Princeton, N.J. — NAFA Fleet Management Association announced in June a change in dates for its 2014 International Fleet Academy. Originally scheduled for July 14–16 at Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, Fla., NAFA’s IFA will now take place Nov. 5–7, 2014, at the same hotel.

In announcing the change in dates, NAFA’s CEO Phillip Russo noted that a large event in Orlando caused sold-out situations at NAFA’s hotel as well as surrounding facilities. NAFA would not have access to the full block of sleeping rooms that would have been needed. The prudent action for NAFA was to move its dates so they could give attendees as much lead-time notice as possible to change their travel plans.”

For more information on IFA, visit www.nafafleetacademy.org.

Princeton, N.J. — It was with sadness that the collective membership of nafa Fleet Management Association learned of the passing of Edward Bobit, founder of “Automotive Fleet” magazine and Bobit Business Media. He passed away at home Sunday, June 29. A Club nafa member, Bobit is survived by five children, 14 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Starting with “Automotive Fleet” in November 1961, Bobit laid the foundation for a multimedia empire that not only spanned across the varied segments of the fleet profession, but over many different industries. “Automotive Fleet” is credited as being one of the most respected fleet-related journals in the publishing world. Even after his surgery in 2013, Bobit continued to stay current with the industry through his blog and editorials within his publications.

Farmington Hills, Mich. — Gain a preview of next year’s vocational truck and chassis product offerings from 11 chassis manufacturers at ntea’s Truck Product Conference, Sept. 16–18, 2014, in Detroit, Mich. This event also offers presentations on product upgrades and launches from participating OEMs and access to representatives who can answer technical questions.

During the conference, attendees can talk with product planners and ask about chassis updates that may impact upfitting and vehicle configurations. Participating chassis manufacturers include: Chevrolet and GMC Commercial Truck; Ford Commercial Truck; Freightliner Trucks; Hino Trucks; Isuzu Commercial Truck of America Inc.; Kenworth Truck Company; Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America Inc.; Peterbilt Motors Company; Ram Commercial; Toyota Motor Sales USA Inc.; and Western Star Trucks.

Register on or before Aug. 29 to take advantage of early bird registration prices. For more information, visit www.ntea.com/truckproductconference or call (800) 441-6832.

Kansas City, Mo. — Richard Berning, P.E. of Springfield, Ill., was recently appointed to the board of directors of the American Public Works Association. Berning will serve a one-year term on the 17-member governing board of the 28,500-member organization of public works professionals from throughout North America.

As Region V director, he will focus on strategic issues, including advocacy for infrastructure; building strong chapters and enhancing professional development; and education programs. He will work directly with chapters in Region V, including Chicago Metro; Illinois; Indiana; Michigan; Ohio; Ontario, Canada; and Wisconsin.

Berning has been a member of APWA for more than 25 years. At the national level he served as a member of the Government Affairs Committee, the Master’s Degree Task Force and the National Nominating Committee. He is a past president of the Illinois Chapter, has served as chapter delegate of the Illinois Chapter for the past seven years and is a member of the Illinois Public Service Institute Advisory Board. Berning is also a member of the National Society of Professional Engineers, Illinois Society of Professional Engineers and the Institute of Traffic Engineers.

Prior to his retirement in 2004, he served as Director of Public Works for the city of Springfield, with 234 full-time employees and an operational budget of more than $36 million. Currently, Berning works as a self-employed engineering consultant.

For more information on the American Public Works Association, or for APWA media queries, contact APWA Media Relations and Communications Manager, Laura Bynum, lbynum@apwa.net, or call (202) 218-6736.

News releases regarding personnel changes, other non-product-related company changes, association news and awards are printed as space allows. Priority will be given to advertisers and affiliates. Releases not printed in the magazine can be found online at www.themunicipal.com. Call (800) 733–4111, ext. 2392, or email jmagallanes@the-papers.com.