Wow, December is here — where did 2011 go? This has been an incredible and enriching year for me as your NASTT Chair and I am looking forward to starting my second year in this role. We have worked hard throughout the year to promote the industry we are dedicated to serving through the NASTT No-Dig Show and our educational programs, working with our network of Regional and Student Chapters.
As the year winds to a close, it’s difficult to not reflect on all that NASTT has accomplished this year, as well as the many goals that we will pursue in 2012 with the same enthusiasm and dedication shown this year. All the planning by the 2012 No-Dig Planning Committee, led by Committee Vice Chair Kim Staheli and myself, will come to fruition in just a few short months when the 2012 No-Dig Show takes place March 11-15 in Nashville, Tenn. The committee has put in some great effort this year and their hard work will result in yet another fantastic show!
2011 saw NASTT take on many projects, such as strengthening our accounting procedures and making outstanding progress on publishing CIPP guidelines, which we are on target to complete by the end of the year. We also initiated improvements to our CIPP and Sewer Lateral training programs and plan to expand them in 2012. We’re contemplating major changes and improvements to our training efforts in 2012 in hopes of reaching an even wider audience with our top-notch expert information. A re-launch of the NASTT website (www.NASTT.org) was completed making navigation easier and membership benefits more accessible. Please take a look at the site and let us know what you think — ideas are always welcome!
We initiated a major effort to attract owners to join and be a part of NASTT through the American Public Works Association (APWA) and other avenues representing municipalities and utilities. That will continue through next year. In addition, we are actively working on a pilot program, targeting universities to offer a major or certificate in trenchless technology for graduate students. This will dovetail nicely into our Scholarship Award process and potential internship process. More to come on this next year!
NASTT is also very proud of our collaborative project with NYSEARCH/Northeast Gas Association through our Carbon Calculator Committee. The benefit of a Carbon Calculator will reinforce the image of trenchless technology as a “green” alternative, bringing trenchless to a higher level of awareness and focus to a viable product that will have meaningful results for the long-term. We anticipate Phase I of this project to be completed by April 2012.
And now I have some fantastic news to announce. As we prepare for the 2012 No-Dig Show, I want to share with you a special and exciting commemoration that will be taking place at the show. It’s my privilege to formally announce that NASTT has created the NASTT Hall of Fame to forever honor the leaders and trailblazers of trenchless technology.
The contributions that many of our members have made to the trenchless industry over the years are immense and have played important roles in the evolution of trenchless technology. NASTT is a preeminent affiliate of the ISTT and many of our members are the pioneers of trenchless technology. As we entered our third decade of existence, our Board of Directors wanted to ensure that these legacies are preserved. In 2010, the Board voted to create the NASTT Hall of Fame to celebrate our most outstanding and accomplished members who have made a lasting impact on the trenchless industry.
Today, I can announce the inductees of this inaugural Hall of Fame class, which include a manufacturing icon, a drilling fluids legend and a tireless promoter of the trenchless industry. It’s my honor to announce that the 2012 Hall of Fame class is: the late Gary Vermeer, founder of Vermeer Corporation.; Frank Canon, Baroid Industrial Drilling Products; and Bernie Krzys, president and publisher of Trenchless Technology magazine. Each has left his mark on the trenchless industry in unique and exemplary ways. You will learn more about these Hall of Fame members as the NASTT No-Dig Show nears. Induction ceremonies will be a featured part of the NASTT 2012 No-Dig Gala Dinner, March 13. You will not want to miss out on this very special
ceremony!
Before closing my final message of 2011, I want to extend my sincere appreciation and thanks to those board members who are stepping down from their duties: Kaleel Rahaim of Interplastic Corporation, Mark Hallett of SAERTEX MultiCom, Bob Westphal of Michels Corporation, George Cowan of HAKS and James Hoggatt with South Tahoe Public Utility District. NASTT attracts the best that the trenchless industry has to offer and this group epitomizes that description. All should be congratulated for their years of service and dedication to NASTT as their efforts were integral to the overall success of our organization. It has been an honor and privilege to work with these men, leaders in the trenchless community who selflessly volunteered their time to make their industry stronger and more vibrant. We couldn’t do the things we do without your contributions. Again, thank you for your service!
We’ll hit the ground running in 2012 at NASTT’s Forum on January 24 in San Antonio to discuss “Advancements in Trenchless Technology” as part of the Underground Construction Technology (UCT) International Conference and Exhibition. This is an important panel discussion that you won’t want to miss.
I want to wish all of you the happiest of holiday seasons! Enjoy your family, friends and all who are important to you during this special time of year. See you all in Nashville at the NASTT 2012 No-Dig Show!
George Ragula is the Distribution Technology Manager for Public
Service Electric & Gas Co. with 32 years of experience in various gas
engineering and management distribution operating positions. He may
be reached at george.ragula@pseg.com.
Howdy pardner! Don’t miss NASTT’s fundraising social event of the year — the 11th annual Educational Fund Auction and Reception on the evening of Monday, March 12 at NASTT’s No-Dig in Nashville. We invite you to don your best country western duds for a great time while bidding on amazing items. Prizes will be awarded for “best costume.” Stay tuned for details as the countdown to the live auction begins. 
Gary Vermeer
Frank Canon
Bernie Krz