Education is an important component of the 2013 Pumper & Cleaner Environmental Expo, and a host of valuable seminars are scheduled to help pumping professionals grow and improve the services they offer customers in the year ahead.
First off is Expo Education Day, Monday, Feb. 25, which has grown greatly in scope and attendance over the years. Tracks of seminars are sponsored by a variety of professional organizations, including the National Association of Wastewater Technicians, the National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association and the Portable Sanitation Association International. The full day of seminars includes many opportunities for pumpers to earn continuing education credits toward state certification.
The following days will feature a variety of additional seminars covering a wide range of topics, from professional techniques in the field to business-building tips.
All of the education seminars, including a lineup of sessions presented in Spanish, will be held at the Indiana Convention Center in meeting rooms adjacent to the Pumper & Cleaner Expo exhibit halls. For more information on seminar times, locations and speakers, visit www.pumpershow.com.
Seminars of interest to pumpers include the following:
Education Day, Monday, Feb. 25:
National Association of Wastewater Technicians
"Introduction to Pressure Distribution," by onsite consultant Kit Rosefield: Learn how and where to use pressure distribution, practices for installing pressure laterals in gravelless media, and much more.
"Designing Systems: Boundaries and Barriers from a Soils Perspective," by Jim Anderson of the University of Minnesota: Focus on soil design principles for both gravity and pressure distribution systems.
"Pump Choices and Settings: Decisions for Proper Operation," by Dave Gustafson of the University of Minnesota: Get an in-depth look at pump selection and sizing, float setting, timers, controls and dosing.
"Operation and Maintenance of Pressure Distribution Laterals," by Bob Wright, P.E., of CHURCH Onsite Wastewater Consultants: Learn drainfield layouts for aboveground and at-grade systems, plus ways to clean laterals, and types of lateral clean-outs and inspection ports.
"Installing with Management in Mind: How to Get the Most out of Your System," by Dave Gustafson: Learn how to create systems that are easy to maintain and service for the long term.
National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association
"Time Dosing – Why? How? And How Much?" by Tom Fritts of Residential Sewage Treatment Co.: Learn the benefits of time dosing, from extending drainfield life to reducing the cost of some installations.
"Loading Rates – How Much Can the Soil Take?" by Sara Heger of the University of Minnesota: Find out how quantities and quality of wastewater vary by dwelling and how to design for them.
"Troubleshooting Pumps, Floats and Panels," by Tom Fritts: Learn the steps to becoming a skilled troubleshooter of pumps, floats and panels.
"The Dirty Dozen – Toxins That Kill Septics," by Sara Heger: Learn the effects of chemicals, cleaners, medicines and antibacterial products on septic systems and find out about alternatives.
"How Installers Can Use the Poor Economy to Increase Profits," by Tom Fritts: Discover how to make the economy your sales partner and increase profits.
"Are Seepage Pits Really Bad?" by Sara Heger: Explore issues related to proper siting, design and impact to the environment, including soil phosphorus and chlorides in the groundwater.
"Designing Drip Dispersal Systems," by John Buchanan of the University of Tennessee: Learn drip irrigation technologies, their advantages and the hydraulic principles that allow these systems to function.
"Soil Erosion Control During and After Septic System Installation," by John Buchanan: Learn how to control erosion, manage stormwater, and quickly establish vegetative cover over newly installed septic systems.
"Decentralized Wastewater Collection System Maintenance," by John Buchanan: Find out about the maintenance required to ensure the long-term success of decentralized collection systems.
Portable Sanitation Association International
"Good Agricultural Practices,'' by Robert Davis, division manager for PolyPortables, and Steve Washburn, project manager for PolyJohn: This panel discussion introduces the issue of fresh food contamination and explores how portable sanitation contractors can work to establish industry standards.
WaterJet Technology Association
"Safety & Efficiency – You Don't Have to Choose!" by Gary Toothe, training manager for FS Solutions: Learn about safe and efficient use of vacuum to keep your business productive and competitive.
