Good afternoon.

Thank you Manny for that introduction.

I know that those of you who attended this morning's workshops led by Dr. Steve Martin are well informed and motivated on how to implement change within your respective units.

I want to thank Dr. Martin and Secretary Swinson again for showing DOT that "It Is All In How You Think About It" and that sometimes "Good Enough Isn't."

I'd also like to thank the N.C. State Government Chapter of the National Management Association for once again co-hosting this conference.

This is the 4th annual CPI Conference - and it keeps getting better each year.

This afternoon's awards program is a great conclusion to a productive and eventful day.

In fact, it is my favorite part of the program -- recognizing those who believe that sometimes good enough isn't as good as it could be - and recognizing those who know the importance of looking for new and inventive ways to become more efficient and effective.

I'm talking about you -- the participants of this year's Continuous Process Improvement Program.

As you already know, funds are tighter than ever, but DOT is committed to a quest for knowledge, to proactive planning and a search for creative solutions for all our transportation needs.

That's what CPI is all about.

CPI encourages all units to get involved and find ways to streamline processes and improve efficiencies within the department.

It is part of our overall quality initiative - and something everyone can participate in.

This means constantly upgrading and refocusing our operations to be more effective to our customers.

And this conference is a way to rededicate ourselves to that mission and to learn from each other.

The results this year are fantastic.

Award recipients today represent a wide range of projects and divisions here at DOT.

Over 200 applications were submitted for awards or recognition in the results book.

These initiatives represent almost $11 million in annual cost savings for the department - and more than 168,000 labor hours saved.

Enhancements to our customer service efforts -- both internally and externally -- were documented in 38 award applications.

This is good news for our customers, vendors and suppliers.

And it's good news for DOT.

Part of the mission of our strategic plan is to become a more effective, efficient and user-friendly organization.

We are improving every day - one process at a time.

We are working hard to be a customer driven organization by using cutting edge technology.

Technology has helped us update the way we do business - as well as create new ways to improve safety, preserve the environment and enhance customer service.

Today's awards program gives recognition to those employees who go the extra mile to help the department reach its quality goals.

I'd like to share with you just one example of the kind of work going on within the department.

Last year Division 4, Bridge Maintenance Unit's creativity and ingenuity was put to the test.

They were faced with a dilemma.

An overheight vehicle hit and damaged a low bridge on I-95.

The crew had two options - either replace the bridge beam - a four week long project - or repair it - which would take half the time, but would require lanes to be closed causing major traffic delays.

The team chose to repair the beam by using a newly designed repair method - that would also minimize impacts on motorists.

A "T" shaped heel bar was attached to the excavator and was lowered down from the top of the bridge deck to bend the damaged beam back in place.

The heel bar worked great!

Repair time was reduced from weeks to two days -- which resulted in dollar and labor savings of more than $43,000.

It also reduced the time of lane closures and road repair work in general.

Your unit or department also can benefit from their experience by implementing new measures that will save time and money.

All you have to do is follow the CPI Guide developed by Productivity Services.

It contains tools that help us do our jobs better - systematically and strategically.

The Training and Development Division also has training for employees who are interested in becoming facilitators.

It's important that we apply what we learn today to our everyday work.

I encourage each of you to read and study the "Results Book." This book can give you some great improvement ideas to implement in your own area.

And you can also use the CPI system to help with long and short-range plans.

Management sets the climate for improvement - but it's up to all employees to make improvements in their areas of knowledge and expertise.

Continuous Process Improvement is making a difference.

So don't be afraid to try new ideas or ask new questions.

I want to congratulate each of you on a job well done.

You have set a new precedent for the department.

And we are proud of the work you do for DOT and our most important customers - the citizens of North Carolina.

Thank you.

(Last year's winners from Division 4 will do a Power Point Presentation)

(After the presentation, Odessa McGlown and John Carter will read the names of the top three winners in each category. They will then announce the top winner in that category and the group will come to the front and you will meet them, shake their hands, take a picture with them and give them their trophy. Phil Henry will give you the trophies to hand to the winners.)

(Odessa and John will then give the podium to Manny and he will introduce you again. You will then announce the Most Outstanding Improvement award.)

Now it is my honor to present the "Most Outstanding Improvement" Award.

All of our winners are outstanding of course- but this one deserves extra-special recognition.

For their creativity, ingenuity and above all - a deep concern for the safety of their employees and the public - it is my pleasure to present the most outstanding improvement award this year to Division 1, The Manteo Resident Engineer's Office.

(LEAD APPLAUSE.)

Their Pile Jetting Spoil Cleanup method replaced a traditional method of moving material from one place to another - that was more harmful to our environment.

The old method used a crane and clam bucket that would dig up the pilings and in the process damage the wetland's root mat.

The new process uses an industrial vacuum with pipes to convey the pilings to a place where they can be easily cleaned up.

Because of this improvement, there was a 45-day reduction in construction time and a net savings after equipment costs of more than $3 million.

This improvement was so successful and so efficient that the environmental agencies are now using this as their preferred method of clean up.

Congratulations on a job well done!

(The team will come forward and you will shake their hand, present them with their trophy and take pictures with them.)

(MANNY MARBET WILL CONCLUDE THE CEREMONY.)

(You will stay at the event to finalize taking pictures with other winners.)