She Did It! Our Newest Certified Crane Operator
Early this month, NOV 2-3-4, Emily Miller with Sign Designs in Modesto, CA became the first female to participate in the CSA Crane Operator Certification program! Better yet, after two weeks of anxiously awaiting the results from her practical and written tests, she learned that she passed and would soon be receiving her Crane Operator Certification card from NCCCO.
Emily shared that engineering and creating by putting things together “has been a part of her” since childhood. Learning new things and new experiences is a driving force in her life. She considers herself “lucky” to work in her current position at Sign Designs and the support of those around her makes taking on challenges possible.
Emily learned of CSA’s Sign Training & Education Program Series “STEPS” outline, was intrigued, allowing her to push herself forward. This became the initial spark for learning how to operate a crane and becoming certified. Of course, it certainly didn’t hurt to hear she would be the first female in the CSA program!
When asked what Emily has enjoyed most about becoming a certified crane operator, she responded, “The big moment was the crane itself – a whole new beast!” Emily shared that becoming certified was not easy; the instructors and exam proctor were all nice but very serious, as they should be. This serious atmosphere inherently does make a person nervous, however, especially when timed and tested.
Emily’s advice to those interested in becoming a certified crane operator: “Prepare, Prepare, Prepare and don’t allow yourself to become too comfortable.”
For further information on the CSA Certified Crane Operator Classes, contact Cheryl Flahive, Dir. of Member Services: cflahive@calsign.org.
About CSA Team
CSA’s Executive Director, Roy Flahive, has worked within the sign industry for more than 50 years. He served an apprenticeship in the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), owned his own sign company for almost 30 years and he is well-known and highly respected in the sign industry, having served on numerous boards, including those of the International Sign Association (ISA), San Diego Area Lighting Advisory Council, Arizona Sign Association, Western States Sign Council, San Diego Mayors Sign Code Task Force, and UL’s Industry Advisory Committee. Notably, Flahive has twice been elected President (Chairman of the Board) of CSA and has served over 30 years on that board.
Cheryl Flahive, CSA’s Director of Member Services, has worked within the sign industry for over 33 years; twenty of those years, as vice president of a sign company in southern California. She has served in various administrative roles, from finance to project management, and is dedicated to helping CSA members at all levels.
The CSA Communications Committee, made up of committed industry leaders, works in a behind the scenes capacity, to keep CSA members educated and informed.