CASE dealers participate in pilot program to
prepare communities with critical volunteer force
RACINE,
Wis., Aug. 10, 2023 /CNW/ -- Last fall,
CASE Construction Equipment asked its dealers to help support
a new initiative with Team Rubicon: train more volunteers to operate
heavy equipment for its veteran-led humanitarian organization that
serves global communities before, during and after disasters and
crises. CASE dealers responded.
Earlier this year, the pilot program commenced with two of the
interested CASE dealers: RPM Machinery, out of their Franklin, Indiana, location; and Lawrence
Equipment, at their Roanoke,
Virginia, store. On a monthly basis, these dealers provide
machines for Team Rubicon volunteers to train on, an indoor
classroom and outdoor operating space.
"As soon as we heard about the need to help train more heavy
equipment operators, we raised our hand," says Dustin Cole, executive vice president of
Lawrence Equipment. "We're very active in our local communities and
want to ensure Virginia is
prepared if disaster strikes, as well as help train volunteers to
deploy wherever they are needed throughout the U.S. and
Canada."
CASE and its parent company's foundation, CNH Industrial
Foundation, have been long-time supporters of Team Rubicon. CASE
deploys machinery through its dealer network to numerous disaster
response and community service projects across North America, while the Foundation has
supported efforts with monetary support. "The work that Team
Rubicon does aligns with the company's sustainability goals and the
CNH Industrial Foundation's priorities," says Michelle Javaherian, community impact manager,
CNH Industrial. "We've made many donations over the years. Last
year, the CNH Industrial Foundation gave $600,000 USD to support Team Rubicon's Ready
Reserve Fund and heavy equipment operator training in the U.S. and
Canada."
Team Rubicon's volunteers,
which go by "Greyshirts," register for the monthly training and
learn how to operate compact track loaders and excavators. "One of
the most critical tasks after disasters strike is getting
much-needed resources to that area. Our Greyshirts, including
sawyers and heavy equipment operators, help clear trees and debris
from roads, allowing first responders and survivors to regain
access to the community," says William
Porter, director of operations support, Team Rubicon.
As an example, mere hours after Hurricane Ian hit Florida in 2022, Team Rubicon — with the help
of heavy equipment — conducted 37 route clearance events, removing
about 660 dump trucks' worth of debris and a total of 131
obstructions. "Having more trained heavy equipment operators
increases the capacity of Team Rubicon to provide this essential
assistance for communities, allowing survivors to move toward the
path to recovery," continues Porter.
"One of RPM's core values is doing the right thing. Supporting
Team Rubicon by preparing their Greyshirts to safely and
effectively operate machinery is the right thing to do," says
Fred Rohlman, president at RPM
Machinery. "We signed up right away when CASE shared this
opportunity."
Greyshirts must undergo a background check and complete a brief
online Team Rubicon training course. If within 450 miles of a
participating CASE dealer location, they receive a notice through
the Team Rubicon newsletter and social media channels, encouraging
their participation in heavy equipment training.
"CASE's purpose is to build communities and — when disaster
strikes — rebuild them," says Rebecca
Bortner, marketing director, CASE Construction Equipment.
"Our dealers help amplify that purpose every day, by wholeheartedly
participating in opportunities like this, as well as supporting
their local communities through myriad ways, including educating
the next generation of tradespeople and raising funds for
charities."
This training has been put to use by Team Rubicon in all phases
of the disaster cycle across the United
States, including wildfire mitigation, hurricane response
and long-term storm recovery.
CASE and Team Rubicon plan to expand the number of dealers
participating in this heavy equipment operator training program in
2024.
Founded following the Haiti
earthquake in 2010, Team Rubicon has grown to more than 160,000
volunteers across the United
States and has launched over 1,100 operations domestically
and internationally.
To become a Greyshirt and pursue a path of heavy equipment
certification for their missions, view this step-by-step roadmap.
To sign up as a volunteer, go to https://teamrubiconusa.org/.
CASE and CASE CONSTRUCTION are trademarks owned or licensed by
CNH Industrial N.V., its subsidiaries or affiliates.
About CASE Construction Equipment
CASE
Construction Equipment is a global full-line manufacturer of
construction equipment that combines generations of manufacturing
expertise with practical innovation. CASE is dedicated to improving
productivity, simplifying operation and maintenance while achieving
lower total cost of ownership for fleets around the world. The CASE
dealer network sells and supports this world-class equipment, by
offering customized aftermarket support packages, hundreds of
attachments, genuine parts and fluids as well as industry-leading
warranties and flexible financing. More than a manufacturer, CASE
is committed to giving back by dedicating time, resources and
equipment to building communities. This
includes supporting disaster response, infrastructure investment,
and non-profit organizations that provide housing and resources for
those in need.
CASE Construction Equipment is a brand of CNH Industrial N.V., a
World leader in Capital Goods listed on the New York Stock Exchange
(NYSE: CNHI) and on the Mercato Telematico Azionario of the Borsa
Italiana (MI: CNHI). More information about CNH Industrial can be
found online at http://www.cnhindustrial.com/.
About Team Rubicon
Team Rubicon is a veteran-led humanitarian
organization that serves global communities before, during, and
after disasters and crises. Founded following the Haiti earthquake in 2010, the organization has
grown to more than 160,000 volunteers across the United States and has launched over 1,100
operations domestically and internationally. To drive equity across
disaster and humanitarian services, Team Rubicon focuses on three
areas of impact: disaster services- from mitigation to immediate
response to recovery; rebuild services — maintaining the fabric of
communities through resilient building methods; and international
services- providing emergent and surge medical services, WASH, and
disaster risk reduction. The organization is featured in
the Roku original series titled Team Rubicon,
which highlights the work of Greyshirt volunteers
assisting communities across the country. Visit
http://www.teamrubiconusa.org/ for more
information.
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SOURCE CASE Construction Equipment