless Brian on his journey to heaven.
Visit www.akehurst.com to share memories of Brian with his family and team, or to view information about donating to a scholarship fund for Brian’s children.