"Selecting the Best Jetting Tip Doesn't Have to Be Scary," by Gary Toothe: Learn the factors in selecting the proper jetting tip for sewer, pipe, tube and surface cleaning.
"Hydroexcavation – The Non-Destructive Solution," by Benjamin Schmitt, product manager for Vactor Manufacturing: Learn the distinctions between hydroexcavation and pneumatic excavation, and a review of who is using the technology and applications.
"Understanding the Power: Physics of Vacuum and How it Works," by Phil Stein: Explore how vacuum is used to remove various liquids and solids, as well as the science and calculations related to everyday job situations.
"Safe and Proper Operation of Combination Machines," by Chris Cira, president of M Tech: Learn safe and proper use, care and maintenance of combination machines, including key aspects of the NASSCO guidelines.
Tuesday, Feb. 26 Education Seminars
Transportation and Land Application
"Driver Compliance and Certification: How to Meet DOT Requirements," by Tony Cardomone, vice president of sales and marketing, Concorde Inc.: Discuss driver qualifications files, CSA scores, drug testing programs, supervisor training, pre-employment screening, DOT physicals and occupational health.
"Staying in Compliance with 503 Regulations for Land Application," by John Colletti, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regional biosolids coordinator: Look at some of the 503 rules that most often result in administrative penalties.
"Land Application: Case Study of a Long-Term Operation," by Bruce Fox of Allstate Septic Systems and president of the Pennsylvania Septage Management Association: An in-depth overview of Fox's pumping operation and emerging issues for companies that land-apply.
Better Business
A popular education feature at the Expo is the business seminar program. This year’s highlight is the all-day seminar, “2013 – Your Best Year Ever,” given by business coach Scott Hunter on Education Day, Monday, Feb. 25. In previous Expo appearances, Hunter has drawn full rooms with his easygoing yet inspiring style. Other general business seminars include:
Education Day, Monday, Feb. 25
“The Art and Science of Business Management,” by Bill Raymond of Frank & Lindy Plumbing, Heating & Cooling: Learn how to rid your business of “money thieves” and meet revenue and profit projections.
“The Business of Contracting,” by Dan Friesen of the Nexstar Network: Discover the success secrets of Frank Blau Jr. for building a healthy, strong, profitable company.
Tuesday, Feb. 26
“New Untapped Techniques to Capture Today’s Customers,” by Jerard Nighorn of Lenzyme: Learn seven steps to capturing and keeping customers and getting customers to market for you at no cost.
“10 Steps to Marketing Success,” by Suzan Chin of Creative Raven: Discuss branding, promotion, publicity, advertising, social marketing, electronic communication and more.
“Cloud Computing for Small Business and the Field Service Industry,” by Oren Shatken of FoundOPS: Explore how cloud computing can improve your productivity.
“Don’t Win the Price Game,” by Frank Taciak of C.A Taciak & Sons: Discover how to get out of the low-price trap, charge for the real value of your services, and operate more profitably.
“Make the Phone Ring with Low-Cost Marketing,” by David Heimer of Service Roundtable: Discover proven techniques to attract customers and recruit top employees without print, TV or radio advertising.
“Local Marketing on the World Wide Web,” by Jim King of COLE, Inc.: Discover how to market effectively on the Internet through searches, social media or email.
Wednesday, Feb. 27
“Save Money – Move Your Business to the Cloud,” by Joel Smith of Clear Computing: Learn the types of cloud computing, how they affect your business, and the pros and cons of using this resource.
“Morally Bankrupt,” by Dina Dwyer-Owens of Mr. Rooter/The Dwyer Group: Learn how to live R.I.C.H. by embracing Respect, Integrity and Customer focus, and Have fun in the process.
“Measuring Success Matters: Your Ads, Your Agents, Your Technicians,” by Ara Mahdessian and Vahe Kuzoyan of Service Titans: Spend an hour learning how to focus on generating more leads, booking more appointments, and closing more sales, and why measuring success is the key to all three.
