We would like to extend a thank-you to all of the people who attended one or more of our sessions either the weekend before the Pumper & Cleaner Environmental Expo International started or during the Expo. Also, thanks to everyone who stopped by the National Association of Wastewater Technicians booth during the Expo. Hopefully, the stress balls we gave out continue to give you an outlet during those stressful times!

We could not have had such a successful Expo without a lot of help and a lot of volunteer time. If you were not able to make it to one of our workshops, you missed a really good experience and we hope to see you at one next year. A number of industry sponsors have helped with our education programs throughout the year. There is not enough we can say about their unwavering support of our mission to provide an educational outlet and national voice for our industry. Please keep them in mind when you are making purchases of products or services.

At risk of forgetting someone, here is a list of those who have helped recently: Bright Dyes, Boerger Pumps, Crust Busters, Fournier, Fruitland, Jack Doheny Supplies, Lakeside Equipment, Dave Flagg and Septic Services. Numerous other volunteers and speakers gave highly of their time. In future columns we will take time to focus on individuals who make the organization go.

If you or your company would like to sponsor educational programs throughout the year, or want to offer other ways you can help, contact the NAWT office for information on where you can help be an important link to the industry.

Don’t forget the NAWT scholarship program

Now is not too early to encourage high school seniors and current college students to apply for the William Hapchuk Memorial Scholarship. NAWT awards a $1,000 scholarship every year to the winner of the NAWT essay contest. Applicants must create, design and submit a slogan or a bumper sticker representing NAWT and then write a short essay explaining their entry by Jan. 1, 2015. The application can be downloaded at www.nawt.org.

Only full-time college students by fall 2014 are eligible for the Hapchuk scholarship. Participation is open to students majoring in environmental science, life science or related curriculum.

NAWT Excellence in Service Award 2013

The NAWT board of directors established an Excellence in Service Award in 2010, replacing the former “Man of the Year” award. The new award reflects the changing industry and the changing times and provides the opportunity to recognize the NAWT member or NAWT-sponsored individual or company that has shown exceptional accomplishments in their service to the community and to the wastewater profession. This award is presented at the Pumper and Cleaner Expo during an association breakfast meeting. Nominations should be submitted to the NAWT office by Nov. 1, 2014.