Remarks for Secretary Tippett
CPI Awards Ceremony
Wednesday, April 27, 2005
Kerr Scott Building
N.C. State Fairgrounds
1:15 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Good afternoon.
Thank you, Commissioner, for that kind introduction.
I commend you for your dedication to elevating the level of service within the department's Division of Motor Vehicles.
I'd also like to thank Phil Henry, Jeff Roerden and all of the people who worked diligently to plan this year's CPI celebration.
You have done an excellent job, especially considering the change of scenery this year.
For years, we have gathered at the McKimmon Center to celebrate this wonderful occasion.
This year, we wanted a more relaxed and engaging atmosphere, and we didn't have to look far to find the perfect location.
When the CPI program first began, we wanted to get the creative juices flowing and we found that couldn't be done just sitting at a table.
Participants needed space and an opportunity to talk about common problems and solutions, while engaging in fellowship.
And I am pleased to see we have a setting that meets our needs.
When I walked into the building today, I was pleased to see everyone talking, sharing ideas, asking questions and exploring ways to better serve the citizens of North Carolina.
I was also delighted to see the well-designed and informative displays showcasing the ingenunity that you all demonstrate in your jobs daily.
If you have not already done so, I encourage you to visit each of these displays that showcase previous years' CPI award winners.
It is no coincidence that this year's theme is "Made in NCDOT-Innovation on Display."
We are fortunate to have such talented, diverse and innovative thinkers at the department.
Because of your innovative spirit, NCDOT is a national model for many of our programs and initiatives, and we are leading the way for transportation in the 21st century.
Many of these exhibits epitomize the resourcefulness that CPI winners possess, such as the Guardrail Tagging System developed in Division Four.
Through a partnership with the State Highway Patrol, investigating officers tag damaged guardrails with brightly colored ties that identify the responsible party and in turn, help us to properly collect damage fees and expedite repairs.
This measure is proving to be an asset across the state - saving time, money and lives.
The Continuous Process Improvement Awards gives us the perfect occasion to reach across regions, counties, divisions and disciplines to express our appreciation for your work and explore new possibilities for transportation progress.
Your ability to think outside the box is an asset to the department as we work to bridge the gap between transportation needs and available revenue.
I applaud your commitment to finding the most efficient and cost-effective methods to meet the needs of citizens.
In fact, 85 applications were submitted for awards and recognition this year, representing over $2 million in annual cost savings and 4,840 hours labor hours saved.
In a few minutes, we will honor those employees who have been judged the best of the best.
It is said that once a mind is stretched by a new idea, it never regains its original dimensions.
Today, I look forward to honoring those who have shown that innovative thinking has no limits.
Through the CPI program, we are truly making a difference here at DOT.
And most importantly, we are better able to serve our customers - the citizens of North Carolina.
Thank you.
PRESENTATION OF MOST OUTSTANDING PROJECT OF THE YEAR
We have now come to the part in the program where we find out which of the projects has
been judged "Most Outstanding."
The Most Outstanding CPI Award is selected from top winners across the seven categories.
It is judged to be the best project of all projects submitted for the year and meets the highest standards of CPI.
The Most Outstanding Trophy is a large wooden trophy that will be kept for a year by the winner and passed on next year to the new winner.
A permanent nameplate is put on the trophy for each winner indicating the year that they won.
It is a great privilege for me to announce that the most outstanding project for the 2005 CPI
Conference is Hydro Demolition.
Will the winners come down to receive their trophy?
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