Texas, Alabama to Host Regional Crane Operator & Rigger Skills Competitions This Spring

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March 24, 2015 - Crane Institute of America Certification LLC (CIC) reports the next two regional qualifying events for crane operators will take place in Texas and Alabama. The competition is open to crane operators nationwide, and the top operators will advance to the Championship for a chance to win a $10,000 grand prize.

The regional competitions feature three challenges for crane operators designed to assess precision and depth perception. In addition to operating skills, operators are required to test their knowledge of basic rigging principles, courtesy of Columbus McKinnon Corp., accounting for 20% of the overall score.

The Southwest Regional, hosted by Laguna Crane Services and B-C Equipment Sales, will be held in conjunction with an open house and the region’s Buccaneer Days on April 23. “PRCA Cowboys and Queens will make an appearance during the Skills Competition, making this a fun event for operators’ families as well as a serious test of skill,” said Sarah Baugh, marketing Director for B-C Equipment Sales, a Link-Belt, Terex, and Shuttlelift crane dealer offering a full line of new and used construction equipment for sale, as well as crane rentals.

Jerry Lopez, President of Laguna Crane Services, a rigging and crane training provider, challenges operators in surrounding states to participate. “This may be the only opportunity for crane operators in the west to qualify to compete in the Championship, where the grand prize is $10,000,” he said. “In addition to sponsoring the travel expenses for the top two contenders to attend the Championship, Laguna Crane Services and B-C Equipment will award $1,000 cash to the two finalists.”

April 23, 2015 – Doors Open at 7:30 am
Location: B-C Equipment Sales, 809 Corn Products Rd., Corpus Christi, Texas 78408
Door Prizes, Fish Fry, Open House, Entertainment and Other Activities for all contestants and attendees.
Two winning operators earn spots to compete in the Championship for a chance to win $10,000!
Travel and accommodations for winners to attend Championship sponsored by Regional Hosts Laguna Crane Services and B-C Equipment Sales, plus $1000 cash for top two operators.

Crane U and CraneWorks will hold the Southeast Regional on May 9 in conjunction with CraneWorks’ annual Big Dog Poker Run. The Poker Run is an annual motorcycle ride which benefits Go Build Alabama scholarships to graduating high school seniors who are pursuing a career in skilled trades. It is sponsored by CraneWorks and Garrison Steel Erectors.

“This year’s route and schedule will allow riders to participate in both the Poker Run and the Crane Operator & Rigger Skills Competition on the same day,” said Tom Yeilding, CraneWorks VP of operations.

“Crane U is excited about co-hosting Birmingham’s first annual Crane Operator & Rigger Skills Competition. We are pleased to see so much interest from crane operators who plan to travel here from a variety of states,” said Melanie Laird, marketing director for Crane U. “We are gearing up for a fun, family-oriented day where music, Zumba dance, and bounce house activities will keep even the youngest of visitors entertained. We also hope to offer an educational seminar for teens and young adults interested in exploring crane operation and rigging as a career path."

May 9, 2015 – Doors open at 7:00 am
Location: CraneWorks, 2728 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr Blvd., Birmingham, AL 35203
Door Prizes, Open House, Kids Activities, Big Dog Poker Run, After Party Dinner and Live Music for all contestants and attendees.
Two winning operators earn spots to compete in Championship for a chance to win $10,000!
Travel and accommodations for winners to attend Championship sponsored by Regional Hosts Crane U and CraneWorks

Later in 2015, expect to see competitions in Pennsylvannia hosted by Cranes 101 and Wood’s CRW and in Florida hosted by Crane Institute of America and Florida Crane Owners Council. Other possible regional qualifying competitions include Phoenix, Ariz. and Bakersfield, Calif.