Our very own, Todd Kramer, Director of Field Operations and seven-time Illinois Arborist Association Tree Climbing Champion, came away with his 8th state Championship title this past May in Wood Dale.  In addition, two other competitors from Kramer Tree Specialists, Jason Diehl and Rob Kraker, finished in the top five, 2nd and 5th places respectively.  Also, KTS retained the ComEd Corporate Cup for the second year in a row!

With this win, Todd punched his ticket to compete in the International Tree Climbing Championship in Sydney, Australia.  Todd and Rick Thomas, Director of Operations, traveled Down Under in July for the competition. In the height of our summer, Australia was in their winter season which meant cool temps and rain…and then more rain.

The weather did delay the preliminary trials, but the event continued. Out of the 44 talented and skilled male competitors from around the globe, Todd fell into the middle of the pack. The highlights of his trip were learning new climbing and rigging techniques, seeing old friends and spending one-on-one time with one of his mentors, Graeme McMahon, discussing tree risk assessment. For competition results go to: www.itcc.isa-arbor.com/results/2011results