2025
STATE OF
SIMA ANNUAL REPORT
Board of Directors
ONWARD AND UPWARD SIMA’s Board of Directors and staff are driving initiatives forward to help our members and the industry thrive. It has been a great honor for me to serve as SIMA’s board chair. As our industry continues to face challenges, the board of directors has crafted a dynamic and forwardthinking 3-year strategic plan to guide our association and the industry forward. The plan is the result of extensive collaboration, thoughtful consideration of industry trends, and invaluable input from our dedicated members, volunteer leaders, and staff. Executive Director Martin Tirado and the dedicated SIMA staff are already acting on the important initiatives we identified: Localizing member connections. Our interest groups and peer groups continue to gain momentum, and we welcomed the new Pacific Northwest & Western Canada groups to the lineup this year. The membership team will continue to explore ways SIMA can bring stakeholders together to encourage personal and professional growth. Advancing industry standards. In 2026, we will begin a feasibility analysis for a national snow and ice services contract standard that should create a more level playing field, with shared responsibilities between customers and accountability for service. Making a legislative impact. We will amplify our voice to advocate for the interests of the snow and ice management industry on legislative and regulatory fronts. We can’t do it alone—we need your help to ensure our industry’s perspective is heard. Sign up to get involved with legislative initiatives today. Growing SIMA’s training accreditations. The education team, with the help of a member-driven task force, has created new safety training for sidewalk teams and plow operators. It is the first step in bringing safety to the forefront that will eventually include a SIMA accreditation program centered on safety and insurability. A future phase will expand the program to include a formal safety audit that members can use
2025 | STATE OF SIMA ANNUAL REPORT
to show insurance underwriters and brokers that the professional snow and ice management industry is a “good risk” worth insuring. Events in action. This industry is at its best when we come together to learn from each other and grow our professional networks—and that’s where our outstanding in-person events come in. The staff executed a successful Snow & Ice Symposium in Grand Rapids, where more than 2,000 snow pros and suppliers were in attendance; and our Leadership Forum continues to gain momentum and we hope you’ll join us in Savannah, GA, in 2026. Plus, more than 350 people attended one-day conferences in Milwaukee, WI, and Concord, NH. Accelerating leadership. We’re excited to see the journey 11 SIMA members are going on as part of SIMA’s new emerging leaders program, Accelerate. They started at the Leadership Forum in Nashville, where they began to explore leadership principles that will help them grow in their skills and to drive their companies forward. We look forward to celebrating them at the Snow & Ice Symposium in June 2026, when they wrap up their nearly year-long program. This recap of SIMA’s progress in 2025 barely scratches the surface. Please take the time to read the State of SIMA report to learn more about the fruits of the staff’s labor and leadership. As I transition to a new role as the immediate past board chair, I know the association remains in good hands as Jeff Heller, CSP, takes the reins. A personal thank you to all of the board officers and directors who’ve made this year an exceptional experience. So much more is on the horizon for SIMA and its members—I hope you’ll take an active role in helping bring the strategic initiatives to life. Chris Hinton, CSP Senior Operations Manager | GRM Inc. 2025 SIMA Board Chair
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
BOARD CHAIR Chris Hinton, CSP GRM, Inc.
VICE CHAIR Jeff Heller, CSP Innovative Maintenance Solutions
SECRETARY/TREASURER John Janes, CSP, ASM Caterpillar Inc.
IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR David Wescott, CSP Evergreen Brands
DIRECTORS Robert P Miller Jr., CSP, ASM Connie Gaul, ASM SNOWGO National Services, LLC RPM Landscape Contractor Tom Fitzgerald, CSP Donovan Property Group
Ruben Diaz Jr., ASM Diaz Group LLC
Chris Thacker, CSP Mr. Mow It All
Robert Young, CSP K.E.Y. Property Services, Inc.
Dean Outhouse, CSP, ASM Piscataqua Landscaping & Tree Service Andrew McArdle, CSP, ASM Douglas Dynamics, LLC
A SPECIAL THANK YOU to Dave Wescott, CSP and John Janes, CSP, ASM for their service. Dave served as board chair in 2024 and John served as Treasurer in 2025. Both have served on the Board of Directors since 2020.
2025 | STATE OF SIMA ANNUAL REPORT
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2024 FINANCIALS SIMA conducts an independent audit every year by a qualified CPA firm.
$21,878
$1,483,169
NET CHANGE IN ASSETS
CASH BALANCE
$3,557,144
$3,277,970
$3,542,511
TOTAL 2024 INCOME
TOTAL ASSETS
TOTAL EXPENSES
—CLICK OR SCAN— In 2025, the board of directors approved a budget with revenue of $3,320,060. SIMA is in a healthy financial position, with over 50% of the total annual budget held in a mix of cash and invested reserves.
State of SIMA 2025 with Martin Tirado, CAE, Chris Hinton, CSP, and Jeff Heller, CSP. 2025 | STATE OF SIMA ANNUAL REPORT
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Membership
MEMBERSHIP SIMA wouldn’t be where we are without you—our valued members. We’re continuously looking for exciting ways that we can bring our global community together and drive value for your investment.
