As a direct result of the economic downturn of the last several years, most contractors were forced to closely inspect their business methods and overall model of operation. The same has been true for cash-strapped public works' organizations. The result: Many have become leaner, more focused and better able to accomplish more, with less, than could be done just a few years ago.

Plus, many contractors have also been actively expanding their array of services to existing customers. As a direct result, a number have reported 2011 as a year of increasing profits over what many saw as a dismal 2010.

Fortunately, there appears to be good news on the horizon as we enter 2012. Most economists predict an upturn trend for the coming year. Bolstering this outlook is the fact it is an important election year, so those currently entrenched in our political system will be doing everything they can to spur economic growth.

For the rest of this month's editorial, though, let's look back at the power sweeping industry's biggest news of the past year. Read the whole editorial.

The article covers a variety of topics for ways to systematize working with employees. These included some of the benefits of employee leasing, reasons and methods for monitoring cell phone usage, sweeper routing, employee handbooks and a good bit more. Read the story.

The Role Street Sweeping Must Play in Achieving Numeric Pollutant Limits

In the November/December 2011 issue of Stormwater magazine noted sweeper researcher, Roger Sutherland, offered a guest editorial on the relationship between sweeping and stormwater runoff pollutant removal.

The generally applicable standard of the Clean Water Act requires a reduction of the contaminants in the stormwater to the maximum exent practicable. Unfortunately, the EPA has never defined that term. In the editorial, Sutherland lays out the case for street sweeping as one of the most cost-effective practices when it comes to removing pollutants that would otherwise be transported by urban stormwater. Read the article.

Inventor of the New miniBRUTE SWEEPER Targets Contractor Cost of Operation

Mike Primeaux (pronounced 'primo') has been a sweeping and landscaping contractor for over a decade. Unlike most contractors, though, for much of that time Primeaux has been using a sweeper of his own design.

Because of the cost of purchase and operation of sweepers in the marketplace, Primeaux began designing his own number of years ago. Now, after a successful year-and-a-half of testing his current model, he decided he was ready to make his sweeper for others to use.

Perseverance has been the key for Primeaux, who is based in the New Orleans area. He says he has been operating his current design – which he has dubbed the 'miniBRUTE SWEEPER' – for well over a year with no problems whatsoever. His sweeper's low-cost of operation, combined with a relatively low cost to build given the price of other sweepers available, convinced him to bring the miniBRUTE to market. Take a look.

Hand-held Cell Phones Banned for Commercial Drivers

Nationwide, beginning January 3, 2012, all commercial drivers, including truck and bus drivers are banned from using hand-held cell phones. There will be a stiff fine of up to $2,700 per offense for truckers and bus drivers caught using hand-held cell phones while driving.

The law allows only emergency responders and roadside assistance workers to use hand-held cell phones. An estimated four million commercial drivers will be affected nationwide. Brief article includes an FAQ section with answers to typical questions. See the details.