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March 2009 Table of Contents

Magazine Cover

Features

  • 4Reading Between the Lines: There’s a Lot Going On ‘After Hours’
    Last August, we kicked off a new feature in Pumper called “After Hours,” seeking to find out what readers do when they don’t have a vacuum hose in hand.
  • 18Building the Business: Create a Reminder Card System
    A simple-to-organize postcard mailing generates sales and stabilizes both workflow and cash flow
  • 26Rules and Regs: Michigan Grapples with Required Inspections, Diminished Land Spreading Opportunities
    Proposed legislation in Michigan would add onsite systems to the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act as of January 2010.
  • 36Cover Story: Firing On All Cylinders
    Meticulous vacuum truck maintenance and regular fleet updates keep the wheels and profits turning for Maine’s A-1 Environmental Services
  • 44Profile: Covering the Bases
    Missouri-based All Star Septic manufactures the tanks, installs the systems, pumps the waste and places portable restrooms at construction sites
  • 58Special Feature: It's Time to Kick the Tires
    As you gear up for another busy season, make sure your service fleet has plenty of rubber to meet the road
  • 70Overheard Online: Customer Wants to Flip His Lid
    The pumper tells a homeowner that a riser in a cold northern climate will slow bacterial action in the tank … Is he right?

Columns

  • 10Letters to the Editor: He’s Busting His Buttons With Pride
    To the Editor: I was surfing the ’Net today and ran across your magazine.
  • 50After Hours: Playing Hookey Means Playing Hockey
    When the pumping business slows in the dead of the Wisconsin winter, Dave Neelis trades his vacuum hose for skates and drops the puck on his personal ice rink
  • 64Money Manager: Buy Your Competitor?
    The purchase of another company in your field can be a quick way to expand, but you have to proceed with due diligence
  • 74Industry News: Industry News
    Hampel Names Bamberg Vice President; Infiltrator Adds Design Tools to Web Site, Unveils New Logo; Ritam Announces Expo Vacation Giveaway Winners; Zoeller VP of Marketing Retires; SludgeHammer Receives NSF 40 Certification
  • 78Safety First: Too Extreme? Or About Time?
    The National Safety Council proposes a blanket ban on cell phone use while driving
  • 82Classy Trucks: Classy Truck of March
    This month we feature Kerkstra Septic Tank Cleaning Inc.
  • 86Reader Pipelines: Truck and Driver
    Proper training will help truck drivers protect themselves from injury and the expensive equipment they operate
  • 94Septic System Answer Man: Just Say No to Garbage Disposers
    The Answer Man’s simple advice to homeowners and onsite maintenance pros: “Do not deposit anything into the septic tank unless you have eaten it first!”
  • 98NAWT: Plans for 2009 Advance Education and Business Opportunities
    Fresh Learning Opportunities
  • 116Product Spotlight: Accent Manufacturing IFRS Separator
    The IFRS 36 has a compact design to fit in many locations. The unit is hydraulically powered and can run off a truck’s hydraulic system.
  • 120Association News: Association News
    News, Training & Education and Calendar of Events