Published July 2007

Value of Volunteers

By Irv Gemora, Executive Director (page 56)

NASSCO is successful because of many people who give generously of their time and talent on behalf of the industry.

As I reviewed the things and people that have helped NASSCO become so successful in recent years, it became obvious that I need to share my thoughts with you. NASSCO has always been driven by our need to fulfill the core of our mission statement: “Setting the Industry Standards for the Rehabilitation of Underground Utilities.”

As we have for many years, we continue to issue the Specifications Guidelines — a collection of specifications from our members that is considered a valuable member benefit.

We have issued a guideline for pipe bursting, and the first two of many Performance Specifications. Both are posted on the NASSCO web site for free downloading.

We have issued a new Jetter Code of Practice that has been extremely well received. Because of the foresight of my predecessor, NASSCO introduced the Pipeline Assessment and Certification Program (PACP) and the Manhole Assessment and Certification Program (MACP). The Lateral Assessment Program will be released in the near future. Volunteers within the NASSCO membership did much of the heavy lifting to create these products.

We now have a technical director within NASSCO who focuses on future products to serve the industry and continue the growth of our association.

Speaking of volunteers, it is worth noting that the NASSCO board of directors, members and officers are also volunteers who commit time and energy above and beyond the usual contributions. They attend meetings in person, by conference calls, or by e-mail exchanges. They offer their expertise on various technical and business issues freely and energetically, and offer guidance on many matters.

The members of the board rotate on and off, as do the officers, but the common thread that is never broken is to do what is best for the industry, and NASSCO will benefit in the end.

I have now worked under six NASSCO presidents. Each has his own style, his own area of expertise and his own theme for his time in office. Some are passive leaders, some are very hands- on, and some are a combination of styles. All feel honored by the position but all know that the job is not honorary. Each NASSCO president wants to be part of another successful year for NASSCO and works hard to make it happen.

My contribution is much like a concert director. I would like to be an expert on every aspect of this industry, but I am not. I do, however, fully understand how each technology and product contributes to the end result, and I work regularly to help them blend into a good outcome.

If it is fair to judge my effectiveness by today’s NASSCO, then I am pleased that I am helping the organization to exist and prosper while “Setting the Industry Standards for the Rehabilita-tion of Underground Utilities.”

Irv Gemora is executive director of NASSCO. He can be reached at director@nassco.org.