1,160
400+
SIMA MEMBERS
ENGAGED WITH INTEREST AND REGIONAL NETWORKING GROUPS
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PEER GROUPS
U.S. SNOW OPS | ONTARIO, CANADA SNOW OPS SNOW COMMANDERS (EXECUTIVE GROUP)
30
RESIDENTIAL SNOW
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
MEMBERS WOMEN IN SNOW
PACIFIC NORTHWEST AND WESTERN CANADA
2025 | STATE OF SIMA ANNUAL REPORT
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MEMBERSHIP
CCELERATE Sponsored by SIMA’S EMERGING LEADERS PROGRAM
with support from the SIMA Foundation
11 PARTICIPANTS KICKED OFF THE NEW PROGRAM IN NASHVILLE
39
AWARD WINNERS
32 | BEST PLACES TO WORK IN SNOW & ICE –SPONSORED BY DIG IT RENTALS–
7 | SNOW & ICE ALL STARS
LAUNCHED THE SIMA DIRECTORY Click or scan to create and edit your listing!
2025 | STATE OF SIMA ANNUAL REPORT
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Education + Content
EDUCATION + CONTENT With SIMA’s industry-leading credential programs, dynamic training, Snow Business magazine, and continuously updated online content, SIMA is your premier destination for comprehensive snow and ice education and resources.
LAUNCHED NEW SAFETY 1ST SIDEWALK CREW AND PLOW OPERATOR COURSES sima.org/safety
SAFETY 1ST
SAFETY 1ST
Sponsored by
Sponsorship Available!
SIDEWALK CREW MEMBER
Part of a larger Safe Company initiative rolling out in 2026!
PLOWING CREW MEMBER
—CLICK OR SCAN—
Watch demo videos of SIMA’s safety training.
CHECK OUT LEARNUPON YOUR NEW LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM 2025 | STATE OF SIMA ANNUAL REPORT
train.sima.org 10
EDUCATION + CONTENT
LAUNCHED THE SNOW & ICE RESOURCE CENTER resources.sima.org
BLOG POSTS • PRODUCTS • VIDEOS • DOWNLOADABLE RESOURCES • SNOW BUSINESS ARTICLES • AND MORE
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VOLUNTEERS SUPPORTING THE EDUCATION/CONTENT TEAMS
6.5
HOURS OF SNOW TALK INSIGHTS FROM PODCAST GUESTS
2025 | STATE OF SIMA ANNUAL REPORT
SAFETY • CSP • SYMPOSIUM TASKFORCES SNOW BUSINESS EDITORIAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE + MAGAZINE CONTRIBUTORS
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EDUCATION + CONTENT —CLICK OR SCAN—
76
NEW ASMS
31
Discover new education courses coming in 2026.
NEW CSPS
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2025 | STATE OF SIMA ANNUAL REPORT
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GLOBAL salt MARKET TRENDS Report begins on page 46
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Events
EVENTS SIMA’s in-person events are where industry professionals converge, igniting their passion for learning and propelling their professional development to new heights. These events offer unparalleled opportunities for networking, sharing best practices, and discovering the latest innovations in the field.
ANNUAL
JUNE 17–20
We got
vy GroinoGrand Rapids
2,300+ SHOW ATTENDANCE
45%
FIRST-TIME ATTENDEES
2025 | STATE OF SIMA ANNUAL REPORT
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EVENTS
167
EXHIBITORS
30
NEW EXHIBITORS
34
EDUCATION SESSIONS
41
SPEAKERS
10
TRADE SHOW NON-COMPETE HOURS
3
“ I attend the Symposium because I see the value of coming together with like minded people, being exposed to industry innovations, and classes that hone me both on an operational and administrative level.” — Jonathan Suffield, ASM Suffield’s Snowplowing
EVENING RECEPTIONS
100+
—CLICK OR SCAN—
DISCO BALLS
1
VINTAGE VW BUS
Experience the Symposium.
JOIN US JUNE 23–26, 2026 IN CINCINNATI, OH! show.sima.org
2025 | STATE OF SIMA ANNUAL REPORT
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EVENTS LEADERSHIP FORUM 85 industry peers joined SIMA in Nashville, TN for the 5th annual event.
“ Give yourself a chance to step out of your business and think about your path forward. This conference helps you slow down and realign your thinking. Well worth the time investment.” — Jay Felton GroundMasters
“ Going to an event like the Leadership Forum is such a good way to meet your peers across the country and have one-on-one discussions sharing and learning from each other. The atmosphere is very relaxed and there is plenty of time for networking between the sessions. It’s a win-win.” — Stephanie Leveling BOSS By Integra
JOIN US IN SAVANNAH, GA AUGUST 16–18! sima.org/leadership 2025 | STATE OF SIMA ANNUAL REPORT
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EVENTS NEW HAMPSHIRE SALT SYMPOSIUM
240+ ATTENDEES
27
EXHIBITORS
MIDWEST SNOW & ICE CONFERENCE
115+ ATTENDEES
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SPONSOR DISPLAYS
“ I am a new employee and I found the forum exceptional and presentation extremely informative.” — Nicole Reese GroundMasters
“ Great event! I look forward to it every year!” — Tim Last City of West Allis
SEE ALL OF OUR IN-PERSON EVENTS
sima.org/upcoming-events 2025 | STATE OF SIMA ANNUAL REPORT
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Foundation
SIMA FOUNDATION
Foundation
From providing educational scholarships that empower the next generation of snow and ice management professionals to funding groundbreaking, industry-leading research, the SIMA Foundation works to propel the industry into an exciting and more advanced future.
