In 2008, opening bid proposals increased 172 % for the delivery of de-icing rock salt the City of Montgomery. Although the price increase was a significant concern an equally important problem was that the price increase was explained by the fact that a severe shortage of de-icing rock salt affected the Midwest and Northeast portions of the United States of America. The solution to this challenge was for the City of Montgomery to utilize a team approach that included the most novice, front-line employee to the executive level in creative problem solving utilizing the varying perspectives of our entire workforce.

This document was submitted to the Alliance for Innovation for consideration for a 2010 Innovation Award.