Caleb Asselin Caleb’s Services Colton Brewer Nature Pure Landscaping, Inc. Trenton Miller GreenerConcepts Jameka Spencer American Facilities Professionals
—CLICK OR SCAN—
Adam Thompson Owner | Salt Flap A simple, practical solution designed to protect a truck’s back end from salt damage. 2025 | STATE OF SIMA ANNUAL REPORT
2025 Year in Review with Martin Tirado, CAE, Jim Hornung, Jr., CSP.
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SIMA FOUNDATION
Foundation
NEW! 2025 PROFITABILITY STUDY The SIMA Foundation, with sponsorship support from Caterpillar, released an updated profitability study to help business owners benchmark their businesses in key categories. The study is free for members! Download the full report at sima-foundation.org.
The SIMA Foundation relies on the generosity of donors to help execute our initiatives. Thanks to donors this year we were able to raise nearly $15,000 through these special events:
$25 for
’25
SIMA Leadership Forum
Foundation
$4,238
2025 | STATE OF SIMA ANNUAL REPORT
ONLINE AUCTION
$6,200
$4,500 20
SIMA FOUNDATION SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR COMPANY DONORS
GOLD
SILVER
BRONZE
Individual Donors ($1K+): Allin Rose Consulting, Inc. Michael and Laurie Anderson Trust Jason Case, CSP Jonathan Crandall, CSP
Jeff Heller, CSP Jim Hornung Jr., CSP Frankie Ippolito Frank Lombardo Mike Mason, CSP
Danny Milligan, ASM Paul Vanderzon, ASM Dave Wescott, CSP Robert Young, CSP
Learn more about the SIMA Foundation’s mission and how to donate (any amount is welcome) at sima-foundation.org.
2025 | STATE OF SIMA ANNUAL REPORT
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SUPPLIER SUPPORT THANK YOU TO OUR 2025 POWER BUY ADVERTISERS
2025 | STATE OF SIMA ANNUAL REPORT
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VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION Thank you to the following SIMA members who have given their time and knowledge to help move SIMA’s initiatives forward. Want to volunteer? Visit sima.org/volunteer to sign up! SAFETY TASK FORCE Tom Crawford Deb Mattson
Mike McCarron Dean Outhouse
Nick Scharf Michael Wagner
SYMPOSIUM PLANNING COMMITTEE Jeremy Darling David Eddy Jenny Girard David Lammers
Doug McIntosh Josh Nichols Eddy Zakes
CSP TASK FORCE David Eddy Kimberly Jewell Jim Monk Jeremy Oliver
Jim Plona Allen Quille Lisa Rose Randy Sharpe
Bob Smart Rick Stoklosa Kevin Stonitsch Eddy Zakes
Patrick McGuinness Jim Monk, CSP Chris Morrison Michael Perrine
Andy Sherley Jeremy Swenson, CSP
STANDARDS TASK FORCE Craig Clark David Gallagher Mike Mason, CSP Doug McDaniel
EVENT SPEAKERS AND SNOW BUSINESS CONTRIBUTORS Oram Adamson Faith Anderson Ken Boegeman Joshua Brecht Billy Butts Tory Chlanda Jeremy Darling David Gallagher Jenny Girard Ted Glaser Courtney Gordon
2025 | STATE OF SIMA ANNUAL REPORT
Marty Grunder Jeff Heller Shawn Kukol David Lammers Christopher Lareau Kevin Mahon Tom Marsan Mike McCarron Doug McIntosh Benjamin Meck John Mocharko
Stefano Narducci Dean Outhouse Lisa Rose JP Sanieski Greg Scharf Kellan Stevenson Evan Tachoir Paul Vanderzon Michael Wagner
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STATE OF SIMA Thanks for taking the time to read our State of SIMA 2025 Year in Review! To our faithful members, we thank you for your continued investment and support in creating a stronger snow and ice industry. We would love to hear more from you on how we could work together to ensure SIMA is offering the best possible opportunities for you to grow personally and professionally, so please take 5 minutes to take our 3-question survey! This survey is anonymous, but participants who opt to share their information will be entered into a drawing for one of three prizes.
3-QUESTION SURVEY
Want to learn more about SIMA? Schedule a meeting with our membership team to see what we have to offer. Or if you’re ready, join today at sima.org/join. Let’s get better, together. SIMA Membership Team | memberservices@sima.org
2025 | STATE OF SIMA ANNUAL REPORT
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